If you’re looking for a dog that’s powerful, majestic, and has an elegant look to it, then German Shepherds might just be your perfect match.
They are one of the most popular breeds in the world and are used extensively in police and rescue work. They are very loyal, intelligent, protective, and loving.
There are many breeds that look just like GSDs. In this article, we will share with you the list of all the dogs that look like German Shepherds.
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 20 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
Breeds that look like German Shepherds
The following 15 breeds are similar in appearance and behavior to the wonderful German Shepherd. Many people may mistake them for being one breed, but there is actually quite a difference between these dogs.
1. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are a type of dog that has been used by police forces and military personnel for centuries. These canines have made appearances in pop culture with their extreme courage on the battlefield or in chasing down criminals, but they’re also great pets if you give them enough exercise.
According to AKC, you need to spend some significant time to bond with Malinois but it’s totally worth it. They are the closest dogs to look like a GSD.
2. King Shepherd
King Shepherd dogs are a new breed of giant shepherds developed by American dog breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer. They used European German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes & Great Pyrenees to create this unique domestic animal with an intelligence comparable only to that found in wolves.
These giant dogs are larger than German Shepherds and more powerful as well as muscularly built. They also have an excellent Impact–they’re loyal but not aggressive which makes them great guard dogs or family companions too.
3. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a new breed that only dates back to the 1970s. They’re larger than German Shepherds and have fuzzier coats because of their primary complaint from owners – not enough hair on the body or face.
The weight tends towards 100 pounds, with an even-keeled nature making them perfect for therapy work as well as search & rescue missions if you can find one available at your local shelter (they’re rare!).
4. Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherds either resemble German Shepherds or wolves. Either way, they are not a dog to be messed with!
Inheriting their name from the country where they originated in Dutch Golden Age paintings of sheep-breeding villages, these canines were often entrusted with protecting herds during times when rustling was prevalent amongst thieves looking for easy targets; but also preferred tasks that would mentally stimulate them.
5. Bohemian Shepherd
A medium-sized dog known as the Bohemian Shepherd, or Czech Sheepdog for short is an FCI recognized breed outside of its home country.
This means that these dogs have been allowed at Danish kennel club shows since 2013 and can compete against other breeds in shows around Europe without any major health issues like many others do.
A less aggressive and more friendly version of German Shepherds, Bohemian Shepherd are less muscular than GSDs. They are also very low maintenance and have no major health problems.
6. East European Shepherd
This tricolor dog is a breed from the former Soviet Union. Sometimes called “Byelorussian Shepherds,” these canines were bred as guard dogs.
The naturally calm, confident dog makes an excellent protective pet today but does have some drawbacks – it needs socialization to be fully trained so that its abilities don’t just lie in barking at everything around them or coming when called unless given command otherwise.
Make sure to not let this intelligent dog be alone during training sessions because they’re very good at figuring out how things work if left unchecked.
7. Belgian Tervuren Shepherd
The Tervuren Shepherd is a member of the Belgian Shepherds family that has been around for centuries. This energetic and intelligent dog thrives off outdoor life, making them great herding dogs or protection units in training.
The dogs were originally bred to be herding companions, but they have since been recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club). They closely resemble German Shepherds because their size resembles this type as well; however, there are some key differences between them that you should know before getting this dog.
8. Northern Inuit Dog
The crossbred dog known as the Northern Inuit is usually very friendly, but it takes some time for them to become trained. They are similar in appearance and behavior to wolves so early training can help avoid any problems down the line.
Although they are friendly dogs, training them early is essential so there won’t be any problems when they grow up.
9. American Alsatian
The large-breed American dog that looks very similar to a German Shepherd is called an Alsatian. These dogs are more powerful and larger than their counterpart from Europe, but they still make for great family companions with the right personality.
Unlike what most people might think about GSDs (and rightfully so), these canines do well around children; in fact you’ll often see them playing alongside kids at parks or running around inside your house while everyone else takes turns outside doing yard work. They are very well suited for apartments.
10. Panda Shepherd
The rarest of all dog breeds is the Panda Shepherd. These pups have a mutation in their genetics that causes them to be white with black patches, rather than having brown or yellow fur like most other shepherds do.
Even though they’re not really considered a separate breed but rather an extremely uncommon color variation, these incredible dogs still show off intelligence skills and loyalty like any other German Shepherd would too.
11. Laekenois
The Laekenois dog has a coat that separates him from other dogs. The hair isn’t straight; it’s rather wooly and lighter than the usual kind you’ll find on breeds like Border Collies or German Shepherds, which makes for an affectionate pet who can also work as your solo guard dog when necessary.
They tend to be more affectionate and kind than their cousins. They are an ideal dog for families, just maybe not for shows.
12. Groenendael
The Groenendael is a dog breed that doesn’t go unnoticed. With its luxurious, all-black shiny coat and intelligent demeanor, it stands apart from other German Shepherds or their Shepherd cousins alike.
Watch out though because this pup may be too protective of you–he’ll lash out if his owners aren’t careful with handling him.
The best part? He has so much energy but will never run out; even while sleeping on the couch at your house after spending hours playing outside as well. Groenendael should not be left alone for a long time as it gets anxious. They are very obedient canines.
13. Carpathian Shepherd
The Carpathian Shepherd’s main function has always been as a guard dog for sheep flocks, but nowadays they can also serve in other ways.
They’re big dogs that grow up to 100 pounds and have floppy ears which make them look like German Shepherds when viewed from some angles.
They are very useful for herding sheep and have a very calm and mild temper. If you’re looking for a loyal and protective dog who also looks like a German Shepherd,, then Captharian Shepherd is an amazing choice.
14. White Shepherd
White Shepherds are a breed that has been submitted to inbreeding more than any other. All of this intensive breeding left no serious health issues for the White Shepherd, but it did bring about an interesting coloration – white! It must be said though; these dogs aren’t albino as their pink eyes may lead you to believe.
White Shepherd are not very tolerant of other dogs. However, they are very smart and loyal dogs.
15. Caucasian Shepherd
Last but not least, we have the Caucasian Shepherd. This big dog has some similarities with German Shepherds. They weigh up to an impressive 220 pounds and are considered by many people as one of the most intimidating breeds out there – making them perfect for protection purposes (especially if you have kids).
The problem? They can also be suspicious/guardy around strangers which means they should only meet new friends slowly while being carefully monitored by their owners at all times.
Conclusion
The list of dogs that look like German Shepherds is extensive, with new ones being developed every day.
A large number can be traced back to or ancestors from this breed, making them perfect candidates if you’re looking for a companion at home.
We have covered all the breeds similar to German Shepherd in this article. We hope that you get a dog that suits you well.
