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German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their loyalty, intelligence, and striking appearance. But did you know there are many other breeds that look like German Shepherds? Whether you’re drawn to their wolf-like features or want a shepherd lookalike with a unique twist, there are plenty of options to explore.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 15 dogs that resemble German Shepherds, including their key characteristics, temperaments, and care needs. Let’s dive into this fascinating list!
🐕 1. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is often confused with the German Shepherd due to their similar size, coat, and build. However, Malinois dogs tend to be slightly smaller, with a leaner and more athletic frame.
- Weight: 40–80 pounds
- Coat: Short, straight, and fawn-colored with a black mask
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, and protective
They are frequently used in police and military work, much like German Shepherds, but require an active owner due to their high energy levels.
🐕 2. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a newer breed that was developed to resemble the German Shepherd but with a calmer temperament and larger size. They are perfect for families looking for a gentle giant.
- Weight: 80–130 pounds
- Coat: Medium to long, often in tan, black, or sable
- Temperament: Friendly, loyal, and easygoing
They’re great with kids and other pets but still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
🐕 3. Dutch Shepherd
Known for their striking brindle coat, Dutch Shepherds share many similarities with German Shepherds in terms of intelligence and versatility. However, they have a more compact build.
- Weight: 50–70 pounds
- Coat: Short, long, or rough with a unique brindle pattern
- Temperament: Energetic, alert, and highly trainable
They excel in agility and obedience training, making them a great choice for active households.
🐕 4. King Shepherd
King Shepherds are a hybrid breed developed by crossing German Shepherds with other large breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees or Alaskan Malamute. They are larger and even more majestic than their German Shepherd relatives.
- Weight: 90–150 pounds
- Coat: Thick, long, and often in shades of black and tan
- Temperament: Loyal, confident, and gentle
These dogs are ideal for experienced owners who have space for such a large breed.
🐕 5. Bohemian Shepherd
Bohemian Shepherds are a rare breed originally from the Czech Republic. They are smaller than German Shepherds but share the same black-and-tan coat and friendly personality.
- Weight: 35–55 pounds
- Coat: Long, thick, and black with tan markings
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and loyal
They are great for families and thrive with regular exercise and socialization.
🐕 6. Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is a wolf-like breed that resembles both the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky. They are known for their striking appearance and pack-oriented behavior.
- Weight: 50–100 pounds
- Coat: Short to medium, often gray, black, or red
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and social
They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
🐕 7. Alaskan Malamute
While they are stockier and more wolf-like than German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes share a similar working-dog history and loyal temperament.
- Weight: 75–100 pounds
- Coat: Thick, double-layered, and often gray, black, or red
- Temperament: Friendly, strong-willed, and affectionate
They thrive in colder climates and need an experienced owner to handle their strength and energy.
🐕 8. Utonagan
The Utonagan is another wolf-like breed that resembles a German Shepherd but with softer, more wolfish features. They are relatively new and were bred for their beauty and friendly nature.
- Weight: 55–110 pounds
- Coat: Thick, often gray, white, and black
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm, and intelligent
They require regular grooming and a balanced diet to maintain their health.
🐕 9. East-European Shepherd
Developed in Russia, the East-European Shepherd is a larger, sturdier version of the German Shepherd. They are commonly used as guard dogs.
- Weight: 70–130 pounds
- Coat: Medium-length, often black and tan
- Temperament: Protective, intelligent, and loyal
They are best suited for experienced dog owners.
🐕 10. Northern Inuit Dog
Famous for their role as direwolves in Game of Thrones, Northern Inuit Dogs resemble German Shepherds with a more wolf-like appearance.
- Weight: 55–110 pounds
- Coat: Short to medium, often gray, black, or white
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and social
They are great for families but require consistent training and exercise.
🐕 11. Anatolian Shepherd
While larger and more muscular than German Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds share a similar protective nature and loyalty to their families.
- Weight: 80–150 pounds
- Coat: Short to medium, in shades of fawn, white, or brindle
- Temperament: Independent, protective, and calm
They are excellent livestock guardians and thrive in rural environments.
🐕 12. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
This breed was created by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, resulting in a stunning, wolf-like dog with shepherd traits.
- Weight: 50–75 pounds
- Coat: Short, thick, and gray with a wolfish appearance
- Temperament: Active, intelligent, and loyal
They are best suited for experienced owners due to their high energy and strong instincts.
🐕 13. Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is another German Shepherd-wolf hybrid, known for its striking resemblance to a wild wolf.
- Weight: 70–100 pounds
- Coat: Short to medium, often gray, white, or black
- Temperament: Shy, loyal, and independent
They require a calm, experienced owner and plenty of space to roam.
🐕 14. Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a sled-pulling breed with a wolf-like appearance and a loyal, hardworking nature. They share similarities with German Shepherds in their pack-oriented behavior.
- Weight: 60–100 pounds
- Coat: Thick, double-layered, and often white, gray, or black
- Temperament: Friendly, hardworking, and social
They thrive in colder climates and active households.
🐕 15. American Alsatian
Bred to look like a direwolf, the American Alsatian is a large, calm breed that resembles the German Shepherd but with a more relaxed demeanor.
- Weight: 90–130 pounds
- Coat: Thick, medium-length, and often gray or black
- Temperament: Calm, loyal, and affectionate
They are perfect for families looking for a gentle, low-energy companion.
FAQs
Q: Are these breeds as trainable as German Shepherds?
A: Most of these breeds are highly trainable, but their energy levels and temperaments vary. Some, like the Belgian Malinois, require experienced owners.
Q: Which breed is the best for families?
A: Breeds like the Shiloh Shepherd, King Shepherd, and Bohemian Shepherd are known for being great with children and other pets.
Q: Do these breeds have similar health issues to German Shepherds?
A: Some breeds share health concerns like hip dysplasia, so regular vet checkups are essential.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
