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What Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix Called

Is This Mix Part Wolf

WE ADOPTED A PUPPY! Adopting a German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy

Dog DNA is only separated by wolf DNA by less than 2% dogs are therefore 99% wolf!

Whether or not a dog will show unpredictable wolf-like temperaments will depend on recent mating patterns of purebred dogs with wolves or wolf hybrids.

It is commonly believed that German Shepherds and Huskies are more closely related to wolves than other breeds most likely due to their appearance.

Shepherds and Huskies playing the roles of wolves on TV probably plays into this as well!

The original German Studbook of the GSD specifies four wolf crosses that occurred during a particular time frame marked by 30 dogs.

No DNA proof exists that wolf crosses were part of any regular breeding practice beyond the 76th German Shepherd.

This is not to say that people havent tried usually with the specific goals of creating a tireless working dog.

One such experiment was the Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog a cross of Czech working German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves.

These wolf hybrids were largely abandoned for working purposes because of their high-strung temperaments and resistance to training.

Enthusiasts pursued the creation of a new breed instead, with better working skills.

Further proof that the GSD is not a wolf lies in DNA tests of modern German Shepherds, illustrating a wolf admixture of only about 1% to 5% this is statistically similar with most dogs being in 0.3% to 2% range.

The original sire Hektor, also known as the Horand, allegedly had 25% wolf genes!

How To Exercise Your German Shepherd Husky Mix

Original purposes of the German Shepherd vastly differ from that of the Siberian Husky.

The German Shepherd is a true all-purpose workaholic most commonly found in the following sports:

  • Tracking
  • Schutzhund
  • Police/military force

A lot of people get German Shepherds Husky mixes to get that protective instinct that the German Shepherd has.

This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training.

That doesnt mean you should start protection training with your mixed breed or even purebred on your own.

Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns .

Lets take a look at the Husky.

Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates.

But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run.

A Husky German Shepherd mix may not be into snuffle mats or toys as much as youd like him to but needs mental stimulation nonetheless.

Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and get your dog used to brain training.

Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of 30-60 minutes each walk.

Coat Color And Grooming

Shepsky coats are often a mix of their German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Shepskies are brown, black, cream, white, red, and blue. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors.

They usually have long, dense coats, and they’re generally not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Only bathe as needed so you don’t strip the coat of it’s natural oils. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat.

These pups are well suited for cold weather. Their Siberian Husky parentage is straight from Russia, which is about as cold as it gets.

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German Shepherd Husky Mix Physical Characteristics

They are charismatic and wolf like and can make a few heads turn as you go along with Shepsky on a walk. They are medium to large size dogs having a long head & strong, lean muscular body.

Their eyes are almond in shape and have triangular ears. Shepsky may have different colors in the eyes, a condition known as Heterochromia.

Shepsky have a double coat and comes mostly in combination of colors like brown, black, cream, white, red, and blue.

German Shepherd Husky Mix would shed a lot as both their parent breeds shed a lot. They would not be a good choice for folks who are allergenic to dogs.

Need help with shedding -check hereLooking for dogs that do not shed much -check here

Shepsky may grow to a height of approx 20 to 25 inches and weigh approx 45 to 90 pounds. The average life span of German Shepherd Husky Mix is around 10 to 14 years.

Petsafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

German Shepherd Husky Mix: A Big Dog Packed With Personality

The above puzzle toy by Nina Ottosson comes in a few different designs and levels depending on your German Shepherd Husky mixs intelligence and age. This toy utilizes treats or food to help hold your dogs interest and will challenge him, keep him busy, help him feel like he has a purpose, and also help him build healthy eating habits.

This is ideal considering the German Shepherd Husky mix can suffer from a number of digestive issues, which well discuss further down.

Along with utilizing puzzle toys to keep your German Shepherd Husky mix happy, we also recommend giving him chores to do around the house. One of the benefits of raising a clever dog that is work oriented is that they will actually enjoy helping you sort the laundry, load the dishwasher or bring in the mail.

So take advantage of it!

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Things To Know Before Getting A German Shepherd Husky Mix

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Does the German Shepherd Husky Mix or Shepsky have the potential to be your next dog?

The thought behind crossing these breeds may spring from good intentions, but Ill dive deeper into the pros and cons of such a mix.

As the name suggests, the German Shepherd originates from Germany and is a breed that is deeply interwoven with the German culture.

Its popularity has spread worldwide which is not a surprise considering their desirable traits and talents.

The Siberian Husky is a favorite all around the world, whether as a sled dog or as a fluffy companion.

Their thick double coat developed over the course of hundreds of years while facing the sub-zero temperatures in Siberia.

There definitely are a couple of things you have to think about before bringing a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy into your home.

The differences between these breeds range from temperament to how they behave with your family as well as trainability.

Furthermore, theres absolutely no advantage to getting a crossbreed from a breeder.

Combining two breeds is genetic gambling and youre better off with buying either one of these breeds which also limits possible health issues.

This post is for those wanting to inform themselves about the poor souls that are currently sitting in shelters because somebody thought itd be awesome to have one of these designer dogs.

Well look into the following points:

  • Trainability
  • Cost of German Shepherd Husky pup
  • Diet
  • How Much Does A German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost

    A German shepherd husky mix will cost $350 USD to $1,000 USD.

    A mix bred from two purebred parents with pedigree will be more expensive.

    Adopting a dog from a local dog shelter is also always a good choice.

    Adoption on average costs $50 to $150, but you will need to check your local adoption agency.

    Spaying or neutering costs $50 to $300.

    Adopting a shepsky will also cost $50 to $100 for initial vaccinations.

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    Is The Gerberian Shepsky A Good Match For You

    Ultimately, only you can answer the question if the Gerberian Shepsky is right for you.

    If youve made it this far and still are curious about the German Shepherd Husky mix then this breed is worth exploring as a good match for you.

    Hes an active breed that requires an equally active owner. And hell need plenty of obedience training to keep his behavior in check. Plus, this isnt a dog that can survive on the cheapest dog food available he needs a premium food for his premium athletic ability.

    Be honest with yourself about how much time and money you have to care for a German Shepherd mixed with Husky

    Do you love brushing your dog and grooming them daily, taking long hikes or scenic runs, daily obedience sessions and training, and a furry body that leaves hair all over you and your home?

    Then congratulations, the Gerberian Shepsky may be just the best friend youve been searching for!

    About The Author

    General Care Tips For The German Shepherd Husky Mix

    GERMAN SHEPHERD / HUSKY / PITBULL MIX / DOG TRAINING

    We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best products for your German Shepherd. These will help you get started when taking care of your dog:

    Chewy

    The Gerberian Shepskys are a mix of working dogs as well as herding dogs.

    So, it is safe to say that these dogs are built to be active but, also need to be around people or other dogs in order to be satisfied with their lives.

    They generally dont take isolation very well.

    They also have high exercise requirements!

    It is generally true that when these dogs dont get a positive outlet, they channel their energy into destructive behaviors such digging, excessive barking, chewing on household items, etc.

    One of the most common complaints about the Gerberian Shepskys is that they are barkers.

    This makes them not-so-popular with the neighbors.

    Even though barking shouldnt really be counted as a problem, it is something that you can easily tackle by obedience training, using a remote-controlled shock collar with beep and vibration modes.

    You should ideally begin when your puppy is still young. Ive written a blog post thatll help you train your puppy without facing any hurdles. You can read it here.

    Moving on

    The German Shepherd Husky Mix is known to be chewer and to have a powerful jaw which, if not channeled correctly, could mean the demise of your furniture.

    I recommend that you use some good-quality chew toys that last long.

    My top picks include Pet Qwerks Bark Bone for Aggressive Chewers, Ropeez Dog Chew Rope Toy.

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    What Do Shepsky Dogs Eat

    Dog food, but not any kind of dog food! Their diet should be formulated for medium-sized and high-energy dogs. To pick the right dog food, consult with your vet or professional nutritionist. Also, its important to know the correct portion that your dog needs.

    Since theyre coming from a parent that grows rapidly from the ages of four and six months, it makes them susceptible to bone disorder. A high-quality, low-calorie diet should keep them from growing too fast.

    Another thing you need to pay attention to is overfeeding. Never leave the bowl full all the time. These dogs love food and dont know when to stop eating. Overfeeding leads to obesity, and obesity leads to bone issues like joint problems. Rather, give them a few small meals throughout the day instead of just one big one.

    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.

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    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.

    Siberian Husky German Shepherd Mix Price

    German Husky Puppy

    The price of a Siberian Husky German Shepherd puppy is one of the defining factors for many owners who need a large breed. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners.

    Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. You can get one from a trustworthy breeder for $400 to $500. This is much cheaper than the $1000 or more price tag of Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds.

    Be warned, though. Dont get a Siberian Husky German Shepherd puppy with price that is too good to be true. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy.

    Not Sure You Want A German Shepherd? You Need To Check Out Alpha Paw Veterinarians Tell-All Breed Guides:

  • Coile, Caroline. German Shepherds For Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009.
  • Hoppendale, George and Asia Moore. Gerberian Shepsky: Gerberian Shepsky Complete Owners Manual. Plano, TX: PESA Publishing, 2018.
  • Johnson, C. Mark. German-Husky Dog. Lexington, SC: Big White Dog Publishing, LLC., 2016.
  • Long, Lory. The Siberian Husky. Neptune, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, 2007.
  • May, Isaac. Gerberian Shepsky Training Guide. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.
  • Morgan, Dianne. The German Shepherd Dog. Interpet, 2007
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    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.

    Appearance Personality And Traits Of A German Shepherd Husky Mix

    If youre walking down the street with such a spectacular dog then youre sure to grab the attention of onlookers!

    The German Shepherd is a large dog that can stand up to 65 cm in height and tip the scales at over 40 kgs.Overall, it is going to have a relatively medium to a long head and a strong muzzle. Its eyes are alert and almond shaped, its ears will be set high on its head and will be triangular in shape.

    The German Shepherd will have a long, lean body built for power. Its coat is often long and dense both traits seen its parent breeds. Its coat color can vary from the classic black & tan to mixes of blues, white, cream and gray.

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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.

    Is There Such A Thing As A Labrador Husky

    German Shepherd Husky Mix: How to Best Succeed With

    The Labrador Husky is a friendly and loving breed by nature, though it does still require the same amount of socialization as any other breed. Because the Labrador Husky is still a very rare and largely unknown breed it is not currently accepted for AKC registration. It is currently recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. .

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    Caring For Gerberian Shepsky Puppies

    Contrary to popular belief, puppies usually require more care compared to their adult counterparts. Puppies are without a doubt some of the most adorable creatures to ever exist. However, they require constant care and attention. A typical Gerberian Shepsky weighs about 10 pounds when he is a year old. Because of their rapid growth, puppies require a highly nutritious diet filled with adequate amounts of minerals, nutrients and calories to stay fit and healthy.

    Because of their newly developed digestive system, it is integral you feed your puppy small frequent meals according to their hunger level. This results in better digestion and allows your little friend to consume what he needs during this growth spurt.

    Here are some additional tips that will help you care for a puppy:

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