AKS
Breed Description

The AKS, commonly abbreviated as AKS or simply called King Shepherd, represents one of the newest developments in shepherd-type dogs, still considered a breed in development. The name 'King' reflects both the breed's impressive size and its intended status as an improved version of the German Shepherd, addressing health and temperament concerns while maintaining working ability. Some enthusiasts refer to them as King Shepherds or Kings, though these informal names lack the geographic designation that helps distinguish them from other shepherd varieties.

Developed in the United States during the 1990s, the breed lacks recognition from major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club, though several alternative registries acknowledge them. The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) recognizes the King Shepherd, providing a platform for exhibition and registration. Additionally, the breed can be registered with organizations including the American Pet Registry Inc. (APRI), Dog Registry of America Inc. (DRA), and the World Wide Kennel Club (WWKC), each maintaining their own standards and registration requirements.

The breed's development involved multiple shepherd-type dogs, leading to various descriptive names in breeding circles. Early development references included terms like 'Improved German Shepherd' and 'Super Shepherd,' reflecting breeding goals of creating a superior version of the traditional German Shepherd. Some breeders marketed them as 'Gentle Giant Shepherds' to emphasize their temperament advantages, though this terminology never gained official acceptance.

Internationally, the breed remains relatively unknown, with most recognition concentrated in North America where development occurred. The lack of standardized international recognition means naming conventions vary by region and registry. Some European enthusiasts aware of the breed refer to them as 'American Giant Shepherds' or simply 'Giant Shepherds,' though these names can cause confusion with other large shepherd breeds. The King Shepherd Club of America and the AKS Club work toward breed standardization and eventual major kennel club recognition, which would solidify naming conventions and breed identity globally.

The AKS's organizational structure reflects its status as a developing breed, with multiple clubs working toward standardization and recognition. The AKS Club (AKSC), established in 1995 by breed founders Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, serves as the primary breed organization maintaining the original vision and standards. The AKSC oversees breeding programs, maintains pedigree records, and provides education about proper breeding practices to preserve the breed's intended characteristics of superior health, temperament, and working ability.

The King Shepherd Club of America represents another significant organization dedicated to breed promotion and development. This organization focuses on establishing consistent breed standards across different registries while working toward eventual recognition by major kennel clubs. They maintain breeder directories, coordinate breed-specific events, and provide resources for owners and prospective buyers. Both organizations emphasize health testing requirements, including hip and elbow evaluations, thyroid screening, and genetic testing for conditions common in shepherd breeds.

Breed standards vary slightly between organizations but consistently emphasize size, temperament, and structural soundness. The American Rare Breed Association standard describes males standing 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110 to 145 pounds, with females measuring 25 to 27 inches and weighing 75 to 110 pounds. Standards specify a rectangular build with substantial bone and muscle, avoiding both the extreme angulation sometimes seen in show-line German Shepherds and overly heavy mastiff-type construction.

The Continental Kennel Club maintains detailed standards addressing movement, temperament, and physical characteristics. Their standard emphasizes the breed's versatility, requiring dogs to demonstrate both working ability and stable temperament suitable for family companionship. Coat standards accept both plush and long-haired varieties, with preference for weather-resistant double coats in traditional shepherd colors including sable, black and tan, solid black, and bicolor patterns.

Health requirements across organizations reflect the breed's founding principle of improving upon German Shepherd health issues. Most clubs require breeding stock to undergo Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP evaluation for hips and elbows, with many also requiring thyroid testing and degenerative myelopathy screening. Some organizations maintain open health databases allowing prospective buyers to research health testing in pedigrees, promoting transparency and informed breeding decisions.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not recognized - Foundation Stock Service eligibility pending"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Not currently recognized"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Not recognized"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not recognized"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized by Continental Kennel Club"

The AKS commands attention through sheer physical presence, standing as one of the largest shepherd-type breeds with a powerful yet agile build. Males typically measure 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder, with exceptional individuals reaching 32 inches, while females range from 25 to 27 inches. Weight varies considerably based on height and build type, with males commonly weighing 110 to 150 pounds and females ranging from 75 to 110 pounds. Despite their size, they maintain proportionate, athletic builds avoiding the extreme mass of mastiff breeds.

The head presents as substantial but refined, proportionate to the body without coarseness. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, with a moderate stop leading to a strong, wedge-shaped muzzle. Dark, almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and warmth, while medium-sized ears stand erect with slightly rounded tips. The expression combines alertness with approachability, lacking the intensity sometimes seen in working-line German Shepherds. The nose remains black in all color varieties, with complete pigmentation considered essential.

Body structure emphasizes strength without sacrificing agility, featuring a level topline that differs from the sloped back common in show-line German Shepherds. The chest is broad and deep, reaching to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs providing ample lung capacity. The rectangular body proportion, slightly longer than tall, creates balanced, efficient movement. Strong, straight legs with substantial bone support the massive frame, while large, rounded feet with well-arched toes provide stable foundation.

The double coat varies from medium to long length, with a dense, weather-resistant outer layer and soft, insulating undercoat. Longer furnishings appear on the neck, forming a mane particularly prominent in males, and on the back of legs and tail. Coat colors mirror German Shepherd varieties, including sable in various shades, black and tan with distinct markings, solid black, and bicolor patterns with minimal tan markings. The tail, reaching at least to the hock, carries in a gentle curve when relaxed and raises in excitement without curling over the back.

The AKS emerged in the early 1990s from the vision of two American breeders, Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, who sought to address growing concerns about health and temperament issues in German Shepherds while creating a larger, more versatile companion dog. Their breeding program began by carefully selecting German Shepherds from both American and European lines that exhibited superior health, temperament, and size, focusing on dogs free from the extreme angulation and health problems increasingly common in show lines.

The foundation breeding incorporated Shiloh Shepherds, themselves a developing breed created by Tina Barber starting in the 1970s to restore the larger, healthier German Shepherds of the past. Shiloh Shepherds brought size and improved temperament to the King Shepherd development, having already incorporated Alaskan Malamute bloodlines to increase size and enhance coat quality. This Malamute influence contributed to the King Shepherd's impressive size, dense coat, and calmer temperament compared to traditional German Shepherds.

Great Pyrenees genetics entered the breeding program to further enhance size while contributing the breed's renowned gentle temperament with children and protective instincts without aggression. Some lines also incorporated Akita bloodlines, adding to the breed's impressive presence and independent thinking ability. This careful blend of breeds occurred over multiple generations, with strict selection for health, temperament, and structural soundness rather than simply breeding for size.

By 1995, Watts-Cross and Turkheimer felt confident enough in their breeding program's consistency to establish the AKS Club, setting initial breed standards and registration requirements. The club implemented strict health testing protocols from the beginning, requiring hip and elbow evaluations for all breeding stock. This emphasis on health screening addressed the primary motivation for the breed's development: creating a healthier alternative to German Shepherds plagued by hip dysplasia and other genetic conditions.

The breed gained popularity throughout the late 1990s and 2000s among those seeking the German Shepherd's intelligence and versatility in a larger, calmer package. Working dog enthusiasts discovered that King Shepherds excelled in various disciplines including therapy work, search and rescue, and personal protection, despite not being bred specifically for these tasks. Their stable temperaments and impressive appearance made them particularly popular for therapy and service dog roles where public interaction was frequent.

Controversy arose within the breeding community regarding outcrossing policies and breed purity standards. Some breeders advocated for closing the studbook to establish a pure breeding population, while others argued for continued outcrossing to maintain genetic diversity and hybrid vigor. This debate continues today, with different registries and breed clubs maintaining varying policies on acceptable outcrosses and breeding practices.

The 2010s saw increased standardization efforts as second and third-generation breeders worked to establish consistent type while maintaining the health and temperament advantages that justified the breed's creation. Modern King Shepherds represent a more uniform type than early generations, though variation remains greater than in established breeds. Current breeding focuses on consolidating desired traits while avoiding the bottlenecking that created health issues in German Shepherds. The breed remains relatively rare, with dedicated breeders prioritizing quality over quantity to preserve the founding vision of a superior shepherd-type companion.

The AKS's temperament represents the successful achievement of breeding goals aimed at creating a calmer, more stable version of the German Shepherd while maintaining intelligence and working ability. These gentle giants possess remarkable emotional stability, rarely displaying the nervousness or reactivity that can affect poorly bred German Shepherds. Their confidence manifests as quiet self-assurance rather than aggressive posturing, making them approachable despite their intimidating size.

Family devotion defines the breed's personality, with King Shepherds forming intensely strong bonds with all household members rather than favoring a single person. They demonstrate remarkable awareness of family dynamics, adjusting their behavior appropriately for different family members. With children, they display extraordinary gentleness and patience, seeming to understand their own strength and moderating their enthusiasm accordingly. This intuitive understanding extends to elderly family members and visitors with disabilities, showcasing an emotional intelligence that surprises many owners.

Their protective instincts manifest as vigilant awareness rather than aggressive territoriality. King Shepherds excel at threat assessment, distinguishing between normal activity and genuine concerns without overreacting. When protecting family, they typically position themselves between perceived threats and loved ones, using their impressive size as a deterrent before considering physical intervention. This measured response makes them excellent family guardians without the liability concerns of more aggressive breeds.

Socially, King Shepherds display reserved friendliness with strangers, neither aggressive nor overly enthusiastic. They observe newcomers carefully, warming gradually as they assess character and intentions. Once accepted, visitors receive warm welcomes on subsequent visits, as these dogs possess excellent memories for people. Their social confidence allows them to remain calm in crowded situations, making them suitable for public venues despite their size.

The breed's working heritage manifests in strong desire for purpose and engagement with their handlers. They thrive when given jobs, whether formal working roles or simple household tasks like carrying groceries or checking on children. Without adequate mental stimulation, they may create their own jobs, which can include unwanted behaviors like excessive patrolling or attempts to herd family members. Their intelligence requires respectful training approaches that engage their problem-solving abilities rather than repetitive drills that insult their intelligence.

Living with an AKS requires accommodating their substantial size while appreciating their surprisingly adaptable nature that suits various family situations. Despite their giant proportions, these dogs adapt well to smaller living spaces provided their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Many King Shepherd owners in apartments report success, though navigating stairs and tight spaces requires consideration of the dog's physical dimensions and potential joint stress from repetitive stair climbing.

Family integration occurs naturally with King Shepherds, who view themselves as full family members rather than pets. They participate eagerly in household activities, following family members from room to room while maintaining awareness of everyone's location. Their size creates unique household considerations, from reinforced furniture to elevated food bowls preventing bloat risk. Counter surfing becomes problematic without training, as their height provides easy access to kitchen surfaces.

Space requirements extend beyond simple square footage to include sturdy construction capable of withstanding enthusiastic greetings and play. Door frames suffer from wagging tails, while excited jumps can damage flooring. Smart King Shepherd owners invest in durable furnishings and establish house rules early. Despite their size, these dogs prefer indoor living with their families, suffering when relegated to outdoor-only existence that denies them the companionship they crave.

Multi-pet households generally succeed with King Shepherds, whose gentle nature and lower prey drive facilitate peaceful coexistence. They often become protective of smaller household pets, treating them as pack members requiring protection. Introduction protocols remain important, particularly with existing pets who may feel threatened by the King Shepherd's size. Their herding instincts occasionally manifest in attempts to gather and control other pets' movements, requiring redirection to prevent annoyance.

Children and King Shepherds form remarkable partnerships, with the dogs displaying extraordinary patience and gentleness. Their size necessitates supervision with small children to prevent accidental knockdowns during enthusiasm, but intentional aggression remains virtually unknown in well-bred individuals. Many families report their King Shepherds naturally assuming guardian roles for children, positioning themselves protectively during outdoor play and alerting parents to perceived dangers. The breed's stable temperament withstands children's unpredictable behavior better than many breeds, though teaching children respectful interaction remains essential.

Training AKSs proves remarkably rewarding due to their combination of high intelligence and eager-to-please attitudes inherited from their German Shepherd ancestry. These dogs respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement methods, quickly understanding expectations and retaining lessons with minimal repetition. Their size makes early training essential, as adult King Shepherds exceeding 100 pounds become physically difficult to control without established obedience. Puppy kindergarten and continued socialization help ensure their natural confidence doesn't develop into overprotectiveness.

Exercise requirements remain moderate compared to working-line German Shepherds, with adult King Shepherds typically needing 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity. Their exercise preferences lean toward sustained, purposeful activities rather than intense bursts. Long walks, hiking, and swimming provide ideal outlets, while their stamina suits them for activities like carting, weight pulling, and backpacking. Despite their size, they move with surprising agility, enjoying games that engage both mind and body.

Mental stimulation proves equally important as physical exercise for preventing boredom-related behaviors. King Shepherds excel at puzzle toys, scent work, and obedience challenges that engage their problem-solving abilities. Many owners report success with advanced training disciplines including therapy dog certification, search and rescue, and protection sports. Their versatility allows participation in various dog sports, though their size may limit agility competition at higher levels.

Leash training requires early attention due to the breed's eventual size and strength. Teaching loose-leash walking from puppyhood prevents pulling problems that become dangerous with giant breeds. Many King Shepherd owners find success with front-attachment harnesses that redirect pulling force without causing confrontation. Despite their generally calm nature, excitement can trigger pulling, particularly when greeting people or approaching other dogs.

Seasonal exercise adjustments accommodate the breed's thick double coat, which provides excellent cold weather protection but increases heat sensitivity. Summer exercise should occur during cooler morning and evening hours, with access to water and shade. Winter represents their preferred season, with many King Shepherds displaying increased energy and playfulness in snow. Swimming provides excellent year-round exercise, offering low-impact activity beneficial for joint health while providing cooling in summer months.

The AKS generally enjoys better health than German Shepherds, with careful breeding reducing incidence of common hereditary conditions and achieving lifespans of 10 to 14 years despite their giant size. The breed's development specifically targeted health improvements, with founding breeders implementing strict health testing protocols from the beginning. This emphasis on health screening continues today, with responsible breeders testing for multiple conditions before breeding decisions.

Hip dysplasia remains a concern despite improvement over German Shepherd statistics, with the condition affecting some King Shepherds due to their size and genetic heritage. Regular veterinary monitoring helps detect early signs, while maintaining appropriate weight and providing joint supplements can minimize impact. Elbow dysplasia also occurs, though less frequently than hip issues, potentially causing front limb lameness requiring surgical intervention in severe cases. Progressive retinal atrophy appears in some lines, necessitating annual eye examinations and genetic testing of breeding stock.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, poses significant risk for deep-chested King Shepherds, representing a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. Preventive measures include feeding multiple small meals, avoiding exercise near feeding times, and using elevated feeders, though some veterinarians recommend prophylactic gastropexy during spay/neuter surgery. Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, occurs occasionally, making pre-surgical testing important for affected lines.

Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease, affects some King Shepherds, typically appearing in middle-aged to older dogs and causing progressive rear limb weakness. Genetic testing identifies carriers and affected dogs, allowing informed breeding decisions to reduce incidence. Hypothyroidism appears with moderate frequency, causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems manageable through daily medication following diagnosis via blood testing.

Preventive care plays a crucial role in King Shepherd health maintenance throughout their lives. Regular veterinary examinations should include orthopedic evaluations, particularly during rapid growth phases when nutrition and exercise management prevent developmental issues. Vaccinations following veterinary guidelines protect against infectious diseases, while parasite prevention addresses heartworm, fleas, and ticks. Dental care prevents periodontal disease that can affect overall health, particularly important in giant breeds prone to anesthesia complications. Weight management through appropriate diet and exercise reduces joint stress and decreases risk of numerous conditions including diabetes and cardiac disease. Many King Shepherd owners implement joint supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin from young adulthood, potentially delaying arthritis onset. The breed's hybrid vigor from recent outcrossing provides some protection against genetic conditions, though continued genetic diversity remains important for long-term breed health.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your AKS's health and longevity.

The AKS's grooming needs reflect their double-coat heritage and substantial size, creating significant maintenance requirements that potential owners must consider. Their medium to long double coat sheds continuously with intense seasonal periods requiring daily attention. Regular brushing three to four times weekly prevents matting and removes loose undercoat, using combination of slicker brushes for the outer coat and undercoat rakes for deeper grooming.

Seasonal shedding transforms grooming from routine to intensive management as King Shepherds blow their entire undercoat twice yearly. These periods, typically occurring in spring and fall, produce remarkable volumes of fur that seem impossible for even giant dogs. Daily brushing barely contains the shedding, while many owners invest in high-velocity dryers to blow out loose undercoat more efficiently. Professional grooming during these periods can help manage the overwhelming fur production.

Bathing frequency depends on lifestyle and coat condition, with most King Shepherds requiring baths every six to eight weeks. Their size makes home bathing challenging, often requiring walk-in showers or professional grooming facilities. Thorough drying prevents hot spots and skin infections that develop in damp undercoat, necessitating powerful dryers and considerable time investment. Many owners schedule professional grooming for bathing while maintaining routine brushing at home.

Beyond coat care, King Shepherds require regular nail maintenance every three to four weeks, as their weight makes overgrown nails particularly problematic for joint health. Their size and strength can make nail trimming challenging without proper conditioning from puppyhood. Ear cleaning occurs weekly, checking for infection signs particularly important in dogs with longer ear furnishings. Dental care through regular brushing or appropriate chews helps prevent periodontal disease that affects many large breeds.

The sheer size of King Shepherds makes grooming physically demanding, requiring appropriate workspace and tools designed for giant breeds. Grooming tables must support their weight, while extended grooming sessions can exhaust both dog and owner. Many successful King Shepherd owners establish grooming routines from puppyhood, making the process cooperative rather than confrontational. Professional grooming costs reflect the breed's size and coat requirements, representing a significant ongoing expense owners must budget.

If you're looking to adopt a AKS, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful AKSs waiting for their forever homes.