Their Individual Personality And Upbringing
How your dog will age depends on how you take care of them. This includes their basic training, your approach to discipline, and the environment you cultivate for them.;
It is common to hear prejudice towards a certain breed of dog from people who solely treat dogs by their; breed. Not all Great Danes are gentle giants is just as valid as not all German Shepherds are aggressive.;
A German Shepherd that socializes at a young age will grow up to become a secure dog.;
German Shepherds learn fast and are highly-intellectual. The reason why their potential to learn physical affection shouldnt go to waste.;
So much of it is up to you.;
What Do We Constitute Getting Along
For the purpose of this article, I think its a good idea to clarify exactly what we mean when were talking about two different dogs getting along. Im not saying that they need to cuddle up to each other whenever they are inside and Im not saying at night theyre going to be found at the end of your bed snuggled up. It might actually be easier to communicate what we dont want to see, there are only three main points that we need to consider at this point:
- Aggression its an obvious one but if theres any kind of aggressive tendencies between the two that continues over time, then it will most likely not work out. What you cant have is a risk of any nasty behavior cropping up when you have visitors or children in your home.
- Possessive Personality this trait can actually be linked to aggression and is usually seen when you approach them whilst they are eating when they will growl and warn you not to come any further. Or, you may see it when you get close to their toys or indeed any of their possessions . If you didnt see this behavior before you had both the dogs but do after, it can be cause for concern.
- Sadness some dogs like to be the center of attention and if you bring a new one into the home then it may cause problems with the mental state of the existing one. They may experience jealousy, or maybe a canine version of it that is similar to what we can experience.
What Can I Expect From A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day.
He will probably grow to a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 45 to 80 pounds.
Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest.
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History: Emergence Of The Gerberian Shepsky
To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds.
As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in 1899 for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. They are Americas second favorite breed, right behind Labradors. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over 3000 years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in 1908 where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities.
No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. Its likely that the first group of puppies was actually an accident! But, with the surging popularity of designer breeds, this friendly and loyal German Shepherd/Husky mix is finding its way into homes across the world.
Activity Levels And Strength
German Shepherds and Huskies are both strong and have high energy levels. German Shepherds prefer activities that stimulate them mentally as well as physically, such as agility training. Huskies just like to run.
Regardless of their preferred activity, having a German Shepherd with a Husky means that they can exercise each other, which takes some of the pressure off of you.
Now its time to pause for a moment of cuteness that illustrates this point perfectly just take a look at the video below to see just how hilarious it can be when a German Shepherd and Husky decide to entertain each other!
Their similarity in size and strength means that they can get as rough and rowdy with each other as they like, and neither is likely to sustain an injury.
However, its best to stop rough play if your dogs are getting too excited because it may lead to a fight.
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German Shepherd Husky Looks & Aesthetics
As mentioned, a German Shepherd Husky can have any combination of the physical characteristics of their parents. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. Its not unusual for this mixed breed dog to have two different colored eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic.
German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well.
German Shepherd Mixed With Husky Health Issues & Concerns
Generally, hybrids are healthier compared to purebred dogs. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues.
Lets check out some of the health problems of a Husky German Shepherd Mix. These include:
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Siberian Husky Shepherd Mixes Need A Lot Of Exercise
Gerberian Shepskies have very high energy levels, and they need the chance to get plenty of exercise every day.
Fortunately, you can usually just let them tag along while you are exercising yourself. Whether you like to hike, swim, bike or jog, your ShepherdHusky mix will be ready get out and run around with you.
But no matter what activity you choose, just be sure that you engage in the activity regularly. Deprived of sufficient exercise, Gerberian Shepskies will become unhealthy, bored and destructive.
Consider two long walks per day to be the bare minimum amount of exercise they need, but theyll appreciate more a chance to get more vigorous exercise anytime the opportunity arises.
Are Shepskies Good Dogs Our Honest Opinion
As both a lover of Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds, I personally think Gerberian Shepskies are wonderful dogs.
The Shepsky, when raised correctly, is a loving, friendly, gentle, loyal, and devoted dog. With this breed, its all about how much is put in, to determine what you get out.
This breed is certainly to be considered a high maintenance breed, and the owner must prioritize training, exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and general daily needs.
If a Shepsky lacks in any fundamental area, the potential for disobedience, unruliness, and unpredictable behavior increases.
Although I believe anyone can raise any breed, with enough time, dedication and consistency, it is true that the Shepsky will be better suited to someone with previous dog ownership experience. Gerberian Shepskies will push even the most experienced owners, and its important to know how to react in tough situations.
What do you think about the Shepsky? Please let us know!
Thank you for reading!For now, check out more Husky Mixes >>>
Additional resources used:
Check out more breed information on huskies here: Siberian Husky Breed Info here.
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Husky Shepherd Mixes Live Relatively Long Lives
Generally speaking, the larger a breed is, the shorter its average lifespan. Chihuahuas often live to be 15 years of age or more, but Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds often live only 7 or 8 years.
Shepherds and Huskies have average lifespans of about 9 to 12 and 10 to 15, respectively, and the offspring of the two will likely enjoy lifespans near the high end of this range.
Just be sure to take very good care of your new Gerberian Shepsky including both his physical and emotional well-being and hell likely be alive and kicking for a long time.
Husky Vs German Shepherd Appearance
Huskies come in a variety of colours from black to white and can have coloured markings on their body in red to copper shades.
A German shepherds colouring and coat can vary greatly. The generally have a medium-length double coat but some dogs have a longer double coat. Their coat comes in a variety of colours like black and tan, sable, grey or black and white.
German Shepherds are noble looking dogs with a long, dark muzzle, intelligent eyes and large ears that are pointed and stand up on their head. When they are puppies, GermansShepherds can have floppy ears which makes them seem less serious and more playful.
Huskies also have erect ears and bushy fur to protect them from the cold. Theyre famous for their intense eyes, which can be brown, blue, parti-coloured or even a combination of those colours. A huskys ears are medium-sized and triangular in shape and sit high on their head like a German shepherd. A huskys nose can be black or pink which is called a snow nose.
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Are They Aggressive Guard Dogs
Every dog can be aggressive. What leads to aggression is a whole other story. Aggression can be caused by various reasons, including boredom, health issues, social anxiety, lack of exercise, and genetics.
Since the Shepsky is coming from two relatively friendly dog breeds, we can only add that they dont have the genetic predisposition of being aggressive. Just keep them satisfied and do the training and they will be exemplary watch dogs.
Summary: Facts & Figures
We hope youve enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the increasingly popular German Shepherd Husky Mix. We’ve included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Hes incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal and protective. Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! Hes adventurous and the perfect partner in exercise. So what do you think?
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Its Healthy For Both Of You
Cuddling can be good not only for them but for you as well.;
It benefits you mentally aside from strengthening your bond with your German Shepherd. This is; because the gesture helps the brain release serotonin, a.k.a the feel-good hormone.;
It also helps the body to release the hormone oxytocin. That is if we hug for more than 20 seconds, studies claim. This hormone relaxes the body and diminishes anxiety.;;
German Shepherd Vs Siberian Husky: Breed Histories
The German Shepherd is in the working class breed of dogs, and was originally bred to help ranchers with herding. The breed has now evolved into a trustworthy option for police forces and military units.
They are also ideal as service animals, and can even contribute in search and rescue missions. In addition to loving their roles as busy working dogs, they are extremely loyal and protective of their owners.
All of this progress did not happen overnight; it took over three decades to perfect this versatile breed.
The Siberian Husky was bred to withstand the cold temperatures of Siberia, while pulling heavily loaded sleds across rough terrains. Like German Shepherds, they have a strong work ethic, and are the main reason their owners were able to survive in these frigid environments.
The Siberian Huskys durability and endurance famously rescued an Alaskan town in 1925.
The small Alaskan town of Nome was suffering from an outbreak of diphtheria during the dead of winter, and a team of huskies ran just over 650 miles in less than a week to bring the needed medicine.
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German Shepherd Vs Husky Speed
Considering their heritage as herding dogs, its no surprise that German Shepherds can run pretty fast, reaching top speeds of about 30 miles per hour. As carting and sledding dogs, youd think that Siberian Huskies would run much faster, but they actually run a little more slowly at 28 miles per hour.
Where Huskies excel over GSDs is their unbelievable endurance.;In fact, a Husky sledding team running at an average speed of 10 miles per hour can cover up to 150 miles in a single day.
German Shepherd Husky Mix: A Brief History
German Shepherds are herding dogs that originated in Germany in the year 1899. The Siberian Husky is a sledding dog that was first bred over 3000 years ago. The exact history of this exciting mix is still unclear, and we arent quite sure why the breed was developed or where.
Both of these working dog breeds are commonly known as both an intelligent dog as well as working dogs. The German Shepherd Husky mix has an expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years old and they can become quite large in size.
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German Shepherd Vs Husky Health
Because of their larger frames, both the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky are at higher risk of bone and joint conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia.
To maintain a good quality breed stock, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America requires elbow and hip evaluations by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals . The Siberian Husky Dog Club of America requires the same OFA evaluation or an equivalent OVC or PennHIP evaluation.
Other than bone and joint issues, Huskies are generally more prone to poor eye health. To combat the prevalence of corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy in the breed, the SCHA requires annual eye examinations for all adults to be used as breeding stock.
The results of these examinations must be registered with the Companion Animal Eye Registry through OFA and the Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registry .
Although eye health is not a common concern for GSDs, these dogs are more prone to digestive issues. Mild to severe bloating is common to this breed, as well as several other gastric problems. Their sensitive stomachs can lead to frequent runny stools, gas, and vomiting.
You Can Train Both The Dogs To Be Good Companions
Your Husky and your German Shepherd can be trained to become excellent companions through training. You must consider the set personality traits of both the dogs and train them accordingly. Dogs can be exceptional and free of their typical personality traits. Your German Shepherd can be more outgoing than your Husky.;
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Do German Shepherd Husky Mixes Make Good Family Pets
Because of their high training and exercise requirements, German Shepherd Husky mix dogs are one of the finest choices as family dogs.
But, could at least one of the family members have previous experience with such dogs?
Without experience in handling energetic dogs, youll end up overwhelmed and feeling like you cant make it. Dont worry, the Shepsky is a pusher and hell keep on going till he breaks you.
You just need to push back and bite him on the ear you know, to show them whos the pack leader.
Do German Shepherds Like To Be Held
Adult German Shepherds do not like being held. Thats because theyre big and heavy, and its not a practise for humans to carry them. So, it might come off as strange. A German Shepherd puppy might like being held if you properly lift them off the ground and position them comfortably in your arms.;
There could be cases when you will need to hold or carry your German Shepherd to help or protect them.;
These cases may span from carrying them back to the car from a tiring walk, to picking them up from the hot pavement, or after an operation at the vets.;
In these cases and situations alike, youll be doing your German Shepherd a favor if you hold them.
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Fun Facts About German Shepherd Husky Mix
Compared to the Labradoodle and the Cockapoo, crossbred puppies of Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds still have a low profile.
But what do you even call the progeny of a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky?
Herman Shusky? Germusky?
The current trend for making hybrids and giving them quirky names is a recent one.
And German Shepherd and Husky mix dogs existed long before a name was coined.
But they have now been around long enough for a consensus to be reached. The verdict is:
Gerberian Shepsky.
Its not exactly catchy, but it seems to be the one that has stuck!
Are German Shepherd Husky Mix Dogs Healthier
A German Shepherd and Husky mix is an opportunity to give their offspring a healthier combination of genes.
And perhaps protect them from some of the problems associated with German Shepherds.
But it isnt a guarantee.
In the meantime, make sure that your German Shepherd Husky mix puppys parents were fully health checked before mating.
In particular, ask to see hip scores for both parents and to see evidence of eye tests. These are common problem areas for both breeds.
You can also help your pup have the best start in life by giving them the best diet.
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What Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Much compared to the Cockapoo or the Labradoodle, the German Husky is a crossbreed;between a German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky. Crossbreeds have been existing for as long as we know it – but they often go unnoticed.
It isnt until recently that crossbreeds have begun to attract more attention than they once used to. In fact, the German Shepherd and Husky mix had existed long before they were even named the Gerberian Shepsky!
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a bold, intelligent, and powerful working dog presented with a wolf-life appearance and recognized by the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club.