German Shepherd 101

The Ultimate Guide for German Shepherd Owners

Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Protective?

Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Protective?

Do you want a protective dog? You probably know German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protection of owners. And Huskies are one of the friendliest dogs you can ever meet. What about German Shepherds Husky mixes (or Shepskies)? It might be hard to determine how a mixed dog acts. We will look at what makes a protective dog and whether Shepskies is one.

German Shepherd Husky mixes are protective dogs. They will display protective reactions, like barking or growling at strangers nearby. Protective dogs can be a great additional security to property or the owner. A Shepsky has the best traits of a German Shepherd when it comes to protection and loyalty.

There are many components that make up a protective dog. They will look and act a certain way. We will go over the different traits of a protective dog, what they will protect, and much more!

What does a protective dog look like?

A protective dog may display protective reactions. If somebody is approaching you and your dog starts to growl, they may be trying to protect you. There are other things a dog may do, such as

  • Staring at somebody
  • Snarling or growling
  • Showing teeth
  • Sitting close to the owner

A German Shepherd Husky mix often shows these reactions. A loyal and protective breed that can be weary of strangers. German Shepherd Husky mixes are great protectors of their owners and other members of the family.

Why would you want a protective dog?

A protective dog can be a great addition to you and your family. A protective dog may also excel at guarding a farm or other animals you have. An extra safety measure is always an added benefit, and German Shepherd Husky mixes excel at protection. 

Signs that your Shepsky is protective

There are many ways that a German Shepherd Husky mix will act protective. These dogs have the loyalty of German Shepherds, unrivaled from many other breeds. Here are some actions your dog might be doing to offer protection

  • Constantly looking out windows or around the area
  • Be suspicious of anything new or strange
  • Try to take you away from anything dangerous
  • Circle around you in different places
  • Sleep near you

What will a German Shepherd Husky mix protect?

The German Shepherd Husky mix can protect not just you and your family. They will also protect property. This could be by barking and growling when strangers are nearby your home. They may also guard a farm and the animals on it. They are alert and always looking for anything that could cause trouble. 

German Shepherd Husky mixes are natural protectors. They are aware of their surroundings and can be curious about strange things. 

Some examples of things that a Shepsky will protect:

  • Owner
  • Family 
  • Property
  • Farm and animals

Why would a Shepsky be protective?

A German Shepherd Husky mix is protective because they are the perfect combination of breeds. German Shepherds are brave, confident, and loyal. Huskies are very smart, friendly, and playful. Together they make a great family pet that can also be protective when needed.

Will a male dog be more protective than a female dog?

There is no big difference between either a male or female German Shepherd Husky mix being more or less protective. The breed has many protective traits that are found in both genders. Males may be bigger and have a larger presence, but they are both just as protective. 

Is there a downside to owning a protective Shepsky?

A protective Shepsky may have some disadvantages to watch out for. Keep in mind just because you know visitors are coming, your dog may not. Training in these situations is helpful to let your dog know that there are no threats. 

It is also important to know that even though you may have a protective dog, there are no guarantees. If an intruder or burglary were to happen, a dog should just be one of many layers of protection. Proper security and planning should also be in place for emergencies. 

What to know before owing a Shepsky from an owner

A Shepsky is a great dog that is also protective. But what other things should you consider before owning this breed? Here’s a video where a Shepsky owner shares a list of what to know before getting one. 

Here is a summary of 5 things you need to know:

  • Energetic and very active
    • Shepskies have a lot of energy. Mental stimulation like puzzles or training is also important to keep them active. 
  • Needs a lot of exercises
    • Because these are high-energy dogs, they need a lot of exercises! Keeping this dog active helps to deter destructive behaviors. 
  • Shedding
    • They have a thick double coat. Shedding will frequently happen, so brushing a lot is a must.
  • Very smart
    • German Shepherd Husky mixes are super smart. It is important not to let them outsmart you!
  • Protective
    • A protective dog that is great with owners and families.

Alternative breeds that are protective

A German Shepherd Husky mix is a great option if you want a protective dog. However, there are other breeds that may be easier to find or fit better with your life.

BreedHeightWeightTraits
Purebred German Shepherd22 – 26 inches50 – 90 lbs.LoyalConfident
Akita21 – 27 inches50-80 lbs.CourageousLoyal
Belgian Malinois20 – 26 inches50-70 lbs.SmartObedient
Cane Carso23 – 28 inches85 – 110 lbs.LoyalIntelligent

Training a Shepsky for protection

Training is an essential part of owning a German Shepherd Husky mix. They are very smart and can be easily trained. You can also train for certain protection actions. There are professional trainers for protection depending on the level you want from your dog.

Each dog is an individual. While there are many traits that hold true throughout breeds, there are always some exceptions. Take into account how your dog acts and its personality. You can determine how best to train your German Shepherd Husky for protection. For example, alerting you in a certain way when strangers are at the door. 

Is there a difference between a dog protecting and guarding?

Guarding and protecting are often used interchangeably, even without discussing dogs. So is there a difference? While they can be used for the same meaning, there is a difference. A protection dog is more naturally prone to protection and is not specialty trained. Guard dogs are more serious and often used for working lines. 

A guard dog will be used for law enforcement or military work. A protection dog is usually a family pet that has specific protection traits. 

Conclusion

The German Shepherd Husky mix is a great dog that is also protective. The Shepsky takes the loyalty and protective nature from their German Shepherd part. They are a great option for families being protective dogs.

author avatar
Hayley Simons
Hayley is a writer and animal lover. She is an avid reader which led to a love of writing.
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