A lovely blend of two intelligent and mighty dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix has been dubbed a designer masterpiece in the canine world. Meet the Germanees!
You might know them by different names, such as Great Pyrenees GSD mix or Shepnees, or you may haven’t heard of them at all until now. They are still considered a rare hybrid but are slowly gaining popularity as working dogs.
Hopefully, with this article, you’ll get to familiarize yourself with this wonderful hybrid! You’ll learn about the origin, traits, pros and cons, and even the most asked questions about the Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd mix.
What Is a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix?
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The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix, also known as the Germanees or Shepnees, is a mix between a purebred Great Pyrenees and a purebred German Shepherd. This hybrid is a large-sized dog known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protectiveness.
As a mixed breed canine, the Germanees can inherit any physical and behavioral characteristic from either parent breed.
But since both parent breeds are known for their working drive, expect that this mix is a hard-working dog that’s ready to be challenged physically and mentally.
Since they are designer dogs, Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. However, they can be registered to AKC’s Canine Partner program.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Germanees Come From?
Much like most designer dogs, there is not enough documentation about the origins of producing the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix. With this, the best way to understand its history is to learn about both parent breeds.
The German Shepherds and the Great Pyrenees were originally bred for working.
Both were excellent guard dogs and herding dogs that were used to protect livestock. They’re also trained as watchdogs due to their innate vigilance.
Over time, the German Shepherd shifted from being a traditional herding dog to assisting the military and police in their daily activities.
Their high intelligence and trainability made them useful for various operations like tracking and rescue. Meanwhile, the Great Pyrenees were also used as sled dogs and pack dogs in the Pyrenees mountains.
Coined as the ‘Great Dogs of the Mountains,’ these canines are now mostly used as companion dogs due to their amazing temperament.
As a result of these two functional and good-natured dog breeds, the Germanees are expected not to fall short of both the Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd’s reputations.
Fortunately, the German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix doesn’t disappoint! From its adorable appearance to its behavior, the Germanees has most of the best qualities of its parent breeds.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Appearance: What Does a Shepnees Look Like?
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Most Shepnees dogs take after the majestic appearance of the Great Pyrenees parent breed. With this, they most likely resemble the looks of a lion with a luxurious, fluffy coat.
It’s important to note that as a mixed breed dog, the Shepnees may look like an equal split of both parent breeds. Even Shepnees puppies within the same litter may look different from one another.
But in terms of their body structure, Shepnees dogs usually possess the lean and sleek body of the German Shepherd parent. Generally, Pyrenees Shepherd mixes are muscular in stature with a calm and aloof expression.
Pyrenees Shepherd mix dogs typically have long muzzles and large ears, and some may have droopy jowls.
Some mixes may also take after the upright ears of the German Shepherd parent, while others adopt the floppy ears of the Great Pyrenees.
The almond-shaped eyes of Shepnees dogs usually have a dark brown color, while their noses, along with their eye rims and lips, are black. They have wedge-shaped heads that are well-proportioned to their bodies.
Their tails are usually thick, while their coats are straight and extremely dense. Shepnees dogs have luscious fur and locks that are medium length. They also tend to have a mane-like ruff with a wavy or curly texture.
Their coats can also be influenced by the German Shepherd parent’s coat. It may be short-haired or long-haired.
Shepnees dogs come in different coat colors. They could inherit the white, tan, or black coat from the Great Pyrenees parent.
They can also take after the coat colors from the German Shepherd parent, be it the common sable color or even the rare German Shepherd colors like blue or liver.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Shepnees Get?
The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix is a large-sized dog that weighs around 75 to 120 pounds with a height of about 22 to 32 inches.
Germanees are almost the size of the Great Pyrenees and are usually bigger than the average German Shepherd. However, how big a Shepnees gets also depends on different factors such as nutrition and exercise, among others.
Moreover, the size of a Shepnees can also be affected by its German Shepherd parent. It could be smaller if it has a dwarf German Shepherd parent or larger than expected if it has a giant German Shepherd parent.
Much like its parents, this giant breed will reach its adult height at the age of 18 months. Typically, male Pyrenees Shepherd mix dogs are larger than the female ones.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Temperament: Do Shepnees Make Good Family Dogs?
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German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mixes may look intimidating due to their massive bodies, but these dogs have a kind and gentle nature. They’re known to be loving, affectionate, and devoted, making them excellent family dogs.
Their devoted disposition primarily comes from the German Shepherd side. They possess the enthusiasm, drive, and determination in performing tasks, be it playing games or any physical or mental activities.
You can also expect a Shepnees pup to be as energetic, loyal, and intelligent as its parents. On top of these, they’re eager to please their owners and tend to be overprotective and wary of strangers.
These make a Shepnees an excellent guard dog. But to maximize their potential as working or guard dogs, a Shepnees need to be socialized from a young age so they can adapt to their surroundings.
They also need to be introduced or exposed to children, other family pets, and strangers so they can behave well in different scenarios.
Shepnees dogs can also display jolly or goofy behavior. As active dogs, they love to run and play around. As they also love to explore, they may get into mischief when they get bored.
To avoid this, it’s best to challenge their minds through interactive games. As an intelligent breed, the Shepnees requires a good amount of mental stimulation daily.
They also tend to dislike being alone, so make sure to give them enough quality time. Shepnees dogs also tend to be highly sensitive, so refrain from using a harsh voice unless it’s needed to lecture the pooch.
German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees Mix "Mocha" l Incredible Puppy Obedience l Hampton Roads Dog Trainers<a href="https://youtu.be/Z5nveI-0SoQ" 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%2FZ5nveI-0SoQ%2F0.jpg" alt="German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees Mix &quot;Mocha&quot; l Incredible Puppy Obedience l Hampton Roads Dog Trainers" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Shepnees Healthy Dogs?
With a lifespan of around 9 to 12 years, the Germanees are considered relatively healthier than other dogs.
Being a mixed breed, Germanees dogs inherit from a larger gene pool that makes hereditary diseases much rarer. But this doesn’t mean that they’re not susceptible to developing certain health problems.
Here are some of the most common health problems of the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix:
Bloat: Large-sized dogs with deep chests like the Shepnees dogs are prone to bloat or stomach distension. This condition is also called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). Factors that may increase the risk of bloat include rapid ingestion of large amounts of food or water and exercising after eating.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This genetic condition is extremely common among large dogs like the Shepnees. Though it is hereditary, other factors such as the dog’s nutrition, weight, exercise, and hormones play a role in developing hip and elbow dysplasia. Usually, the first signs of hip and elbow dysplasia are pain or weakness in the dog’s hind legs.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: This blood clotting disorder is frequently found in Great Pyrenees dogs and German Shepherds, so it is likely to be passed onto a Pyrenees Shepherd mix dog. Specialized tests are required to diagnose von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), and unfortunately, there is no known prevention or cure for this condition yet.
Heart Murmur: A heart murmur in Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes and similar breeds is an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. There are different types of heart murmurs, and some are more serious than others. There can also be underlying conditions that result in heart murmurs, and the causes also vary.
Most of the health issues above are hereditary, and they can be avoided by making sure that your Shepnees pup comes from a healthy lineage. This means buying from reputable breeders instead of puppy mills.
To prevent these diseases, it’s also best to visit your trusted vet regularly. Proper care and nutrition are also crucial for your dog’s wellbeing.
How to Take Care of Your Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
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Taking care of a Germanees includes providing them with enough attention and proper care.
This mixed breed has specific needs in terms of food, grooming, and exercise. These are all essential to ensure a happy and healthy pooch.
Food and Diet
As a giant dog, expect that your Shepnees dog needs more food. While there are no specific dietary requirements for this canine, it’s always ideal for providing it with high-quality food packed with the necessary nutrients.
It’s best to feed a Shepnees pup with large-breed puppy food until it reaches its adult age. Having the correct diet will help control rapid bone growth that may lead to a condition called panosteitis.
When the Germanees puppy reaches adulthood, its food should include nutrients like omega fatty acids and glucosamine. These nutrients help with healthy bone development to prevent hip and elbow dysplasia.
Your pooch should be fed with two to three meals per day. Be careful not to overfeed it as Shepnees dogs are prone to obesity. The amount of dog food should be measured carefully to avoid bloating.
Cleaning and Grooming
With the thick coat and fluffy fur of the Shepnees, you shouldn’t be surprised that this canine requires a lot of grooming and care.
Just like how important it is to manage the coat of a Great Pyrenees, the Shepnees dog also has a specific requirement when it comes to grooming. The first step to keeping its coat healthy and free of tangles is daily brushing.
To help reduce the amount of loose fur from your Germanees pup, you’ll need to use a quality de-shedding tool. You might want to invest in a subsurface removal tool and a pin brush, too.
Pyrenees Shepherd mixes also have extra sensitive skin, so they would need a bath once a month or when they get too dirty or smelly. They’re prone to developing skin irritation easily, so avoid bathing them too often.
It’s also best to choose a shampoo for heavy-shedding dogs that are safe for your Shepnees. You’ll also need to check and clean its ears several times a week to prevent bacterial infections.
Training and Exercise
As highly-energetic dogs, German Shepherd Pyrenees mix dogs need to be exercised often. With their massive size, they also require large areas and open spaces like dog parks to roam around.
This independent dog is most suitable for those who have an active lifestyle. They love going for walks, and they also like to explore. They’re even skilled at tasks like jumping and running through obstacle courses.
For your Germanees dog to reach its full potential, you can provide it with agility and obedience training. Shepnees dogs are relatively easy to train and are excited to learn new things.
It’s best to train them at an early age so they won’t develop stubborn traits. Positive training reinforcement techniques will do wonders as they love to be praised and rewarded.
How Much Does a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The price of a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppy may vary, but usually, it costs around $500 to $2,000. Designer dog breeders that specialize in breeding this may charge up to $3,500.
Some breeders may sell it for less, depending on different factors like the breeder’s location, the pup’s age, and bloodline, to name a few. Its cost is still lower than the cost of an average German Shepherd.
On top of the puppy price, there are also other necessary expenses you need to consider in owning a Shepnees. To help you prepare your budget, we also provided the list of items for your Shepnees puppy needs.
Below is a table of the initial expenses of owning a Pyrenees Shepherd mix:
It may appear costly to own and take care of a Shepnees dog. They would need large amounts of food, bigger beds and crates, more toys, and even more grooming essentials due to their coats.
But there are ways to minimize costs without sacrificing the quality of these items. If you have a pretty tight budget, it’s also important to assess carefully if this mixed breed is the most suitable pet for you to own.
Places to Find Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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One of the main concerns surrounding this mixed breed is that it’s not that easy to find in pet stores or local breeders. In fact, there is no reputable breeder that is dedicated to this breed at the moment.
Though they’re gradually gaining attention from canine lovers, they’re still not as famous as other designer dogs and are considered a rare breed.
But if you want to own one, we gathered a few trusted sources where you can look for a Shepnees puppy! While these sites have a good reputation, you should practice due diligence in utilizing them.
Here are some sources where you can find Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppies for sale:
VIP Puppies – This online advertising platform connects responsible canine lovers with elite breeders, including Shepnees breeders. They also offer resources for puppy parenting and even host global online communities for support and tips to dog owners.
Greenfield Puppies – This site advertises available German Shepherds and Great Pyrenees mixes, including Shepnees puppies. They have breeders located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. They ensure that each puppy for sale sold in Pennsylvania carries at least a 30-day health guarantee provided by the breeder.
Lancaster Puppies – This advertising site is a source for reputable breeders, including Shepnees breeders in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, and other states. With hundreds of active classified puppies available through their site, it won’t be too difficult to look for a reliable Shepnees breeder.
If you wish for more options, you should check out our list of German Shepherd or Great Pyrenees breeders and see if they breed Shepnees puppies.
Before you look for your next canine companion using the internet, make sure to read our guide on how to safely buy a puppy online.
Meanwhile, if you choose to adopt a Germanees dog, here are some rescues you can look at:
Great Pyrenees Rescue Society – This volunteer-run and foster-based rescue focuses on the rehabilitation and adoption of the Great Pyrenees dog breed and their mixes, such as the Germanees dogs. Most of their dogs come from kill shelters around central Texas, south Texas, and the greater Houston area.
Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue – This rescue is dedicated to rescuing and placing abandoned, strayed, or surrendered German Shepherds and GSD mixes, including Germanees. This group of volunteers conducts their community outreach event around the mid-Atlantic region.
Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri – As a non-profit rescue fully supported by volunteers and donations, this organization rescues, fosters, and finds new homes for dogs, including Germanees dogs, in Missouri and surrounding states. Applicants who wish to adopt dogs from this rescue center have to be 21 or older and must have a secure and visible fence.
To widen your search for Germanees puppies, you can also check out our article on the 10 best German Shepherd rescues for adoption. Most of the rescues in this list also cater to other German Shepherd dog breed mixes.
Are you not familiar with the pet adoption process? Check out our ultimate guide on how to adopt a dog and how to get approved!
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
Owning a pet is a serious commitment. To help you assess whether this sweet and gentle giant matches you perfectly, I created a list of the pros and cons of the German Shepherd Pyrenees mix.
Here are some of the advantages of the Pyrenees Shepherd mix:
Excellent family and watchdogs: Shepnees dogs are naturally affectionate and loyal, making them amazing family pets. They are also devoted and protective, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
Good temperament: Great Pyrenees Shepherd mix dogs have a gentle and loving nature. When socialized properly, they can get along well with young children and other animals, too.
High energy and intelligence: Their high energy level is suitable for owners with an active lifestyle. These intelligent dogs love playtime and doing challenging tasks as well, including activities for mental stimulation.
Taking care of a Pyrenees Shepherd mix can also come with a few disadvantages:
High grooming needs: Germanees dogs have a specific grooming requirement due to their coats. You will also need to invest in proper grooming tools. If you’re fussy about dog hairs around your house, then you’ll need to think twice about owning this pooch.
Aggressive or unruly tendencies: As they tend to be protective and territorial, they can display aggression or unruly behavior towards strangers. The key to managing this is early socialization and adequate training.
Not ideal for apartment living: As big dogs, they need enough space to roam around and preferably a large yard or an open space. Most likely, they also have bigger supplies, so you’ll need more room to accommodate even their stuff.
A Shepnees pooch may either be a great choice or a burden depending on your preferences and lifestyle. It’s a large dog that comes with a huge responsibility! Take time to weigh things before you decide to own one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Germanees Shed a Lot?
Yes, Germanees shed heavily. That’s why daily brushing is needed to keep their fur free from mats and tangles.
Since both of its parents come from cold places, the Germanees sports a thick and dense coat. With this, expect that it may shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding seasons.
Are Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Both of its parent breeds are not hypoallergenic so expect that the Germanees is not hypoallergenic, too. It’s highly likely that they shed hair and form dander that can flare up allergies.
Are Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?
Shepnees dogs may display aggressive tendencies towards strangers when they’re not socialized and trained properly.
Their protective instinct and territorial behavior may come off as aggression if they’re not trained properly. Besides obedience training, make sure that your dog is introduced to different surroundings, people, and even other animals.
Final Thoughts: Is a Shepnees the Right Dog for You?
The Shepnees may seem like a demanding pet to take care of. Their high grooming needs, large size, and high energy level can be challenging, especially for first-time or less active dog owners.
But with the right home it deserves, the Shepnees can make an amazing family dog!
Pyrenees Shepherd mixes are extremely loyal and loving even to younger children and other pets. You’ll just need enough patience and time to train them properly.
Do you also have a Germanees dog? Share with us your experiences of this mixed breed in the comments below.
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