Last Updated on January, 2025
Have you ever had that, ‘Wait, is that a German Shepherd?’ moment when you spot a dog? It’s a common mix-up!
I, too, wrestled with the mystery – until research spilled the TRUTH.
German Shepherds are like the neighborhood celebs, but other breeds share many striking resemblances.
Whether you’re after a loyal buddy or a German Shepherd twin, I’ve got you a SURPRISE!
This article is the key to finding your PERFECT DOGS that look like german shepherds
Quick Summary
The 13 dogs that look like German Shepherd include, Byelorussian Shepherds (Guard Dogs), Dutch Shepherds, Groenendaels, Berger Blanc Suisse, Bohemian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Tamaskan, Northern Inuit Dog, Utonagan, King Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, American Alsatian and Tamaskans.
Many dog breeds resemble German Shepherds, but are smaller in size.
These breeds also share similar characteristics and temperaments as German Shepherds, but may require less exercise and grooming needs due to their smaller size.
Table of Contents
13 Dogs That Looks Like German Shepherds
1. Byelorussian Shepherds (Guard Dogs)
The Byelorussian dog is also known as ‘East European Shepherd.
They closely resemble German Shepherds but have their unique qualities.
These are robust and vigilant with solid and wedge-shaped heads,
dark almond eyes, and a thick double coat for warmth.
They are loyal and courageous and make excellent GUARD DOGS! But Be Mindful: They don’t get along with strange dogs.
These dogs were originally bred by mixing local two breeds, like Ovcharkas and Laikas.
Unlike German Shepherds, East European Shepherd dogs are bigger and tougher. (like a heavyweight wrestler)
| Details | German Shepherd | Byelorussian Shepherd |
| Origin | Germany | Eastern Europe |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 24-28 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 75-104 lbs (34-47 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Working |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $700 – $1500 |
2. Dutch Shepherd
Do you know? Dutch Shepherds resemble both German Shepherds and wolves.
They are medium-sized dogs. Dutch Shepherd dogs are obedient when adequately trained – like COPS.
And they enjoy mentally engaging tasks over dull ones. (prioritizing their mental stimulation)
Their lively, athletic, and intelligent nature makes them excellent family dogs – ready for adventure and loyalty.
Whether it’s herding, guarding, or simply being a part of the family – Dutch Shepherd brings a distinctive combination of history and magic to your family!
| Details | German Shepherd | Dutch Shepherd |
| Origin | Germany | Netherlands |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 21-25 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 42-75 lbs (19-34 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 11-14 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (short) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $800-$3000 |
3. Groenendaels
The Groenendaels, also known as the Belgian Sheepdogs, are one of four Belgian Shepherd breeds.
They are a bit shy – but incredibly LOYAL and HARDWORKING.
These dogs are easy to train and great for families. (significantly when raised from puppies)
This Belgian Sheepdog is intelligent, alert, and an excellent guard dog.
Guess what? The main differences from German Shepherds are their appearances and behavior, with Groenendales excelling in obedience training. They are sensitive and responsive, quick learners.
| Details | German Shepherd | Groenendaels |
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 24-26 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 51-60 lbs (23-27 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1500-$3000 |
4. Berger Blanc Suisse
The Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as the White Swiss Shepherd, is often mistaken for a German Shepherd.
These high-energy dogs are rare. White Swiss Shepherd breeds sport a stunning white double coat and own the smarts, loyalty, and affection that make them IDEAL family pets.
Eager to please – they, too, excel in obedience training. But don’t be fooled by their elegance.
White Swiss Shepherd breeds are high-energy dogs that love long walks and trips to the dog park.
The HIGHLIGHT is that these dog breeds aren’t just good-looking but also excel at search and rescue dogs!
| Details | German Shepherd | Berger Blanc Suisse |
| Origin | Germany | Switzerland |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 22-26 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 55-88 lbs (25-40 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 10-14 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1000-$3000 |
5. Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd falls within the category of a medium-sized dog breed.
They closely resemble the iconic German Shepherd in appearance.
Since 2019, these dog breeds have been provisionally recognized by FCI and AKC’s foundation stock service.
Bohemian Shepherds are an excellent choice for families with small children.
Any ideas why? Because they have fewer aggression issues.
They are an ancient breed that served as Watchdog. With moderate exercise needs, they’re a loyal companion.
| Details | German Shepherd | Bohemian Shepherd |
| Origin | Germany | Switzerland |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 19-21 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 37-60 lbs (17-27 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Working |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double, Weavy (medium) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $600-$1500 |
6. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois dogs are also often mistaken for German Shepherds.
These exceptional dog breeds’ short, fawn-colored coats with black masks set them apart.
Belgian Malinois are high-energy, sensitive to scolding, and require constant exercise and positive training.
Belgian Malinoises are muscular dogs that excel as military or police dogs, like the German Shepherd – showcasing fearlessness in the line of duty (Cops’ favorite dogs).
These intense yet incredible working dogs can also be your excellent family pets. But be prepared for some constant fur decor in your home.
| Details | German Shepherd | Belgian Malinois |
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 22-26 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 44-66 lbs (20-30 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 10-14 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Smooth (short) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $500-$1800 |
7. Tamaskan
Simply, a dog in wolf clothing! The Tamaskan is a large breed known for strikingly resembling a wolf-like German Shepherd.
They were initially bred from Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and German Shepherds.
Tamaskans are a unique blend of strength and gentleness.
This dog breed is in black and tan or gray – ranging in light and dark hues.
They make fantastic working dogs and are remarkably loving and gentle with their families.
| Details | German Shepherd | Tamaskan |
| Origin | Germany | Finland |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 24-28 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | (66-88 lbs) 30-40 kg |
| Group | Herding | Working |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 14-15 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (short) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1200-$1700 |
8. Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit dogs are a relatively new dog breed developed in the late 1980s.
It mixes German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and wolf-hybrids.
Northern Inuit are popular dog breeds – highly intelligent. But, STUBBORN! (as a mule)
Despite the Northern Inuit dogs’ appearance due to their DNA, owners can establish authority and still make great companions with the same breed.
Northern Inuit are THE BEST active family dogs and are great for therapy dogs – with proper training.
| Details | German Shepherd | Northern Inuit Dog |
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 23-32 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 55-84 lbs (25-38 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Non-sporting |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (short, dense) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $800-$1000 |
09. Utonagan
Utonagan breeds are dogs that look like German Shepherds.
They share many traits with this iconic breed.
These dogs are a crossbreed of Malamute, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd, exhibiting the same characteristics.
They are CURIOUS, LOYAL, and ENERGETIC – like a Sherlock!
This dog breed requires daily training and exercise.
The main attraction is that this intelligent breed thrives in dog sports, like agility and obedience trials, much like German Shepherds.
| Details | German Shepherd | Utonagan |
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 23-30 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 55-110 lbs (25-50 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Non-sporting |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $600-$800 |
10. King Shepherd
The King Shepherd, similar to German Shepherds in appearance, is a majestic Shepherd dog developed in the 1990s, combining qualities from breeds such as German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Great Pyrenees.
King Shepherds stand out for their strength, intelligence, loyalty, and calmness!
These gentle giants (90-150 pounds) excel as family pets and protectors – often participating in search and rescue missions, setting them apart from other dogs.
| Details | German Shepherd | King Shepherd |
| Origin | Germany | USA |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 25-31 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 75-150 lbs (34-68 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 8-12 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1000-$2500 |
11. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd, similar to German Shepherds, has an impressive heritage dating back to the 1970s.
These large German Shepherds look like friendly dogs sporting lush coats.
Shiloh Shepherd alleviates the concerns of Shepherd dog owners desiring a dog with a thick coat.
These intelligent and composed dogs are the BEST CHOICE for therapy and search-and-rescue roles.
Despite their rarity, owning Shiloh Shepherds means gaining a loyal and affectionate companion – EVEN if it means dealing with their abundant dog hair.
| Details | German Shepherd | Shiloh Shepherd |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 26-32 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 88-128 lbs (40-58 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 9-14 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1000-$2000 |
12. American Alsatian
The American Alastian and the German Shepherd dog breed share striking similarities in appearance – which often causes confusion between the two species.
The American Alsatian, also known as the ‘Alastian Shepalute,’ was developed in the 1980s.
Are they bred as herding dogs? To herd sheep? Absolutely NOT! They are produced aiming to resemble DIRE WOLVES!
They will look intimidating. But they are not effective for protection, guarding, or as watchdogs, EXCEPT for their wolf-like appearance.
American Alsatians are popular companions for those who prefer a more laid-back couch buddy.
| Details | German Shepherd | American Alastian |
| Origin | Germany | United States |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 24-28 inch |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 75-119 lbs (34-54 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 9-13 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and long) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1200-$2500 |
13. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren, a dog breed (60-70 pounds), shares many characteristics similar to German Shepherds. They have a black and tan coat.
Belgian Tervuren is around 26 inches tall and brilliant but needs mental stimulation and tasks.
Despite being smaller than German Shepherds, their tenacious nature and thriving work ethic set them apart!
Belgian Tervuren is not ideal for apartment living or sedentary lifestyles.
They excel in roles like police work and search-and-rescue.
However, they are mischievous if bored – even outsmarting their owners!
| Details | German Shepherd | Belgian Tervuren |
| Origin | Germany | Belgium |
| Height | 22-26 inch | 33-38 inches |
| Weight | 53-100 lbs (24-45kg) | 40-64 lbs (18-29 kg) |
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Life Span | 8-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat Type & Length | Double (medium and long) | Double (medium and dense) |
| Average Price | $700-$2500 | $1200-$2000 |
How to Choose the Right Breed for You?
Choosing the right breed for you is EASY!
Follow these simple steps now:
Other dog breed guides you may like:
Conclusion
Guess what? I just found out! An interesting fact about many of these dogs resembling German Shepherds is their EXCEPTIONAL INTELLIGENCE.
They can learn stuff fast and are great herding breeds.
Plus, they make fantastic amigo. Because they are quick learners and can handle different situations easily, their SMARTS are a big reason people love them!
Now, begin by choosing your perfect match.(and you can thank me later.)
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