If You Are A German Shepherd Fanatic, You Will Absolutely Love These 11 Dog Breeds
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. They are known for theirintelligence, devotion and courage. Some people, however, prefer a dog like the German Shepherd, but with other traits, such as being bigger or smaller in size, less aggressive, lower maintenance, and so on. For these specific requirements, we have rounded up 11 other dog breeds that look like a German Shepherd.
1. Belgian Shepherd
Characteristics: Belgian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. Nowadays, Belgian Shepherds can actively be found working as police dogs, protection dogs, and friendly family companions.
Temperament: Belgian Shepherds are confident and intelligent dogs, reserved with strangers and very protective of their owners. They are easily trained and do the best when given a job to do. The breed's trainability and eagerness to work makes them an ideal candidate for working with the military and the police.
Exercise: Belgian Shepherds like to chase cars, joggers and bikers may become their target.
Belgian vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Height | 55-65 cm | 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 20-30 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, AKC Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 10-14 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair. | Moderately long double coat with ruff fur. |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Solid black, black with white patches on neck and chest |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCBG, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APBI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA |
2. King Shepherd
Characteristics: King Shepherds are giant shepherd dogs. They are a mixed "breed in development" that is only accepted by some rare breed association and not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Its official breed club was established in 1995.
Temperament: The build of the King Shepherd is robust, long and muscular. King Shepherds are self-confident with a well-balanced nervous system and should not be shy. Being extremely intelligent and faithful, this breed makes a great working dog and sheep herder. They are also friendly towards strangers, children, and other animals.
Living Conditions: King Shepherds are not recommended for apartment life. They like strenuous activity, preferably combined with training since this breed is intelligent and craves a good challenge. They prefer a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run. If under-exercised, this breed can be restless and destructive.
King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | USA |
| Height | 55-65 cm | 64-81 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 34-68 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 10-11 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, rough, weather resistant hair |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Multiple varieties of sable |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | ARBA, AKSC, WWKC, ERBDC, SKC, APRI, DRA |
3. Dutch Shepherd
Characteristics: Dutch Shepherds come in three varieties: longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired.
Temperament: The Dutch Shepherds are among the most competent of all shepherd dogs at tasks such as agility, obedience competitions, catch, herding, guard work, and companionship.
Exercise: Dutch Shepherds need to be kept both physically and mentally exercised. They like to work, so run them through a regular drill at least twice a week.
Dutch Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Netherlands |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 64-81 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 23-32 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Three types: short, long, wired |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Various gray/silver with dark tan stripes |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | CKC, FCI, UKC, NKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC/FSS, ACA |
4. Shiloh Shepherd
Characteristics: The Shiloh Shepherd's overall appearance is rather heavy. Their back is broad, solid and strong. Their coat comes in two varieties: smooth and plush.
Temperament: Shiloh Shepherds are similar to the German Shepherds, expect they are bigger and bred with better hips. They are considered to be neither fearfully shy nor dominantly aggressive. The Shiloh Shepherds are intelligent, courageous and self-confident dogs that are willing to protect their family, yet they are good companions to their friends and family.
Living Conditions: The Shiloh Shepherd will do fine in an apartment if it gets a lot of exercise. Shiloh Shepherds have all-weather coats and will do well in both cold and hot climates.
Shiloh Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | USA |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 71-76 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 36-59 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, rough hair |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Wide range, including tan with two or three other colors |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | TSSR, NSBR, SSBA, ARBA, APRI, NKC, ISSR, DRA |
5. Bohemian Shepherd
Characteristics: Bohemian Shepherds are medium-sized, with a length marginally exceeding its height. They have long, thick fur as well as a rich undercoat, allowing them to withstand harsh weather.
Temperament: Bohemian Shepherds are excellent breeds for active people. They are not aggressive and can be easily trained. They live well with children, other dogs and pets in the family. The breed is great at rescuing, agility and service training. They can also be used for sledding.
Living Conditions: Bohemian Shepherds can live both outside and inside. However, they need to contact with people to be happy. They are people-oriented and will not be happy when isolated from human contact.
Bohemian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Czech Republic |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 42-55 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 16-25 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Companion |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, thick fur with rich undercoat |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Black, brown, and tan with yellow shades |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | DRA |
6. Byelorussian Shepherd
Characteristics: The Byelorussian Shepherd, also known as Byelorussian Ovcharka, Vostochnoevropejskaya Ovcharka, VEO, and East-European Shepherds were breed in 1930s as a working dog for service in the Army. The Byelorussian Shepherd is moderately long in format, above medium or large in size with well-developed fry, relief muscles.
Temperament: Byelorussian Shepherds are loyal to their owners. They are confident, balanced and can be wary of strangers. The Byelorussian Shepherd is a working dog and will be happy if given some types of tasks to do.
Living Conditions: The Byelorussian Shepherd will do fine in an apartment if they have sufficient exercise. They can easily live outdoors even in harsh climate.
Byelorussian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Russia |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 62-76 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 30-60 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, Guarding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | Up to 13 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, rough coat |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Shamrock with mask, Zonar-grey, Zonar-red, black |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | N/A |
7. Northern Inuit
Characteristics: Northern Inuit dogs are bred to look like a wolf. They were created in the 1980s by crossing breeds like the German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Canadian Eskimo Dog and Labrador Husky. Their double coat is dense and short and the coat colors include pure black, pure white and shades of sable.
Temperament: Northern Inuit dogs are non-aggressive and friendly as long as they are trained early-on, or they can become determined and stubborn.
Living Conditions: Northern Inuit dogs will do best with a fence in the yard. The breeds need daily exercise and need enough space.
Northern Inuit vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | England |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 63.5 -76.2 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 25-38 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Short, dense, double coat |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Pure white, black, or sable with or without white face mask |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | DRA |
8. Belgian Tervuren Shepherd
Characteristics: The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd was named for the Belhian village of Tervuren. It is one of the four varieties of Belgian sheepdogs. The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd has a square shaped appearance. They are medium-sized, and the almond-shaped eyes are dark brown.
Temperament: The Belgian Tervuren Shepherds are bright and obedient. They need adequate social life to prevent them from becoming shy or sensitive. The Belgian Tervuren Shepherds need an experienced owner who is firm but not heavy handed. If you are overbearing or harsh, it will become uncooperative.
Living Conditions: Belgian Tervuren Shepherds will do fine in an apartment if they have enough exercise. They are moderately active indoors, and an average-sized yard will do the best for them.
Belgian Tervuren vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 53.3 - 62.2 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 27-34 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding, AKC Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Dense undercoat, long and straight outer coat with black tips |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Rich fawn to russet mahogany or shades of gray with black tips. White patches on chest, neck, and toes are acceptable. |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | ABTC, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, AnKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR |
9. Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd
Characteristics: Originated from Romania, the Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd is an excellent flock guard dog and wonderful watch dog used for centuries by Romanian shepherds. The Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd's coat colors consist of wolfish, with various shades, wolfish with white spots.
Temperament: The Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd is remarkable for its unconditioned devotion to its master. They are dignified, calm, and well-balanced. When you live with a Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd, you must be higher up in the order than the dog. You must be the one who makes the decisions instead of dogs.
Living Conditions: The Carpathians are not recommended for apartment life. They have all-weathered coat and will be suitable to live and sleeping outdoors.
Carpathian or Romanian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Romania |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 60-73 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 23-29 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Flock Guard |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Rough, abundant, straight fur |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Fawn to mahogany with black markings |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | FCI, NKC, ACR, DRA |
10. American Alsatian
Characteristics: The American Alsatian holds five purebred dogs within its lines: the German Shepherd Dog, the Great Pyrenees, the Alaskan Malamute, the English Mastiff, and the Anatolian Shepherd. The American Alsatians are large-breed companion dogs. Their coat is medium in length, and the color can be gold, silver, black sable or cream.
Temperament: American Alsatians are extremely loyal to their owners and get along well with children and other pets in the family. They are aloof to strangers, but never fearful or aggressive. The American Alsatians are intelligent and watchful and tend to learn things quickly.
Living Conditions: American Alsatians don't need to a lot of space. They don't like extreme heat since they have double coats. So keep them cool in hot environments by giving them plenty of water and shade.
American Alsatian vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | USA |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 61-71 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 34-55 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Non-Sporting, Therapy |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Long, rough hair |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | Black, brown, silver, white |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | NASR, NAAC |
11. Panda or Phenom Shepherd
Characteristics: The Panda Shepherd is a piebald-colored German Shepherd. The piebald coloring has occurred in a single GSD bloodline. The breed has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a solid bone structure.
Temperament: Panda Shepherds are often used as working dogs because they are courageous, confident, alert and fearless. They have a high learning ability and have been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, as a guide for the blind, police dog. They must be trained in obedience from an early age.
Living Conditions: The Panda Shepherds will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised.
Panda or Phenom Shepherd vs. German Shepherd
| Origin | Germany | Piebald breed |
| Height | 55-62 cm | 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 22-40 kg | 25-40 kg |
| Group | Herding, AKC Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 9-13 years | Up to 13 years |
| Coat | Long, rough, wired hair | Short and thick |
| Colour | Black with tan, sable, or black sable. White, blue, and liver colour are considered a fault. | 40 percent pure white with black and tan, red, silver, or sable |
| Recognition | CFC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, GSDCA, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR, ACA | DRA |