You may not have ever thought about this before, but German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies look a little similar. Coat markings aside, they have a pretty similar build, head shape, and expression. It is no wonder that the Shepsky is such a successful breed mix especially when it comes to aesthetics.
A Shepsky is a mix between a German Shepherd and Siberian Husky. It is a popular designer dog in the medium to large category. The resultant Shepsky is a beautiful dog known for its very unique aesthetic variations. Shepskies also have a very interesting and endearing personality that no doubt contributes largely to their popularity.
If you are interested in getting your very own German Shepherd Siberian Husky mixed puppy, you are in for the time of your life. Here is all that you need to know about owning and raising one of these dogs so that you are better prepared for the responsibility.
How Big Will A German Shepherd And Husky Mix Get?
Something else that makes the German Shepherd Husky mix good is the fact that there is a lot of variety in terms of size.
If you want a smaller and more compact pooch, you can get something as small as 40 to 45 lbs with the pups in this case being bred from medium-sized huskies and shepherds.
You could also get a larger mix weighing up to 90 lbs or more in which case the parents were most likely also quite large.
German Shepherd and Husky mixes are the doggies you never knew you wanted but will always be glad that they exist. Here are some of the main things you have to expect from this glorious combination of sheer awesomeness.
Aesthetically Pleasant
German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mixes are some of the most beautiful doggies you will ever lay your eyes on. This is largely due to the eyes and coat characteristics both of which we will get into shortly. However, it is also as a result of the beautiful blend of traits from both of these equally beautiful breeds.
Like both parents, Shepskies will have erect ears. However, their size and shape vary based on genetics and sheer chance. The rest of the facial features are generally unremarkable with the dog quite literally looking like a perfect blend of both original parent dog breeds.
Coat Type And Markings
Shepskys will have dense coats that may either be long or medium, again, based on the parent’s features. What is the most interesting thing about their coats are the colors and markings.
German Shepherd and Husky mixes are the most eclectic bunch when it comes to designer pups. They come in a wide variety of colors that are usually combinations of 2 or 3 colors. They may also inherit the husky’s white snout mask, the shepherd’s black snout mask, or they may even lack any snout markings at all.
Eyes
There is something quite enchanting about a German Shepherd’s dark, beautiful features and a Siberian Husky’s piercing, blue or gray eyes. Even when the doggy has brown eyes, they are still quite beautiful especially with the coat color combinations to complement the aesthetic.
What Is The Lifespan Of A German Shepherd Husky Mix?
A German Shepherd Siberian Husky mix has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
This is pretty similar to what you would expect with both the contributing breeds. As with most other mixed pooches, the Shepsky is a very healthy dog. However, they are not always disease-free. Here are some of the most common ailments that affect them that you may have to deal with.
Hip Dysplasia
Given the medium to large size of both parent breeds, it is no wonder that Shepskies are vulnerable to developing this debilitating joint disease. Fortunately, a lot of reputable breeders intentionally breed out the trait to minimize the chances of your doggy suffering in future.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This condition progressively damages vision in both eyes until the dog is completely blind. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop or reverse the process. However, early detection through regular vet visits will help you prepare yourself and your dog for the inevitable future.
Gastric Erosions
Associated with working dogs like both parents of the Shepsky with some theories suggesting that it is induced by mental and physical stress. The condition causes intense discomfort and even pain for the pooch and you may even notice them avoiding eating completely.
Juvenile Cataracts
These can start appearing as early as 6 months. However, juvenile arthritis in Shepskies will most likely manifest during the dog’s mid-life of 5 to 7 years of age. Unlike progressive retinal atrophy, there is hope for reversal with this condition albeit complicated.
A German Shepherd Siberian Husky mix has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
This is pretty similar to what you would expect with both the contributing breeds. As with most other mixed pooches, the Shepsky is a very healthy dog. However, they are not always disease-free. Here are some of the most common ailments that affect them that you may have to deal with.
Hip Dysplasia
Given the medium to large size of both parent breeds, it is no wonder that Shepskies are vulnerable to developing this debilitating joint disease. Fortunately, a lot of reputable breeders intentionally breed out the trait to minimize the chances of your doggy suffering in future.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This condition progressively damages vision in both eyes until the dog is completely blind. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to stop or reverse the process. However, early detection through regular vet visits will help you prepare yourself and your dog for the inevitable future.
Gastric Erosions
Associated with working dogs like both parents of the Shepsky with some theories suggesting that it is induced by mental and physical stress. The condition causes intense discomfort and even pain for the pooch and you may even notice them avoiding eating completely.
Juvenile Cataracts
These can start appearing as early as 6 months. However, juvenile arthritis in Shepskies will most likely manifest during the dog’s mid-life of 5 to 7 years of age. Unlike progressive retinal atrophy, there is hope for reversal with this condition albeit complicated.
How Much Should A German Shepherd Husky Mix Eat?
German Shepherd Husky mixes are known for their very big appetites. I mean what more would we expect from a dog that is bred from two of the most energetic and equally ravenous working dog breeds?
It is important to keep up with a Shepsky’s high demand while also controlling its intake in terms of quantity and quality to prevent lifestyle diseases like obesity in them.
Here are some tips on how to feed your Shepsky right for their health and wellbeing.
Invest In High Quality Dog Food
With the Shepsky’s sensitive stomach, the last thing you want to do is to feed them foods full of artificial additives or byproduct ingredients. Instead, pamper your pooch with high quality options that are not only great for their health but also gentle on their tummies. Pet Plate is ideal in this case with their use of human-grade ingredients and natural cooking and storage techniques.
Feed The Shepsky The Right Amount Of Food
Quantity control is another very important responsibility that you will have if you wish to keep your dog happy, healthy, and alive. For larger Shepskies, 4 cups a day should suffice while smaller adults will thrive on 3 to 3½ cups. Puppies, on the other hand, should start with one cup then build up to adult levels as they grow and their appetites increase.
Get Your Shepsky Out For At Least 2 Hours Of Exercise Per Day
In addition to watching their diet, part of taking good care of the dog is ensuring they get enough energy. A German Shepherd Husky mix needs at least 2 hours of exercise outdoors every day.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins
German Shepherd Husky mixes also benefit a lot from Multivitamin and other micronutrient supplements. These help in everything from increased immunity and digestion to promoting joint functionality and healing. They should therefore be a permanent fixture in your dog’s meal plans.
Are Gerberian Shepskies Aggressive? Temperaments Of Shepskies
German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies differ a lot when it comes to their personalities. The one thing they share in common is their strong work ethic whether it is herding, guarding, hunting, or pulling cargo.
The rest differ with the shepherd being a bit more reserved and focused and the husky more laid back and goofy. Let’s take a look at some of the personality traits this mix produces.
Intelligent
Gerberian Shepskies are quite easy to train mainly due to their high intelligence. They occasionally inherit stubbornness and poor concentration from their Husky parents. However, the strong focus and ease in picking up skills from the German Shepherd side always proves useful.
Alert
The Shepskies make for great guard dogs due to their very alert nature. They are also quite mistrusting of strangers and will not hesitate to sound a bark alarm when they feel that you are threatened.
This also comes in very handy for dog owners who want to keep the doggies as hunting companions as they have great environmental and situational awareness.
Eager To Follow
Both parent breeds of a Shepsky have a background as pack working dogs. They are the types of dogs that work on hierarchies and have the innate desire to either take charge or follow a more dominant pack member. It is therefore crucial that you establish yourself as the alpha before your pooch starts getting ideas.
Energetic And Very Playful
There is never a dull moment in a home with a Shepsky. Like their Husky parents, these mixed doggies have a goofy side that they will always show especially when they start to feel comfortable around you.
Does Gerberian Shepsky Shed a Lot? Grooming Tips For Shepskies
Geberian Shepskies are not hypoallergenic.
They actually shed quite a lot whether they have long or medium-length hair. However, grooming the dogs is relatively easy especially if you have a routine to work with. Here is a simple one that should work for your Shepsky and help you better take care of the doggy.
Brush The Coat Regularly
For long coat Shepskies, you can brush the fur once every 2 to 3 days. This is because they do not shed as much as the medium-length variety. In fact, brushing frequently mainly helps with detangling and not deshedding.
For shorter coats on the other hand, brushing once every 3 to 4 days would be ideal. You may also have to increase this to brushing on an as-needed basis, such as once daily during heavy shedding seasons.
The Furminator Undercoat Tool is designed to make the process easier for you. The handle is designed for comfortable use while features like the fur release mechanism further improving your experience with the comb.
Schedule A Monthly Full Washing
These doggies have thick coats that require regular, tender, loving care. A monthly wash works for all Shepskies whether or not there are underlying skin issues. We recommend the Paws & Pals 5-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for multifunctionality as well as its doggy-friendly formulation.
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Clean Up Regularly After The Pooch
You may not always get the dirt, drool, fur, dander, and other messes before they land on surfaces in your home. Regular cleanup is actually an important part of taking care of your Shepsky in addition to being convenient for you.
By vacuuming regularly and laundering the dog’s bedding, you discourage thriving parasites like mites and fleas that complicate the grooming process. To make your life easier, try the iRobot Roomba i3+ vacuum unit. This handy, little device pretty much does all the dirty work for you without you even having to be present (pun unintended).
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Related Questions
Is A German Shepherd Stronger Than A Husky? Both Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are quite strong. The two working dogs are built for endurance and power whether it is for pulling slays or fiercely guarding homes and livestock. However, German Shepherds may have a bit of an advantage given their larger size and often more volatile temperament.
Which Is Smarter Husky Or German Shepherd? The German Shepherd is easily smarter than the Siberian Husky. According to Stanley Coren, German Shepherd dogs are the 3rd smartest dog breed. They are known for their responsiveness to commands and how quickly they pick up on new skills. Siberian Huskies on the other hand, though intelligent, can be quite stubborn and difficult to work with especially when it comes to training.
Can You Raise A Husky With A Cat? Huskies are known to attack and even sometimes seriously hurt cats. It is a part of their natural instinct to hunt small animals. It is therefore generally not advisable to keep the two together. However, if the dog is socialized early and introduced to other pets, they are less likely to cause trouble.
