German Shepherd Husky Mix: 9 Tips For A First Time Owner
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If you are contemplating owning a German Shepherd Husky mix for your first dog, youve probably encountered someone who said it was a bad idea. Whereas theres plenty of validated information about purebreddogs, thats not the case with most mixed breed dogs like the German Shepherd Husky mix.
But does owning a mixed breed dog necessarily mean a bad first-pet experience?
The high-energy and intelligent German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great pet for first-time dog owners. You will value their good looks and hybrid temperament, but youll also have to meet their need for a high-quality diet and provide plenty of exercise. Here are 9 tips for a first-time German Shepherd Husky mix owner:
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Be Ready For Extra Grooming
You will often hear people say that the German Shepherd Husky mix is not for first-time owners. Some of the reasons include their need for plenty of exercise and their grooming requirements. Both will give you an extra daily chore!
German Shepherds are good first good dogs which also means the GSD Husky mix can also be a good choice for first-time owners. My GSD is my first dog and I like to think Ive done alright. She tends to agree with me too. Here she is all nicely groomed!
The thick double-coat of the Gerberian Shepsky sheds a lot. That means youll need to brush his fur twice or thrice a week to control shedding and avoid extreme distribution of dog hair in your home or on your clothes. You will also have to brush your pets coat daily in the heavy shedding months before the cold and warm seasons. This is when they blow their coat.
A good de-shedding tool like the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool from Amazon is recommended, and it is what I use. It is meant for large breeds and will get rid of your dogs loose hair and undercoat as it reaches through the topcoat with ease.
It also has an ergonomic handle that gives you a firm grip for your comfort and your pets safety and releases your dogs loose hair with ease once you press the fur-ejector. I have tried many grooming tools, but this is the best one by far. Heres my article on how to reduce shedding that you may find helpful.
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.
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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.
German Shepherd Husky Guide
Dog hybrids come in all kinds of combinations and a German Shepherd Husky Mix happens to be one of the most popular hybrids. A German Shepherd Husky Mix is a designer dog with German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents. It is called a designer breed or hybrid because it is a result of the intentional mixing of purebreds.
What is the name for these puppies? Husky Shepherd, Siberian Shepherd, or German Husky? Is it Germusky? Herman Shusky? Well, these dogs are most commonly called Gerberian Shepsky. Yes, Gerberian Shepsky! It sounds funny, but it best describes these dogs.
Im a veterinarian technician and in my career Ive treated dozens of German Shepherd Husky mixes and talked extensively with their owners on what its like owning this fine specimen.
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Gsd Husky Mix Are Highly Energetic
It is a highly energetic and working dog. That is why they are used as military dogs. They love to do jobs, and it is no exception. You, as an owner, must take them to the parks where they can run at full speed. If you dont give your GSD proper and adequate exercise, theyll start taking their built-up energy on your favourite belongings.
Do Gerberian Shepskies Shed A Lot
Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring.
If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring.
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History Of The Shepsky
As we briefly noted earlier, âShepskyâ is a name for a dog that is a mix of the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky breeds.
While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in 1899.
The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep.
Since then, because of the dogâs consistent strength, intelligence, trainability, and obedience, it has become a popular working dog for professions such as police, military, and search and rescue.
The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans.
However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression.
German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective..
The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run.
These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around 1900 as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush.
Where Can I Buy A Gerberian Shepsky
If you have considered all of the pros and cons to buying this particular breed, and have decided that this definitely is the right breed for you, another good question is where to buy a German Shepherd Husky Mix dog?
When buying this dog, youll want to look for trusted breeders that specialize in this type of crossbreed. Be sure that you check the legitimacy of the breeder, the litter, and the living conditions of the puppies, as well as the health conditions.
You should always visit a litter to see them first hand, learn about the parents, and should be able to see the parents personally, too, to determine the legitimacy of the litter.
Adopting is an entirely admirable approach because nothing beats the feeling of giving hope to an adult dog just dreaming of coming to a new home and family.
The only downside is that the dog may not be an absolute cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky, and the health conditions throughout its heritagebut one things for sure, he will definitely love you as equally as other dogs would!
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Husky And German Shepherd Mix Personalities
You wont be disappointed if you bring home a new Husky and German Shepherd Mix puppy. These dogs are:
- Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers.
- Intelligent. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities.
- Loyal. They will always put you first before themselves.
- Affectionate. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long.
- Friendly. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting.
- Dignified. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified.
- Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day.
Pros And Cons Of Adoption
As a general rule, older dogs are harder to train and socialize than puppies. Older dogs or rescue dogs may have had an owner who trained them in one particular way, and you will need to retrain them to create your desired pet companion.
Even though Im are not against adoption, as a first-time owner of a German Shepherd Husky mix, you may be better off getting a puppy and training him at a young age. Remember that Gerberian Shepskies can be stubborn when it comes to training!
If, however, you are prepared to put in a bit of work, its never too late to train a German Shepherd Huskymix due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please.
Check out my article, Is It Ever Too Late to Train a German Shepherd? for some great info and ideas which you can relate to your Shepsky.
Key advantages of adopting, even though you are a first-time owner, are that you pay less and give a home to a dog who would otherwise be without one. In fact, mixed breed dogs are often left out when dogs in shelters are adopted. They are also at a greater risk of being abandoned if they dont turn out to meet the owners expectations.
Despite this, the disadvantages listed below might serve to convince you that dog owners with experience have the upper hand when it comes to adopting a German Shepherd Husky mix:
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Carefully Assess Your Breeder
Ive already mentioned the need to ask for the pedigree papers of your German Shepherd Husky mix puppys parents. You can also confirm the breeders registration with recognized agents like the earlier mentioned Dog Registry of America Inc.
Assessing your breeder on a few other elements is also advised. Here are a few that you should look out for to determine the authenticity of your pets breeder:
- The breeder has tested the crossbred dogs for common ailments associated with the breed and carried out the recommended tests Elbow evaluation for the German Shepherd, Ophthalmologist evaluation for the Siberian Husky, and Hip evaluation for both.
- The breeder can tell you about some success stories with other Gerberian Shepsky owners that have bought puppies from them.
- They will not sell you the puppy before it is eight weeks old.
- They will want to know about your lifestyle and family to ensure that the Gerberian Shepsky is a good fit for you.
- They will not sell you the dog without a contract, and they will have a clause indicating that you can return the dog if you are unable to keep it for any reason.
- They will confirm with you that they can inquire about the well-being of the Gerberian Shepsky even after they have sold it to you.
How Much Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix 2022
How much is a german shepherd husky mix? The German Shepherd and Siberian husky is a Shepsky or Husky and is a mixed-breed canine that may combine? But how much is the German Shepherd husky mix? Their parents pets were mid-sized, energetic, and dependable, with a lot of their friendly characteristics inherited.
Furthermore, the Gerberian Shepsky is every other call for this breed. Despite their horrible reputation as a clothier breed, those mixed-breed puppies determine in shelters and breed-precise rescues, so recollect to adopt!
In addition to that, these lovely dogs are dependable and friendly. The paintings recognize to tackle safety duty, missions, and navy operations inside the beyond because of their remarkable intelligence and alert demeanour.
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| 500-1000 Dollars |
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German Shepherd Husky Mix: Gerberian Shepsky Breed Info
Are you looking to adopt a German Shepherd Husky mix? These parent breeds are very popular on their own, so a crossbreed should be quite incredible, right? We break down the Gerberian Shepsky, and look at breed health, puppy costs, temperament, and more!
Both the Siberian husky and the German shepherd are very popular dogs in their own right. So, its of little wonder that a mixture of both breeds is now becoming a favorite choice with dog owners. Designer dogs are becoming increasingly popular as people look to have a unique dog, but also look to minimize exposure to common health issues in purebreds. The German Shepherd Husky mix, also known as the Gerberian Shepsky is another one of these breeds that have been created to achieve this.
In this guide, we take a closer look at this mix in a lot more detail. This will help you to make an informed decision on whether one of these large, boisterous pups would be the ideal choice of canine companion for your family. You can expect lots of energy and playtime with this mix. Youll also be able to count on having a loyal family companion that can be stubborn and challenging to train at times.
Amazing German Shepherd Siberian Husky Mix Dog For Adoption In Cochrane Ab Meet Poppy
Have you been looking for a Husky mix dog for adoption in Cochrane, AB and area? Pet Rehoming Network is pleased to present Poppy, a very special pet in need of a loving, forever home. Poppy is a Female German Shepherd Husky mix dog for adoption to a very loving home in or near Cochrane, AB. This very special dog is 2 years old and weighs 35 pounds.
Poppy is healthy and has been fixed, is up to date on shots and micro-chipped. This Husky dog has a loving personality and is good with children, dogs and cats. Poppy will be rehomed with supplies and vet records. Adopt this deserving Husky dog in Cochrane, AB today.
You can learn more about Poppys health and other traits in the All About Poppy section below.
Poppys owners are very sad to have to rehome their cherished dog, but circumstances beyond their control have made rehoming a must-do:
I dont feel I am giving her the best life. She is an active and playful dog and my current situation doesnt allow me the time I feel she deserves and the yard and space I think she needs.
Poppys owners are hoping to find the right home for their cherished dog:
A family that is semi active in a way that could involve the dog at times. A family with a yard, kids who would play with her. If someone had time to spend with her I think she could be trained to do pretty much anything. She is incredibly smart.
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