The German Shepherd is renowned for its intelligence. Across the globe, there are other remarkable breeds that mirror its appearance.
Today, I have picked 13 dog breeds that look like the German Shepherd.
#1 Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois was bred in Belgium near the city of Malines to be a herding dog.
It was first recognized in Belgium during the late 19th century.
They are typically highly trainable.
Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds look similar. Both breeds are similar in height. However, the Belgian Malinois needs a more experienced dog owner to keep it in check.
#2 Dutch Shepherd
They were used by farmers and shepherds who needed a versatile dog. They live well with other dogs and children, too.
The breed is often confused with German shepherds and Belgian Malinois.
In terms of temperament, you should know that Dutch Shepherds are somewhere between Malinois and GSDs.
#3 Shiloh Shepherd
Shilohs sprang from GSDs’ line, which were then mixed with other breeds, especially Alaskan Malamutes.
Tina Barber is the first breeder to breed this dog.
They have been described as being lower in energy and drive, and with even temperaments.
They are straight-backed and larger than most modern GSDs. They also possess more of a wolfish look than German Shepherds.
#3 White Swiss Shepherd (Berger Blanc Suisse)
The White Swiss Shepherd is a herding dog that descends from white-coloured purebred German Shepherds.
This dog is not an albino due to the fact that it has skin pigment. It is very good with children and will become the best nanny for them.
The character of the White Swiss Shepherd is gentler and mellower than that of the GSD. White Swiss Shepherds are also inclined to be friendlier and have less rear angulation in their hips compared to German Shepherds.
Editor’s Pick
15 Rare Dog Breeds That Start With B
#4 King Shepherd
The King Shepherd dog breed originated in the United States in the 1990s.
They are the result of the crossbreeding of German Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds.
The breeders wanted to root out some of the common health issues in GSDs.
King shepherds are larger than German shepherds.
King Shepherds are loyal and protective of their family, but not aggressive.
If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive.
#5 Bohemian Shepherd (Chodsky Pes)
It is a medium-sized sheepdog with a graceful appearance. The Bohemian Shepherd originates from what is today the Czech Republic. It makes an excellent family dog due to its devotion to your family members.
This breed stands slightly smaller and has a longer coat than the German Shepherd.
#6 Belgian Tervuren
It originated in the town of Tervuren, in Belgium, in the late 19th century. The Belgian Tervuren is a subset of the Belgian sheepdog class, and it is distinguished by its medium-long fawn-and-black coat.
It responds very well to positive training methods. GSDs are larger in both height and weight compared to the average Terv.
#7 Laekenois
The Laekenois is considered the oldest of the four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. They get along well with respectful children. GSDs are larger and more robust than Belgian Laekenois.
#8 Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika is a dog breed that originates from the Yakutia region of Siberia.
#9 Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog was developed in the United Kingdom during the late 20th century from crosses among Siberian Husky, German Shepherd Dogs, and a variety of Inuit breeds.
#10 American Alsatian
The American Alsatian was developed in California in the late twentieth century.
In the process, it was used a purebred Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, English Mastiffs, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes.
#11 East-European Shepherd (Byelorussian Shepherd)
The breed was created by crossbreeding GSDs with native Russian breeds.
The owners describe its temperament as similar to that of a Dobermann.
The East European Shepherd is significantly larger than the German Shepherd.
#12 Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Czechoslovakian wolfdogs were created by crossing working-line German shepherds and Carpathian wolves.
The coat colour is yellow-grey to silver-grey, with a light mask.
It was officially recognized as a national breed in Czechoslovakia in 1982.
I don’t recommend them if you are a first-time dog owner. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are more independent than German Shepherds.
#13 Utonagan
The Utonagan is a wolf-like breed that has a thick double coat with various colors reminiscent of the wild wolves.
I know that the Utonagan was created using a German Shepherd, an Alaskan Malamute, a Siberian Husky, and other rescue breeds.
They require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation.