A German Shepherd Husky, also known as a Gerberian Shepsky, is the result of mixing a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
These dogs are friendly and active, making them a top choice for people looking for a family pet. But, would a German Shepherd Husky be right for you and your family?
This guide will go over everything you need to know about this beautiful new breed, so you can make an informed decision.
Contents
German Shepherd Husky Mix 101
Build and Diet
A full grown German Shepherd Husky mix ends up being around 20 to 35 inches tall and 45 to 90 pounds. They are high maintenance dogs, both because of how active they are and because of the training they must undergo in order to be good house pets.
They require moderate grooming, as they shed quite a lot of fur due to their beautiful double coat; two to three times a week should suffice.
A protein heavy diet is ideal for a German Shepherd Husky’s health. The less grain the food contains, the more protein it should have.
Owning a German Shepherd Husky can cost around $1,500 dollars a year. That covers dietary and health expenses.
History and Color
Gerberian Huskies come in a variety of colors: red, brown, white, black, cream, grey, or a mix of these colors. Many of them also have gorgeous blue eyes people fall in love with.
This breed of dogs come from a very impressive background: both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are healthy, strong, energetic dogs that have been helping humans for centuries.
Siberian Huskies were taken to Alaska and Canada to be used as sled dogs in the early 1900’s. Today, they are still proving to be a clever, loyal breed of dogs that many people enjoy the company of.
German Shepherds are one of the most popular and easily recognizable breeds across the world. Their roles as guardians, police dogs, and military dogs make them very popular amongst families, as they represent safety.
With their parentage in mind, it’s no wonder German Shepherd Huskies are growing in popularity. They are the perfect blend of a Husky’s friendly and outgoing disposition, and a German Shepherd’s guarding and loyal nature.
Husky German Shepherd Mix Temperament
German Shepherd Huskies come from two very active breeds that are accustomed to a lot of exercise, which means you should expect to deal with a very energetic dog.
Daily exercise is an absolute must if you want your dog to live a long, healthy life. About 30 to 40 minutes of exercise with a few breaks in between is recommended for a puppy.
Once the German Shepherd Husky is fully grown, they can exercise for one to two hours every day.
Neglecting your dog’s daily physical activities can result in serious behavior problems, such as excessive barking, chewing, biting, and general destructive tendencies.
German Shepherd Huskies are sociable, happy, and protective of the people they trust, making them good for families.
Gerberian Shepskies are good with kids, especially if socialized from a young age. However, if you have a young baby at home, never leave them alone with the dog, since they can accidentally hurt the child with their great size.
Training
One of the most desirable traits of German Shepherd Huskies is that they are incredibly smart and easy to train.
Coming from two breeds with a long history of listening to humans, Gerberian Shepskies are capable of learning commands quickly. However, due to their independent Siberian side, no matter how much you train them, they will not listen to you if you have a weak personality.
Siberian Huskies are used to belonging in a pack, and in every pack, there is a leader. Gerberian Husky owners should always be the leaders, or else the dog will disobey and grow up buck wild.
You must learn to balance between being their friend and caretaker and being their pack leader in order to live a harmonious life with your dog.
Is a German Shepherd Husky Mix right for you?
All dogs are different and do best in specific environments. It’s important to keep that in mind when considering a German Shepherd Husky as a pet.
Because of their double layer coat (inherited from both parents), they fair best in colder climates. Do not get a Gerberian Shepsky if you plan on raising it in hot weather, as this can be detrimental to their health.
You must be able to exercise daily with your dog. Once trained, they are great running partners, especially with the added fact that they can protect you in case anything happens while you exercise.
If you can’t find it in your schedule to take the pet out for a run one to two hours every day, you might want to consider a different breed.
You must also have a strong personality the dog can respect. You’ll have to be ready to give your dog some tough love every once in a while, at least until they’ve been properly trained and come to understand that you are the boss.
If you love to spoil your dog rotten and give them whatever they want at the slightest pout, you will have a tough time with this breed.
Conclusion
German Shepherd Huskies are beautiful creatures. Their remarkable wolf-like features are what draw people towards them, but it’s their warm, loving nature that truly allows people to appreciate how amazing these dogs are.
If you’re thinking of getting one for yourself or your family, don’t forget to consider what kind of environment they need to be in to stay healthy and happy, so that you can enjoy the wonders of having a Gerberian Shepsky for as long as possible.
Do you own a German Shepherd Husky mix?