German Shepherd Husky Mix Before Buying!

What is a German Shepherd Husky mix called? Also known as Gerberian Shepsky, German Husky, Siberian Shepherd, and Husky Shepherd; this cross-breed makes one hell of a dedicated pet. Ideal for families and children!

Both the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd breeds are very recognizable and preferred by dog lovers all over the world. And why wouldn’t they be when the dogs are large, loving, intelligent, active, and loyal! Both come from working dog breeds. So should you expect the same traits when a German Shepherd mates with a Siberian Husky?

Now let’s get to know everything useful about these mixed breed dogs

German Shepherd Husky Mix: The Origin Of This Breed

It’s a comparatively new cross-breed. So not much is known about the German Shepherd Husky designer dog breed. But some experts state that the first of them were bred at the end of the 1980s. And the breeding was done intentionally.

Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds were mated for producing strong working dogs. And that’s because both the individual breeds consist of excellent working four-legged creatures. This mixed breed, due to the quick intellect and sheer strength, became a part of search-and-rescue teams. And even took up police and military roles.

Let me give you a glimpse of each parent. So you can get a better idea of a Husky Shepherd mix.

The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, obviously, in 1899. The dogs were popular for pulling heavy loads. And also for herding sheep under difficult conditions. It was common for German Shepherds to be imported as sled dogs too. The breed was and still is known for its intelligence, strength, smartness, and companionship.

Like I already told you, the dogs were great for herding and pulling sleds. But over time, because of rapid industrialization, they were not used for those purposes. So the breed became quite famous throughout America and Canada as home/family pets. And this is also how German Shepherds transformed into guard, military, and police dogs.

German Shepherds are reserved creatures. They don’t interact much with new crowds and people very quickly. At the same time, the breed is not overly aggressive. In fact, the dogs are protective, loving, and affectionate toward family and loved ones.

The Siberian Husky

Coming from the tough and harsh climates of Siberian Arctic over 2 millennia ago, Huskies were also used for pulling heavy loads and sleds. But the breed entered North America only during the 1900s. This makes it quite evident that the cross-breed is not likely to do well when the weather conditions are warmer.

Pulling heavy loads strapped on sleds and covering vast distances demand strength and endurance. So those are the unique characteristics of a Siberian Husky.

The breed achieved popularity in Canada and America during the 1930s. Then and even today the dogs are known to be excellent pack animals. That is perfect for families with children. They don’t like being left alone. So if that happens, expect your pet to develop destructive behavior. But this only occurs if your dog doesn’t receive enough physical and mental stimulation.

To sum it up, Siberian Huskies are loyal, charming, and friendly dogs. Who needs firm handling!

The German Shepherd Husky Mix

To be honest, there’s not much of a difference between the two breeds. Both are working dogs. That, when bred together, produce pretty much the same offspring. The mix also turns out to be full of energy, stamina, and agility. So the hybrid dogs need lots of space for running around. Along with lots of playtimes too!

The cross-breed has a relatively shorter history. Even so, it’s becoming increasingly common as a family pet.

German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy

Photo credit: https://puppytoob.com

When two different dog breeds mate, their puppies inherent qualities and traits from both the parents. Now, obviously, the type of traits is not the same in every litter. So it’s not very uncommon for the pup to acquire the majority of characteristics from just a single parent.

I’m telling you this because you shouldn’t be disappointed or surprised to see your pup resembling a Siberian Husky more in comparison to his/her German Shepherd parent. It could be the other way around too.

But there’s no denying that the cross-breed puppies look very much like a mix of both individual breeds. Even their temperament and personality are pretty much the same.

German Shepherd Husky Mix Size (Full Grown) – How Big Do German Shepherd Siberian Husky Mix Dogs Get?

The typical size of a Siberian Shepherd depends on how big or small both parents are. Medium-sized Huskies reach the height of around 20-23 inches. As for German Shepherds, they’re large dogs that grow as tall as 22-26 inches. This means you should expect the cross-breed dog to be anywhere between 20 inches and 26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Husky Mix Weight

Siberian Huskies are as big as 35-60 pounds. And since German Shepherds are relatively larger dogs, they’re heavier too. The numbers here are 49-88 pounds. So an adult German Husky can be between 35 pounds and 88 pounds.

The difference in weight is more pronounced than the difference in height. In the end, it all depends on the hybrid dog’s genetic history. And even gender since male dogs is comparatively larger than their female counterparts.

The Appearance of German Shepherd Huskies

Photo credit: https://thehappypuppysite.com

It’s only natural for the mixed breed to inherit physical characteristics of either both or one of the parents. The chances of acquiring physical traits from both the breeds are slightly higher. But this depends from litter to litter. You can even have different looking puppies within the same litter.

Huskies and German Shepherds have pretty complementary appearances. Unlike some of the other mismatched-looking dog parents. Erect ears, dignified expression, and an athletic build. Both breeds also have a double coat. This deep coat is what makes the dogs look so cuddly.

So you can expect the same kind of appearance from the offspring. The hybrid also has a solid, powerful, and bold physical form. Needless to say, the mix is certainly eye-catching. Speaking of eye-catching, the eyes of the dog can be green or blue like that of a Husky. Or brown like that of a German Shepherd.

Puppies with green or blue eyes are the most popular. I mean there’s no denying how utterly gorgeous they look. This explains why they’re the most sought-after and attention-grabbing.

The coat of a Gerberian Shepsky, like I already told you, consists of two layers. And that’s because the coat of both the breeds suits colder climates. But it’s safe to say that the cross-breed coat can withstand warmer climates as well.

The color of the coat, just like the color of the eyes, also varies. It can be the darker shades of tan, brown, and black like German Shepherds. Or lighter hues of white and grey as that of Huskies. Whatever the color of the coat, a Husky Shepherd looks very magnificent and bold.

And as for the appearance in terms of size, I have already talked about that right before this section. A Shepherd Husky mix can grow up to look like the larger German Shepherd. Or the relatively smaller Husky parent.

Grooming German Shepherd Huskies

Both parents breed have a thick coat. After all, the coat is double layered. And this makes sense because Huskies and German Shepherds are outdoor working dogs. Therefore, the hybrid also has the same double, thick coat.

Needless to say, brushing at least twice every week is necessary. Neglecting this increases the chances of excessive shedding. So expect to find lots of dog hair lying around your home.

At the time of molting, it’s just not possible to avoid finding huge amounts of hair simply everywhere. During this time, the best thing to do is to use a brush for keeping your precious pet’s coat tangle-free and shiny. Brush for the dog and a lint remover for you.

As for baths, both the breeds seem to enjoy bath time. However, keep from bathing your furry friend during the hair shedding process. Wait for the hair to shed and then wash the dog.

The Temperament of German Shepherd Huskies

The mixed-breed inherits personality traits from both Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds. It’s the perfect cross-breed for families and children if you ask me.

The mix is quite popular for huge amounts of energy. So it’s only natural for the dog to get bored and destructive when there’s not enough mental and physical stimulation.

As I have already told you, the hybrid is very intelligent, loyal, active, and also easily trainable. It’s more like an alpha dog. So he/she can get a little naughty and aggressive if you’re not firm. After all, the cross-breed comes from German Shepherd pack leaders. So bossy behavior is expected, which you can tame by proper training.

If optimal training and even socializing with other dogs are not encouraged, handling your powerful dog transforms into an incredibly challenging experience. But if the temperament acquired comes from the Husky side, then you can expect your pet to be more gentle and calm in demeanor. However, that means your dog is also going to a bit clingy with you.

As for activity, Siberian Shepherds take part in all of them. You can allow the dog to play outdoors and even hike, jog, or walk with you. The cross-breed is quite friendly too. But this side of your pet takes a while to show itself.

They do take some time to warm up to new people and fellow canine creatures.

Feeding German Shepherd Huskies

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When the dog is active, he/she demands a protein-packed and nutrient-rich diet. Large and active dogs like Huskies and German Shepherds have a generous appetite. So expect the same from a Husky Shepherd mix.

A higher amount of protein and calories on a daily basis is the norm here. But this is something that can differ based on the activity level, size, and age of your pet.

Puppies, generally speaking, require more calories to meet the demands put forth by rapid growth into adulthood. Along with the development of the skeleton system! As your Gerberian Shepsky progresses into adulthood, he/she can look like either the Husky or German Shepherd parent. So the calorie requirements are much the same as the particular breed the dog takes after.

Working or active dog breeds need to consume around 1,700-2,400 calories daily. As for less active and senior dogs, they should get anywhere between 1,300 calories and 1,600 calories.

As for the number of feedings per day, large breeds live a healthy life with 2 meals a day.

Now let’s talk about how much protein is necessary. The mixed-breed has pure carnivore parents. So the level of protein intake should also be quite high. Anything less than around 22 percent a day is deemed as inadequate.

Choose only top quality dry kibbles that are specifically created for larger breeds. And if you’re confused about what to pick, then the best thing would be to speak to your vet about it.

Exercise Requirements of German Shepherd Huskies

It goes without saying that German Huskies love to exercise. Around 2 hours of activity on a daily basis is a must. In order to meet such high exercise demands, an open, spacious backyard is the best for keeping your dog active and busy.
But you know what; just the yard is not enough for the cross-breed. The dogs are incredibly athletic due to their sled-pulling parents. So you have to incorporate some running and games into their daily exercise plan as well.

The mixed-breed may be strong-built and athletic. But that doesn’t mean the furry creatures don’t appreciate cuddles. Your dog is a very loving animal. No matter how strong and big he/she looks! So don’t neglect to show love as much as you can.

Training German Shepherd Huskies

The Husky Shepherd mix breed is incredibly intelligent, no doubt. But they’re also very stubborn. Much like both Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds. This means training during the initial stage can be slightly rough.

However, the good news here is that most dogs respond well to training practices. No matter the breed! Like positive reinforcements. Even obedience training has a constructive effect on assertive and large dogs.

Since the hybrid loves to play, you can make the task of training more enjoyable for him/her. Once you establish a healthy relationship with your dog, the process of handling behavior and training gets easier.

Socialization Requirements of German Shepherd Huskies

The offspring comes from dominant working dog breeds. Both Huskies and German Shepherds are very active creatures. So it’s important to encourage socialization. And not just with family members and new people. But also with other dog breeds and pets. There’s no doubt that dogs thrive on such healthy interactions.

A well-socialized puppy enters adulthood with an outgoing and friendly outlook. Otherwise, expect your adult dog to be hostile, aggressive, and even unhappy.

Daily walks with your furry companion, puppy classes, and dog parks are a great way to start. They encourage socialization. And this boosts mental stimulation to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Mental Stimulation

Coming from 2 working dog breeds, the Husky German Shepherd mix requires tons of games and challenges. The cross-breed thrives on that, no doubt.

Here’s how you can promote mental stimulation:

• Allow your pet to smell a scented toy or treat. But don’t give the thing to him/her.
• Then hide the toy/treat.
• Your puppy is now going to work really hard to sniff out this object.
• Once that happens, the reward definitely seems worthwhile for your dog.

Gerberian Shepsky dogs are very observant. So if you provide the dog with fun surroundings, he/she is more likely to live a happy life.

Morning or afternoon runs with your pet are also a very good idea for mental stimulation. Just make sure you don’t take the same route always. Keep alternating your routes to invigorate the mind of your dog. This way you’ll even expose him/her to different surroundings.

Mental Enrichment With Toys and Games | Teacher’s Pet With Victoria Stilwell

Potential Health Conditions of German Shepherd Huskies

Health problems are a part of every breed. So it goes without saying that the cross-breed inherits a few medical issues from the purebred parents.

The lifespan of this designer dog ranges between 10 years and 13 years. And during this time, your pet might have to deal with the following health problems.

1. Hip/Elbow Dysplasia

Canine elbow or hip dysplasia ranks as a genetic condition mainly associated with German Shepherds. The disease is marked by the improper formation of the elbow or hip joints. The malformation gives rise to pain and causes loss of hip and elbow function.

2. Cataracts

The formation of cataracts is an eye problem prevalent among Siberian Huskies. And they can get transferred into the DNA of the Husky Shepherd mix puppy.

But what are cataracts? They’re imperfections of the eye lens. The condition affects the vision of your puppy over time. As a result of which he/she acts disoriented or confused.

3. Other secondary medical issues include:

• Corneal Dystrophy: It takes form when abnormal materials accumulate inside the cornea. This can lead to visual impairment.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: During the pup’s twilight years, PRA causes symptoms like dilated pupils, night blindness, and not able to see when the lights are bright.
• Gastric Dilation Volvulus: In simple words, stomach bloating. It leads to the twisting of the stomach by itself.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: It occurs when the functioning of a platelet becomes defective. This causes excessive bleeding.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: EPI in dogs is the failure of producing enough enzymes for facilitating the digestion of meals.
• Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyopathy: It’s a degenerative ailment of the nerves that control the hind legs of the dog.
• Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition that triggers uncontrolled seizures. Along with the absence of consciousness.
• Allergies: The breed German Shepherd is highly prone to developing airborne allergies. Or those that get aggravated through food and physical contact.

German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost

Price is a very important factor as far as large dog breeds are concerned. Particularly when the large breed is either German Shepherd or Siberian Husky. Both dogs empty your wallet, no two ways about that.

But, fortunately enough, the cross-breed is comparatively affordable. How much is a German Shepherd Husky (puppies) mix? From a trustworthy breeder, you can get one for $400-$500. This is comparatively much cheaper than purebred German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies. They cost not less than $1000.

Just keep in mind one thing though. Not all breeders give importance to vet care, vaccinations, health screening, deworming, flea treatments, etc. Basically, the steps taken to ensure a healthy puppy are not a part of every breeder. So you have to pick the ones that genuinely care for the animals. And are not just trying to make huge profits!

Other Cross-Breeds like The German Shepherd Husky Mix

If you don’t think you can live up to the exercise, food, and training requirements of a Husky Shepherd hybrid, then there are other mixed breeds you can take into consideration.

These include the following:

• Beagle Lab mix
• The Shollie
• Pitbull Husky mix
• Boxer Husky mix

Can German Shepherds and Huskies Live Together?

It’s almost not known why the two dogs were bred. But one thing is for sure that the friendly hybrid inherits the gentle side of Huskies and the fearless side of German Shepherds.

How about the two separate breeds living together? If they were not socially comfortable with one another, I don’t think the Husky Shepherd mix would have even existed. The fact that the cross-breed is alive and thriving today is proof that both the breeds mix well together.

Conclusion

Good with kids and fellow pets, the cross-breed behaves and interacts properly when well-trained. The nature of the mix is predatory. So you have all the reasons to train your dog. And to encourage him/her to socialize properly.

Both the breeds are very protective of family members and loved ones. This means the offspring has the tendency to attack strangers when the safety factor is threatened. Just keep in mind that every dog is different. And that you can learn to handle your pet’s behavior by incorporating essential training and exercise techniques.

In all, the Siberian Shepherd mix is loyal, intelligent, active, and friendly. The dogs are perfect companions for a family with children. But you should choose another breed if you don’t have enough home and backyard space. This is absolutely non-debatable for the fun-loving four-legged creature to expend his/her abundant energy.

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Sources:
1. https://thehappypuppysite.com/german-shepherd-husky-mix/
2. https://www.allthingsdogs.com/german-shepherd-husky-mix/#temperament
3. https://doggypedia.org/german-shepherd-husky-mix/#German_Shepherd_Husky_Mixes_And_Families