It feels like wherever we look, a new designer breed pops up. But a German Shepherd Husky mix will take your heart in just one glance!
Wolf-like in appearance with a social nature, this hybrid is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes.
Whether you are a potential owner or simply curious about this beautiful breed, get ready to have all your questions answered!
A Quick Overview Of The German Shepherd Husky Mix
| Height | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| 22-31 inches | 44-88 lbs | 8-13 years |
| Activity level | Grooming needs |
|---|---|
| Very high | Constant and frequent grooming required |
German Shepherd Husky Mix History
The German Shepherd Husky Mix, or the Gerberian Shepsky (a mouthful either way) is a mix of two amazing working dog breeds. Both parent breeds are high-energy and high-drive dogs, and we can expect nothing less from our German Shepherd Husky mix.
Our first part of this mix, the Siberian Huskies, have their roots in Northeast Asia. The Chukchi people bred them to pull their sleds during the cold winters of Siberia.
The German Shepherd is a strong, intelligent breed from Germany, used to herd sheep.
As with many designer dog breeds, the exact origin is unknown. However, it is believed that the first litter of the Siberian Shepherd dates back to the 1980s.
This mixed breed is rapidly gaining popularity with dog parents across the world, and it is easy to see why.
The Siberian Huskies are highly independent and intelligent, but also very social and people-loving in general. When we combine that with the work ethic of a German Shepherd, we have a chance to get a loyal and trainable furry companion.
Recently, I became a working-line German Shepherd owner. My boyfriend is a previous owner of the Husky breed. As such, I know both breeds very well.
My firm belief is that the genetics of this mix can align beautifully. The result can be a stable, loving, and loyal dog who is a wonderful companion and does well in social situations.
But there is always a chance to get a very hard-headed dog with strong opinions about many things.
However the genes mix, I assure you the dog will have boundless energy, be quite vocal, and shed more than some people can handle.
But don’t worry, with consistent training and reasonable management, this dog will be the best friend you could ever imagine having.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Appearance
These dogs are blessed with gorgeous long fur and various color combinations.
Depending on the influence of the dominant breed, in the German Shepherd Husky mix we can see white, gray, silver, tan, red, and black fur colors. Some puppies might even be classic Sable colors of traditional German Shepherd coats.
As beautiful as their coat is, it demands regular grooming care and, usually, it will be a double coat.
Thanks to their Husky heritage, the Shepsky can carry the gene for heterochromia, making their eyes differently colored! Some typical eye colors are green, blue, and brown.
The Shepsky are usually medium to large dogs, with the average height falling somewhere between 22 inches (55 cm) to 26 inches (65 cm) for the females, and their male counterparts averaging from 26 inches (67 cm) to 31 inches (79 cm).
If we look at weight, female German Shepherd Husky mixes may tip the scales at 44 pounds to 66, while the males could carry a weight of 66 lbs to 88 lbs, depending on the dominant genetic material.
Temperament and Behavior of the German Shepherd Husky Mix
To assume the likely temperament of the Gerberian Shepsky, we must look into what traits parent breeds carry.
The German Shepherd, if bred according to standard, should be “self-assured, have steady nerves, be attentive towards the owner, and be easy to train”. They should also be socially balanced and good-natured.
Our other counterpart of this mix, the Siberian Husky, is a social butterfly who is gentle and alert by breed standards.
The German Shepherd mix temperament is a good fit for families with children. They are social and loving dogs. All the Siberian Huskies I had the pleasure to meet were happy to be in any contact with children, and my GSD sure loves them too!
If socialized early, they can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd gene makes them a good fit for a guard dog who is trained with ease. But don’t be surprised if that Husky autonomy slips into the mix.
High activity levels and mental stimulation are a must for a happy life with this dog. Be warned that they may exhibit high vocal tendencies found in both parent breeds so appropriate living spaces should be considered.
Because of these things, a Shepsky might not be a great fit for an apartment complex with thin walls.
How To Groom My German Shepherd Husky Mix
As mentioned above there is no exact formula to determine the exact color and length of Shepsky’s fur. However, if there is one thing you can count on it is them having double coated fur.
That means that they require brushing at least twice a week to promote skin health and proper shedding. The best choice for brushing these dogs is every other day so you won’t end up with dog hair flying all over your home.
From experience, I can suggest using a deshedding comb for their brushing ritual. It is the best way to deal with the double coat because it can reach the undercoat and remove loose hair easily and safely.
When used correctly, a de-shedding tool alone is enough for routine brushing and de-shedding. If used incorrectly, the tool can damage your German Shepherd Husky mix coat, so be careful.
Also, one more tool that would be useful to have is a wide-toothed brush to break up any mats in the fur. After that, you can follow with a paddle brush so it can smooth over any stray hairs.
The Important Aspects Of Training And Socialization
Dogs of all breeds have a critical socialization window and it closes at 3 to 12 weeks of life, this puppy not being an exception.
In fact, due to the German Shepherd dog part, who by nature is a protective guardian, socialization is the first aspect that we focus on. The pup needs to learn that not all new people are a threat.
Proper socialization cannot be overstated for any breed during the puppy years as the foundation for most training is confidence. The dog must be well socialized from an early stage.
Safely exposing the dog to new smells, sounds, and sights is of crucial importance for development. Good socialization translates to confidence.
This mixed breed should be fairly easy to train if the German Shepherd genes prevail. The German Shepherd dog is quite handler-oriented and eager to please during training.
Thanks to the powerhouse breeds that make up the mix, there is a lot of drive to work with.
Take into consideration that the German Shepherd Husky mix also has a lot of prey drive, so be careful around smaller animals and introduce the dog to small children as soon as you can (even if you don’t have any) as a part of early socialization.
Extensive exercise paired with a stable training schedule will easily transform the German Shepherd Husky mix into your companion on every adventure.
Health And Longevity Of The German Shepherd Husky Mixes
German Shepherd Husky Mixes, just like the origin breeds, may have some breed-typical health issues. Some common health issues found in this mix include:
- Degenerative myelopathy – Degenerative myelopathy is a disorder on a neurological basis that affects the spinal cord of the dog, causing paralysis of the hind end.
- Elbow and hip dysplasia – Elbow dysplasia is a joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another joint disease that affects the hind end.
- Cancer – If you wonder how often cancer can be found in dogs in general, more than 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will have cancer.
- Epilepsy – Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs and has been estimated to affect approximately 0.75% of the canine population(1). Just like it is with us humans, epilepsy in dogs is a brain illness that results in the dog having sudden fits. It can be brought on by head traumas or brain tumors, but there is often no obvious cause for the condition.
- Corneal dystrophy is a word that is used to talk about a few issues that occur in dogs. All of these issues cause the corneas to become cloudy. We have three categories of this illness: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. Each got its name based on the location and opaqueness of the abnormal growth.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – the meaning of the word atrophy is partial or complete wasting or deterioration of a body part. PRA is a group of degenerative illnesses that affect the photoreceptor cells. Dogs affected by this illness go blind over time.
When purchasing your dog, it is important to research breeders in your area. Search for ethical breeders who do health testing for their dogs to avoid any negative experiences with your pet.
The general longevity of these dogs is from 8 to 13 years if purchased from the right breeder.
If you are a data freak like me, let me introduce you to Fi dog collars that can help you monitor your dog’s health. They keep track of your dog’s steps and compare his activity to other similar dogs.
Use Fi dog collars to set the right step goal and correctly balance activity vs. rest. Fi’s role is also to monitor your dog while resting and at night. If we look at their site they claim that sleep patterns can reveal emerging health issues and Fi makes sure you don’t miss anything.
Exercise And Proper Nutrition
You can avoid many health problems in your dog with proper nutrition and extensive exercise.
The absence of training, stimulation, and exercise can cause behavioral difficulties in any breed. The German Shepherd husky mix has a reputation for being especially high-strung, so they need additional engagement to make sure they’re kept busy.
This Siberian husky mix will need a minimum of two and a half hours of exercise every day. Make it a fun family activity to run or walk with the dog. A big DO is to always change the route of your walks, so your Shepsky never gets bored.
Their living spaces should be large and open so the dogs can lead a comfortable life. It would be perfect to have a backyard so the dog can wander free. They have slim to zero compatibility with apartments and smaller living spaces.
When it comes to nutrition, dog food selection can be daunting. There are as many options as there are breeds of dogs.
Dogs are as diverse as people, and each has unique needs. What works for my GSD does not work for my rescue dog. So pace yourself, do your research, and make adjustments when needed.
For optimal nutrition, a healthy, full-grown adult Siberian Shepherd should have around 25% protein in their diet, 10% to 15% fat, and from 3% to 7% fiber. Their calorie intake can differ due to activity levels but should range from 1300 to 2100 calories.
During the initial purchase of food (if not feeding a raw or BARF diet) search for animal-based proteins as the top component.
Also, try to find a ‘by-product meal’ or ‘meal’ within the top five ingredients. Those are the more important sources of protein that are nourishing for your German Shepherd Husky mix.
Is The German Shepherd Husky Mix The Right Dog For You
Who and why gets this dog? That’s easy – if you lead an active lifestyle this is the right dog for you.
The German Shepherd Husky mix can and will hike with you, and unlike your friends, he sure won’t complain on the way up.
I know my German Shepherd always makes me question her sanity after hikes, as she is always ready for more. Never mind the terrain, never mind the weather and never mind the actual distance we go, she always whines for more as we get in the car.
On the other hand, if your ideal day is spent relaxing at home and watching TV or reading books, this should not be your next dog.
The Gerberian Shepsky has insane amounts of energy and high exercise requirements. This dog will not be happy just with daily walks around the neighborhood and it needs mental stimulation daily.
To check your compatibility with this breed, ask yourself if you have a minimum of two and a half hours daily to fulfill their activity needs. They are a good choice for owners with time and experience because, like most dogs, they can get bored easily.
In Conclusion
This dog is stunning to look at but it’s not for everyone. All working dogs need training, time, and consistency. History and experience, with both origin breeds, demonstrated that they are hard workers who make a devoted family pet and our mix should be the same.
Anybody who finds themselves living with this breed should be ready for an active and enthusiastic dog that requires a job. Even if it will be a pet, they were bred to work and they must have an outlet for their energy and drive.
Keep in mind that you will need to supply your dog with comprehensive mental and physical exercise every day. These dogs are a commitment beyond breed.
Do you have the will, time, and energy to properly train and socialize your pet? Do you have a steady income if any potential health problems emerge?
Do you have enough room for this medium to large breed to prosper? Ask yourself these things before considering a German Shepherd Husky Mix.
Once you decide to look for a puppy of your own, please look for a responsible breeder.
The breeder should request more information about the lifestyle you lead and they should also answer any and every question you might have about the breed as well as the parents of the puppy.
After that conversation, if both of you are sure the breed is right for you, enjoy an action-packed life with your new best buddy.
References
- Heske L, Nodvedt A, Jaderlund KH, Berendt M, Egenvall A. A cohort study of epilepsy among 665,000 insured dogs: incidence, mortality, and survival. 2014. Vet J; 202:471-6.
Nandina has been a lifelong dog owner and enthusiast. She shared her home with multiple breeds, including Giant Schnauzers, Cane Corsos, and Huskies. Currently, she is raising a three-year-old rescue and a working-line German Shepherd puppy.
Actively engaged in IGP dog sports for two years, Nandina is a certified instructor for basic obedience and socialization. She works as a trainer in her local dog sports club, and in her spare time, she handicrafts biothane gear for dogs.