A popular service breed, the German Shepherd is a large and athletic dog that’s known to be highly intelligent, loyal, and agile. They 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 owners. The Groenendaels can be a more shy, timid breed, but they are still very hardworking and loyal with their families. they are a mix of both German Shepherds and native Russian breeds like the Laika. 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.
Breed Characteristics
The German Shepherd is considered to be an all-purpose worker, and with good reason. They are identified to make excellent guard dogs and are incredibly protective of their owners and property.
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.
If you’re a fan of these dogs and would like to consider other similar breeds, here’s a list of 15 dogs that look like, and share similar personalities and temperaments with, the German Shepherd.
1. Dutch Shepherd
An athletic, independent, and intelligent breed, the Dutch Shepherd has a strong herding instinct. These dogs were originally bred to keep flocks of sheep in a particular location. As such, it 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: 21-25 Inches WEIGHT: 50-70 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short, Long, And Rough Coats; Gold Or Silver Brindle LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11-14 Years |
2. Carpathian Shepherd Dog
One of the livestock guarding breeds hailing from the Carpathian Mountains, the Carpathian Shepherd Dog 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 owners.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 26-29 Inches WEIGHT: 70-100 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Straight And Dense; Pale Fawn With Black Overlay LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-15 Years |
3. 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, in addition to guard livestock from predators (including wolves and coyotes) and complete other important household duties. They’re protective watchdogs but also devoted and loving family pets.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 23-30 Inches WEIGHT: 110-198 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Double-Coated; Gray, Cream, Fawn, Tan, Red, And White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 Years |
4. Byelorussian Shepherd
Also known as the Esincet European Shepherd, the Byelorussian is really a working dog that was originally bred in the Soviet Union. These dogs were bred to be able to survive the freezing temperatures of Russia;
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 24-30 Inches WEIGHT: 65-135 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Medium Length; Black And Tan Or Black And Red LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up To 13 Years |
5. Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is another strong, agile dog that has an unique coat color, length, and texture due to its 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 these families and property.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 22-26 Inches WEIGHT: 55-65 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Medium Length And Wiry; Red, Fawn, Gray LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 Years |
6. Groenendaels
Also known as the Belgian Sheepdog and the Chien de Berger Belge, the Groenendaels is one of four varieties of shepherd dogs that hail from Belgium. They are also the preferred dog for police and military units across the world. They are usually also easy to train and make fantastic family dogs, particularly when they are raised by their family from puppyhood.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 22-26 Inches WEIGHT: 60-75 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Thick And Double-Layered With Extra Fur; Black Or Brown LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13-14 Years |
7. 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 may be just as athletic as their larger counterparts.
8. 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 increase maintenance and grooming because they’re longer. Like most of the other breed of dogs 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: 26-30 Inches WEIGHT: 99-143 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Pure White Undercoat; Black With Tan, Reddish Tan, Golden Tan, Silver, And Cream LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9-14 Years |
9. 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 like the White Shepherd and White-colored 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 and also excellent at competing in dog sports, as they love having a job to do.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 22-26 Inches WEIGHT: 55-88 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Dense Double Coat; White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-14 Years |
10. Bohemian Shepherd
The intelligent and versatile Bohemian Shepherd is another athletic and lively breed that loves to stay active. They 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: 19-22 Inches WEIGHT: 35-55 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Double Coat; Black And Tan LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-15 Years |
11. King Shepherd
Another selectively bred dog, the King Shepherd Dog is a powerful and rugged large canine with exceptional agility and endurance. These gentle giants are both fierce protectors and loving family companions, and so are known be high energy and extremely athletic.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Herding HEIGHT: 25-32 Inches WEIGHT: 75-150 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Thick Coat; Red, Fawn, Black, Sable, Or Brown LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-11 Years |
12. 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 owners, whether it’s sledding, herding, or even participating in agility competitions.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 17 Inches WEIGHT: 40-55 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Double Coat With Downy Undercoat; Black And White Or White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 Years |
13. Northern Inuit
A large breed that resembles both a German Shepherd and a wolf, the Northern Inuit is a strong and athletic breed that, despite its rugged appearance, is known to be a gentle and dedicated family dog.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 23-30 Inches WEIGHT: 55-110 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Waterproof Double Coat; Gray With White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-14 Years |
14. 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 its 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: 22-26 Inches WEIGHT: 90-110 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: White Mixed With Black And Tan, Red, Silver, Or Sable LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9-13 Years |
15. 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 got a more easy-going, laid-back personality than the German Shepherd.
| Breed Overview GROUP: HEIGHT: 21-26 Inches WEIGHT: 45-65 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long And Straight; Fawn To Reddish-Brown With Black Overlay LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 Years |