Have you ever seen a large mixed-breed dog with a gentle disposition? If not, then meet the German Shepherd Mastiff mix.
This impressive hybrid canine is the perfect mix between the GSD and any Mastiff dog.
If you’re curious about what makes Mastiff German Shepherds so special, this guide is for you. In this article, you’ll learn about the Mastiff Shepherd’s personality, its needs, prices, breeders, and a lot more.
What Is a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix?
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The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a cross between a purebred GSD and a Mastiff dog. It is also known as the Mastiff Shepherd, GSD Mastiff mix, Mastiff German Shepherd, or German Mastiff. Despite its tough facade, this hybrid is loyal, friendly, and gentle.
Carrying its German Shepherd and Mastiff parent genes, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix is one of the largest dogs in the canine kingdom. That said, this pooch is undoubtedly a head-turner!
For starters, the German Mastiff hybrid is born by crossing German Shepherd breeds with any Mastiff breeds.
This means mixing any variant of a purebred German Shepherd, such as the liver GSD, black GSD, blue GSD, DDR German Shepherd, and others, with a Mastiff dog breed.
These breeds include the Tibetan Mastiff, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and Spanish Mastiff, just to name a few.
Interestingly, a Mastiff German Shepherd mix born from a GSD English Mastiff cross has its own name — the English Mastiff Shepherd. This is probably due to their popularity among other combinations.
However, an unfortunate fact about this mix is that it cannot be registered with national kennel clubs. As a result, there is no existing standard for the Mastiff Shepherd mix.
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Mastiff Shepherd Come From?
As a relatively new hybrid, there is no extensive information available on the origin of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix. Fortunately, we know a lot about its parents. Let’s learn a bit about the history of its parents.
For starters, the German Shepherd originated in the late 1800s in Germany. These dogs were primarily used for herding sheep.
The breed became prominent after World War I when soldiers used them for their trainability and athleticism. Needless to say, soldiers admired German Shepherd dogs, and they played a big role in the war.
As for the Mastiff, this breed has been around since 650 B.C. The Mastiff worked as a farm dog and watchdog for livestock. This breed was also property protectors and herding dogs back then.
Despite the German Shepherd and Mastiff’s rugged background, these breeds were later adopted as family companions. Both Mastiff dogs and GSDs are known for their gentle, loving, and loyal temperaments.
Luckily, the German Mastiff inherited the best traits from its parent breeds. This hybrid dog is steadily gaining popularity among pet enthusiasts looking for a sizeable yet gentle home buddy.
Hopefully, as more people take an interest in German Mastiffs, we’ll get to know more about their history!
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Appearance: What Does a Mastiff Shepherd Look Like?
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It is pretty common for mixed breeds, like Mastiff Shepherds, to not have a standard look. After all, GSDs and Mastiffs do not have a lot in common, except for their short coats and abilities as guard dogs.
Nevertheless, there are still some common features that are present among most Mastiff German Shepherd mixes.
A German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a huge dog with a massive head and a broad muzzle. Its ears are often perked up and slightly larger than a Mastiff’s. However, they can also sport folded ears from time to time.
The face of this mixed breed has many black areas, particularly on the nose. Meanwhile, its body sports an obvious robust stature.
Additionally, the proportion of this mixed breed is rectangular. This means they are longer than they are tall.
In terms of gait, the German Mastiffs adopt the confident stance of the German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds. This makes them intimidating to look at at first glance.
In terms of coat quality, the coat on this mix is dense and short. They also have a soft undercoat. Like its Mastiff and German Shepherd parent, this hybrid also sheds.
The Mastiff Shepherd’s coat colors include black, fawn, tan, and brindle. As expected, these dogs can sport either Mastiff or German Shepherd colors.
Want to see a German Shepherd Mastiff mix up close? Watch this video:
The Majestic German Shepherd Mastiff Mix<a href="https://youtu.be/KrdizWYzX2w" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FKrdizWYzX2w%2F0.jpg" alt="The Majestic German Shepherd Mastiff Mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Mastiff Shepherds Get?
When it comes to size and weight, a female Mastiff Shepherd is around 22 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 130 and 160 pounds.
Meanwhile, a male Mastiff Shepherd grows to a height and weight of 27 to 30 inches and 160 to 190 pounds, respectively.
Usually, the size and weight of designer dogs lie in between the size of their parents. As you can expect, this is also the case for large breed dogs, such as the Mastiff Shepherd.
With the measurements above, it is clear that Shepherd Mastiff mixes will grow up to be big dogs like their parents. However, you should remember that there are different factors affecting the size of your pooch.
One of the most significant factors is the breed of its Mastiff parent. If you want to learn a little bit more about this, read our article on the Mastiff size and growth.
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Temperament: Do Mastiff Shepherds Make Good Family Dogs?
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Usually, giant breeds are often regarded as aggressive dogs. Sadly, this is true to some extent.
The aggressive tendencies of the Mastiff Shepherd are rooted in the protective nature of its parents as good guard dogs. Don’t worry, though, as this behavior can be managed through early socialization training.
While they have a tendency to be violent, Mastiff Shepherds are generally calm and lovable dogs if they are raised properly. The only time these dogs retain their aggressions is when they have a history of abuse.
In general, the Shepherd Mastiff cross has a pleasant personality that pet enthusiasts adore. This dog is devoted to its family and will do everything in its power to protect its favorite bunch.
In addition, the Mastiff Shepherd is docile and tender. It can be left alone with children and even other animals. In fact, this pooch is a master of bite inhibition, which allows it to hold tiny creatures between its jaws gently.
When it comes to training, this mix does not fall behind. It takes after its parents’ intelligence. Hence, teaching the Mastiff Shepherd tricks and commands is pretty easy.
All things considered, you should still take the necessary precautions when owning a large dog. This includes supervising them when socializing with strangers, putting on a strong leash during walks, and the like.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Mastiff: Which Is Better?
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Mastiff Shepherds Healthy Dogs?
German Shepherd Mastiffs live between 8 and 12 years. Thanks to their healthy parents, their lifespan is slightly longer than most giant breeds. In fact, some German Shepherd Mastiff mixes can live for 15 years!
Mixed breeds like the Mastiff Shepherd benefit from the concept known as hybrid vigor. This is the scientific term describing the unique potency and improved immunity of crossbreeds.
However, despite its good health, the German Mastiff is still at risk of a handful of health issues. The most common ones they encounter are those associated with their giant stature.
Below are some of the common health problems of a German Shepherd Mastiff mix:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Canine hip and elbow dysplasia is a common health issue among giant dogs like the Mastiff Shepherd. Due to their size, their joints and muscles deteriorate faster. One way to prevent hip and elbow dysplasia is by making sure your dog is within its ideal weight.
Bloat: Large dogs are prone to bloating. This condition is characterized by the sudden build-up of pressure in a dog’s stomach. This health issue is known to affect Mastiff Shepherds. Bloating requires immediate medical intervention as this health emergency can cause sudden death.
Cushing’s Disease: Cushing’s disease occurs when there is excess cortisol in a dog’s body. This may lead to a wide range of health issues for your Mastiff Shepherd mix. Cushing’s disease usually results in kidney damage, diabetes, or even death.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of degenerative diseases targeting a dog’s eyesight. This might cause permanent vision loss to your German Mastiff if left untreated. Sadly, the German Mastiff may inherit PRA from the GSD and Mastiff breeds.
The list provided above is by no means complete. The German Mastiff is prone to other health problems, including allergies, cataracts, and seizures. To fight off these diseases, always keep your Mastiff Shepherd in tip-top condition.
READ NEXT: Mastiff Lifespan: How Long Do Mastiffs Live?
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Mastiff Mix
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Believe it or not, the Mastiff German Shepherd mix is not a high-maintenance dog. However, there are a few things you should know when looking after this giant pooch.
In this section, you’ll find some useful tips for taking care of your German Shepherd Mastiff mix. We will specifically touch on three key areas, namely, nutrition, grooming, and exercise.
Food and Diet
The right food for your German Mastiff is not determined by the brand but rather the nutritional elements it contains. In general, it’s recommended to try out a few dog food brands for your pooch.
A healthy, balanced diet for the Mastiff Shepherd should be packed with proteins, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates.
In terms of feeding quantity and frequency, the German Mastiff should be fed with three meals of nutritious kibble per day: one in the morning, another during lunch, and the last one in the evening.
If you want to try an alternative to commercial dog food, try giving it a raw diet. This has a handful of health benefits for German Mastiffs.
Cleaning and Grooming
Luckily for you, the short and stiff coat of a Mastiff Shepherd does not require a special grooming routine; daily brushing should be enough to keep your pooch’s coat soft and shiny.
German Mastiffs also don’t need to be washed frequently. In fact, these dogs will be perfectly fine even if you bathe them just once every two months. This practice is even beneficial for retaining healthy oils on their skin and fur.
However, the exception is when your dog gets visibly dirty or stinky. In this case, it’s time for them to hop into the shower for a good scrub.
This is probably the only time grooming becomes tedious as Mastiff Shepherds are large dogs. If you want, you can always opt to take them to the groomers instead.
In addition to maintaining your Mastiff Shepherd’s coat, you should also clean its teeth, ears, and eyes. Tartar build-up and ear and eye infections are some of the things you should watch out for.
Training and Exercise
Generally, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix is not an extremely active dog. Unlike its GSD parent, this hybrid does not require much physical stimulation.
Taking your Mastiff Shepherd for a 30- to 45-minute walk each day is enough for it to stay happy and healthy. It will also benefit from some bursts of energy throughout the day, so playing fetch is a nice additional workout.
In terms of training, the Mastiff Shepherd responds pretty well, thanks to its wits. The best approach when training your German Mastiff is through using praises and rewards.
If you’re having trouble with your dog’s temperament, we recommend consulting a professional dog trainer.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A German Shepherd Mastiff mix will run you $350 to $1,100 when bought from a reputable breeder. Depending on the exact Mastiff breed, lineage, color, and age, the price of this pooch can reach up to $3,500.
If you fancy adoption, you can try checking local rescues in your area if they have an available German Mastiff. Adoption fees usually range from $100 to $400.
Apart from the puppy’s price, you should also consider other costs associated with owning this mix. These include initial packs of dog food, treats, bowls, etc.
Here’s a quick list of the initial expenses related to a German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppy:
If you want a detailed rundown on the cost of owning a Mastiff Shepherd, you can refer to our guide on the German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, and Tibetan Mastiff puppy prices and expenses.
The Tibetan Mastiff breed and the German Mastiff are more or less alike in terms of expenses.
Places to Find German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Curious to know where you can find a German Shepherd Mastiff puppy? If so, then read along. In this section, we’ve rounded up a number of breeders and rescues where you can find your next best friend.
However, keep in mind that it can be challenging to find breeders and rescues dedicated to this mix.
Before going out and getting a new dog, head over to our puppy buying guide to learn a few tricks. Doing so will help you learn the ins and outs of buying a new pup!
With that out of the way, here are some reputable marketplaces where you might find German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website where you can find hundreds of dogs for sale, including the Mastiff Shepherd mixes. On this site, breeders get to showcase their litter more conveniently.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website where reputable breeders advertise their litter. You’ll find hundreds of German Shepherd mixes, including Mastiff Shepherds, on this platform. Lancaster Puppies also ship their dogs if you live far from the breeder’s location.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is another platform that aims to make finding pets easier. If you’re looking for a Mastiff Shepherd mix, be sure to check out their listings. They occasionally have a few Mastiff mixes and GSD mixes available.
Aside from the above-mentioned breeders, you can also try your luck on our round-up of the best German Shepherd breeders. There’s a good chance you’ll find a GSD breeder that also breeds Mastiff Shepherd mixes!
On the other hand, if you want to adopt a Mastiff Shepherd, check out our list below.
Below are some sources where you can find German Shepherd Mastiff mixes for adoption:
German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions (GSRA) – This German Shepherd rescue from North Carolina caters to both purebreds and mixed dogs. They are dedicated to saving and rehoming German Shepherd dogs. You should check out their website to get updates on their available German Shepherd mixes.
Mastiffs to Mutts – Mastiffs to Mutts is a rescue dedicated to saving giant breeds. They cater to potential adopters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, parts of North Carolina, and some parts of New York. They occasionally offer Mastiff mix breeds that you can check on their website.
German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County – This German Shepherd rescue rehabilitates and rehomes German Shepherd dogs. Their dogs go through a thorough screening process to ensure that their pups are in good shape. They currently have GSD mixes on their website, so be on the lookout for German Shepherd Mastiff mixes.
These are only some places where you can find Mastiff Shepherd mix dogs. You may consider looking through our guide on the 10 best German Shepherd rescues for greater chances of finding one.
If you’re new to the process of adopting a dog, it is recommended to read our adoption guide first. This way, you’ll get to learn how the process works as well as a few nifty tricks to ensure that you’ll ace the screening!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Mastiff Shepherd Mix
If you’re still undecided whether the Mastiff Shepherd mix is right for you or not, this section can help you out. Here, we’ll take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of owning this particular hybrid.
To start, let’s take a look at the upsides of owning this unique pooch. Keep in mind that these are only a few among many!
That said, here are some advantages of owning the Mastiff Shepherd mix:
Great family pets: Though they are big and intimidating, Mastiff Shepherds make great family dogs, especially if trained early. This is thanks to their gentle and obedient personalities.
Low-maintenance: In terms of its maintenance, the German Shepherd Mastiff does not require a special diet, grooming routine, or exercise routine. Hence, busy dog owners won’t have a hard time maintaining this pup!
Highly trainable: This dog is brilliant and has a high drive for training. Thanks to its bright parents, the German Shepherd Mastiff mix learns quickly and responds to training well. They may have a stubborn streak, but proper training techniques can correct this.
As you can expect, owning the Mastiff Shepherd also has its downsides. If you can tolerate these negatives, then you’ll probably manage to own one.
Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix:
Moderate shedder: Despite having a short coat, the Mastiff Shepherd mix sheds quite frequently. Hence, daily brushing is necessary to prevent loose fur from taking over your furniture!
Not hypoallergenic: Because this mix sheds moderately, it’s not considered a hypoallergenic breed. In effect, owning a Mastiff Shepherd is not recommended for people with allergies.
Not recognized by the AKC: The downside of getting a hybrid dog is that it’s not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). As a result, your dog won’t enjoy the privileges that purebreds get, such as an official breed standard, eligibility for dog competitions, etc.
As you can see, the disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Mastiff mix are almost nit-picky. To most people, these disadvantages are no big deal at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes Shed?
German Shepherd Mastiff mixes do shed moderately. German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds are known to be year-round shedders. Hence, don’t expect their offspring to be any different.
Are German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes Aggressive?
No, German Shepherd Mastiff mixes are not aggressive, especially toward their owners. These giants are calm and gentle.
However, past trauma or history of abuse can make German Shepherd Mastiffs aggressive. Moreover, these dogs may also show signs of aggressiveness towards unfamiliar people and animals.
Fortunately, this unwanted behavior of your pooch can be treated with early socialization training.
Are German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Although the German Mastiff Shepherd is a moderate shedder, this dog produces dander in large amounts. Thus, it is not considered hypoallergenic. That said, this mix is not the best dog to have if you have pet allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix the Right Dog for You?
German Shepherd Mastiffs are giant dogs with the gentlest disposition. These big pups are affectionate, obedient, and loyal canine companions that will surely add joy to the life of any dog lover.
Whether you are a family with children or a solo household, you can rely on the Mastiff Shepherd to keep you company. This gentle giant is truly one of the best large hybrid dogs you can get right now.
That said, you should still weigh the pros and cons of owning this mix before getting one. Have you decided on getting a German Shepherd Mastiff mix? Tell us about it in the comments!
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