Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Both the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd are popular dogs. It’s no surprise that dog owners love to mix both of these breeds. As people seek unique dogs but avoid the health risks associated with purebreds, designer dogs are increasingly popular. Another breed that has been developed to accomplish this is the German Shepherd Husky Mix ,, also known as the Gerberian Shepherd Shepsky.
In this guide, we will take a closer look into this mix. This guide will allow you to make an educated decision about whether one of these boisterous dogs would be the right choice for you and your family. This mix is full of energy and fun. You can also count on a faithful family member who is reliable and challenging to train sometimes.
This mix has become a popular choice over the years due to its striking appearance. Who wouldn’t love a dog with the appearance of a shepherd and the blue eyes that are characteristic of a Husky? You’ll find information about the parent breeds as well as a guide to help you decide if this pup is right for you. Let’s get started!
Parent Breeds
Mixed breeds are designer dog when two purebred dogs marry to form a “specialized” breed. This is not recognized by the AKC and other breed registry organizations. These mixes can result in puppies that inherit some traits from their parents.
It is worth noting that mixed-breed puppies often inherit health issues that are shared by both their parents. We’ve provided a brief profile of each parent breed in this comprehensive guide. This will help you to understand the Gerberian Shepsky and provide a general overview.
German Shepherd
The herding team includes the German shepherd. The dogs’ work as a shepherd and guardian in mountainous areas of Germany earned the breed its name. In 1899, the dog was chosen by former cavalry officer and veterinarian, Max von Stephanitz, as the perfect breed for military work.
In 1906, the German shepherd came to the U.S., and in 1913, the German Shepherd Club of America was founded. They currently rank second in the AKC’s breed popularity charts, just behind long-standing favorite, the Labrador retriever.
The breed is now employed in many sectors including search and rescue, counterband detection, police and military and helping people with disabilities. GSDs excel in obedience, tracking and dock diving. GSD’s are extremely loved in the US , making them excellent dogs for crossbreed mixes like the GSD mix.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is a member of the working group. Siberian huskies have been around for over half a million years and originate, as the name suggests, from Siberia where they were used as working dogs, pulling sleds across long distances.
In the early 1900s, this breed came to Alaska where they were used as competition dogs, competing in long-distance races. They were also used for transporting mail across the frozen landscape. The Siberian Huskie is still used today as a racing dog but he’s also a great family pet and companion. You can train huskies in obedience and dog agility, if you’re interested in trying your hand at canine sports.
Siberian huskies are pretty healthy dogs that have a relatively long lifespan of ten to 14 years. Siberian Huskies were bred to work long hours. These dogs require a lot of exercise, including two long walks per day, and playtime every day.
Because of their stunning blue eyes and overall even temperament, they make great pups for other designer dog breeds as well, like the Lab/Husky mix, mixing a corgi and a husky, or even crossing them with a Pomeranian. Breeders have even been mixing them with Pitbulls in recent years.
Gerberian Shepsky
The Siberian husky and the GSD are very well-matched in many areas, including looks. Both breeds possess a calm, athletic air and have a strong, sturdy build. Both have thick double coats that are perfect for snuggling up to. You should also note that the Gerberian Shepsky’s fluff will allow you to cuddle up to it, but you’ll need to clean up dog hair.
The Gerberian Shepsky is somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest German shepherds. So, that’s anywhere between 20 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and a weight of between 35 and 88 pounds. Although some people are larger than others, the majority of them fall within the range.
These dogs are large and will require a lot of space. If you decide to adopt a German shepherd-husky mix dog, outdoor space is essential. This breed is not recommended for apartments. To prevent destructive behavior, you will need to ensure that your dog has access to a large area or a safe place to exercise.
Personality
Gerberian Shepsky puppies will inherit the personality and character traits of both their parents. It’s all about luck when choosing your puppy. No one can predict what your pup will do. Huskies can be friendly, gentle and alert. They are loyal. German shepherds are intelligent, calm, and brave. You should end up with a loving, affectionate family pet , regardless of the personality traits your puppy inherits.
A word of caution. You should know that both parents have strong predator drives , so your cat may become a target for chasers. It is crucial to socialize your puppy early so that they understand cats are part of their family, and not to chase them!
Training
Huskies can be very smart but they can also be stubborn and strong-willed . This can make it difficult to train the breed. Shepherds are intelligent dogs. However, they can be more open to training and will quickly learn complex tasks. They also love to do their job with enthusiasm and relish.
You shouldn’t have any problems training your German shepherd-husky mix. Use a positive and reward-oriented training approach. The way you train your dog will depend on his personality and how well he works.
The trick to training this crossbreed is to keep the training sessions interesting and stimulating. Boredom can cause stubbornness or recalcitrance which can make a dog unhappy.
As your puppy grows up, you will be able to tell which parent breed your puppy is going to take after. A dog that’s taken more of the husky gene will enjoy running for hours and may not be very interested in playing with toys or learning tricks. Dogs with more German shepherd heritage will be more adept at obedience training, agility and scent work.
So, training your German Shepherd Husky Mix is a matter which parent your dog prefers. Your puppy should start socialization training immediately you bring him home. You should also take your pup to puppy classes after he has completed his vaccinations.
Temperament
Huskies have adapted to working and living in a group-oriented environment. They are often everyone’s best friend. GSDs are more reserved and some shepherds were bred to be guard dogs. This combination can make a dog aggressive, especially when he is protecting his territory or his family. A well-socialized Gerberian Shepherd is confident and comfortable around new people.
It is the best way to make sure you get a puppy who is a good fit for you. Meet both of his parents before you decide to take him home. The puppy may inherit the traits and characteristics of one parent. You must ask yourself if you would be content to bring or the puppy’s parents home with you.
Exercise
Both parents are working dogs . This means that you will need to be able to dedicate at least two hours each day to exercising your dog. A larger yard is recommended to allow your dog to run free. A dog park is a good option if you don’t have the space.
A German shepherd husky-mix could be the right pet for you and your family if you enjoy an active lifestyle, such as walking, running, or going on jogging. These dogs are not good if left alone, so the Gerberian Shepsky may not be the right choice for you if you work long hours.
Living Conditions
This mix could theoretically live outdoors. The double coats of both parent breeds keep them warm in cold weather and dry in wet. The dog’s dense, fluffy undercoat can cause heat problems in hot summers. Dogs without access to plenty of fresh water or shade can also become overheated.
The Gerberian Shepsky loves being around people. If your pet is left alone, it may resort to barking, howling and digging. A crossbreed with a husky personality can have separation anxiety. These dogs were bred to live together in close-knit groups. The Siberian Husky is a natural escape artist and can climb or dig his way out of any enclosure to find companions.
Health & Nutrition
The German shepherd husky mixture is generally a healthy and strong breed. You should ask your breeder for health screening documentation. Eye tests and hip scores are important as these conditions can have an impact on both parents. If this mix is allowed to become obese, it can become a large dog.
Always ask your breeder about the food that the puppy was fed up to the point of collection. Keep the same brand name until the puppy turns six months. Make sure you give your puppy adult food that is specifically designed for large breeds. If you’re unsure what kind of food to give your German shepherd husky mix, it’s recommended you feed them food that’s formulated for a GSD, or a Husky.
Coat & Colors
The physical shape of a German Shepherd is very similar to a Husky, but their color can vary greatly. Most strikingly, many Gerberian Shepsky puppies inherit the dark hair and bright blue eyes from their Siberian Husky parent. It all comes down to genetics, and which parent breed is stronger.
German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including silver, sable, black, and white. Siberian Huskies can be red or white, and have a dark underside and an upper body. GSD Husky Mixes could be born with both black or white genes.
Grooming
No matter what parent your puppy is raised by, he will always have a thick double-coated coat. Your dog will shed every day for the rest of the year. You’ll need to have something to control the dog hair and a powerful vacuum to remove any lingering hairs. This is especially important if your hardwood floors have hardwood floors. You’ll want to bathe them sparingly, but use a shampoo that’s made for breeds with double coats before you do.
Also, your furry friend may “blow” his hair during spring and autumn. This means that your furry friend will experience two periods of heavy shedding in accordance with the changing seasons. Your dog will shed its thick, fluffy coat in spring and be covered with a lighter, more summer-weight undercoat. To prepare for winter, your dog will shed its lightweight undercoat and get a heavier one when fall arrives.
In addition to grooming your dog at minimum three times per week, more often when he’s blowing out his hair, you’ll also love vacuuming! A Furminator shedding knife and a slickerbrush are essential tools for any dog grooming kit. The German Shepherd Husky mix is not recommended for households with animal hair allergies.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
The average cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is from $800 up to over $1,500, depending on where you live and on the achievements and pedigree of the puppy’s parents. There are many breeders of Gerber Shepsky online because they are so popular. Be cautious as some of these breeders could be purchasing their stock from puppy mills.
Check out crossbreed appreciation groups for German shepherd husky crosses. You might make useful connections. Your vet or local boarding kennels may be able to connect you with a reliable breeder. Make sure you ask for written health certificates for the parents and puppy’s parents if you have found a reliable breeder.
Breeder Red Flags
There are some things to be aware of when buying a puppy. When looking at mixed-breed dogs, it can be difficult to find legitimate breeders. This is especially true for designer dogs. A designer dog breeder should be aware of red flags. This is the same as screening breeders before adopting a purebred.
- Breeders who always have puppies available for sale.
- Any breeder that has multiple litters on their premises.
- Breeders offer you a choice of any puppy you want.
- Any breeder allowing you to pay online without seeing the puppy first.
No matter where your puppy is purchased, walk off . You are better safe than sorry. Don’t buy a puppy that could cause you serious health problems. If possible, it is a good idea to see the AKC registered papers of both parents.
Rescues & Shelters
If you don’t want to spend the time and effort required to raise and train a puppy ,, you might consider giving a forever home for an adult mix from a shelter or rescue center. You can check local rescue organizations and websites like AnimalShelter.org to find out if there are any German shepherd husky mix available for rehoming. If you are interested in adopting a shelter pet, social media can be a great way to get the word out.
As Family Pets
Now that you have a better idea of the German Shepherd Husky Mix, you can decide if one of these puppies is the right choice for your family. You can expect many things in most Gerberian Shepskys Although the above information may not be applicable to every dog, it is general information that applies to most breeds.
- Shepherd husky mixes are high-maintenance dogs that require lots of exercise every day.
- The German Shepherd Husky Mix has a thick, double coat that sheds.
- They also have high grooming and exercise demands.
- The Shepherd Husky cross is not the best choice for first-time owners.
- German shepherd husky mixes have a great temperament, being friendly, and loyal.
- Guarding issues can be a problem if your puppy takes mostly after his GSD parent.
- Both parent breeds can suffer from joint and eye problems.
- This means your puppy could inherit health issues.
- The Gerberian Shepsky is the perfect choice for an active household with older kids.
- These pups are big, so you’ll need a home with plenty of space.
- If you live in an apartment, a Gerberian Shepsky is not the best choice of dog for you.
Think you’re ready to adopt a Gerberian Shepsky. You have checked all the boxes and feel you are ready to take on a Gerberian Shepsky. Next, you need to find a dog to adopt your puppy. It is always a good idea to adopt before you shop. Follow the steps below to find your next dog.
Final Thoughts
A German shepherd husky combination could be your best choice if you are looking for a companion dog who will love you unconditionally and show loyalty. This combination is beautiful. Your pup will be the center of attention wherever you take them. It’s important to ensure that your pup can cope with the high activity level of this breed. We don’t want a pup who has to return to a shelter.
You’ll need to live an active lifestyle and be able to train your pet often. You must also enjoy grooming and brushing your dog. Shepsky sheds quite a bit! We are certain that a Gerberian Shepsky will be a wonderful addition to your family.
