17 Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds
A popular service breed, the German shepherd is a large and athletic dog that's known to be highly intelligent, loyal, and agile, but some people don’t realize that there are many dogs that look like German shepherds, and this can cause confusion.
German shepherds are hard-working and protective dogs that are often relied on as therapy and search and rescue dogs, in addition to guide dogs for the blind, because of their trainability and desire to work, keen sense of smell, and devotion to their humans. They are also the preferred dog for police and military units across the world.
If you're a fan of these dogs and would like to consider other similar breeds, here's a list of 17 dogs that look like, and share similar personalities and temperaments with, the German shepherd.
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King Shepherd
Another selectively bred dog, the King shepherd is a powerful and rugged large dog with exceptional agility and endurance. This hybrid breed was developed in the U.S. by crossing German shepherds and Shiloh shepherds.
These gentle giants are both fierce protectors and loving family companions, and are known to be high-energy and extremely athletic. They are good at herding sheep and cattle, and they were bred to be less aggressive than German shepherds, so they are more patient.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 75 to 150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, calm, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick coat; red, fawn, black, sable, or brown
Life Span: 10 to 11 years
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Dutch Shepherd
An athletic, independent, and intelligent breed, the Dutch shepherd has a strong herding instinct. These dogs were originally bred to do the work that German shepherds couldn’t do in tough conditions. As such, this is an alert and strong breed that makes an excellent all-purpose farm dog.
They are tough and agile, and known for their herding, obedience, and guarding. They are loyal and protective of their families, though these high-energy dogs will require regular physical and mental stimulation.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Reliable, affectionate, loyal, alert
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, long, and rough; gold or silver brindle
Life Span: 11 to 14 years
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Carpathian Shepherd Dog
One of the livestock guarding breeds hailing from the Carpathian Mountains, the Carpathian shepherd can be both a guardian as well a family companion. These strong, athletic dogs are diligent hard workers that enjoy spending time with their family. They tend to develop strong, loyal bonds with their humans.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 26 to 29 inches
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, athletic, courageous
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Straight and dense; pale fawn with black overlay
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian shepherd is a bold, fearless breed that can be both fierce and protective when necessary, as well as gentle and loyal to their families. They have been relied on for centuries to protect their properties from trespassers, as well as to guard livestock from predators (including wolves and coyotes) and complete other important household duties. They are protective watchdogs but also devoted and loving family pets.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 23 to 30 inches
Weight: 110 to 198 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Protective, loyal, fearless
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Double-coated; gray, cream, fawn, tan, red, and white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Byelorussian Shepherd
Also known as the East European shepherd, the Byelorussian is a working dog that was originally bred in the Soviet Union, where they were used as the main police and military dogs.
These dogs were bred to be able to survive the freezing temperatures of Russia; they are a mix of both German shepherds and native Russian breeds like the Laika. They are taller than German shepherds, and known to make excellent guard dogs because they are incredibly protective of their family and property.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 24 to 30 inches
Weight: 65 to 135 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Protective, fearless, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium length; black and tan or black and red
Life Span: Up to 13 years
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Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is another strong, agile dog that has a unique coat color, length, and texture due to their region of origin in Belgium. They are closely related to other Belgian herders, such as the Malinois, Tervuren, and Belgian sheepdog, but these dogs are easily recognized by their red, fawn, or grayish coat (which is also rougher and more tousled than some of their related breeds). These dogs are also highly protective of their families and property.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 55 to 65 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, intelligent, affectionate, protective
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium length and wiry; red, fawn, gray
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Groenendael
Also known as the Belgian sheepdog and the Chien de Berger Belge, the Groenendael is one of four varieties of shepherd dogs that hail from Belgium. The Groenendael can be a more shy, timid breed, but they are still very hardworking and loyal to their families. They are also easy to train and make fantastic family dogs, particularly when they are raised by their family from puppyhood.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 60 to 75 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, alert
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick and double-layered with extra fur; black or brown
Life Span: 13 to 14 years
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Miniature German Shepherd
The list would not be complete without a mention of the miniature German shepherd. These "designer dogs" are typically bred from a German shepherd (of course) as well as certain smaller breeds, such as collies and poodles.
These dogs share many of the same traits as the German shepherd, and you shouldn't let their smaller stature deceive you—they generally have strong, powerful bodies and can be just as athletic as their larger counterparts.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 15 to 20 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, alert
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Medium length; brown, tan, black
LIFE SPAN: 9 to 16 years
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Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh shepherd is another breed that was originally created by crossing the German shepherd with other dogs. Though they look very similar to German shepherds, they tend to be a bit larger and often have more calm, relaxed, easygoing personalities.
However, their coats may also require increased maintenance and grooming because they're longer. Like many of the other breeds on this list, the Shiloh shepherd is high-energy and will require plenty of exercise in the form of long daily works and ample playtime.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 99 to 143 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, easygoing, active
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Pure white undercoat; black with tan, reddish tan, golden tan, silver, and cream
Life Span: 9 to 14 years
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Berger Blanc Suisse
The Berger Blanc Suisse is an absolutely beautiful white dog (they are sometimes referred to as the snowy shepherd or the white Swiss shepherd) that is also very close in appearance to breeds such as the white shepherd and white German shepherd.
Along with their beautiful white coats, these dogs are also highly intelligent, loyal, and friendly. They are also known to be gentle and patient with children as well as excellent at competing in dog sports, as they love having a job to do.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 55 to 88 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, gentle, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense double coat; white
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Bohemian Shepherd
The intelligent and versatile Bohemian shepherd is also known as the Chodský Pes, Bohemian herder, Czech sheepdog, or Chodenhund. This rare breed nearly went extinct after World War II.
This is another athletic and lively breed that loves to stay active. However, these dogs are less muscular and less aggressive than the German shepherd. Bohemian shepherds also excel in dog sports as well as when training to become search and rescue, service, or therapy dogs, as they are highly trainable, devoted, and loyal.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 19 to 22 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bright, active, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Double coat; black and tan
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika is an ancient breed that has historically been used for herding, hunting, and pulling sleds. Since their inception, they have been relied upon as assistants and are known to be quite happy working for their humans, whether it's sledding, herding, or even participating in agility competitions.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 17 inches
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, intelligent, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Double coat with downy undercoat; black and white or white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Northern Inuit
A large breed that resembles both a German shepherd and a wolf, the northern Inuit is a strong and athletic breed. Despite a rugged appearance, this dog is known to be a gentle and dedicated family pet. However, they can be stubborn if not properly trained.
This is a newer breed, developed in the U.K. and Ireland starting in the 1980s. Breeders wanted a dog that would make a great pet but would look like a wolf. They imported dogs from North America and crossed them with multiple breeds, such as the German shepherd, malamute, and Siberian husky.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 23 to 30 inches
Weight: 55 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, gentle, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Waterproof double coat; gray with white
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Panda Shepherd
The panda shepherd is actually a full-bred German shepherd, but with a rare mutation that creates the stunning and beautiful black and tan spots on their coat (which, of course, resembles a panda bear). They are a rare breed that can also be called upon for service training and police work due to both their athletic build and intelligence.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 90 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, protective
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium length; white mixed with black and tan, red, silver, or sable
Life Span: 9 to 13 years
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Tervuren
The Tervuren is commonly mistaken for a German shepherd, although their coats are more unique in color and texture. But, like German shepherds, they have tons of energy and can make great guard dogs, although they have a more easygoing, laid-back personality than the German shepherd.
Breed Overview
Group:
Height: 21 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, protective, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Long and straight; fawn to reddish brown with black overlay
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois looks like a German shepherd at first glance, but if you look more closely, you’ll notice that their heads have a different shape. Also, the German shepherd has longer fur and a body that isn’t as lean as that of the Belgian Malinois.
Belgian Malinois are herding dogs that are obedient and like to work. They have a lot of energy, are very intelligent, and are often used as police dogs. They can make good family dogs, but they are best for active families because they require hours of physical exercise and mental stimulation every day.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Herding
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, loyal, intelligent
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth double coat; fawn, mahogany, red, red sable, or fawn sable with a black mask
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
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American Alsatian
Bred to look like the extinct dire wolf, the American Alsatian is another newer breed that was developed in the late 1980s. Breeds that were used to make the American Alsatian included the German shepherd, Anatolian shepherd, Great Pyrenees, English mastiff, and Alaskan malamute.
These big dogs make good family pets. They love people, and can even experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They are also quiet and calm, so they aren’t the best choice if you are looking for a guard dog, even though they can have an intimidating appearance.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 24 to 28 inches
WEIGHT: 75 to 120 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, loving, devoted
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length; coarse outercoat; thick undercoat; sable, brown, fawn, black, silver
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
Breed Characteristics
The German shepherd is considered to be an all-purpose worker, and with good reason. Their powerful physiques are smooth and graceful, and their speed can range from a casual trot to quite fast. But it's their personalities that have earned them the role of loyal companion, whether they are leading the blind or helping to solve crimes on a police task force or search and rescue team.
The German shepherd is both confident and courageous, all while being perhaps one of the most loyal and devoted dogs. They are extremely intelligent and easy to train, so they are able to learn commands for a wide array of tasks. They are both intimidating guardians and lovable family pets.
