The German Shepherd Husky mix, or Shepsky, has become a popular designer breed in recent years. This beautiful dog seems to like the best of two worlds – a super work dog who is energetic and playful while also being a great protector. However, there are some things to consider before adding this mixed breed to your family.
German Shepherd Husky mixes are high-maintenance, possessive, and vocal dogs. They need to be groomed often, need space to roam, and plenty of training and exercise. Shepskies can also have anxiety and costly illnesses. Yet, with proper consideration, this dog can be a loyal and loving companion for the right owner.
We have compiled a list of things you need to know about German Shepherd Husky mixes before adopting.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Basics
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer breed gaining popularity in recent years. Accidental mixes between these two breeds have been around for years, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that people intentionally bred these two work dogs together.
The result is a dog with a wonderful mixture of the beauty and energy from both breeds.
Appearance
A Shepsky can have a range of features from both parents. Generally, they will have upright ears and long, thin snouts. Their eyes can be brown or blue. They can also have heterochromia, which is an inherited gene that makes each eye a different color. Many people seek out the blue eyed mixes.
Size
These dogs are considered a medium-large breed. Both parent breeds are similar in size, so these dogs typically stay in the same height range. They can be anywhere between 20 – 25 inches tall with an athletic build.
Weight
German Shepherd Husky mixes can be as large as the largest German Shepherd or as small as the smallest Siberian Husky. This is usually a range of 35 – 80 lbs. Females will tend to be a bit smaller than males.
Coat Variations
There are a variety of coat colors available with Shepskies. The main colors are usually brown, black, cream, red, or blue. They are rarely solid. They usually have a mix of other colors. Shepskies with Husky colorations tend to be more popular.
These dogs have a double coat, which means they have medium-length, thick fur. This fur keeps your pup warm and dry when it is outside in the elements.
| German Shepherd Husky Mix Quick Guide | |
| Features | Upright ears Long, thin snout Athletic build Icy blue eyes, brown eyes, or heterochromia |
| Weight | 35 – 80 lbs (medium to large dog class) |
| Height | 20 – 25 inches tall |
| Coat Colors | Brown, black, cream, red, blue Usually a mixture of at least two colors |
#1 German Shepherd Husky mixes can be high-maintenance
The most notable characteristic of the German Shepherd Husky mix is their need for activity and attention. These dogs are not ideal for owners who will be away for long periods of time.
Shepskies thrive on constant attention. They are very intelligent and clingy dogs. They also need plenty of training.
This dog is not ideal for first-time owners who are inexperienced with a high-energy dog. Yet, if you are dedicated to learning about this breed and taking plenty of time and energy to care for it, even a first-time owner can have a wonderful experience with a Shepsky.
Watch this video from a Shepsky owner who lets you know some important information about owning this fun mixed breed.
#2 Shepskies can be possessive
Shepskies often inherit the German Shepherd guard dog instincts. This means they are very protective of their owners and their belongings. They are alert, cautious, and extremely loyal dogs who want to please you.
This is a great trait for people who want a guard dog. However, without proper socialization, your German Shepherd Husky mix might inadvertently try to protect you from house guests or neighborhood dogs.
Early socialization and training usually prevent any problems with these behaviors.
#3 Shepskies can be very vocal
These dogs will bark at anything they find suspicious. This is another guard dog feature. They also have a bit of dramatic flare and will bark if you are not giving them enough attention. Shepskies also bark if they are bored or anxious.
This can be problematic if you live close to other houses or in an apartment complex. The constant barking may be bothersome to neighbors.
#4 German Shepherd Husky mixes can have a high prey drive
A prey drive is a natural instinct for German Shepherd Husky mixes. They want to pursue, capture, and eat smaller prey animals because dogs are carnivorous by nature. This instinct is stronger in some breeds than others.
Due to this instinct, Shepskies can sometimes have a hard time living in a household with cats or other small prey animals. If they are socialized from an early age, they may be able to cohabit peacefully.
Additionally, these dogs will chase after squirrels and rabbits when you take them on walks.
#5 German Shepherd Husky Mixes need space
Small apartment living is not the ideal habitat for the German Shepherd Husky mix. This is a large, energetic dog who needs lots of space. Shepskies like to run around and play.
If they are cooped up too much and left to get bored, they can redirect their energy into destructive behaviors such as ripping apart your couch cushions. If you choose to have a Shepsky in a small home, it is doubly important to provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Frequent walks and dog toys will be your friend.
#6 You will need to groom your German Shepherd Husky mix frequently.
You will be brushing– a lot – if you own a Shepsky. You will be finding fur everywhere in your home: on your clothes, on the floor, and even in places you can’t imagine.
These dogs have thick, medium-length double coats. These coats are one of the most gorgeous features of this dog. They are also functional, protecting your dog from harsh cold and rain.
However, because these dogs have such thick fur, they shed a lot. In general, it is important to brush these dogs at least twice a week. During months when the shedding is at its peak (such as hot summer months), you may need to brush them every day.
#7 Shepskies need consistent exercise and training.
German Shepherd Husky mixes are incredibly smart dogs. They are usually eager to learn and need mental stimulation to thrive. These are super work dogs. They like to work in packs and are really clever. So, they often need jobs to do in order to use up all of their energy.
Obedience school and basic training are great ideas for this mixed breed. They also need at least an hour of exercise, at least, each day. These dogs can also play canine sports.
They love to go on walks, hike, and play games. If you are looking for a companion to accent your active lifestyle, the Shepsky will fit right in.
Here is a video of a Shepsky named Apollo who has common undesirable behaviors such as barking, chasing, and getting easily distracted. This video shows the power of what training can do to ensure you have the best pet.
#8 German Shepherd Husky mixes can have anxiety
Shepskies sometimes become anxious. They are clingy to their owners. They usually get really attached to one person, and sometimes they can have trouble separating from that person.
Anxiety can also be a result of inactivity. These dogs need constant mental stimulation. They also like to have company. Being alone with nothing to do can cause your Shepsky to act out with destructive, anxious behaviors.
These dogs do best if there is someone constantly at home with them. If you do have to leave them alone, crate training may be an option to prevent unwanted behaviors.
If you want other tips for how to help a Shepsky with separation anxiety, watch this video.
#9 Shepskies can have 3 common health issues that will cost you money
All in all, German Shepherd husky mixes are relatively healthy. Yet, they do have a few health concerns you need to be aware of before getting one. You can also invest in pet health insurance before getting the Shepsky so you can be prepared for whatever happens.
- Eye diseases
Shepskies can get progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is a disease of the eye that can cause total blindness by the time the dog is one year old. There is no cure for this disease. Other eye issues such as canine glaucoma and juvenile cataracts can also cause problems for the German Shepherd Husky mix.
PRA is an inherited disease. Both German Shepherds and Huskies carry this genetic marker. Purchasing your dog from a reputable breeder who has screened for these diseases is usually the best way to avoid having a Shepsky with eye disease.
- Skin and food allergies
Like their German Shepherd and Husky parents, the Shepsky can be prone to food and skin allergies. These are usually caused by allergens in food. These dogs can have the following symptoms:
- Itchy, red paws
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constant scratching
- Scaly, dry skin
According to VCA Animal Hospital vets, “The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten.”
Oftentimes, a change in diet is required. High-quality, limited-ingredient dog foods are a great option for easing the discomfort of food allergies.
But, your vet will need to test your dog to find out what allergens your dog needs to avoid.
- Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is a disease that affects either the pituitary or adrenal glands in middle-aged dogs. This disease is marked by a small pea-sized tumor on the gland that causes the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst, urination, and appetite
- Reduced energy
- Heavy panting
- Hair loss
- Belly bloat
- Skin infections
According to the FDA, “Although Cushing’s is typically a lifelong condition, the disease usually can be managed with medications.” German Shepherd Husky mixes are at a risk for developing this disease.
Final Thoughts: Who is the Shepsky for?
Although Shepskies can be high maintenance, an owner who has plenty of time and patience to devote to this dog breed will find a great companion. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also great work dogs, so if you have experience training dogs and are ready to commit to a long-term relationship with a spirited, protective, energetic, and strong-willed breed, this dog is for you.
