9 Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds (With Adorable Pictures)
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. These pups are incredibly loyal, intelligent, sweet, and devoted to their families. These fluffy dogs are perfect family pets for those with young children thanks to their caring and protective personalities.
German Shepherds are so versatile that they’re used as working dogs by police and military worldwide. They’re easy to train, have a mellow personality, and are often considered scary dogs, which all help them in that line of work.
They’re used by search and rescue teams and make wonderful therapy dogs too. In fact, there’s very little the amazing German Shepherd can’t do.
So, if you’re as in love with this dog breed as we are, you probably want to know a couple of other dogs that look like German Shepherds. And you’re in luck! We’ve found 9 other wolf-like dogs that are loveable, hairy, intelligent, and could pass as a German Shepherd (or almost).
9 Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds
The 9 wonderful dog breeds look very similar to the original German Shepherd but they may have a couple of other traits that suit you and your home better. Some of these dogs are bigger, smaller, have lower maintenance needs, or don’t shed as much. Let’s see which is the perfect one for you!
#1 Belgian Malinois
There are so many similarities when it comes to the German Shepherd vs the Belgian Malinois that many people think they’re exactly the same dog. All you have to do is look at that picture and you’ll see that Belgian Malinois really do look like German Shepherds.
They come in similar colors and have beautiful eyes, a thick furry coat, and strong bodies made for working. These dogs were first bred to herd sheep and work closely with their shepherds. They’re highly intelligent, fun, and active dogs that need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Even though they’re very similar, once you look a bit closer, you’ll see that the two dog breeds have slightly differently shaped muzzles and different facial structures.
#2 King Shepherd
The King Shepherd is another dog that looks like a German Shepherd but there’s a key difference – its size. King Shepherds are much bigger than German Shepherds. These huge dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds and they’re certainly a sight if you see one.
King Shepherds are actually a mixed breed, first bred in America. As such, they’re not accepted by the Kennel Clubs such as the American Kennel Club. Both American and European German Shepherds, as well as Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees, were used in the development of this breed.
As a result, the King Shepherd is more powerful and muscular but just as intelligent and alert. According to some pup parents, the King Shepherd is a little more mellow than a German Shepherd.
#3 Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd is a stunning black German Shepherd lookalike. They’re a very athletic breed that has been a favorite for shepherds in the Czech Republic for centuries.
Bohemian Shepherds are versatile, hard-working, and lively dogs that love to have a job to do. If there are no sheep around, these intelligent canines will be happy working with security forces, as search and rescue helpers, or as skilled guard dogs.
These beautiful dogs are highly trainable and really look like German Shepherds. They need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy and training classes could be a great solution for many owners.
#4 Dutch Shepherd
We couldn’t have a list of dogs that look like German Shepherds without including the majestic Dutch Shepherd. This breed is loyal, versatile, lively, and very intelligent too. They can be a little headstrong, which is likely a result of them being bred to herd sheep in the fields all day. Early training and socialization is a must for a Dutch Shepherd.
Eventually, these pups were bred to be all-round top farm dogs and were used as guard dogs and protectors too.
According to the AKC, these pups can have 3 coat colors which are gold brindle, silver brindle, and yellow. Their coats are thick and fluffy like a German Shepherd’s and they can be short or long. As you can imagine, those pups with longer coats require a little more in the way of grooming and care.
#5 Eastern European Shepherd
The East European Shepherd looks a lot like a German Shepherd dog – and there’s a good reason why. This breed is the result of mixing German Shepherds with local Ukrainian and Russian dogs. These amazing pooches are very smart and, like their close relations, are often used by the military and as service dogs.
They’re fearless, poised, confident, and ready to perform any job their owner needs. In comparison to the German Shepherd, these pups are quite uncommon in the United States but they’re a popular breed in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
#6 Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is another German Shepherd mixed breed. This breed has both German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute blood which gives them a particularly amazing fluffy coat. They’re quite a rare breed, so you’ll be lucky to get your paws on one, but if you do, you’ll have an intelligent, witty, and playful guard dog.
The Shiloh Shepherd is bigger than the German Shepherd and they tend not to have the sloping back of the German variety. This therefore means they suffer from fewer hip-related problems which can be an issue for German Shepherds.
These pooches are not recognized by the AKC or any other major Kennel Clubs.
#7 Northern Inuit Dog
These pups are not only dogs that look like German Shepherds but they also look a lot like wolves. They’re an athletic breed that needs lots of exercise and space to run around in. They love being outdoors in all kinds of weather and get on well with other dogs too.
Unlike the German Shepherd, the Northern Inuit Dog usually has a gray and white or fully white coat (which adds to its overall wolf appearance). They’re a bit bigger than German Shepherds and have a straighter back too, which again, means it’s slightly less likely they’ll suffer from hip problems.
Although they look like a wolf, these wonderful dogs are known for being great family dogs and get on well with kids too.
#8 White Swiss Shepherd Dog
The White Swiss Shepherd is an absolutely stunning white dog. They’re so similar to German Shepherds that many think they’re actually the same breed – and they kind of are. At one point in history (and it’s hard to imagine nowadays) white German Shepherds were considered inferior to regular-colored ones.
However, there were a couple of fans and they bred the breed further and gave it a brand new name too.
These snow-white pups became very popular in the US and Canada thanks to their brilliant coats and endearing personalities. Just like other German Shepherds, these pups need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A herding ball for dogs can be a great way for them to practice their herding skills and burn some energy.
#9 Caucasian Shepherd
Out of all the dogs that look like German Shepherds, this is one of the biggest. The Caucasian Shepherd is an impressive and fearless guarder that would happily protect its flock from wolves or other large predators.
Whilst excellent guard dogs, these pups are a little less active than the German Shepherd and don’t need as much vigorous exercise. Although they still need to be outdoors and be mentally stimulated.
As well as being a proud defender of those they love, the Caucasian Shepherd is also a wonderful family pet. They’re sweet, affectionate, and (sometimes) even a little silly. They can be wary of strangers and it might take them a while to warm up but when they do, you’ll have a loyal best friend for life.
Conclusion
All of these dogs that look like German Shepherds are stunning and very special. But, as with any pooch, looks aren’t everything. It’s important you adopt the right dog for your lifestyle so that they can become a big part of the family. If you want a bigger but slightly less active dog, you could think about the Alabai dog, a beautiful and highly intelligent pup.
Most of these German Shepherd lookalikes are big and active dogs which could be a bit demanding for some owners. If you do decide that one of these is the perfect pooch for you, then you’ll be adopting a wonderful pup that is sure to become your best furry friend.
