German Shepherd Husky Mix: Facts, Temperament, and Care Guide

German Shepherd Husky Mix

Gerberian Shepsky. It’s a mouth full, but we have to admit – it does have a certain ring to it. This sought after German Shepherd Husky Mix provides the best of both breeds – He’s strong and smart, with the independence of Huskies, and fierce loyalty of German Shepherds.

While the Shepherd Husky Mix is a friendly breed, and perfect for families with children, the German Shepherd genes make him a great guard dog.

Siberian Huskys are considered a medium sized working dog, while the German Shepherd is classified as a large herding dog who loves a job! The Gerberian Shepsky finds his place somewhere between the two, typically growing to an average height of 25 inches and weighing in at about 80 pounds. The females are a bit smaller at an average of 22 inches in height and 65 pounds.

Trying to decide if you’d like to add a mixed breed to your family? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that details all you need to know – from history, to temperament and grooming – about the Gerbian Shepsky!

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Table of Contents

Overview: The German Shepherd Husky Mix at a Glance

History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky

German Shepherd Mix Temperament & Trainability

How to Feed Your Gerberian Shepsky

German Shepherd Husky Mix Exercises

Shepsky Health Considerations

Gerberian Shepsky Grooming & Appearance

Summary: Facts & Figures - Gerberian Husky Stats

Recommended Products


Overview: The German Shepherd Husky Mix at a Glance

This hybrid is the ideal balance of two highly intelligent and regal looking pure breeds. Each litter typically produces 6-8 adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia – or different colored eyes – from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. They’re all sure to have those charmingly alert ears common to both breeds!


History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky

To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds.

As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in 1899 for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. They are America’s second favorite breed, right behind Labradors. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over 3000 years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in 1908 where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities.

No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. It’s likely that the first group of puppies was actually an accident! But, with the surging popularity of designer breeds, this friendly and loyal German Shepherd/Husky mix is finding it’s way into homes across the world.

German Shepherd Mix Temperament & Trainability

Just as all Gerberian Shepsky puppies may look different, the may also have different personalities based on the traits inherited from their parents. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament.

They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime!

They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately.

Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. If he’s more German Shepherd, he may prefer advanced activities like scent work. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Either way, he’ll need plenty of activity – approximately 2 hours a day as an adult.

Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling (a husky favorite), and chewing.

While they are a great choice for active and adventurous families, German Shepherd Husky mixes probably aren’t well suited for first time owners or those who are out of the house for most of the day.

How to Feed Your Gerberian Shepsky

This large, highly active breed requires a high protein diet. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. This way, they’ll get all the proper nutrients and vitamins necessary for skeletal and muscle growth!

In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about 1700-2400 calories, while less active and senior dogs only require 1300-1600 calories per day. To promote easy digestion, and avoid the dangers of bloat and volvulus associated with both breeds, it’s best to split the meals over at least two feeding times per day. As energetic carnivores, Shepkys thrive on a diet composed of no less than 22% protein.

A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs!

German Shepherd Husky Mix Exercises

Like we’ve mentioned, these playful guys love exercise and activities. Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. They’ll be happiest in large, open spaces and unfortunately do not make great apartment dogs.

German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. While a large yard is ideal, even it isn’t enough for this highly active and energetic breed! Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles.

With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day!

Shepsky Health Considerations

Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Conditions to look out for include Elbow/Hip Dysplasia, common to many large breeds, as well as Degenerative Eye Diseases like Cataracts. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery.

And as mentioned, bloat and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus are common to German Shepherds. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe.

Gerberian Shepsky Grooming & Appearance

We just can’t get over those adorably erect ears! And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes.

They may take on the brown eyes of a German Shepherd, or the blue/green eyes common to Huskies. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it – so gorgeous and unique!

Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color – Sable!

Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. It’s a common misconception that Huskies can only live happy lives in Northern areas that frequently receive snow. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures.

Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary!

Summary: Facts & Figures - Gerberian Husky Stats

We hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the increasingly popular German Shepherd Husky Mix. We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? He’s incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal and protective. Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! He’s adventurous and the perfect partner in exercise. So what do you think?

Fact Detail

Life Expectancy:

10-13 years

Size:

20-25 inches, 45-80lbs; depends on sex

Price:

$400-$1500

Trainability:

Eager to please, quicker learners

Temperament:

Loving, playful, protective

Health Considerations:

Elbow/Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Eye Disease

Activity Level:

Very Energetic; destructive when not stimulated

Energy Requirements:

1300-2400 calories depending on activity level

Overall Rating:

Ideal family dog

Recommended Products

Looking to show off your Gerberian Shepsky? We’ve put together a list of recommended products below.

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