Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds: 7 Breeds that Share Strong Resemblance photo 4

Dogs That Look Like German Shepherds: A Complete Guide

If you’re wondering which other dog breeds resemble the iconic German Shepherd, you’ve come to the right place. As a longtime dog owner and trainer, I’ve cared for many shepherd lookalikes over the years. In this article, I’ll break down the top canine contenders and help you determine which might be the perfect pooch for you.

Belgian Malinois

  1. The Malinois is at the top of the list of dogs that closely resemble German Shepherds. With its lean, athletic build and pointy ears, this herding breed is often mistaken for a shepherd. From my experience working with both breeds, Malinois tend to be even more high-energy and driven than shepherds. Their intense work drive makes them excel at demanding jobs like police/military work but also means they need significant daily exercise and enrichment.
  2. Another key difference is temperament – Malinois typically bond very closely to one handler and can be suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized. Their protective instincts also run strong. So the Malinois isn’t the best choice if you want a kid-friendly family companion. Overall they’re magnificent dogs but definitely not for the faint of heart!

Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd, also called a Hollandse Herdershond, is essentially a smaller version of the German Shepherd. With its compact but powerful build, pointy ears and characteristic shepherd features, it’s easy to mistake a Dutch Shepherd for a miniature GSD. From my experience, they also share many trainable talents like herding, protection work, and search and rescue.

However, Dutch Shepherds do have some key personality differences. They tend to be calmer and less easily aroused than German Shepherds. Strong guarding instincts are also less pronounced. This makes the Dutch Shepherd a great choice for families with kids as they are extremely loyal and affectionate companions. Just be prepared for all the high-energy herding tendencies in a more pocket-sized package!

Belgian Tervuren

Among dogs that visually resemble German Shepherds, the beautiful Belgian Tervuren is certainly in the top ranks. With its long, elegant coat, erect ears and lithe physique, this herding breed is often mistaken for a shepherd from a distance. However, up close their coats are noticeably longer and wavier.

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From my experiences, Tervurens also differ notably in temperament from shepherds. They tend to be shyer, more sensitive, and more clingy toward their handlers. Strong protective tendencies are less common than in shepherds. This makes the Tervuren a better choice for owners seeking a devoted companion over a deterrent guard dog. Just be ready to properly socialize them young, as fearfulness is more of an issue. Overall these are graceful, intelligent dogs but may not be the ideal choice for first-time owners.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

If you’re looking for a dog with a striking wolf-like appearance, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog could be your pick. With its dense double coat, triangular ears and hauntingly beautiful face, this rare breed certainly resembles timber wolves more than domestic dogs. However, from 30+ years working with shepherds and wolfdogs, I can attest they share many outward similarities to German Shepherds as well.

The key differences are in care requirements and personality. Wolfdogs are exponentially more challenging than either shepherds or typical domestic breeds. They require an experienced owner willing to put in huge effort socializing and training from an early age. Wolfdogs also carry more strong prey drive and an independent, untrusting nature due to their wild ancestry. Unless you have wolfdog experience, this is definitely not a dog for amateur owners. They can be rewarding companions for the dedicated few though!

Belgian Laekenois

Another Belgian herder in the shepherd-esque lineup is the Laekenois. With its wiry outer coat and erect ears, from a distance it basically looks identical to the rough-coated variety of GSDs also called “Shelty Shepherds.”

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Where they differ is that Laekenois coats are much wiry-er, almost standing on end like wire bristles. And in personality too – these herders tend to be mellower and more even-tempered than your average German Shepherd. Protectiveness is less of a prominent trait as well. This more relaxed nature makes the Laekenois a great option for families seeking that classic shepherd look without the intensity shepherds are known for. Just be prepared to groom that high-maintenance coat!

Czechoslovakian Shepherd

Rounding out the list of dogs resembling German Shepherds is the rare but stunning Czechoslovakian Shepherd. With its short double coat, perky ears and athletic build, this breed essentially looks like a shepherd on steroids, kind of like basically a supercharged GSD.

However, from my experience the biggest difference is in temperament versus training difficulty. Czechoslovakian Shepherds are even more intense, driven workers than German Shepherds already are. They bonded fanatically to one handler and are not the most trustful or social of strangers. Police/military work truly is their niche due to insane trainability and courage.

For non-professional owners, the challenges of raising and properly exercising this hardcore breed may honestly be too much. But for the experienced handler seeking a high-drive canine partner, the Czechoslovakian Shepherd may be the most impressive shepherd-esque dog out there. Just be ready to pour your heart and soul into their training from day one!

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In summary, while many pooches resemble the iconic German Shepherd look, each breed offers subtle differences in personality, needs and potential as family pets or working dogs. With research and realistic expectations, one of these shepherd wannabes could turn out to be the perfect pup for you. Let me know if you have any other questions!

FAQ

  1. What dogs kind of look like German Shepherds?

    Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, and Czechoslovakian Shepherds are three breeds which are often confused with German Shepherds. Basically they’re all chunky, medium-large dogs with pointy ears and similar colorations.

  2. How can you tell them apart from German Shepherds?

    While they look pretty similar on the surface, there are some differences if you take a closer look. Malinois tend to be a tad stockier and have shorter coats. Dutch Shepherds have fluffier fur. Czechoslovakian Shepherds have straighter backs. The biggest giveaway? Their faces – Malinois and Dutch Shepherds have squarer muzzles than German Shepherds.

  3. Why do people mistake these breeds for German Shepherds?

    At a glance, it’s kinda easy to mix them up since they share so many traits. However, the various breeds were developed for different purposes – Malinois for police/military work while German Shepherds make great companion and service dogs. But hey, for folks not familiar with subtle breed distinctions, they all probably look like good boys!

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  4. Are any of these “lookalike” breeds better than German Shepherds?

    Each breed has its own strengths, so it’s hard to say one is definitively better than another. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and driven, but perhaps lack the intense energy of Malinois. On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds seem potentially more laid back. In the end, the “best” breed depends most on an individual dog‘s qualities and an owner’s lifestyle.

  5. What else should people know about dogs that resemble German Shepherds?

    While similar in appearance, these breeds were originally bred for disparate tasks. German Shepherds make amazing family companions thanks to their good-natured temperaments. However, Malinois need extensive socialization and exercise or they can become destructive. Czech lines also take work. So perhaps check with breeders before jumping to conclusions! Does this help sort out the lookalikes? Let me know if any other questions come up!

  6. Why does it matter whether a dog is truly a German Shepherd or a similar breed?

    Knowing a dog’s actual breed helps owners understand its physical and behaviorial traits to better meet its needs. For example, a Malinois may require far more daily activity than a German Shepherd. At dog shows and competitions, proper identification allows dogs to be judged according to their breed standard. And certain housing communities and renters insurance policies have rules about specific breeds. So an accurate breed assessment is kind of important in many ways.