Full Grown King Shepherd: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The King Shepherd is an impressive working dog breed that matures very slowly. Here is a guide to what you can expect from a King Shepherd at its full adult size and maturity.

About the Breed

The King Shepherd is a relatively new breed developed by breeding larger German Shepherds with other giant dog breeds like the Great Dane. It was created in the 1990s to be a strong working companion with the smarts and loyalty of the German Shepherd but in a much larger package.

While still rare, the breed is growing in popularity for its massive size, protective instincts, and gentle temperament.

Size at Full Growth

King Shepherds are massive dogs that continue growing well into their third year. At full maturity:

• Length: 30-35 inches from nose to tail
• Height: 27-32 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 120-170 pounds

Females tend to be on the smaller end of these ranges while males reach the upper limits. Their body is long and leanly muscled with large paws, neck, and head proportional to the rest of their huge frame.

Appearance at Full Growth

At maturity, a King Shepherd's coat will be thick and weather resistant. Colors include black, gray, sable, and rarely red or cream. The face has strong jaws and a broad forehead. Ears sit high and erect on the head. The tail is bushy and reaches the hock.

Personality at Full Growth

A fully grown King Shepherd's temperament remains calm, confident, protective, and tolerant of other animals. Training and socialization are very important from a young age to ensure they remain gentle giants. With proper handling, they bond closely to their owners but can be wary of strangers at first.

Price

Expect to pay $1,500-$3,000 for a well-bred King Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder. Plan to budget extra for food, toys, equipment like a crate, training classes, preventive healthcare, and eventual ownership costs as the puppy grows into a very large adult dog.

Food/Feeding

At maturity, a King Shepherd will eat 3-5 cups of a high-quality dry or canned large breed puppy food divided into two meals daily. Provide fresh water at all times. Be prepared for high grocery bills to properly fuel their massive size!

Lifespan

With proper care, King Shepherds have a lifespan comparable to other giant breeds of 10-12 years. Some healthy individuals may live up to 14 years. Proper nutrition, preventive healthcare including dental care, and monitoring for common giant breed orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia will help maximize their senior years.

Health at Full Growth

Common health issues to watch for in fully grown King Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, skin allergies, pancreatic insufficiency, and exercise-induced collapse. Discuss screening tests and preventive care plans with your vet to catch any health issues early.

Care and Nutritional Needs

At full size, a King Shepherd will require:

• Daily walks or vigorous play sessions to burn off energy and prevent obesity
• Regular brushing to keep their thick coat mat and knot-free
• Protection from hot temperatures as they are prone to overheating
• A large, fenced backyard for play and bathroom breaks
• Investment in sturdy chew toys to satisfy their natural desire to chew
• Monitoring of food portions and weight to avoid joint stress

Costing

Expect to pay $150-$300 per month or more for food, preventive healthcare, toys, training equipment, and unexpected vet bills for a fully grown King Shepherd. Their giant size means larger portions, premium food, medications in higher doses, and facilities able to accommodate them during healthcare visits.

Possible Behavioral Changes

At full maturity, a King Shepherd may become slightly more headstrong, protective, and territorial if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. Ongoing training and daily mental and physical activities are important to keep them confident, gentle and obedient.

Notable Characteristics

Some distinguishing traits of fully grown King Shepherds include their massive size, broad skull, and erect ears. Their long fur tends to grow even thicker and form a mane-like ruff around their neck. Their deep bark is extremely loud to match their stature.

When is a King Shepherd Really Fully Grown?

Most experts agree King Shepherds do not reach their full skeletal maturity until 3-4 years of age, though their growth plates usually fuse by age 2. Behaviorally and cognitively, the breed continues maturing until around age 3-5 when their training really sticks. So a King Shepherd puppy purchaser must be committed to 4+ years of proper care, training and socialization to raise a stable, well-adjusted adult dog.

Suitability as a Pet

While their massive size, protective instincts and high grooming needs make King Shepherds less suitable for first-time owners or small living spaces, they can thrive as family companions when their exercise, training and socialization requirements are met. Their intelligence, gentle temperament and loyalty make them rewarding pets for owners able to accommodate their special needs.

In Summary

The King Shepherd is a giant yet gentle breed requiring dedication to their unique needs at full maturity. With proper handling from a young age, they develop into calm, confident companions. Just be prepared for their rapid growth into intimidating adults if not socialized consistently. Their beauty, brawn and soft hearts make caring for a fully grown King Shepherd very worthwhile for the right owner.