Do Shepskies Get Cold
Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures.
This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures.
Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas.
Advantages Of Owning Cross/mixed Breed Dogs
The value of mixed/crossbreed dogs is often discussed. Some think purebred dogs are better than cross/mixed breeds, such as the German Shepherd Husky mix, while others think the contrary. The discussion is still on, and you might have to decide whats better for you!
Whatever the case, there are advantages associated with cross/mixed breed dogs. Here are 3 of the most prominent ones.
You Have a Variety for Looks and Temperaments
A primary element for purebred dogs is the requirement to meet the standard physical, temperament, and behavioral expectations. Somehow, theres no room for variety.
While the good looks and behavioral qualities are present in the purebred dogs, cross/mixed dogs give you endless possibilities and you know how much looks and behavior matter for dog owners!
Even though not a guarantee because of the genotype-phenotype dynamic, you can guess what your crossbreed puppy will look like and how it will behave from its parents qualities. That is actually the reason why people crossbreed to reproduce the good qualities.
But this advantage can also be a minus, while you know what to expect when you breed two German Shepherds, you might be surprised with the product of a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. It can be a trial and error game.
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Cross/Mixed Breeds Are Associated With Better Health
Cross/Mixed Breed Dogs Have a Higher Life Expectancy
Learn About The German Shepherd Husky Mix In This Video
Will A German Shepherd Husky Fit With A Family
One of the more significant concerns when it comes to considering a more extensive, mixed breed, is how they interact with children in a family. Luckily, the German Shepherd Husky mix is overall very gentle with children but temperamental and sturdy to stand whatever goofy acts children will play upon them.
However, you will still need to ensure that your pup gets adequate and proper training during his growth as a puppy to reinforce proper socialization skills.
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German Shepherd Husky Mix Lifespan And Health Issues
The Husky German Shepherd mix has a lifespan of 7 to 14 years. Being a mixed breed, it has a better chance of living longer than its German Shepherd parent.
While this may be the case, they can still be prone to certain health problems, some of which are common among German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.
Below are some of the health issues of the German Shepherd Husky mix:
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and having regular check-ups with the vet help to keep your beloved canine in healthy condition.
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Tips For Having A German Shepherd Husky Mix Dog As A Pet
Whether youre in search of a friendly wolf dog or your next adventure buddy. The Gerberian Shepsky is definitely the kind of faithful and friendly pup that will be by your side for years to come!
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Price And Costs Of A German Shepherd Husky Mix
A German Shepherd Husky Mix will typically cost around $350 $900 for the puppy alone.
Medical costs per year will amount to $500-$600.
Miscellaneous costs, including training, food, toys, and professional grooming will add up to an extra $1000 per year, given that these are not concerning medical issues.
Gerberian Shepskies Are Susceptible To A Few Different Illnesses And Health Problems
Gerberian Shepskies are usually pretty healthy dogs , but they are susceptible to a number of common health problems that affect both parent breeds.
Some of the most noteworthy health problems include:
- Digestive problems
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. This is a genetic disease that is commonly associated with the German Shepherd breed. The disease causes the dogs joints to form incorrectly and when this happens, the dog may experience pain and lose some function in their elbows or hips.
Cataracts. This is a health condition that is common with the Husky. It is also something that can be passed down to a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy. Cataracts are defined as imperfections in the lenses of the eyes and can seriously affect your dogs vision and can cause them to become disoriented.
Ear Infections. This is a problem that many German Shepherds face, but it is also a problem that is quite common in dogs to begin with. Some suffer from allergies and other problems with their immune system and these problems can cause a painful ear infection. Seeing a veterinarian to help narrow down the problem with their ears and even possibly switching up their diet can go a long way in helping and preventing chronic ear infections.
Retinal Atrophy. Progressive retinal atrophy and juvenile cataracts can be found in most German Shepherd Husky mixes. Each of these ailments can occur at a different time in your dogs life, however, and each is also diagnosed differently.
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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.
German Shepherd Great Pyrenees And Husky Mix
She is not named yet. Just bought her to save her from the pound but my landlord wont allow me to keep her. She is between 5-9 months old and is very sweet, shy, and gentle. She is great with kids and everything else. She really is a great dog and I dont want to
Location
She is not named yet. Just bought her to save her from the pound but my landlord won’t allow me to keep her. She is between 5-9 months old and is very sweet, shy, and gentle. She is great with kids and everything else. She really is a great dog and I don’t want to save her from the pound just to bring her there myself, so if anyone is interested please contact me I’m not asking for money I just want to ensure She has a good forever home. My personal phone number is 704-550-8981. Please text me because calls will come up as spam. Thanks
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How Big Does A German Shepherd Husky Mix Get
You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be 22-25 in with a weight of 50-80 lbs .
Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from 20-24 in , weighing in at 40-70 lbs .
The breed standard for the German Shepherd mentions the following:
Male Height: 24-26 inches | Weight: 66-88 lbs
Female Height: 22-24 in | Weight: 49-71 lbs
And here are the regular sizes and weights for Huskies:
Male Height: 2123 1/2 in | Weight: 45-60 lbs
Female Height: 2022 in | Weight: 35-50 lbs
The difference between these two dog breeds is not huge.
Common Health Issues Of Gerberian Shepskies
Despite being sturdy and healthy dogs overall, there are still a few health concerns that bear mentioning. And, as always, if you are considering owning a Gerberian Shepsky, learning the medical background of its parents its vital.
Knowing what diseases or disorders the puppy might later develop can be very important in recognizing early symptoms and subsequently getting proper treatment.
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Grooming The German Shepherd Husky Mix
The German Shepherd Husky mix has a thick double coat, which it inherits from both the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd.
This crossbreeds beautiful coat needs regular maintenance especially since he is a heavy shedder.
Brushing two to three times weekly will keep your puppys coat shiny, soft, and free from tangles. Regular brushing also helps keep shedding under control and removes dead hair from the coat.
Summertime is when Husky Shepherds shed the most. Daily brushing should do the trick, although be ready to do your fair share of vacuuming once the grooming is done.
These crossbreeds enjoy the water very much so bathing shouldnt be a problem. Bathe your dog only when it is necessary so he wont be stripped of the natural oils in his coat.
Ear inspection and cleaning should be done once a week. Use a damp cloth to remove heavy wax build-up on your canines ears. His eyes should also be examined. If there is any gunk in the corners of your dogs eyes, consult your vet at once.
Nails should be clipped once a month to avoid serious paw pain with your puppy. Have your poochs nails trimmed by a professional groomer if youre not comfortable doing it yourself.
Brush your dogs teeth once daily. Watch out for signs of plaque build-up. Bones, dry kibble, and chew toys will also help in keeping your pups teeth clean.
Are Shepskies Hard To Train
No, German Shepherd and Husky mixes are actually easy to train. Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they quickly learn commands.
Given the appropriate training, the Shepsky even has the potential to be a good guard dog and herding dog.
They may have occasional stubborn streaks, but with firm and consistent guidance, they are bound to perform well.
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How To Feed Your Gerberian Shepsky
This huge, highly active breed needs a high protein diet. Calorie requirements vary based on weight, age as well as activity level and sexual. For instance, a rapidly growing puppy needs higher calories than an adult Shepsky and must eat a diet specially designed for puppies. So, they’ll receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients needed for development of muscles and skeletal structures!
Contrary to this the active adults of German Shepherd Husky mixes require around 1700-2500 calories. In contrast, senior dogs that are less active just require 1300-1600 calories each day. In order to facilitate digestion and prevent the risk of volvulus and bloat with the two breeds, it is recommended to divide meals into at least two times each day. They are carnivores who are active and ferocious. Shepkys thrive with a diet that contains not less than 22 percent protein.
A high-quality food designed for large breeds is recommended. Make sure you take into account for extra treats in your daily energy requirements!
German Shepherd Husky Mixes Are Not Suitable For:
German shepherd husky mixes are big and have a lot of energy. If you cant provide them with at least one hour of exercise a day, then it is not the dog for you.
Without enough exercise or playtime, they become destructive and bark a lot.
You will also need a lot of space inside and outside to keep them happy.
You should think about another breed if you are lacking the space and time required to keep them healthy and happy.
They are alpha dogs, so if not trained properly, they will be aggressive. They need firm and confident owners.
If youre a first-time dog owner or you dont have a lot of experience training dogs, German shepherd husky mixes might be unsuitable for you.
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Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training.
However, they arenât necessarily recommended for first-time owners, since their size and strength can make them difficult to handle if something does go wrong.
They are relatively large dogs and tend to have a lot of energy, which means they arenât ideal for apartment living or being left alone in small spaces.
Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended.
In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of 30-60 minutes at a time.
Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose.
These dogs enjoy human companionship, so they wonât like to be left at home for long periods of time. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work.
Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment.
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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You Have A Hybrid Temperament To Deal With
While it might be easier to guess the physical looks of a puppy from a sled dog and a sheepdog, you might have to wait for your Gerberian Shepsky to grow so you can tell their temperament. But that can still be anticipated from the temperament of the parents.
So, what temperament recipe am I working with to produce the German Shepherd Husky mix? Heres my combination:
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| Courageous | X |
As with other dogs, these good qualities must be nurtured through training and socialization, which is another key tip for first-time owners.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Breeders
There are adverts for puppies on specialist online breeder forums. German Shepherd Husky mix puppies also often crop up on Craigslist and other selling sites. But beware.
Some of these will be genuine sellers from loving homes. Others will be less concerned about animal welfare and more preoccupied with making money.
Our guide to finding your perfect puppy will help you start your search.
It shows you how to find responsible breeders. And how to avoid dodgy dealers and puppy mills.
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Training And Socialization Are Major
Like all dogs, a German Shepherd Husky mix will need early socialization and training to learn commands and build a friendly approach towards family, strangers, and other pets.
Exposing your Shepsky to different social situations where they can meet people and other dogs is paramount. Dog parks are an optimal option.
Also, initiate your Gerberian Shepsky in socialization and training as soon as you bring them home. Like other species, dogs learn best when they are still young, and it is harder to make them change when they have already formed a pattern of behavior although it can be done with lots of patience and discipline.
Check out this article on how to train a German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy. I list 7 easy ways on how to train your Shepsky.
A German Shepherd Husky mix can be stubborn and mischievous. So, it is advisable to consider professional training for your pet. Owners often melt at their dogs begging eyes and will readily let them get away with disobedience or an extra undeserved treat. Hiring the services of a professional trainer will give your dog the recommended discipline.
You can also consider taking your Gerberian Shepsky to a puppy school. This is not only a good opportunity for obedience training but also for socializing. Whichever option you take, reward-based training will yield better results than a punishment approach.
Are Gerberian Shepskies Easy To Train
The overall consensus from current owners is that Shepskies are generally easy to train, with challenging spells along the way. Its reported that most Shepskies are eager to appease, carry out commands and follow their leader. But training must be firm, fair, and consistent.
If a Shepsky starts to lose sight of who their leader is or starts to push boundaries and get away with it, they will likely become unruly and harder to train. Its crucial that you or your partner establishes themself as the clear leader who consistently trains and corrects bad behavior.
Gerberian Shepskies that have stronger German shepherd traits will likely be the ones easier to train, and those that demonstrate stronger husky traits will be harder to train.
This is because German shepherds LOVE to follow commands, be trained, and appease their owners, whereas huskies are typically rather stubborn and defiant most of the time.
Regardless of how easy or hard it proves to be, Gerberian Shepskies are always highly intelligent. So as the saying goes, if you dont train them, they will train you!
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