Key Highlights
- This post looks at dog breeds that are similar to German Shepherds according to DNA research.
- It examines traits they share, such as behavior, personality, and appearance.
- The post also shares tips on training, socialization, and exercise needs.
- It gives advice on health and nutrition for big dog breeds.
- Readers will find out about good alternatives to German Shepherds.
The German Shepherd is one of the most loved dog breeds in the world. People admire them for being loyal friends and great family pets. They are smart, easy to train, and protective, which makes them a great choice for families and individuals who want a dedicated canine companion. But what if you want a dog breed that has similar traits to the German Shepherd but is a little different?
Exploring the Top 8 Dog Breeds Closely Related to German Shepherds
Here, we will look at eight dog breeds that are share the most common DNA with an ancestor related to German Shepherds. These breeds are based on landmark dog modern dog breed development research that examined over 160 different breeds.
Here are the dog breeds that share the most common DNA with a common ancestor of German Shepherds. Their score relates to the amount of exact DNA strands shared.
1. Cane Paratore – Common DNA Score 29.2
The Cane Paratore is a big dog, originally bred in Italy to guard livestock. It has a strong presence and a very caring nature. This smart breed needs good obedience training. They should have an owner who is confident and can give strong guidance. They are very loyal, making them great protectors for families.
Cane Paratores have a high energy level, so they need a lot of exercises. You should plan activities that will challenge them both physically and mentally. This can include agility training, herding trials, or long hikes.
If they get early socialization and the right training, these beautiful dogs can be great companions. They are perfect for active individuals or families who are willing to give them the care and attention that they need.
2. Berger Picard – Common DNA Score 29.1
The Berger Picard comes from the French countryside. This shepherd dog has a unique look with its messy fur and strong-willed personality. But don’t be misled by its scruffy coat. Inside, it has a sharp mind that needs mental stimulation to stay happy.
You can keep your Berger Picard entertained with puzzle toys, obedience training, and fun games. They usually get along well with kids, but it’s important to watch them together. Their herding instincts might cause some unintentional nudges or bumps.
Bringing a Berger Picard into your daily life means you need to have a sense of humor. You’ll enjoy their lively spirit. In return, you’ll have a devoted and playful friend who loves adventure.
3. Chinook – Common DNA Score 28.7
Developed in New Hampshire, the Chinook is a rare American breed. They are known for their strength, smartness, and gentle nature. These dogs were first bred to pull sleds and have a strong work ethic. Their loving personality also makes them great family pets.
Chinooks are loyal and have a strong instinct to protect. This means they can be excellent guard dogs, but it’s important to socialize them early. Early socialization helps them feel comfortable around strangers. Chinooks also have strong herding instincts. Therefore, it’s a good idea to supervise them with smaller animals.
Though they may not be as well-known as other breeds, the Chinook is a hidden gem. They are perfect for anyone looking for a loyal, smart, and versatile companion.
4. Xoloitzcuintli – Common DNA Score 14.4
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and most unique dog breeds in the world. This breed has existed for thousands of years. They are known for having no fur and come in sizes from toy to standard. These dogs show elegance and a calm nature. While they may not look like German Shepherds, they share a lot in loyalty, intelligence, and how well they can be trained.
Xoloitzcuintlis come in many coat colors, such as black, gray, slate, liver, and bronze. Their skin feels like warm suede and needs special care to avoid sunburn and dryness.
Even with their long history, Xoloitzcuintlis adapt to modern life nicely. They make great family pets and form strong bonds with their human families. They are known for being gentle and affectionate.
5. Belgian Malinois – Common DNA Score 9.1
The Belgian Malinois is one of the top breeds that look like German Shepherds, and there is a good reason for this. These smart and active dogs work hard and do well in many jobs, including being service dogs and working in police duties.
They have a strong drive and do best when they have owners with experience to give them regular training and mental stimulation. Belgian Malinois need to be active, both physically and mentally.
Make sure they get enough exercise. You can play fetch at the park, join agility courses, or go for a jog together. They are loyal and have protective instincts, which makes them great guardians. However, early socialization is very important to help them use their energy in a positive way.
6. Peruvian Hairless Dog – Common DNA Score 7.4
Like the Xoloitzcuintli, the Peruvian Hairless Dog is an old breed that people love around the world. This elegant dog is known for its graceful look and friendly nature. It has roots that go back to the time before the Inca civilization. Unlike German Shepherds, which have a thick double coat, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are hairless. However, they are just as loyal, smart, and eager to please.
In history, these dogs were bred for various tasks like hunting and being companions. They are smart and can learn quickly. However, they can be independent and may need some patience when you train them.
Even though they do not have fur, Peruvian Hairless Dogs come in different skin colors. Their skin needs regular moisturizing to stay healthy.
7. Portuguese Water Dog – Common DNA Score 5.7
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their webbed feet and love of water. They are smart and full of energy. These dogs have a history of helping fishermen. Their intelligence makes them great for different activities like obedience training and rescue operations.
They create strong bonds with their families and love to be part of family fun. Don’t let their playful side fool you. Portuguese Water Dogs are serious athletes and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
These dogs are ready to join you for a swim, fetch toys in the park, or learn new tricks. They have a lot of energy to use. Their versatility makes them a good fit for active people or families who can give them the mental and physical challenges they need.
8. Leonberger – Common DNA Score 5.1
The Leonberger is often called the “gentle giant.” This breed is similar to German Shepherds because they are large and gentle. Leonbergers were bred as working dogs. They do well in various tasks and are excellent family pets. Since they have a thick double coat, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are known for their keen intelligence and loyalty. Leonbergers make great companions and love human interaction. If you like the German Shepherd breed, you should definitely think about getting a Leonberger.
Understanding the Shared Traits
The dog breeds mentioned above come from different backgrounds and looks, but they all have some key traits. They are smart, easy to train, and loyal, just like German Shepherds. Many of these breeds have a history of herding or working. This gives them a natural intelligence and a desire to work with people.
Because of this, they can be very rewarding pets for anyone willing to spend time on training and socialization. If you like how they look like German Shepherds or find their own special traits attractive, these breeds provide many choices for dog lovers.
Analyzing the Temperament and Personality Similarities
One big similarity between German Shepherds and other breeds is their keen intelligence. These dogs learn quickly and want to please. They also do well in activities that make them think. This makes them great for obedience training, agility, and even learning advanced tricks.
Besides being smart, many of these breeds are loyal and protective. This loyalty comes from their history as herding or working dogs. They have a strong instinct to guard their family and home. This makes them good watchdogs but shows how important early socialization is.
Socialization is very important, especially when they are puppies. It helps them get used to different sights, sounds, people, and other animals. This helps them grow into confident companions. It is key to avoid shyness, fear, or aggression towards new things or people. When they are properly socialized, these breeds can become excellent family pets and form strong bonds with everyone in the household.
Physical Characteristics That Echo the German Shepherd
Each breed on our list has its own unique traits. However, some share physical traits with German Shepherds. Many of them have a strong and athletic body, deep chest, and a defined waist. This body shape comes from their history as working or herding dogs. They need agility, speed, and endurance.
Another feature they have in common is their erect or semi-erect ears. These ears help to create an alert look. Their eyes are often bright and full of expression, adding to their wolf-like appearance.
When it comes to coat type and markings, there are a lot of differences, even within German Shepherds. Many breeds on our list have a double coat but their are two that are hairless breeds! The double coat breeds include a dense outer layer that keeps out the weather and a softer undercoat for warmth. Markings vary from the classic black and tan to sable, black, and even white. No matter the coat color or pattern, these breeds show physical similarities and share temperamental traits that connect them closely to the German Shepherd.
Training and Care for Shepherd-Like Breeds
Training and taking care of dogs that are similar to Shepherd breeds means you need to focus on their physical and mental needs. These smart and active dogs do best when they have challenges and a sense of purpose. This can come from obedience training, dog sports, or fun playtimes.
Being consistent, using positive reinforcement, and starting socialization early are important. These steps help create well-behaved and happy pets. Setting clear rules, having routines, and providing enough chances for both mental and physical activity will help them do really well.
Effective Training Techniques for Intelligent Dogs
Intelligent dogs, like the ones on our list, usually do well in training. Their smart minds need fun and interesting ways to learn. Using positive reinforcement works well. Rewarding good behavior with praise, treats, or toys helps keep them motivated. It also builds a strong bond between the dog and the owner.
Besides basic obedience training, you can try dog sports like agility, herding, or scent work. These activities help them use their energy and sharp sense of smell. They don’t just work their bodies but also keep their minds active. This prevents boredom and stops bad behaviors.
When who train smart dogs, staying consistent is very important. Set clear rules and make sure everyone uses the same commands. Be patient and understand their needs, and keep a positive attitude. This will help unlock their full potential.
Health and Nutrition Tips Tailored to Large Breeds
Large-breed dogs, including many Shepherd-like breeds, have specific nutritional and health considerations that differ from their smaller counterparts. Their rapid growth rates and larger bone structures necessitate a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, calcium, and essential nutrients to support healthy development and prevent skeletal issues.
Feeding them a specially formulated large-breed puppy food during their first year of life is crucial for controlled growth. Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are essential for maintaining their overall health.
Here’s a quick reference guide outlining key health and nutrition tips for large dogs:
| Aspect | Considerations |
| Diet | High-quality large-breed formula, appropriate for their life stage |
| Feeding | Controlled portions, avoid overfeeding, monitor weight |
| Exercise | Regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and strong bones |
| Joint Health | Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as recommended by a veterinarian |
| Grooming | Regular brushing to manage shedding, especially during shedding seasons |
FAQ’s-8 Dog Breeds Most Related to German Shepherds
Which dog breed is the closest relative to the German Shepherd?
According to research, the three most closely related by DNA are the Cane Paratore, Berger Picard and Chinook.
Can these breeds be as effective in police and military roles as German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are well-known for their work in police and military jobs. However, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are also great in these tough roles. These dogs are smart and easy to train. They have the energy, strength, and right attitude for the job.
Are there any significant differences in grooming needs among these breeds?
Yes, grooming needs can be very different depending on the type of coat. Breeds that have thick double coats, like Belgian Shepherds and German Shepherds, need regular brushing. This helps control shedding. On the other hand, breeds such as the Xoloitzcuintli don’t require much grooming because they have no fur.
8 Dog Breeds Most Related to German Shepherds-Final Thoughts
Knowing the common traits of dog breeds linked to German Shepherds can help you care for and train these clever pets. Breeds like the Cane Paratore and the Leonberger each have special features similar to the German Shepherd. By adjusting your training methods and health care for these big, smart dogs, you can have a happy relationship with your loyal friend. Embrace what is similar and different among these breeds. This will help create a good environment for you and your furry companion.
