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HomeDog behaviorTop 10 Things You Need to Know About German Shepherd Husky Mix

Top 10 Things You Need to Know About German Shepherd Husky Mix

Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Dogs Vets

German Shepherd Husky Mix (Gerberian Shepsky)

The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross between two intelligent and energetic dogs. Like its parents, this breed of dog has countless desirable traits and qualities that make it an ideal pet.

If this dog is well trained and socialized, this furry friend will make a great companion for your children.

husky german shepherd mix
Mix Husky and German Shepherd

Because of his working dog background, he is extremely affectionate, loyal, and protective of his loved ones. Gerberian Shepskys are ideal for guard work and make excellent police and service dogs.

However, as the Shepherd Shepherd is protective of her flock, she can be expected to bark at an intruder or stranger.

Breed Summary

German Shepherd Husky Mixes Characteristics
Dog Size: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 45-80lb
Lifespan: 10-13 Years
Coat: Long, double coat
Color: Huge variation including Agouti & White, Black & Tan, White & Red
Do They Shed: Heavy shedders, with seasonal blowouts
Temperament: Very Friendly, mischievous, sweet, and vocal
Intelligence: They are very intelligent
Socialization: Dog and pet friendly if socialized correctly
Destructive Behavior: Will chew when bored and restless
People Skills: They are great with people they know but cautious around strangers
Good with Children: Also great with kids,  and could be very protective
Activity Levels: They are very energetic – will need around 2 hours of activity a day.

Origin

This beautiful breed of dog is the result of his ancestry from working dogs. Like other mixed breeds, the Gerberian Shepherd is not a pure breed and takes traits from both parents.

However, as a genetic rule, only the characteristics of the dominant breed can prevail exclusively in the resulting breed.

Although there is no record of why or how the cross was produced, we can learn more about the Gerberian Shepsky by studying their parents.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is not simply an ordinary dog breed. As the name suggests, Siberian Huskies have the characteristics typical of the Siberian Wolf and are great companions to have around. This breed of dog thrives best in cold environments with a thick, dense coat and intricate markings.

Beware, this beautiful dog breed can be independent and sometimes very challenging for first-time dog owners. Siberian Huskies are intelligent, fierce, and loving dogs who won’t constantly distract you for attention. They do generally get along well with children and get along with other pets in the house. However, they are intelligent and not eager to please their owners.

People love to adopt Siberian Huskies because their beautiful coat has captured the imagination of artists and writers the world over.

Unfortunately, most dog owners realize soon enough that they cannot make their dogs independent. Rest assured that with proper obedience training and socialization, the breed will learn to look after its owners without any mischief.

German Shepherd Dog

This dog breed is one of the most popular in America. The German Shepherd is an intelligent and capable working dog and can excel at virtually anything you teach them. German Shepherds are incredibly popular and are especially known for their searching, herding, and tracking abilities.

Although the German Shepherd is an intelligent breed of dog, it is not everyone’s cup of tea and can be aloof from strangers. This energetic dog doesn’t appreciate cooperation at home and needs plenty of activity and exercise to be happy.

If you’re bored, your furry friend is likely to behave in a disruptive manner and express frustration in ways you don’t like, such as excessive barking and chewing.

But as with other dog breeds, early socialization and training can make all the difference in the world. Your furry friend is likely to become around a dog if you make an effort.

 Appearance, Height, and Weight

The Siberian Husky is medium-sized, and the German Shepherd is large. The male Husky has an average size of 45-60 pounds, and the female Husky is 35-50 pounds.

While the average size of a male German Shepherd is 65-90 pounds, and a female German Shepherd is 50-70 pounds.

Since they are crossbreeds, there is no way to tell what size they might grow to. So a rough estimate is 45-80 pounds. Their length should be 20-25 inches.

A Gerberian Shepsky is a medium to large dog with an average height of 20-25 inches and an average weight of 45-88 pounds.

However, keep in mind that your dog’s weight, size, and the dog’s height will depend primarily on his health and diet. The average lifespan of this breed is 13 years, but it also depends on the dog’s overall well-being.

See also: Can Dogs Eat Apples? – Top 10 Fruits dogs can and can not eat

Therefore, this breed is ideal for people who are looking for a short-term emotional commitment to their dog.

Husky Shepherd Husky mixes come in a variety of colors and is available in cream, white, red, blue, and pepper, grey, brown, and gold.

german shepherd husky mix puppy
German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy

They have a double coat of smooth hair, which can be short or long, dense or medium, depending on the dog’s growing environment and parents.

Similar to the Siberian Husky, the Gerberian Shepsky usually exhibits a fluffy-looking thick coat.

The inner layer is generally soft and thick. Due to their Arctic heritage, the double coat provides the dog with much-needed protection from cold and excessively hot weather.

The dog’s eyes are usually bicolored, while their skull sometimes resembles a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd. The breed is considered a moderate grazer, although we recommend investing in a vacuum for safety. Schedule regular grooming for your pet and keep up regular brushing.

German Shepherd Husky mix

Could a German Shepherd Husky mix or Shepsky have the perfect potential to be your next dog? The idea of crossing these breeds may stem from good intentions, but I’ll 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 deeply embedded in German culture. Its popularity has spread around the world, which is not surprising given its desirable qualities and talents.

The Siberian Husky is a worldwide favorite, whether as a sled dog or as a fluffy companion. Their thick double coat was formed in Siberia over hundreds of years of lower temperatures.

Siberian Huskies
Siberian Husky

There are definitely a few things to think about before bringing a mixed breed German Shepherd Husky puppy into your home.

The differences between these breeds range from temperament to behavior towards your family to training ability. 

In addition, getting a crossbreed from a breeder is absolutely not beneficial. Combining two breeds is genetic gambling, and you are better off buying one of these breeds, limiting potential health problems.

This post is for those who want to learn about the poor souls currently sitting in shelters because someone thought it would be great to have one of these designer dogs.

We will address the Top 10 things you should know before getting a german shepherd husky mix.

  1. Trainability
  2. Exercise / Strengths
  3. Temperament
  4. Leadership
  5. Care / Coat
  6. Apartment living
  7. Cost of the German Shepherd Husky puppies
  8. Diet
  9. Health concerns
  10. Lifespan

    After reading this post, you will definitely understand exactly what are the major differences and similarities between these two dog breeds.

Although it’s perfectly fine to get a mixed breed when you’re doing rescues, it’s always hard to predict how an individual dog will turn out, as it can definitely lean more in the direction of one breed or another.

Positive and negative.

Picture a 50/50 breakdown of desirable/undesirable behavioral traits for the German Shepherd dog and the same breakdown for the Husky. How many of your dogs might develop as your puppy grows?

  • Obedience, submissiveness, and loyalty from the German Shepherd, independent thinking from the Husky
  • The tendency to police and bark at other dogs and the nervousness of a husky in a city living environment.
  • The best qualities of one breed and the bad ones of the others.
  • Your puppy’s temperament can be determined genetically, which can be as follows: 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, etc., and the same is true for 90/10, 80/20, etc.

Remember that mixed breeds can be unpredictable in terms of character.

1. How you can train a German Shepherd Husky mix.

It is well known that the German Shepherd dog is very eager to please.

Why do the police and military use the German Shepherd dog so often?

Sure, a Doberman can do the job well, and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger senses of smell or heavier bites to chase subjects, but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation undoubtedly.

They are too intelligent to obey everything, which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn.

Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart?

Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often referred to as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin, the Belgian Shepherd, also known as the Malinois.

It’s just that they only like to please so much that they don’t have to question those commands. Their will to please trumps their intelligence.

How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design.

See also: German Sheprador & black lab german shepherd mix.

It is their job to make decisions in dangerous conditions of the deepest winter, and they are also quite intelligent.

Although pairing these two very intelligent dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix may not be as easy to train as one would imagine.

That being said, it can certainly be helpful to pair a German Shepherd with a Husky that is more agreeable.

The genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role.

2. How you can Exercise your German Shepherd Husky mix

The original purposes of the German Shepherd are very different from those of the Siberian Husky.

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

  • Tracking
  • Protection dog
  • Police / Military

Many people get German Shepherd Husky mixes to get the protective instinct that the German Shepherd has. This is not always the case, and even a purebred can struggle with protection without proper guidance and training.

This does not mean that you should start protection training with your mixed breed or even purebred.

Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behaviors (barking at strangers on walks, bumping dogs, etc.).

Let’s take a closer look at the husky.

dog resting on grass
Husky

Huskies are incredibly resilient. How could they not? They were bred to run hundreds of miles in extremely cold climates.

But their original purpose was rather specific, and they may need an outlet to realize that desire.

A German Shepherd husky mix may not be in snuffboxes or toys as you would like, but it still needs mental stimulation.

Early dog training will prevent future behavior problems and get the dog used to mental training.

As both breeds are relatively high-energy, you should walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for at least 30-60 minutes at a time.

.

3. German Shepherd Husky Mix Temperament

Is the German shepherd husky good for families?

The German Shepherd is known as an amazing family dog, while the Husky can be quite reserved.

Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very social animals, while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners.

See also: Are dogs better than Cats? Top 7 Reasons Dogs Are Better Than Cats

Although the pairing of these two breeds can produce great family dogs, other large dog breeds are even suitable for homes that are very patient with children and are also perfect for guarding them or your property.

4. What can I expect from a German Shepherd Husky mix?

Expect a very intelligent dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will likely grow up to be a medium to a large dog weighing about 45 to 80 pounds.

Both dogs are working breeds, so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A chore or daily job would keep them happiest.

5 German Shepherd and Husky Grooming

Both dog breeds can have relatively similar fur types.

Huskies have a thick double coat, which means an undercoat and guard hairs. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth.

Because of this double coat, they are better off in cold climates, while the German Shepherd comes in long-haired and short-haired versions.

Depending on exactly which dogs your pair, the coat can be quite different. Be ready for the season with these two dogs.

6. Living in an apartment

Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky Mix?  That will depend on a few characteristics of the dog and the size of your apartment.

Although many people argue that large dog breeds need a big yard and a big house, this is simply not true. If you provide your dog with an outlet for their training needs (which means lots of walks, play, exercise), there should be absolutely no problem.

However, their tendency to high bark or howl can cause you problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help teach your dog the silent command.

An apartment is not designed as a playground for your dog but as a place where you can relax from outdoor activities. If your environment does not allow enough exercise, a garden is definitely necessary.

7. How much do german shepherd husky puppies cost?

Mixed breed dogs usually sell for less than purebred dogs. However, the minimum price for a German Shepherd Husky mix is between $500 and $1,000.

Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters waiting to be selected.

german shepherd husky mix puppies
german shepherd husky mix puppies

If you decide to go with a breeder, make sure you get a behavioral surprise and only buy from breeders who test their dogs for health.

As long as there are no other breeds (often with mixes) or diseases in their lineage, you should be fine.

Beware of breeders who charge a premium for the popular bicolor eyes that come from the Husky.

Since the American Kennel Club recognizes both the German Shepherd and Husky, the breeder should provide you with certificates for the parents if they are registered with the AKC.

Find your german shepherd husky mix puppy for sale here.

8. Perfect diet and nutrition for your Husky German Shepherd Mix

Both dog breeds are relatively healthy if you buy from the right lines. Avoid the German Shepherds with the bent back and only opt for German Shepherds with straight backs.

Back-leaning German Shepherd Husky mixes can be associated with hip problems, and it is an unnecessary risk.

As for diet, I am a fan of raw food, but any high-quality kibble or wet food with all the nutrients can work well. Talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first.

9. Health concerns

Mixed breeds are generally considered healthier than purebred dogs because they come from a wider gene pool. Creating or developing a mixed breed is the opposite of inbreeding.

However, you cannot expect your dog to be the healthiest of them all. Adopting the healthiest breeds does not make much difference if the parents are not healthy.

While Gerberian Shepherds are generally healthy breeds, they are likely to inherit common problems in both parents. Some common health problems in this hybrid are epilepsy, cancer, blood disorders, eye problems, allergies, digestive problems, and flatulence.

  • Epilepsy: This is a neurological disorder that causes sudden, recurring, and uncontrolled seizures in dogs. These physical attacks can occur with or without loss of consciousness. Dogs can suffer from seizures for various reasons, including brain tumors, genetic abnormalities, exposure to toxins, or problems with your pet’s blood or other organs.

    In other cases, seizures may occur for unknown reasons. Such seizures are usually referred to as idiopathic.
  • Bloating Stomach: Bloat is what happens when your canine friend’s stomach is filled with gas, liquids, or food and expands. However, this common condition can be very dangerous, even life-threatening, for some dogs. Affected dogs need to be treated immediately.

    In the most severe cases, the stomach can put pressure on the other organs nearby, leading to problems such as the formation of a tear in the stomach wall, making it difficult for the dog to breathe or affecting the blood flow the dog goes from his heart to the stomach lining.
  • Allergies: Allergies are fairly common in dogs. There are mainly three types of allergies. Food allergies are caused by what the dog eats. This allergy can be controlled or treated by eliminating certain foods from your dog’s diet.

    The second form of allergies, contact allergies, are caused in reaction to a topical or external substance such as dog shampoo, bedding, flea powder, or other chemicals.
    Such allergies can be treated by discontinuing the use of certain shampoos and chemicals. The last type of allergy includes inhalant allergies.

    As the name suggests, this type of allergy is caused by allergies in the air, including mildew, dust, and pollen.

    Treatment: For these allergies varies and depend on the cause and may include medication, dietary restrictions, and environmental changes.
  • Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer is just as common in dogs as it is in people. Your dog can develop any type of cancer depending on his health. Since there are many different types of cancer, treatment depends on the cause.

    While some cancers and tumors can be surgically removed, others may need to be treated with chemotherapy. Some cancers may require both medical and surgical help.
  • Ear infections: Ear infections generally occur in dogs with large ears. You can prevent such infections by regularly examining your dog’s ears and making sure they are always clean and dry. You can ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear cleaning products and learn about proper ear cleaning techniques.

Other health issues to watch out for include elbow and hip dysplasia, digestive problems, and cataracts. Gerberian Shepskys tend to live healthy lives if they are well cared for.

10. German Shepherd Husky Mix Life Span

How long does a German Shepherd Husky Mix live?

The general life expectancy of a German Shepherd Husky Mix is 10-13 years. However, this depends on the overall well-being and health of your dog.

Conclusion

This crossbreed is really a fun-loving and sweet dog to own.

German Shepherds and Huskies are very friendly and loyal – this mix is the same; they will quickly become a loving member of your family.

They are not suitable for first-time owners or apartment dwellers. Since this dog has a lot of energy, they are not recommended if you have a laid-back lifestyle.

Regular grooming is required with their long double coat. They will have a big blowout once a year, so get out the brushes.

Training can be difficult with this breed as the Husky can be stubborn at times, but they will take commands quickly as long as you are firm and consistent.

Do you have any questions about the loving Gerberian Shepsky? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 5 Questions and Answers about German Shepherd Husky Mixes:

1. What are the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd Husky mix?

Pros:

  • Highly intelligent and trainable: Both breeds are known for their intelligence, making them adaptable and eager to learn.
  • Energetic and playful: This mix thrives on activity and loves playtime, making them great companions for active families.
  • Loyal and protective: They inherit strong protective instincts from the German Shepherd and make devoted companions.
  • Beautiful and unique: The combination of Husky and German Shepherd often results in stunning markings and a striking appearance.

Cons:

  • High energy needs: They require ample daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
  • Strong prey drive: Their Husky heritage can make them prone to chasing small animals, requiring close supervision outdoors.
  • Potential for shedding: Both breeds are known for shedding, so expect regular brushing and cleaning.
  • Independent streak: They can be stubborn at times and require consistent training and positive reinforcement.

2. What is the temperament of a German Shepherd Husky mix?

These mixes can be friendly and affectionate with family, but cautious around strangers. They are playful and energetic, with a strong dose of stubbornness inherited from the Husky. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted companions.

3. How much exercise does a German Shepherd Husky mix need?

These dogs are high-energy athletes and require at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. This could include long walks, runs, hikes, playtime in a fenced yard, and engaging in dog sports like agility or frisbee. Mental stimulation through training and interactive games is also essential.

4. Are German Shepherd Husky mixes good with children?

With proper socialization and supervision, they can be good companions for children. However, their high energy and potential for occasional rough play require adult supervision to ensure playtime remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes have any specific health concerns?

Like any mixed breed, they are susceptible to health issues common to both parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems are some potential concerns. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions, so choosing a reputable breeder is crucial.

Bonus tip: Remember, every dog is an individual, and these are just general guidelines. Always meet the specific dog you’re considering and consult with a qualified veterinarian or dog trainer for personalized advice.

I hope this information helps!

See also: Top 5 signs that a dog is dying – dog behavior before death.

Fact Check

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Reference: Pawleaks.com

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