German Shepherd Husky mix is one of the most sought-after breeds as it comes with several excellent characteristics of both parents.
It is robust and intelligent, with Huskie-like independence and German Shepherd-like ferocity.
It’s also a loving breed ideal for families with kids, and its German Shepherd traits make it a terrific security dog.
That’s why it is a worldwide favorite. Do you want to adopt this mixed breed dog to your household but aren’t sure?
This article has put up a complete guide covering everything you want to learn about this species. Let’s scroll down!
German Shepherd Husky Mix Overview
Before diving into details about this breed, it’s better to take a glance at these dogs first.
This mix is the perfect combination of two brilliant pure breeds with regal appearances.
Each birth typically yields 6 to 8 adorable fluffy canines, each distinct appearance.
Some Husky offspring will have heterochromia eyes, whereas others might inherit the German Shepherd parent’s long snout.
What’s more, they will all feature those appealingly alert ears that both mixes share!
You can also check the table below for an overview of these hybrid dogs:
| Type | Crossbreed |
|---|---|
| Another name | Shepsky |
| Purpose | Guard dogs and family dogs |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Appearance | Long head, alert almond-shaped eyes, a strong muzzle, pointy ears. |
| Weight | 35 - 88 (pounds) |
| Height | 20 - 26 (inches) |
| Coat | Double (long/ short and straight) |
| Coat color | Brown and black (some may be white and black) |
| Personalities | Loyal, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, dignified, active, and strong |
| Life span | 10 - 13 (years) |
| Health | concerns Elbow dysplasia, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, PRA, FDV, CDR, vWD, panosteitis, anal furunculosis, impaired thyroid function, cancer, bloating, epilepsy |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Grooming | Minimal |
| Exercise required | High |
| Diet | Protein-rich foods |
| Price | 400 - 1,500 (USD) |
| Suitable for | Families with large space, active lifestyle, and who like to go for a walk or exercise daily |
What Is The Origin Of The German Shepherd Husky Mix?
The German Shepherd Husky cross is a hybrid dog breed that is still in its inception. There’s not a lot of information regarding where it came from or when it commenced.
According to several dog experts, the prototype of this breed was deliberately produced during the late 1980s.
Because both their parents (Siberian Husky and German Shepherd) are great working dogs, a was initially coupled to generate top-notch working puppies.
They were soon trained to aid in lookup missions and assumed police and military positions due to their tremendous strength and fast wits.
It’s best to comprehend purebred parents – Huskies and German Shepherds to grasp the origin of this energetic and loyal mixed hybrid.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are herding dogs. They were common in Germany in the late 1800s for herding and protecting sheep.
Horand von Grafrath was the firstborn German Shepherd, and most German Shepherds currently are descended from it.
They were the perfect dream companions of the German military captain, Max von Stephanitz. Horand von Grafrath was also the initial canine that he kept an eye on.
In 1908, the American Kennel Club first recognized these dogs. They are the second most popular dog breed in the United States, just behind Labradors
Siberian Husky
North-East Siberian Chukchi initially bred the Siberian Husky as pets and sled dogs.
Their coat and body were perfect for withstanding the extreme cold found in the icy countries.
In the early 1900s, these dogs made news as a team of Siberian Huskies commanded by Leonhard Seppala conquered a 659-mile sledding race in under six days.
After a life-saving mission to Nome, Alaska, in 1925, Balto, Seppala’s leader husky, is today regarded as among the most renowned hero dogs.
It has contributed to the reputation of Huskies, making them the world’s 12th most famous dog.
Despite their brief history, these dogs have quickly gained popularity and become more widespread.
What Does A German Shepherd Husky Mix Look Like?
Because both the parents are medium-sized canines with a wolf-like look, their pups should have comparable characteristics.
Here is what you can expect in a Shepsky:
General Appearance
Shepsky dogs have sharp ears and longer noses that their parents pass them on, giving them a wolf-like look.
Size
How big is a Shepsky on average? It depends on its parents.
In particular, German Shepherds are dogs ranging from medium to large.
Males stand between 24 – 26 inches tall at the widest point, while females stand between 22 – 24 inches tall.
Both, however, have unusually long necks, making them appear more prominent than other canines of the same height.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are slightly smaller, with an average height of 19 – 24 inches and weight of 35 – 60 pounds. Females are smaller, while males are larger.
Therefore, Shepskies are smaller than German Shepherds, with males being 22 – 25 inches tall and females standing 20 – 26 inches tall.
In terms of weights, males usually weigh approximately 50 – 88 pounds, whereas females weigh around 35 – 70 pounds.
Coat
Both the parents’ coats are suitable for cold weather. Therefore, it’s pretty easy to predict the fur of their offspring.
Shepskies feature a double coat consisting of a thick, velvety undercoat and a more robust guard hair layer on top.
Their coat can be any color, such as black, brown, golden, gray, white, cream, even red or blue hues.
They have nearly never a single color but are often a combination of two or more hues.
Their coats come in diverse colors.
Eye Color
They can have gorgeous blue alert almond-shaped or dual-colored eyes, common in huskies.
Lifespan
Shepsky’s lifespan is typically from 10 to 13 years but can live up to 18 years in some cases.
They can differ based on various elements, including genetics, food, physical wellbeing, physical exercise and training, and lifestyle.
What Are The Temperaments And Personalities Of This Dog Breed?
Many people describe this breed as a fearsome dog with an aggressive and muscular appearance.
These dogs, on the other hand, are gentle and friendly, with a variety of different personality characteristics that make them excellent pets and working partners, as shown below:
Loyal
Many owners look for loyalty in their pets, and these pups will never let them down. It will be their priority to protect you ahead of themselves.
Intelligent
In comparison to other breeds, this one has a better level of cognition and ability.
It is simpler to teach your pets if they have a higher intellect level because they can learn something new rapidly, even when the task is complex.
Friendly
This breed gets along well with humans and might be friendly with other pets if properly trained.
Affectionate
These canines are incredibly affectionate and sweet. They will never turn down a belly rub or a decent pet.
Active
They require constant exercise and activity because they are active. Daily, they need to go for a walk.
Protective
These canines are incredibly alert and make good guard dogs.
Their parents pass on this trait to them. They can, however, be overly vocal.
How To Raise And Take Care Of This Dog?
If you decide to adopt a Shepsky, you should keep in mind these things:
Nutrition
This high-energy breed needs high-protein nutrition. Caloric intakes vary depending on weight, age, sex, and exercise level.
A fast-growing dog, for instance, needs more energy than a grownup Shepsky and, therefore, must be fed a puppy-specific diet.
They’ll obtain all of the vitamins and nutrients they need for bone and muscular growth this way!
Furthermore, energetic adults need between 1700 to 2400 calories daily, but less active and older canines need approximately 1300 to 1600 calories each day.
Shepskies benefit from a diet with at least 22 percent protein, as they are active carnivores. It’s best to feed them a high-quality diet formulated only for large dogs.
Training
These dogs are genuinely brilliant and enjoy learning. They are also relatively trainable.
They are generally responsive to verbal commands, making the training procedure much more efficient and straightforward.
However, if you don’t give these dogs proper training, they may develop bad habits that cause their owners to grind their teeth and rip the hair out.
It is preferable to begin obedience dog training at a young age to avoid unwanted behaviors.
If you are looking for some exercise to train your pet, you can refer to this video:
Exercise
As shared above, these dogs are active and playful, so they love to exercise. It’s a great idea to bring them along when you go for a walk or daily jog.
Change the path frequently to keep your Shepsky from becoming bored. Also, ensure that they get at least 2 hours of medium to strenuous physical activities per day.
They enjoy an atmosphere that allows them to run around, play, and explore. Large, open areas will suit them best.
Shedding
The Gerberian Shepsky sheds moderately, which means they still shed. So, before you take one home, ensure nobody in your household suffers from allergies.
Glooming
Due to their dense coat, the Shepsky will require 2 to 3 times grooming per week.
The purpose is to keep their coat in good shape and eliminate any unwanted fur shed from time to time, particularly when the seasons change.
What’s more, you should never shave a German Shepherd Husky Mix since it might cause various skin problems.
What Health Problems Are Associated With This Breed?
Although these dogs are generally more robust than their parents, there are some health issues to keep in mind if you’re thinking about adopting one.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are diseases that cause dogs’ joints to become weak and unstable.
However, you can prevent these illnesses with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management.
Obesity is the most prevalent cause of this ailment. So, it’s vital to maintain your pet’s weight under control, ensuring it’s neither too fat nor too thin.
They may get hip and elbow dysplasia.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurodegenerative illness that causes uncontrollable and repeated seizures and the loss of consciousness in certain circumstances.
Eye-related Issues
- Corneal dystrophy: Acute eye illness causes a buildup of aberrant materials in the pet’s cornea, which might eventually lead to vision impairment.
- Canine glaucoma: Glaucoma in dogs is a collection of disorders that damage its optic nerve and cause eye pressure.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: This inherited ailment can manifest in the pet’s later life. Dilated pupils, difficulty to see in intense light, and night blindness indicate this disease.
- Juvenile cataracts: This disease can develop as soon as five months. In severe circumstances, the illness can lead to total blindness by the dog’s first birthday.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in dogs with large ears, and this breed is no exception. Don’t worry! Cleaning and checking their ears can prevent this infection.
Bloating
The parent-German Shepherds are prone to bloating. Their stomach swells and twists as a result of this illness.
That’s why your little Shepsky puppies may inherit this disease from their ancestors.
Cancer
Like various dog species, the parents (German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies) are likely to get cancer. Cancer might evolve into different sorts of particular malignancies based on the dog’s health.
How Much Does A German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost?
These mixed-breed puppies are typically less expensive than purebred breeds. Nevertheless, this breed’s puppies are not too cheap.
Prices will usually range between $500 and $1,000. Also, medical expenses will be between $500 and $600 each year.
Miscellaneous costs such as food, training, professional grooming, and toys will cost more than US$1000 annually except for medical issues.
The average price for this dog
Wrapping Up
That’s all about the German Shepherd Husky mix you need to know before deciding to adopt one little puppy or not.
All in all, these dogs are brilliant, active, loyal, trainable, and sweet.
Although they feature a wolf-like look, they are not violent and are often friendly with kids.
Besides, Shepskies are ideal for those with spacious areas for their pets to go around, and those always have somebody at home to take care of them.
This mixed breed can be an ideal investment if you’re searching for an energetic and playful dog that will fit in well with a boisterous and active household.
Thanks for reading, and see you in the other post about GSD Mix:
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