A full grown king shepherd is a giant, German Shepherd-based dog. Breed club standards put males at about 27–31 inches tall and 90–150 lbs, and females at about 25–27 inches and 75–110 lbs. That makes the King Shepherd noticeably taller and heavier than a typical German Shepherd, which the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard sets at 22–26 inches.
If you’re sizing up a puppy or deciding between breeds, the numbers only tell part of the story. This guide covers King Shepherd size and weight by sex, when they stop growing, where the breed came from, and how a King Shepherd vs German Shepherd compares for temperament, exercise, food, grooming, and health.
Key takeaways
- Males usually stand 27–31 inches and weigh 90–150 lbs; females 25–27 inches and 75–110 lbs (King Shepherd Club of America).
- Most King Shepherds reach adult height by around 18–24 months but keep filling out until about 3 years.
- The breed was developed in the US in the 1990s from German Shepherds crossed mainly with Alaskan Malamutes, Shiloh Shepherds, and Great Pyrenees.
- King Shepherds are not recognized by the AKC; rare-breed registries such as ARBA and the Continental Kennel Club list them.
- Expect heavy shedding, big food bills, and German Shepherd-type health risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
In this guide
Full Grown King Shepherd Size and Weight
How big is a full grown king shepherd? Big enough that breed clubs set minimums, not just ranges. The King Shepherd Club of America says males should be 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder and 90 to 150 pounds, while females should be 25 to 27 inches and 75 to 110 pounds. The club adds that some dogs fall outside these ranges.
Other registries publish slightly different figures, so it helps to see them side by side:
| Source | Male height / weight | Female height / weight |
|---|---|---|
| King Shepherd Club of America | 27–31 in (69–79 cm) / 90–150 lbs (41–68 kg) | 25–27 in (64–69 cm) / 75–110 lbs (34–50 kg) |
| American Rare Breed Association (ideal) | 29 in or more / 130–150 lbs | 27 in or more / 90–110 lbs |
| American Rare Breed Association (minimum) | 27 in / 110 lbs | 25 in / 75 lbs |
| Continental Kennel Club | 27–32 in / 100–150 lbs | 25–30 in / 80–120 lbs |
Height is measured at the withers (the top of the shoulder blades). Metric conversions are rounded.
King Shepherd weight: what’s healthy?
King Shepherd weight varies a lot, partly because lines differ in how much Malamute, Pyrenees, or Shiloh blood they carry. Use the standards as a guide, not a target. A lean, muscular dog at the low end of the range is usually in better shape than an overweight one at the top. Ask your vet to check your dog’s body condition score at each visit rather than chasing a number on the scale.
When Is a King Shepherd Fully Grown?
A full grown king shepherd takes longer to finish than many medium-sized dogs. The AKC’s puppy growth guide shows large and extra-large dogs reaching their full size by about 18 months, and notes that some very large breeds keep growing until around 24 months.
Height usually comes first; chest depth and muscle follow later. The American Rare Breed Association standard judges a King Shepherd’s minimum height at maturity, which it defines as three years of age. In practice, that means your dog may look tall but lanky at 18 months and only look truly “finished” closer to age 3.
| Age | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Birth–6 months | Fastest growth; large-breed puppy food and short, gentle play |
| 6–12 months | Growth slows but continues; gangly “teenager” stage |
| 12–24 months | Most dogs near adult height; growth plates closing |
| 2–3 years | Chest broadens and muscle fills out; adult weight settles |
General guide built from AKC growth data and the ARBA maturity age. Individual dogs vary; your vet can track growth.
Where the King Shepherd Comes From: Origin and Breed Mix
The King Shepherd is a young American breed. According to the King Shepherd Club of America, it was developed in the 1990s by American breeders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, and a King Shepherd breed club was set up in 1995. The club notes that development of the breed is still ongoing.
You may also see searches for a “king alsatian” or “king German Shepherd.” Alsatian is an older name for the German Shepherd, so these usually refer to the same King Shepherd breed or to an oversized German Shepherd, not a separate breed. Ask any breeder which one they mean.
Every King Shepherd has German Shepherd ancestry. The club lists these other breeds in the mix:
- Alaskan Malamute and/or Shiloh Shepherd: the most common additions.
- Great Pyrenees: found in some lines.
- Akita: found in some older lines.
The Continental Kennel Club adds that the founders likely bred back to European German Shepherds. The King Shepherd isn’t an AKC breed, but the Continental Kennel Club publishes a King Shepherd standard, as does the American Rare Breed Association. Interested in other big shepherd crosses? See our guide to the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix.
Full Grown King Shepherd Temperament
A well-bred full grown king shepherd is usually calm, loyal, and watchful. The King Shepherd Club of America describes the breed as protective of family but not aggressive, patient with children, and generally friendly with strangers who aren’t a threat. The ARBA standard lists vigilance, faithfulness, and a well-balanced nervous system among its key traits. The King Shepherd Club of America also calls the breed highly intelligent and trainable with positive reinforcement.
That size and protectiveness need guidance. Early, positive socialization helps a big puppy learn that visitors, kids, and other dogs are normal. Our guide on how to socialize a shy or fearful puppy covers the basics.
Pet Care Tip: The breed club notes King Shepherds shouldn’t be left alone for long periods, as they can become bored or frustrated. If you work long days, plan for a dog walker, daycare, or puzzle feeders before your puppy comes home.
Exercise, Food, and Grooming Needs
Caring for a full grown king shepherd costs more time, space, and money than caring for an average family dog. Here’s what to plan for.
King Shepherd exercise needs
King Shepherds come from working stock, and their German Shepherd side needs plenty of activity. VCA Animal Hospitals says German Shepherds need significant daily exercise, such as walking, running, and structured training. Mix physical work with brain games like scent work or obedience.
Go easy while your puppy grows. The AKC advises against jogging or road work for large-breed dogs younger than 14 to 18 months, until the growth plates have closed. Short walks on grass are a safer choice in the meantime.
Feeding a large-breed shepherd
Feed a complete and balanced diet sized for your dog’s age and activity. The AKC explains that large and giant puppies are sensitive to both too much and too little calcium, so choose a large-breed puppy formula and keep your puppy lean. Extra puppy weight is linked to later joint problems such as hip dysplasia. Ask your vet how much to feed, and count treats as part of the daily total. Our guide to helping your dog lose weight explains how extra calories add up.
Grooming and shedding
King Shepherds have a thick double coat in two types: a shorter, close-lying coat and a longer coat with heavier feathering. The King Shepherd Club of America recommends brushing about three times a week and says the breed isn’t a good fit for allergy sufferers. Their German Shepherd side matters here too: VCA notes the German Shepherd coat sheds heavily throughout the year, so keep a good undercoat brush and a sturdy vacuum on hand.
King Shepherd Health Issues and Lifespan
The breed club says King Shepherds share some health conditions with German Shepherds, and breeders have worked to reduce them. VCA’s German Shepherd profile lists these common concerns:
- Joint problems: hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and panosteitis in growing puppies
- Digestive: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Skin and eyes: allergic dermatitis and pannus
- Nervous system: epilepsy and, in seniors, degenerative myelopathy
Size brings one more serious risk. VCA notes that dogs over 100 pounds have roughly a 20% lifetime risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency. Signs include restlessness, drooling, unproductive retching, and a swollen belly. Get to a vet or 24/7 emergency hospital immediately if you see them. Ask your vet whether a preventive gastropexy makes sense for your dog.
How long does a full grown king shepherd live?
The Continental Kennel Club lists a King Shepherd lifespan of 11 to 14 years. As with any large dog, good breeding, a lean body weight, and regular vet care all help. Never give your dog any medicine without your vet’s advice, and ask your vet about joint support as your dog ages.
King Shepherd vs German Shepherd: Key Differences
The biggest difference in the King Shepherd vs German Shepherd debate is size. If you want the largest German Shepherd-type dog, the King Shepherd is it. A full grown king shepherd male can stand 3–5 inches taller than a German Shepherd male and weigh well over 100 lbs. The AKC German Shepherd Dog standard calls for 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females, and the AKC’s breed weight chart lists 50–90 lbs.
| Feature | King Shepherd | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Male height | 27–31 in | 24–26 in |
| Female height | 25–27 in | 22–24 in |
| Weight | 75–150 lbs | 50–90 lbs |
| Origin | USA, 1990s | Germany |
| AKC recognized | No (ARBA, CKC) | Yes, Herding Group |
| Typical temperament | Calm, loyal, protective | Confident, intelligent, protective |
| Shedding | Heavy | Moderate to high, year-round |
King Shepherd figures: King Shepherd Club of America. German Shepherd figures: AKC standard and breed weight chart; VCA for shedding.
Temperament overlaps. Breed clubs describe the King Shepherd as calm, steady, and patient, while VCA notes German Shepherds need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation. Both are smart, trainable, and protective. If you’d like a smaller, widely available shepherd with an AKC breed club, a German Shepherd may suit you better. Read more in our White German Shepherd guide.
Is a full grown king shepherd right for you? Quick checklist
- Do you have room for a dog that may weigh as much as an adult person?
- Can you give plenty of exercise and training every day?
- Is your vehicle, crate, and budget ready for a giant dog?
- Will you ask the breeder for hip and elbow screening results on both parents?
- Are you comfortable with heavy shedding and regular brushing?
Example Scenario (illustrative)
Dana in Minnesota is choosing between a German Shepherd and a King Shepherd. She asks, “How big is a full grown king shepherd, really?” After seeing a 120-lb adult male in person, she checks her SUV, crate size, and yard. She decides she can manage the size and books a vet visit to plan large-breed puppy food and a safe exercise schedule.
Full Grown King Shepherd FAQs
How big is a full grown king shepherd?
Males usually stand 27–31 inches at the shoulder and weigh 90–150 lbs. Females usually stand 25–27 inches and weigh 75–110 lbs, according to the King Shepherd Club of America.
At what age is a King Shepherd fully grown?
Most King Shepherds reach adult height by about 18–24 months. They often keep filling out in the chest and muscle until around 3 years old.
Is a King Shepherd bigger than a German Shepherd?
Yes. King Shepherds are typically several inches taller and much heavier. The AKC German Shepherd standard is 22–26 inches, while King Shepherds start at 25 inches.
What breeds make a King Shepherd?
Every King Shepherd has German Shepherd ancestry. Lines usually add Alaskan Malamute or Shiloh Shepherd, and some include Great Pyrenees or, in older lines, Akita.
Is the King Shepherd recognized by the AKC?
No. The King Shepherd isn’t an AKC breed. It’s recognized by rare-breed registries such as the American Rare Breed Association and the Continental Kennel Club.
How long do King Shepherds live?
The Continental Kennel Club lists a lifespan of 11 to 14 years. A lean weight, regular vet checkups, and careful breeding all help.
Are King Shepherds good family dogs?
They can be. Well-bred, well-socialized King Shepherds are usually calm and patient with children. Their size means play should always be supervised around small kids.
Final Verdict: How Big Is a Full Grown King Shepherd?
A full grown king shepherd is a giant, gentle-natured shepherd: males reach about 27–31 inches and 90–150 lbs, females about 25–27 inches and 75–110 lbs, and most finish filling out by age 3. If you can handle the size, shedding, and exercise needs, it can be a loyal family guardian.
Your next steps
- Run through the checklist above with everyone in your household.
- Compare other giant dogs in our guide to the biggest dog breeds in the world.
- Browse more breed and care guides in our dog care section.
Share a photo of your big shepherd with our community on Facebook.
About the author
Written and reviewed by the Pets Store Home Editorial Team: pet owners and animal lovers who check every guide against trusted US veterinary and animal-welfare sources. This article is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always talk to your veterinarian about your own pet’s health.
How we checked this guide: We used the King Shepherd Club of America, the American Rare Breed Association standard, the Continental Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club, and VCA Animal Hospitals for size, growth, care, and health figures. We review this article every 12 months, or sooner if guidance changes.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
- King Shepherd Club of America – About King Shepherds (accessed Oct 2026)
- American Rare Breed Association – King Shepherd Standard (accessed Oct 2026)
- Continental Kennel Club – King Shepherd (accessed Oct 2026)
- American Kennel Club – Official Standard of the German Shepherd Dog (accessed Oct 2026)
- American Kennel Club – Breed Weight Chart (accessed Oct 2026)
- American Kennel Club – When Does My Puppy Finish Growing? (accessed Oct 2026)
- VCA Animal Hospitals – German Shepherd (accessed Oct 2026)
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Bloat (GDV) in Dogs (accessed Oct 2026)
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