The Husky and German Shepherd mix is a popular cross. A mix between two medium to large dogs, it has inherited some of the best traits of both parents.
This mixed breed is a cross between two working dog breeds. So, you can expect a canine that loves to work. Depending on the genes they inherit from the Siberian Husky parent, they can be more or less stubborn.
Meet The Breed
There are a couple of names used for the Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix. One is the Shepsky or the Gerberian Shepsky.
This dog provides the best of both the German Shepherd dog breed and the Siberian Husky dog breed. It is a friendly breed that will do amazingly as a family pet. At the same time, because of the German Shepherd parent, this puppy can be a great guard dog.
The German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is a medium-sized working dog. Do you want to know whether this hybrid puppy is right for your household?
Well, we will talk about temperament, appearance, health, training, and more about this designer dog. Read on.
Meet The Parents
The best way to know what you can expect from a puppy is to look at its parent breeds. In this case, we have two popular dogs. Let’s see how they compare.
German Shepherd
In the past several years, the German Shepherd has ranked in the top 5 of popularity by The American Kennel Club. There is a simple reason for that. German Shepherds are among the most loyal and affectionate working dogs. These canines love to work, please their owner, they are easy to train, and their intelligence is among the highest in the canine world.
The best part about owning a German Shepherd is training is a breeze. At the same time, this dog can be used as a guard dog or herding dog. The versatility is off the charts. GSDs can fit any role you need them to.
With that in mind, here are some common personality traits of the German Shepherd.
- A highly intelligent dog that is ideal for a variety of jobs
- Famous for their loyalty to owners and families, they are fiercely protective
- A very alert dog that can make an excellent watchdog
- Quick to alert their owners about any potential danger
- Brave and confident dogs that find their job in police work
- Highly obedient dogs that love to please, which is why they are used in obedience and agility competitions
- These dogs have a playful and energetic personality
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky might not fall in the top 10 of popularity by The American Kennel Club. There are plenty of challenges with a Husky puppy. But the beauty of this working dog is hard to resist.
With that in mind, there are also positives to owning a Siberian Husky dog. Let’s check the canine’s personality traits.
- Known for their independent streak, they can be stubborn at times
- High-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
- Their endurance makes them a great running or hiking companion
- They are intelligent dogs, but their stubbornness stands in the way
- Generally sociable dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals
- Very vocal dogs that do not bark, yet, they howl to express their opinion
- Playful personality, they enjoy playing games that challenge their mind and body
Appearance
Now let’s talk about the Husky and German Shepherd mix. The first thing you need to know is that the AKC doesn’t recognize any designer dog breeds. Yet, the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes them. Because there is no breed standard set by the AKC, you cannot know for sure what to expect.
Generally speaking, the Gerberian Shepsky puppy can grow between 20 and 25 inches and weigh between 45 and 80 lbs. Because both breeds are thought of as wolf descendants, they have a broad and wolf-like faces. Because of the Husky genes, these puppies might have blue eyes.
Speaking of their thick double coat, it can come in blue, red, brown, black, white, cream, brown and white, salt and pepper, and light brown or golden coat options.
Their thick and fluffy coat is perfect for cuddling up on a cold night. But it also means you will have to spend plenty of time grooming your pet.
Some of the other wolf-like features include pointed ears and long noses. Their thick double coat is well-suited for colder climates as well.
We will talk about grooming later on, but you have to be prepared to put some effort into it.
Temperament
The Shepsky is the offspring of two working breeds. There is no question that your German Shepherd Siberian Husky mix will be a working dog canine.
No matter which personality traits it inherits, working will be part of its DNA. The only question is whether it will be a more eager-to-please and obedient dog like the purebred German Shepherd, or independent and stubborn like the Husky parent.
Both parents are gentle and loyal, yet, alert. One thing to keep in mind. If your puppy inherits the Husky gene, it might have a strong prey drive.
Unlike GSDs, Huskies live and work in a pack-oriented society. Your mixed puppy might be the same. They are friendlier than their GSD counterpart. This puppy is the result of a friendly parent like the Husky, and a reserved watchdog and guard dog parent like the German Shepherd.
Generally speaking, Shepsky is friendly around people. But you always have to keep its guarding instinct and protective nature in the back of your head.
They are loyal to their dog owner, making them perfect family dogs. Yet, they can have herding instincts. Socialization can help with that. More on that later on.
Training
How can you train a dog that is a mix between GSD and Husky? Well, it depends on which personality traits it will inherit.
Your goal is to use your canine’s personality to your advantage. Because these puppies love to work, give them a job during training. Put them in a situation where they work, and they will be happy to train.
These dogs are intelligent, but they can have either independent nature or obedient nature. Do not underestimate their intelligence. They are way too intelligent to outright obey everything. But pairing GSD and Husky can solve the stubbornness of the Siberian Husky parent.
Exercise
If you do not have to provide plenty of exercise, we suggest you stay away from this hybrid dog. Remember, one of its parents was a sled dog. These puppies need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Thanks to their sled dog nature, Huskies and their mixes are incredibly enduring. They can run for hundreds of miles without breaking a sweat.
Generally speaking, this puppy needs between 45 and 60 minutes of exercise per day at minimum. They will be happy if they get more, up to 90 minutes.
Health Issues
One of the reasons why people have opted for mixed-breed dogs in the past several years is health. A purebred dog is not as healthy as a hybrid dog.
Crossing two dogs can help solve the health risks associated with either parent. In this case, the GSD is the one who is the less-healthy dog.
And the Husky and German Shepherd mix can inherit some of those health risks. Albeit, the percentage is way lower. Some of the risks associated with the Shepsky include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric dilatation volvulus or bloating, cancer, epilepsy, and allergies.
Grooming
Now let’s talk about grooming. No matter which parent has dominant genes, your mix will have a thick and double coat. And it will shed continually throughout the year. Be ready for some grooming and find something to help control dog hair.
This dog is also prone to matting. We suggest brushing your puppy 2 or 3 times per week to keep its shiny coat tangle-free.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- A hybrid dog that sheds quite a lot and needs a lot of grooming
- Can inherit the stubborn and independent gene of the Husky
- High-energy dog that needs plenty of mental stimulation as well, making it a high-maintenance canine
Why Should You Get One?
- Loyal and obedient dog that loves to work
- Amazing companion if you have an active lifestyle
- Just think of the possibility of a German Shepherd with blue eyes, that is a striking beauty
