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The Frequently Asked Questions section is meant to answer common questions asked about King Shepherds. If there
is a question you have that isn't answered here, feel free to email us about it at KRAM7388@RCN.COM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click on a section to skip to it
What is a King Shepherd?
How big do they get?
What about temperament?
What colors are they?
What about grooming?
How much exercise do they need?
How much do they eat?
Are they prone to any genetic health problems?
How much do they cost?
WHAT IS A KING SHEPHERD?
A King Shepherd resembles the German Shepherd dogs of yesterday. The breed was originally developed on the East
Coast using American bred German Shepherd dogs, crossed with flock guardians (Great Pyrenees, etc.) which were
then crossed with European bred German Shepherds.
The intent was to develop a superior family companion and protector that was capable of doing a wide variety of
working tasks which includes duties from police K-9's, search/rescue, personal protection, and guide dogs. The
original breeders also wanted to produce a dog which was free of the many health and temperament problems,
which has been affecting German Shepherd dogs.
The King Shepherd Breed is a BREED still very much in DEVELOPMENT
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HOW BIG DO THEY GET?
A King Shepherd grows until the age of 3 years. When full grown, an adult male King Shepherd can range in
height from 27 to over 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to over 140 pounds. Females are slightly
smaller ranging in height from 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 85 to over 120 pounds.
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WHAT ABOUT TEMPERAMENT?
King Shepherds display a sound, stable temperament. They aren't overly hyper or aggressive. While very loving
with family and friends, they are generally aloof with strangers. King Shepherds are extremely intelligent and
are very trainable, in both obedience and personal protection dogs.
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WHAT COLORS ARE THEY?
Kings come in a wide range of colors from Black/Creme, Black/Tan, Black/Red, Black/Sable, Red/Sable, Tan/Sable,
to all Black and some all White.
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WHAT ABOUT GROOMING?
King Shepherds come in three distinct coat types;
Coated: long haired, closely resembles that of a Belgian Tervuren
Plush Coat: Shorter than a coated, but not as short as a smooth coat. Short around and in the ears. Short but
not smooth on the back. Long around the neck, stomach, and withers.
Smooth Coat: Similar to the look of German Shepherd dogs
All three varities shed and require a moderate amount of grooming. A good fifteen minute brushing twice a week
is more than adequate. King Shepherds blow their coats twice a year. Meaning, they will shed their FULL WINTER
coat in the Spring; starting around April/May usually complete by end of June. Then, they will shed their FULL
SUMMER COAT usually starting around the end of September and finishing by the begining of November.
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HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO THEY NEED?
A moderate amount, two fifteen minute walks per day is sufficient. Also, 30 minutes twice to three times a week
of ball playing, obedience training, etc. for stimulation.
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HOW MUCH DO THEY EAT?
An adult King Shepherd usually requires 3-4 cups of dry food per day. We strongly recommend that you use a
premium brand of dog food, one that is meat based (chicken, poultry, or lamb) without soybeans or artificial
preservatives. Along with the dry food, wet food should be added in the form of a meat stew, soup, or can of
premium wet food.
Vitamins C and E should also be added to the dog's daily rations along with glucosamine/chondroitin, 4-6 Fresh
Factors Daily and one tablet of Nu-Vet Tabs.
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ARE THEY PRONE TO ANY GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS?
While generally not, there are some infrequent cases of hip dysplasia, which is a problem with most large breed
dogs. Most breeders have been able to greatly reduce the risks of hip dysplasia by having their dogs hips
x-rayed and analyzed at the Unniversity of Pennsylvania's PENNHIP program and the Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals.
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HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Depending on the quality and breeding rights, a King Shepherd can range in price from $1,500.00 for pet
quality/companion, to over $1,850.00 for a show/breeding/pick puppy.
Show/breeding/pick puppy are puppies that would be one of the largest in size, bone mass, and head. He or she
would have excellent confirmation (wide front, wide rear, adequate angulation, straight top line, good length
neck, short muzzle, correct ear placement, correct bite, etc.), be very sound and would have a wonderful
outgoing temperament.
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