Wondering if the German Shepherd Husky Mix (Shepsky) is a good fit for you? Worried about the unpredictable temperament of hybrid dogs? Choosing to own a breed is a big decision and it’s smart of you to do your research.
From their German Shepherd side, the German Shepherd Husky Mix inherits great traits like courage and loyalty. From their Husky side, they inherit traits like goofiness, independence, and friendliness. This dog has a good temperament that suits many duties- from search and rescue to companionship.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the Shepsky temperament and why they are so special. This information will help you decide if this dog is a good fit for you!
What makes the German Shepherd Husky Mix so special?
German Shepherd Husky Mixes are peculiar because of their well-balanced temperament. These dogs can be brave or silly depending on the situation at hand. This makes them well-suited for many tasks.
Here are some qualities that make this dog super special
1. Eye color
Shepskies usually have the captivating light-colored eyes of the Siberian Husky. Some even have two different colored eyes.
2. Therapeutic nature
Shepskies can make amazing therapy dogs because they are goofy and enjoy human interaction. In fact, Dolce the Shepsky was the FBIs first therapy dog in 2012.
Source: FBI – http://www.fbi.gov/news/photos
3. Appearance
Shepskies usually have a wolfish appearance which makes them look cool.
4. Coat color
Even this dog breed’s coat is interesting! They rarely have one solid color and their coat is usually a mix of two colors.
5. Health
German Shepherd Husky Mixes are typically healthy dogs and live as long as 9-13 years.
Learn more interesting facts about the Gerberian Shepsky from the video below:
How did the German Shepherd Husky Mix arise?
The Gerberian Shepsky is a mix of breeding a German Shepherd with a Siberian Husky. Due to their great personality, these dogs were bred originally as companion animals. They are also used for search and rescue and therapy dogs. In fact, a popular member of this breed, Dolce the Shepsky was the FBIs first therapy dog in 2012.
Being a mixed breed, Shepskies do not get a pedigree from the American Kennel Club. Yet, it is recognized by other dog registry services like The American Canine Hybrid Club and Dog Registry of America.
Similarities between the German Shepherd and Husky’s temperaments
The similarities between the temperaments of the parent breeds make up a great part of the German Shepherd Husky Mixes temperament. While we might be skeptical about what traits will appear in these dogs, we can be sure that they will exhibit certain traits inherited from both parents.
Here are the similarities between both breeds:
- They are both working dogs
- They both have a high prey drive
- They both make great family pets
- They are both kid-friendly
- They are both high-energy dogs
- Both may suffer separation anxiety when neglected
The typical German Shepherd Husky Mix temperament
Shepsky is a social superstar that is a treat to be around.
From its German Shepherd side, this mix inherits intelligence and loyalty. In contrast, like its Siberian Husky ancestors, German Shepherd Husky Mixes are explosive balls of energy. This amazing personality combination has their human parents grinning with pride.
Although the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament, you should note that every dog has a different personality. Due to their hybrid status, sometimes it is difficult to determine which parent your mix will inherit most of its personality traits from.
Either way, both parents have great temperaments so there’s nothing to fear.
How intelligent are German Shepherd Husky Mixes?
Rated 5 stars out of 5 by Canine Weekly, it is no doubt that this is a smart dog breed! (Source: Canine Weekly)
Due to their intelligence, these dogs are often used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and companion animals (pets). They are independent dogs that need gentle training and socialization to thrive.
Do German Shepherd Husky Mixes make good family pets?
Yes, the Gerberian Shepsky is a great family pet. They are loyal and protective like their German Shepherd parents. There’s never a dull moment with these guys! Whether you’d like to play a simple game of fetch or hike mountains, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is up for the challenge.
Is the German Shepherd Husky Mix for your family?
These dogs breed flourishes both as a family pet and a one-person pet. It is the perfect dog for outdoorsy individuals who love long-lasting walks, hiking, and camping.
However, this dog breed is not for first-time owners. This is because they need stern training, lots of exercises and have specific grooming requirements. It may be hard for a newbie to keep up with these dogs’ needs. Also, apartment living is not ideal for these dogs. Because of their high energy level, they need enough space to burn off excess energy.
German Shepherd Husky Mixes may not do well in multi-pet households. Multi-pet here means households that have different animal species as pets. They have a high prey drive that has them chasing off cats, birds, and other animals.It will take training, socialization, and constant supervision for Gerberian Shepherds to adapt in such families.
Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes friendly with kids?
Wondering if your human kid will get along with your fur kid? Have no fear, these dogs do well with children. The canine weekly website gives this large hybrid dog four out of five stars for kid-friendliness. This dog can be gentle with children yet hardy enough to engage in one or two rough-housing sessions.
For your dog and kids to enjoy their relationship, you should socialize both parties properly. Ideally, you should get your German Husky Shepherd Mix as a puppy so that he can grow alongside your little ones.
Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes friendly with other dogs?
German Shepherd Husky Mixes can be friendly with other dogs. As long as they are properly socialized and trained, these dogs can form strong bonds with their doggo siblings. To ensure that both dogs get along, you should socialize them early.
Socialization is a fancy term for the introduction. More than just introducing these dogs though, you must supervise both dogs to prevent aggression and injury.
Are Gerberian Shepskies easy to train?
It is safe to describe these dogs as being moderately trainable. German Shepherds are very trainable while the Husky’s independent nature makes training slightly demanding. So, in training these dogs, you will need to put in effort, patience, and time. Generally, they are loyal dogs that love to please their owners and this means training won’t be a chore.
Gerberian Shepskies are easier to train as puppies. If you get an adult untrained Gerberian Shepsky, you will have to help your dog unlearn his bad habits before teaching him new ones.
Training gives these dogs an avenue to use their excess energy. These dogs need to be socialized and learn basic commands. Remember, they are large dog breeds and can cause harm.
Are Gerberian Shepskies aggressive?
While these dogs are great guard dogs, they aren’t naturally aggressive. However, if these dogs feel threatened or think their family members are being threatened, they will react with the courage and ferocity of a purebred German Shepherd.
You may also notice signs of aggression in German Shepskies that aren’t being exercised regularly. These pooches are high-energy dogs and when their physical needs aren’t met, they develop bad vices like aggression, destruction of property, and others.
Do German Shepherd Husky Mixes make good watchdogs?
Yes, these hybrids make excellent watchdogs. As a descendant of two working breeds, they are energetic hard workers. They are alert, have sensitive noses, and have a protective nature- all qualities of a good watchdog.
Common behavioral problems seen in German Shepherd Husky Mixes
Howling and Barking
Barking is a normal communication method with dogs. However, bored or anxious German Shepherd Husky Mixes take barking to a different level. In most cases, these dogs develop this behavior when they are left alone. Dog trainers advise that you channel this vice to your advantage by teaching your dog to “speak” on command.
Digging
Dogs dig for many reasons. They can do this to cool off, hide a bone, find the source of the scent their noses pick up, and even escape a yard. While digging is an instinctive trait in dogs, it could be a nuisance especially when done excessively.
While you may not be sure why your German Shepherd Husky Mix is digging, you can reduce this behavior by redirecting his attention.
Chewing
Dogs learn a lot about their environment through their senses of taste and smell. Like barking and howling, chewing usually develops in bored dogs. You may also notice this in German Shepherd Husky Mixes that suffer from separation anxiety.
One way to stop chewing in Gerberian Shepskies is redirection. Give your dog a chew toy and make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise before leaving the house. This way he will be tired out and won’t be looking for what to sink his teeth into when you’re out.
Chasing
German Shepherd Husky Mixes have an incredibly high prey drive. They chase anything they perceive to be prey including objects, other animals, and even humans. With their size, these dogs can do real damage to others.
You cannot remove the desire to chase in German Shepherd Husky Mixes. However, you can train him to obey your commands. This way, you can stop him once he starts chasing anything.
Escaping
If curiosity kills the cat, then adventure will kill the Shepskies!
Their love for adventure makes members of this breed famous escape artists. German Shepherd Husky Mixes are known for running off in the park, digging under fences, and chewing through enclosures just to satisfy their curiosity.
Conclusion
German Shepherd Husky Mixes are cool dogs with cool temperaments to match. They are friendly, loyal, and affectionate dogs. If you have an active lifestyle and lots of space in your home, this dog is a great fit for you!
More on German Shepherd Husky Mix: A Designer Breed You Can’t Miss
- A Designer Breed: German Shepherd Husky Mix (Gerberian Shepsky)?
- How Big Do German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies Get?
- How Smart Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes?
- Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Easy to Train?
- Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good with Cats?
- How Cold is Too Cold for a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
- Can Shepskies Live Outside by Themselves?
- Can a Shepsky Live in an Apartment?
- What is the Lifespan of a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
- How Much Does a German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost?
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