Can Shepskies Live Outside by Themselves?

German Shepherds and Huskies are known for their love of the outdoors. Can a German Shepherd Husky mix (Shepsky) live outside by itself? Should you get a dog and keep it outside the whole time?

Shepskies should not be left alone to live outdoors. These dogs are highly social animals and thrive in environments where they can interact with their human families. If left outside without proper care, they are prone to heat strokes and other health risks like fleas, parasites, or ticks.

Apart from temperature fluctuation and health risks, there are many concerns when leaving a dog outside unattended. Read on to understand why you should not let a Shepsky (or any dog) live outside. 

What is a German Shepherd Husky mix (Shepsky)?

German shepherds and huskies are both popular breeds. German shepherds are known for their working line and make great pets. Huskies are also workers and are usually famous for sled pulls. Understandably, a German Shepherd Husky mix is also a breed that is rising in popularity. Both breeds can tolerate colder temperatures, so they have the best traits.

German Shepherd Husky mixes have thick double coats. The undercoat and topcoat form a protective barrier against the cold. These are large dogs, potentially between 40 and 80 pounds, once fully grown. This large stature also helps protect against the cold. Just because they can tolerate colder temperatures does not mean they should live outside alone.

Can Shepskies be outside by themselves?

The short answer is no.

These dogs love the outdoors and should have the opportunity to be outside. However, they should be supervised while outdoors.

Leaving your Shepsky outside can expose them to unpredictable and dangerous situations. Temperatures can either get too hot or too cold quickly. Health risks are also increased when dogs are outside for long periods of time. They spend a long time exposed to bugs like fleas or ticks.

In the worst-case scenario, they can fall prey to wild animals like wolves and the like.

Why do people think Shepskies can live outside? 

The first thing that comes to mind could be Shepsky inheriting the gene pool from Siberian Huskies, which is known for being able to sleep and left outside for the most part of their lives.

German Shepherds and Huskies, as two separate purebred dogs, are known for thriving in the outdoor environment. Think of GSD being a guard dog or police dog, and Huskies pulling sleds for long hours in some of the coldest terrains on earth.

This might give people the impression to think that a German Shepherd Husky mix can live outdoors just fine. There are many reasons that they should not, however.

Reasons why a Shepsky should not be left outside by themselves

There are many reasons not to leave your GSD Husky mix alone while outside. If you are not available to supervise your dogs outside, they can be exposed to different threats, which may include:

1. The possibility your dog will be stolen

If your dog is left alone, outside thieves may take advantage. GSD Husky mixes can be an expensive breed, and they may be stolen to be resold. These breeds can be bought and sold for thousands of dollars. It is essential to take necessary precautions so your dog is not stolen.

2. Health risks of being left outside

The health risks of being outside constantly are numerous. Whether you have a puppy or an adult GSD husky mix, you might miss certain signs if they’re outside all the time. Your dog could get hurt outside, and you might not see them wounded. The risk of ticks is also problematic. Ticks can cause serious diseases, like Lyme disease.

3. Your Shepsky needs attention

These dogs are highly social animals and thrive in environments where they can interact with their human families. It is always best to provide Shepskies with a safe, secure, and comfortable indoor living space.

On top of that, any dog can develop behavioral issues if left unattended outside full-time. They may develop destructive behavior such as excessive barking, digging, and chewing.

Though your dog may be able to survive physically outdoors, why would you want to do this to him? Don’t you think it would be lonely for him to be outside and away from the rest of the family? Dogs do have emotional needs as well as physical, and as pack animals, they want to be with their “pack”,which is their human family, not banished alone to the yard.

Jennifer 24 from Can a German Shepherd Husky Mix Live Outdoors in the Winter?

How cold is too cold for a German Shepherd Husky mix?

German Shepherd Husky mixes can handle somewhere around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also tolerate down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time. Assuming they are dry and in normal health. 

Extreme cold can happen; if your dog is left outside, it can cause frostbite and hypothermia. German Shepherds can handle temperatures around as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Huskies can handle even colder temperatures that dip into the negatives. Around 20 degrees Fahrenheit is a safer bet for your GSD Husky mix.

How long can a German Shepherd Husky mix stay out in the cold? 

German Shepherd Husky mixes are large breed dogs and can stay out in the cold for about 30 minutes. This breed is more tolerant of colder temperatures. Siberian Huskies are more accustomed to extreme cold, but GSD Husky mixes should not be left out all night or all day in the cold.

Owners of GSD Husky mixes recommend having a structure available if outside during the cold. A large structure that keeps any drafts out is ideal if your dog will be outdoors in the cold at any time.

Potential health risks of staying outside when it’s below zero

A GSD Husky mix that is left outside when it is extremely cold out face many health risks. These dogs can be more tolerant of cold temperatures when compared to other breeds. However, they can still face the following dangers 

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Damage to paws
• Disorientation

How hot is too hot for a German Shepherd Husky mix?

Generally, temperatures starting at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above will be too hot for a GSD Husky mix. This can be highly dependent on the dog and the situation. German Shepherds and Huskies acclimate to cold very well, but not heat.

If you are thinking about leaving your GSD Husky mix outside while it is hot, it can become perilous quickly! That double coat that provides excellent protection in the cold becomes a hazard in the heat. An overheated dog has a hard time breathing and can be fatal. 

It is important to note that leaving your dog unattended in a car in the summer months can be deadly. Car temperatures rise very fast! Even if you plan a quick trip out of the car, it is still too long. 

How long should a German Shepherd Husky mix be left outside when it’s hot?

German Shepherd Husky mixes should not be left outside when it is hot. These dogs are not meant to be left outside when it is hot out. They have little tolerance for heat, and keeping them out without monitoring them is dangerous.

You can still enjoy the outdoors when it is warm, just not too warm. Your GSD Husky mix should have water, plenty of shade, and the ability to go somewhere cooler if needed.

Potential health risks of staying outside when it’s too hot

Extreme heat can seriously hurt your dog. GSD Husky mixes have a double coat that makes them sensitive to hot temperatures. Being outside when it is too hot can cause

• Heat stroke
• Circulatory system damage
• Hard to breath
• Nervous system damage

How long can you leave a German Shepherd Husky mix outside? 

German Shepherd Husky mixes generally love going outside. These dogs can be out for long periods in the right weather conditions. However, they should be supervised.

The length of time a GSD Husky mix can be left outside depends significantly on the temperature and weather conditions. They are well suited for colder temperatures but not hot. It is also crucial that if cold, they are dry outside. Being wet can make them colder and more susceptible to frostbite.

Tips on keeping your Shepskies safe when left outside temporarily

Keeping your dog comfortable and safe outside is essential. While they should not be left alone to live outdoors, there are some things you can do to make their outdoor time pleasant. 

GSD Husky mixes should have some kind of shelter or shade when outside. Water is vital in hot or colder temperatures. Access to clean and fresh water helps dogs regulate their body temperatures.

If you need to leave the home for an appointment or other occasion there are things you can do to secure them outdoors. Installing a security or CCTV system is a great option. You can keep an eye on your dog while away. Also, ensure your fences are in good shape and high enough to keep your GSD Husky mix contained.

What kind of living space is ideal for German Shepherd Husky mixes?

GSD Husky mixes need a lot of space. They are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and training. Large spaces can make this easier. However, if you live in a smaller area or even an apartment, there are absolutely ways you can have a happy GSD Husky mix.

German Shepherd husky mixes are large breed dogs. They can grow to have a height between 20 and 26 inches and a weight between 35 to 90 pounds. They are also very active dogs. While a large house and a huge backyard are ideal, it is not available to everyone. You can still own a GSD Husky mix if you take into consideration the following

• Where will you exercise them? 
• Are there nearby parks or trails?
• Will they and all of their stuff fit where you are now?
• If you rent, are they allowed?

Can a Shepsky live in an apartment?

There are many great tips for living in an apartment with a German Shepherd. Many of these apply just the same to a German Shepherd Husky mix. Consider all the items you need, like a crate or food and water bowls, and where they can be placed.

Think of how and where you can exercise your GSD Husky mix. Answering these questions before having a dog will set the experience off on the right foot.

One owner describes their experience with a GSD Husky mix in a small apartment. They describe damages that were caused because their dog was not getting enough exercise. It is an important point that without enough exercise and training they can become destructive. That is easily avoided though with a plan to exercise and play.

Final Thoughts: Dogs are bred to live with humans

German Shepherd Husky mixes were bred to live alongside humans. They were not bred to live outdoors by themselves. GSD Husky mixes are loyal and great family pets. The outdoors is fun, and these dogs love it! However, it does not mean they should be left outside for long periods.