Is A German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Right For You
The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles.
However, the dog isnt ideal for all families because it needs more training and socialization than other breeds.
The Parent Breeds German Shepherd And The American Pitbull Terrier
It is a must for new dog owners to do the necessary research about their new pet. If you are welcoming a German Sheppit into your home, you must learn all its parent breeds unique qualities. It will help lessen confusion and misunderstanding about them. You will also have a better insight into what you should expect about your mixed dog breed.
It is a must for new dog owners to do the necessary research about their new pet. If you are welcoming a German Sheppit into your home, you must learn all its parent breeds unique qualities. It will help lessen confusion and misunderstanding about them. You will also have a better insight into what you should expect about your mixed dog breed.
German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Care Lifespan Size Temperament
The German shepherd pitbull mix is a cross between a German shepherd and an American pitbull terrier. German shepherd pitbull mixes are also commonly referred to as shepherd pits, German pits, and German sheppits.
German shepherd pitbull mixes are large dogs that reach 26 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 90 pounds.
These dogs get along well with kids and are known for their protective, loyal, and affectionate nature. While eager to please, this mixed breed isnt ideal for first-time owners because of its prey drive and potential intolerance of other dogs.
German shepherd pitbulls typically cost $500 to $1,000.
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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Breed Info Characteristics And Pictures
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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a cross of German Shepherd and American Pitbull, also known as Shepherd Pit or German Sheppit. Its a medium to large size dog, at about 17 to 26 inches tall, weighing between 65 to 85 pounds. The lifespan of this crossbreed is around 10 to 12 years.
I always emphasize the importance of checking that a breed is the right match for you and your family, so read on to see if the Pitbull German Shepherd mix is the dog for you.
Contents & Quick Navigation
Do German Shepherd Pitbulls Make Good Family Pets
Yes, this breed is protective and loyal. They may run around a pool incessantly, trying to save you from drowning or feel the need to growl at new people upon arrival. These are positive traits that need to be honed and the pup needs to be trained.
With early training and a proper positive reward system , youll find that your German Pit can be exceptionally obedient with a whopping tail offering accidental backhands.
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German Shepherd Pitbull Appearance
The German Pit will resemble a Pitbull more than a German Shepherd. The face of this breed is typically big, with a short nose and folded-over ears.
They could also have a longer nose, similar to a German Shepherd, depending on which parent is the most dominant.
The German Shepherd Pitbull hybrid has a large head and a short muzzle, similar to the Pitbull parent, while some may have a longer muzzle like the German Shepherd. Because of its shorter coat, it prefers warmer regions.
Shedding happens all year, although only in little amounts. The German Sheppit has a strong and slender build in general.
The German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
With many mixes, the dogs personality youll get comes down to the luck of the draw. While some traits are easy to guess, the prevalence of a few others is based on whether or not theyve been appropriately trained and acclimatized to their environment.
The playfulness of a German Shepherd combined with the loving nature of a Pitbull and the sheer beauty of their gait, body, and head, make German Shepherd Pitbulls a rewarding companion.
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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppies Before You Buy
Before you buy a puppy of this mixed breed, make sure you have enough time to get her familiar with lots of new people and situations. Its essential to the future of her good behavior. You also will need lots of space for a German Shepherd Pitbull. They are not suitable for apartments or lots of indoor time.
Consider adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix from a humane society before you buy a puppy. Many Pitbull breeds end up in these shelters because of the city or statewide bans on the dog breed. On top of that, designer dog breeds end up in shelters due to puppy mill rescues.
How Do You Begin Puppy Training
It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success.
So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer Here are some tips to begin:
1)Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. and be consistent each time you use them.
2) Crate Get a crate and get puppy used to going into it. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Lock the cage in the early days so it knows it has to sleep there, plus its useful experience if transporting your pet.
3) Potty training May be hit and miss for a new puppy who gets easily excited and lacks control, however products are available, such as mats and odour sprays to attract puppy go to the same spot each time.
4) Walking on a leash -Voice commands and road awareness is very important for your puppys safety.
Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems.
A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog.
This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving.
Skin problems
Bloat
In each case it is important to seek medical help!
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Who Should Not Get A German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
People that lead inactive lifestyles, work long hours, or live in an apartment shouldnt have a German shepherd pitbull mix as a pet. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training.
German sheppits form strong bonds with their owners and often experience anxiety when left alone, so they arent suitable for people that cant be with this pet throughout the day.
Final Thoughts On The German Shepherd Pitbull
So, there you have it. Honestly, German Pits are exceptionally great dogs to have. Theyll eat just about anything, play with anyone they trust, and always have your back.
Theyre good breeds to bring home to your family and will protect each individual at all costs. This does not make them vicious or evilit allows you to see their caring and loving side, and understanding this will help you develop a stronger bond with your pup.
The only concession is that youll have to be sure you have what it takes to care for this beautiful breed, especially since youll most likely find your forever friend at a shelter or rescue center. They are not the easiest breed to maintain, especially if you give in to the stigma, but they are definitely so worth it.
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The History Of The German Shepherd Pitbull
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club but has probably been in existence since somewhere around the 1990s.
Theyre considered designer dogs, and most breeders consider them to assume the best possible traits from both their parent breeds. Since the Pitbull bans and negative stigma around the breed flared up, many German Pit mixes have either wound up euthanized, in shelters, or with rescue groups.
There isnt much information on the breed as their popularity took a rapid decline, and thus, not much attention was paid to them.
Grooming Of Pitbull And German Shepherds Mix:
The German shepherd Pitbull Mix got a coat that is ranging from short-medium in measurement. But it will not require much maintenance, to ignore any shedding and keep them looking trim. So, it is advisable to brush at least once in a week with the hard bristle one. It is also recommended starting the rule for the grooming when you find the dog happy, by doing this it would get used to it.
Its also not advisable to over bath the Pitbull shepherd over bathing but should be only once in a month due to they get prone skin irritation. It is highly recommended to use shampoos which are designed specifically for dogs who have sensitive skins.
The German Pits ears are in floppy shape, which means they get very less circulation of the air and then tend to get build-up more earwax or ear infection. So its also recommended to get their ears checked by a professional and experienced Vet or a reputable groomer.
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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix History
The parent breeds of this cross have interesting origins. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog.
Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. The German Shepherd was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work.
Another native of Europe, the Pitbull hails from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog. They were primarily used for hunting.
Specifically, these early Pitties were used for bull baiting, until it was banned in 1835. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Their powerful jaws were developed to grip, as opposed to dart.
Once Pitbulls made their way to the United States, they were commonly used by farmers and ranchers to round up livestock, to hunt, and as pets. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests.
What Colors Do They Come In
Here are a few different coat colors that your Shepherd Pitt could possibly come in:
There are a few different eye colors that your dog might have as well they are hazel, brown, and sometimes even an amber color.
The same goes with the nose color your dog could possibly have a black, brown, or Isabella pink color.
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Children And Other Pets
When well-trained and having had plenty of exposure to kids, a German Shepherd Pit Bull is a great companion for a large family with kids. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler.
It’s important to teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children. Teach your child never to approach any dog while they’re eating or to try to take the dog’s food away. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child.
German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. If you’re dealing with an adult dog who has not been socialized, they will probably require a physically strong handler when in public settings to manage them.
For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier.
Food & Diet Requirements
Both German Shepherds and Pit Bulls exert a lot of physical energy. To replenish their bodies, they benefit from high protein, calorie-dense dietsespecially during puppyhood. Having a diet with healthy carbs, whole protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals is essential.
Dry kibble is the best main source of food for your Sheppit. It cleans their teeth to prevent dental issues while providing a well-rounded diet. Adult Sheppits should have between 3 to 4 cups of high-quality kibble per day, depending on weight.
You can add wet food as a topper to their meals occasionally. You can also offer wholesome snacks like carrots, apples, cucumber, and other fruits or veggies.
Both breeds are food motivated, so theyll never turn down a quick treat. But be careful not to overfeed them, as these dogs are prone to bloat. Bloat is caused by eating too quickly, which can be detrimentalespecially in larger breeds.
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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Health And Care
Inherited health conditions can impact mixed breed dogs as well as purebred ones. Common examples are hip or elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, dental disease, allergies and skin irritations. Depending on the parent breeds, some mixed dogs may be especially prone to the aforementioned conditions in addition to breed-specific afflictions. It is recommended that your puppys German Shepherd parent is tested for hip and elbow dysplasia. Pitbulls, in particular, are commonly afflicted with the following health issues:
Pitbull German Shepherd Mix Puppies For Sale
When purchasing your German Shepherd Pitbull puppy, its crucial that you negotiate with a trusted dog breeder. A responsible breeder will show you with proofs of health clearances for both parents of the pup. Your new family pet companion should be screened for any possible conditions it might have. Make sure you also ask the breeder if he used purebred dogs and if he can show them to you, to ensure that youre adopting a Pitbull crossed with a German Shepherd puppy.
Be careful from purchasing your dog from puppy farms or puppy mills, which are places where they breed dogs in conditions considered inhumane. Dogs bred from these places are mostly not healthy.
Moreover, avoid buying puppies online. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals strongly discourages this act. Its still best to talk with the breeder in person and meet your potential new-addition-to-the-family pup. This is also to ensure that youre getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Heres a list of breeders to help you start off your search:
Moreover, dont forget to check on rescue or animal shelters near your area. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. Youre not only giving a puppy a warm home, but you also serve as his new family to spend his life with. It can be life changing not only for the dog but to you as well.
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Exercise & Living Conditions
Pitbull German Shepherds are energetic by nature and have the potential to be destructive when bored. Her size and temperament make her not suited for apartment living. The ideal living situation would include a spacious backyard to run around freely with a fence to help curb her protective nature.
In general, she requires around 90 minutes of exercise daily, preferably at a brisk pace. Physical activity is not the only thing to consider with Pitbull German Shepherds. She is an incredibly smart breed who also requires a lot of mental stimulation. This can be achieved through daily training exercises and interactive toys.
As is common with most dogs, many naughty behaviors can be dramatically reduced with proper exercise. In the case of the German Shepherd Pitbull mix, tendencies towards aggression, destructive behavior, digging and excessive barking can all surface when she finds herself with too much pent-up energy. She may require more activity than other breeds, but once she is worn out, she has no problem settling down and cuddling up next to you.
Getting To Know The German Shepherd
Overall, German Shepherds can grow around 22 to 26 inches tall. Theyre easy to train and love to please their owners. So, they will do exceptionally well with adequate training and reward systems.
Their double coat is usually a little shaggy around the tail with a sleek coat when healthy. They can shed quite a bit, especially with irregular grooming. Above all, theyre highly energetic creatures and need to go on regular walks, mess around the yard with games, and enjoy stimulating dog toys and a good game of tug-o-war every once in a while.
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More On The Health Of The German Shepherd Pitbull
As a child of both German Shepherds and Pitbulls, your German Pit is prone to any of the ailments listed above. Commonly, your dog will suffer from bone diseases as their bodies are literally set up that way. Other common ailments to expect are:
- Degenerative myelopathy
As with any breed of dog, youll have to do your research beforehand and learn to spot the signs and symptoms. With most of their ailments, you can help manage what your dog goes through, but there is hardly ever a true cure.
These genetic diseases are part and parcel of owning a creature that will devote their lives to you. So, be sure that you are capable and responsible enough to devote whatever resources you need to give them a comfortable end of life.