Deciding between a purebred German Shepherd and a mix can be a difficult decision. Both purebred and mixed German Shepherds can make for wonderful and loving companions, but there are factors to consider with both.
Purebred German Shepherds have more predictable characteristics, while mixed breeds have more genetic diversity like the variety of colors and coat types. Ultimately, the choice of whether to get a purebred German Shepherd or a mix is a personal one that should be based on your individual needs and preferences.
In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of both options, and provide you with information to help you make an informed decision. From considering the breed’s characteristics to potential health concerns, and even the cost, we will cover all the aspects that need to be taken into account when choosing between a purebred German Shepherd or a mix.
What are the differences between a purebred german shepherd and a mix?
A purebred dog has two parents of the same breed, according to GoodRx. This allows the owner to trace their ancestry and the dog’s family tree. A mixed-breed dog will have multiple dog breeds in their family tree. This can be accidental breeding, free-breeding, or random breeding.
When looking at a German Shepherd, there are two options. A purebred, which has two German Shepherd parents that are only German Shepherds. The mixed breed German Shepherd could be mixed with a husky, chow, labrador retriever, or Alaskan Malamute, or anything depending on the other parent’s breed.
Is a purebred German Shepherd or a mix a better option?
There are various factors to choose from when deciding if a purebred or mixed breed is better. Below we made a table of the benefits of choosing both.
| Purebred | Mixed Breed |
| Can get from a breeder and know the ancestry | Will cost less than a purebred usually |
| Able to put into AKC competitions | Lower pet insurance cost |
| Know the dog’s health background | Usually lives longer than purebred |
| Understand their temperments | Could have a less energetic dog depending on the second breed. |
The final verdict with deciding which is better honestly comes down to the owner’s lifestyle. Purebred German Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, loving dogs. If your lifestyle needs a little less, consider a mixed breed.
The difference between a purebred German Shepherd and a mix
Temperament
With a purebred German Shepherd, we know the temperament. The AKC believes they’re intelligent, confident, courageous, affectionate, and trainable dogs. They’re good with children and protective of a family.
Those traits could be there for a mixed-breed German Shepherd, but they also might not be. It’s been researched that a dog’s personality is genetically inherited, so you can train your mixed breed to be caring or courageous, but that might not necessarily work.
Trainability
While no evidence shows a purebred is easier to train than a mixed breed, there is still little information that can help. It’s well known that purebred German Shepherds are easy to train. They’re eager to please their owners, intelligent and working dogs, all great traits for training.
Mixed-breed dogs could be just as easy to train. It depends on what other breeds are mixed with them. Some dogs are known to be easier to train and catch on quickly, especially working dogs. A study was done between the two breeds and showed that each recorded a similar test score regarding trainability.
Health
Another study was conducted to show the health between a purebred and mixed breed. There are higher chances of a purebred dog having worse health issues than a mixed breed. While that might be concerning, something to be noted is that a dog’s health is highly dependent on the caregiver.
Cost
A purebred German Shepherd will cost more than a mixed breed. The average cost of a purebred German Shepherd is $2000 when adopted from a breeder. Mixed breed German Shepherd could cost less unless you’re getting a designer mixed. Mixed breeds like a Shepskies could cost roughly the same amount.
Appearance and size
A purebred German Shepherd is around 24 inches tall, weighs between 50 to 90 pounds, and comes in colors like brown, black, white, tan, and grey. It’s pretty simple to tell a German Shepherd based on its appearance, especially its giant ears.
Mixed-breed German Shepherds could be smaller or bigger. Mixed with retrievers, pug, labs, and huskies, could result in a smaller dog. You could get a larger breed if mixed with a poodle, Saint Bernard, or Alaskan Malamute. Their colors and facial features could also be lighter and different.
Lifespan
A purebred German Shepherd has a lifespan of nine to thirteen years. There are a variety of factors that can affect these numbers but making sure they’re happy and healthy will ensure a long lifetime.
Most large dogs have a lifespan of nine to thirteen years. So even a mixed-breed German Shepherd can have the same lifespan as a purebred German Shepherd.
Energy Level
It’s known that German Shepherds have a high energy level. They need to be physically and mentally busy numerous times a day to help decrease any problems at home. These dogs were bred for work, which means they need to move.
The energy level of a mixed breed German Shepherd depends on the breed it’s mixed with. Chows, huskies, retrievers, and labs have a high level of energy, meaning the mix will too. Poodles and pugs have less energy, so the mixed German Shepherd can be a little less energetic.
| Purebred | Mix Breed | |
| Temperament | Intelligent, confident, courageous, affectionate, and trainable dogs | Depends on the mix and what their genetics look like |
| Trainability | Easy to train | Depending on the mix, some can be easy, some can be challenging. |
| Cost | $2000 | Could cost less depending in the mix and if it’s “designer” |
| Health | Higher chances of a purebred dog having worse health issues than a mixed breed | A dog’s health is highly dependent on the caregiver |
| Appearance and Size | 24 inches tall, weighs between 50 to 90 pounds, and comes in colors like brown, black, white, tan, and grey | Depends on the mix, could be smaller if mixed with a pug, or massive if mixed with an Alaskan Malamute |
| Lifespan | 9-13 years | 9-13 Years |
| Energy Levels | High | Low to high depending on the mix |
What mix breed options are there for German Shepherds?
Mixed-breed German Shepherds are relatively popular. Below is a list of the most popular mixed-breed German Shepherds out there today.
Shepsky
A Shepsky is a GSD mixed with a husky. They’re known to be loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and alert. Beware, they can be a little reserved and wary of strangers.
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?
You may also like:
Golden Shepherd
A GSD mixed with a Golden Retriever can be outgoing, friendly, playful, and intelligent. This dog will have a ton of energy since both breeds are high energy, but the perfect family dog.
Shug
A pug mixed with a GSD are happy, energetic dogs that are easy to train and smart. Housebreak is more of an issue with this mix.
Labrashepherd
This Lab mixed with a GSD is loyal, protective, energetic and affectionate dogs with minimal barking. This mix would be another incredible family dog but would need a lot of physical activity.
Shollie
A Collie and GSD mix are high-spirited dogs with a lot of energy but are extremely protective. Think of a better, more protective version of Lassie.
Shepadoodle
This Poodle and GSD mix are well-mannered dogs with strong loyalty and loving nature. This makes for a great family dog but will cost a pretty penny since poodles are THE designer dog to breed with.
German Shepherd Malamute Mix
An Alaskan Malamute and GSD mix are great working dogs that are always alert and aware of their surroundings. This mixed German Shepherd will be big and fluffy so expect a lot of hair.
Saint Shepherd
A Saint Bernard and GSD mix breed are well-behaved and loving dogs. They are excellent guard dogs and are known to be significant in size.
Chow Shepherd
A chow and GSD mix that is medium to large in size. They are known to be protective, playful and good with families that have older kids. They’re easy to train and do very well with positive reinforcement.
How to tell if a German Shepherd is a purebred?
The easiest way to tell if your German Shepherd is purebred is to do a DNA test kit. They will also have prominent features, like their ears, coat, and behavioral traits. If you’re adopting from a breeder, ask for the paperwork from the parents to verify they’re purebred. Below is a list of the best DNA test kits.
| DNA Test | Breeds Checked | Results | Price |
| Embark | 350+ breeds | 3 weeks | $199 |
| DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test Kit | 97 breeds | 2 weeks | $68.99 |
| Wisdom Panel | 350+ breeds | 1 week | $99.99 |
The decision is yours
The complex task of deciding which version of a German Shepherd works best for your lifestyle is now at hand. A purebred and a mixed breed each have their desirable traits, neither of which you can go wrong with then choosing. While purebred can be more predictable, mixed breeds have their desired traits.
Further Questions
Are German Shepherd mixed good dogs?
Most mixed GSDs are great dogs that are loving and caring.
Are German Shepherd mixes healthier?
No scientific evidence shows mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred.
Which type of German Shepherd is the best?
The type of German Shepherd will depend on your lifestyle.
