The Kings of St. Francis

The King Shepherd is considered a "RARE BREED" and continues to be a breed in development.   A King Shepherd resembles a large German Shepherd Dog.  The breed was created using Long Haired European German Shepherd Dogs, Shiloh Shepherds(American and European German Shepherd dogs), and flock guardians such as Alaskan Malamutes and Akitas. 

What makes the King Shepherd different from a German Shepherd? 

The King Shepherd completely deviates from the AKC standard of a GSD so a new breed standard had to be developed for this type of look.  Also, rigorous breeding standards have been set to produce a dog which was free of the many health and temperament issues that have been affecting the German Shepherd Dog. The King Shepherd will be larger than most German Shepherd Dogs. 

What is a rare breed?

The American King Shepherd is considered a rare breed because it is still in the early stages of development. In order to produce dogs that consistently meet the standard for that breed, it takes the breeding of at least 3rd generation dogs.  Ideally we would like to breed 1st and 2nd generation Kings to other Kings to produce 2nd and then 3rd generation Kings. Due to a small gene pool occassionally it is still necessary to bring in a foundation dog and produce more 1st generation Kings. That dog would be approved by the K.S.C.I. Breeding Committee.

Are they prone to any genetic health problems, more so than other breeds?

Generally not. While there are infrequent cases of hip dysplasia, which is a problem with most large breeds of dogs, most breeders have been able to greatly reduce the incidence by having their dog’s hips x-rays analyzed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania’s PennHIP program.  Any dog with poor hip scores should be eliminated from the breeding program.  Breeders are encouraged to share these reports with puppy buyers.  Please ask for a copy of dam & sire's Penn Hip report from your breeder before purchasing a puppy.

How much exercise do they need?

Puppies should be limited to puppy play, as there bones and joints are in a formative stage. Rigorous jumping and running should be avoided.  Use the exercise guidelines for giant breed puppies, not normal sized puppies or even large breed puppies.

Adult dogs over two years old may have a moderate amount of exercise. Two thirty to forty minute walks per day is sufficient.

 How is the temperament?

King Shepherds display a stable, sound, temperament. They are not hyper or overly aggressive. While very loving with their families and friends, they are generally aloof with strangers. Kings are extremely intelligent and are very trainable, in both obedience and as personal protection dogs.