The German Shepherd Husky mix is a mixed breed dog that possesses exceptional characteristics which are undoubtedly endearing to any dog lover.
As they are one of the dog breeds that strategically combine the strengths of two amazing purebreds, the Shepsky is uniquely special and highly capable of various roles — from driven workers to loyal family companions.
If you are intrigued by this wonderful designer breed, stick around and learn all about the Husky German Shepherd mix. This article will discuss its appearance, temperament, puppy price, and more!
What Is a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
A German Shepherd Husky mix is a combination of a German Shepherd Dog and a Siberian Husky. Crossing these two purebreds results in a medium to large-sized mixed-breed dog that is ultimately intelligent, highly energetic, alert, and loyal.
Also called Gerberian Shepsky or Shepsky, this hybrid can come in a variety of attractive coat colors.
Depending on its inherited physical traits, it can resemble either parent breed or be a unique blend of the two.
As a designer dog, the German Shepherd Husky mix can be registered with the Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Additionally, they are likewise recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the partner program of the American Kennel Club for mixed breed dogs, AKC Canine Partners.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Origin and History
Similar to many mixed breeds, no well-documented account of the origin of the German Shepherd Husky mix exists. But it is believed that this mixed breed was first produced in the late 1990s.
Its parent breeds, on the other hand, have clear accounts of their origin and history.
The German Shepherd was originally developed in the 1800s by Captain Max von Stephanitz.
Initially intended to be herding dogs, they were carefully bred to have sterling qualities in terms of strength, speed, and intelligence.
These qualities proved to be helpful in a variety of other fields as German Shepherds were able to effortlessly evolve into efficient police and military dogs and good guard dogs through time.
Meanwhile, the Siberian Husky was bred to be a working dog and family companion from the beginning.
The Chukchi people from the Siberian Arctic developed the breed to be a sled dog to help them transport light loads.
Siberian Huskies became renowned for their contribution to transporting medicinal serum to Alaska, where a Diptheria epidemic had broken out in 1925.
Looking into the history of the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, their excellent traits have indeed proved to be invaluable in diverse fields, and their combination would undoubtedly reinforce each other’s strengths.
Thus, the desire for a Husky Shepherd mix that bears the unique combination of the traits and skills of its parent breeds came to fruition.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Appearance
Unlike purebred dogs that have standard features when it comes to their appearance, every Gerberian Shepsky may not look exactly alike.
Its distinctive appearance will depend on the inherited traits from its parent breeds.
For starters, this athletic dog has a thick double coat that can come in a variety of solid colors and color combinations.
Like its German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents, it can have solid coat colors such as black, blue, gray, liver, sable, and white.
In addition, bi-color combinations are also common among Shepskies. The usual colors that comprise these are black, tan, cream, white, brown, gray, silver, red, and sable.
Their heads are proportional to the size of their bodies, while their almond-shaped eyes can be dark-colored like their German Shepherd parent. They can also be brown or blue if they are like their Siberian Husky parents.
Moreover, the Shepsky also has pointed ears that stand upright, which gives them an alert expression. Their noses tend to be black in color, and their lips are very pigmented.
Meanwhile, their deep chests enable them to achieve superior lung capacity for all their physical activities. As to their tails, they are typically bushy.
All in all, dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix will have a unique appearance depending on the dominant Siberian Husky and German Shepherd genes that are passed on to them.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Size and Weight
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a muscular, medium to large-sized dog. It usually weighs around 35 to 90 pounds and stands between 20 and 26 inches in height.
A Gerberian Shepsky typically reaches its final adult size when it is 15 to 18 months old. If they are like their Siberian Husky parent, they will grow to become medium-sized dogs.
But if they are more German Shepherd-like, they will become large-sized dogs when fully grown. As is the case with hybrid dog breeds, predicting their final adult size can be tricky.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Temperament and Personality
The Gerberian Shepsky is an extremely smart, dedicated, and loyal dog. They are loving and affectionate with family members and form deep connections with them, just like their parent breeds.
Like other dogs that tend to be strongly attached to loved ones, they are prone to developing separation anxiety and will resort to destructive behavior if kept apart from their humans for too long.
At work, they are diligent and hardworking, and when at home, they are gentle and sweet. They are good with children and live well with other dogs and pets, especially when properly socialized early on.
As to interacting with strangers, it will depend on which trait they take after. Their Siberian Husky parent is known to be very friendly and outgoing, while German Shepherds can be a bit reserved with strangers at first.
Furthermore, owners must manage their strong prey drive by ensuring that their yards are securely fenced to keep them from running away to chase small animals.
All things considered, the Husky and German Shepherd mix is a great family addition with all its inherited remarkable traits from its parent breeds.
Coupled with proper upbringing, it is bound to be a family’s pride and delight.
To get a recap of the traits and features of the Gerberian Shepsky, watch the video below:
German Shepherd x Husky Mix (Gerberian Shepsky): The Complete Breed Info<a href="https://youtu.be/lt0LEc0cPwA" 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%2Flt0LEc0cPwA%2F0.jpg" alt="German Shepherd x Husky Mix (Gerberian Shepsky): The Complete Breed Info" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
German Shepherd Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Husky German Shepherd mix has a lifespan of 7 to 14 years. Being a mixed breed, it has a better chance of living longer than its German Shepherd parent.
While this may be the case, they can still be prone to certain health problems, some of which are common among German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.
Below are some of the health issues of the German Shepherd Husky mix:
Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects the spinal cord of the German Shepherd Husky mix. When this occurs, weakness in the back limb is experienced, gradually leading to paralysis. This can be difficult to accurately detect as the symptoms resemble arthritis.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic bone diseases that affect the joints of the German Shepherd Husky mix. In elbow dysplasia, the abnormality in the development of the bone occurs in the elbow joint, while in hip dysplasia, the deformity occurs in the hip joint.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disease that occurs when the thyroid gland of the German Shepherd Husky mix is unable to produce sufficient hormones to support proper metabolism. Symptoms include an unexplained increase in weight, weakness, ear infections, lack of coordination, and hair loss.
Bloat: Bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus is a life-threatening condition that happens when the stomach of the German Shepherd Husky mix twists, causing pressure and damage to the other organs. Signs of bloat are a swollen stomach, drooling, rapid heartbeat, and weakness.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and having regular check-ups with the vet help to keep your beloved canine in healthy condition.
How to Take Care of Your Shepsky
If you plan to own a Husky German Shepherd mix, knowing how to properly care for it is a must. You need to meet their specific requirements in terms of diet, grooming, training, and exercise.
To help you with this, I have listed some pointers below to serve as your guide in taking care of the German Shepherd Husky mix.
Food and Diet
A designer breed such as the German Shepherd Husky mix needs to be fed around 2 to 3.5 cups of high-quality kibble a day.
Choose a protein-rich kibble for your adult Shepsky to ensure that it gets enough energy for its daily activities.
Ideally, an active dog breed requires a diet that contains at least 26% protein daily to support its muscle strength.
It is likewise important to keep them well-hydrated throughout the day. Make sure that they have access to fresh drinking water always.
To further boost their health, you can include fruits and vegetables in their diet. Broccoli, carrots, and lettuce aid in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Meanwhile, blueberries and cantaloupe help promote good eyesight.
For healthy joints, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin serve as protection from cartilage degeneration.
Cleaning and Grooming
Cleaning and grooming a German Shepherd Husky mix is a fairly manageable task for its owner. Their thick double coats only need to be brushed three to four times a week to keep them healthy and shiny.
It should be noted that they tend to shed all year due to their double coat. Thus, it is crucial that brushing routines are maintained to keep their hair from sticking to furniture and clothes.
Meanwhile, a dog breed such as the Shepsky only needs a bath every three to four months or once it starts to smell or get dirty. Regular brushing of teeth and trimming of nails should also be practiced.
Training and Exercise
Training the Shepsky is an easy task for its assertive and firm owner. Having the Husky and German Shepherd’s intelligence, they can easily learn commands. With that, it is always best to begin dog training at a young age.
You can also enroll in puppy classes that provide obedience training and socialization for your Shepsky pup. This is also beneficial in managing their stubborn tendencies that can occur every now and then.
When it comes to exercise, an active dog breed like the Shepsky needs about two hours of daily exercise. This can be in the form of walking in the dog park, running, hiking, and swimming.
Remember to provide enough mental stimulation for your dog regularly, too. Playing with puzzle toys and learning new tricks help keep their brains sharp.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Mixed breed puppies such as the German Shepherd Husky mix are usually priced between $280 and $1,900. You can expect a higher price tag for puppies that come from champion bloodlines.
Aside from the purchase price of the Shepherd Husky mix puppy, you will also need to prepare for other initial expenses you will incur once you bring your puppy home.
Below is the summary of the initial expenses of the German Shepherd Husky mix:
The amounts above can serve as your guide as you prepare your budget for the arrival of your Shepsky puppy. Remember to choose quality-made items that are built to withstand repeated use.
You can also check out our articles on the cost of a German Shepherd and Siberian Husky as additional references.
Places to Find German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Crossbreed dogs such as the Husky German Shepherd mixes can be quite elusive to aspiring owners. That said, with the right timing and a bit of luck, you can hopefully find one to add to your family pack.
I have listed below some resources to help you with your hunt. Remember to stay away from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Below are some places you can check out in order to find a German Shepherd Husky mix:
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online pet advertising site that allows breeders and puppy sellers to reach potential buyers by listing their available puppies like the Gerberian Shepsky puppies on the site. You can refine your search by choosing the breed, location, and gender of the puppy.
PuppyFinder – This is a pet marketplace for puppies like the German Shepherd Husky mix. Dog breeders, private sellers, and rescue organizations are able to advertise their available dogs on the site. And as a way to protect both buyers and sellers, they require identity verification.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is another online advertising site for reputable breeders of puppies like the German Shepherd Husky mix. As a way to advocate responsible breeding, they provide incentives for breeders who adhere to exemplary practices in raising their pups.
In addition, you can also refer to our German Shepherd and Siberian Husky breeders directories to get more options.
Nonetheless, remember to take the necessary precautions when purchasing your puppy online.
If you prefer to adopt a German Shepherd Husky mix, below are some rescues and places you can get in touch with:
Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles – Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles is a non-profit rescue dedicated to rescuing and rehoming German Shepherds and their mixes like the Shepsky. They save dogs from high-kill shelters and place them in foster homes until they are adopted.
Free Spirit Siberian Rescue – Free Spirit Siberian Rescue has been saving Siberian Huskies and their mixes like the Husky German Shepherd mix since 1999. To date, they have already successfully rehomed over 3,000 dogs with the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is an online platform for rescue organizations, animal shelters, humane societies, and adoption agencies to advertise available dogs for adoption, such as German Shepherd Husky mixes.
You can also read our best German Shepherd and Siberian Husky rescues as alternatives. Going through the adoption process will indeed be worth all the effort once you finally get to bring your pup home.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Gerberian Shepsky
Owning a Gerberian Shepsky mix can have its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing to have one should not be done carelessly but rather thoughtfully decided upon.
To help you determine if this hybrid is for you, I have listed the pros and cons of having one.
Below are the pros of having a German Shepherd Husky mix:
Unique appearance: Having two different purebred parents results in unique-looking offspring such as the Gerberian Shepsky. Various attractive coat colors and combinations are possible thanks to the color genes it will inherit from its German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents.
Chance for a longer lifespan: Having a Husky parent enables the German Shepherd Husky mix to have a better chance of living longer and being able to spend extended years with its loved ones.
Highly active and intelligent dog: The German Shepherd Husky mix is the perfect workout companion for active individuals and families. They thrive on performing tasks and activities and are easy to train due to their ability to quickly learn commands.
Below are the cons of having a German Shepherd Husky mix:
Unpredictability in adult size: Determining the exact adult size of the German Shepherd Husky mix puppy can be difficult. They can either be a medium-sized adult similar to their Husky parent or a large-sized dog like their German Shepherd parent.
Requires a lot of physical and mental exercise: The German Shepherd Husky mix is a product of two intelligent and highly active breeds. Thus, they require enough daily activities to stay physically and mentally fit. As such, they are best suited to owners who can commit to providing their high exercise requirements.
Unpredictable temperament: Being a mixed breed, the Husky German Shepherd mix can have either trait of its parent breeds. Their guarding instincts and ability to be friendly toward strangers can vary depending on which parent they will take after.
Being aware of the pros and cons helps you to gain clarity on whether this breed is a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shepsky Dogs Smart?
Yes, Shepsky dogs are very smart. Huskies and German Shepherds are known to be very smart breeds, and their intelligence is certainly passed on to the Shepsky. This makes them capable of performing various tasks.
Are Shepskies Hard to Train?
No, German Shepherd and Husky mixes are actually easy to train. Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they quickly learn commands.
Given the appropriate training, the Shepsky even has the potential to be a good guard dog and herding dog.
They may have occasional stubborn streaks, but with firm and consistent guidance, they are bound to perform well.
Are Shepskies Loyal Dogs?
Yes, German Shepherd and Husky mixes are very loyal dogs. They value their relationships with their humans and are dedicated to being their lifelong, loving companions.
With this, they prefer to be doing activities with their loved ones as much as they can.
Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes, German Shepherd and Husky mixes are good dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and versatile family dogs.
When raised in a loving environment and properly trained, they become well-adjusted family companions and reliable workers.
Do German Shepherd Husky Mixes Shed a Lot?
German Shepherd Husky mixes are moderate to heavy shedders. They tend to shed all year round; thus, regular brushing is a must to keep their hair from spreading around the house.
Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, German Shepherd Husky mixes are not hypoallergenic. One of the triggers of allergic reactions in people is the dander that is attached to dog hair.
Given that Shepskies tend to shed all year, they are not a good choice for people who suffer from allergies.
Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good With Cats?
German Shepherd Husky mixes can be good with cats provided they are properly socialized with them.
Just like other breeds, the individual personality of every Shepsky can vary. But with proper training, they can learn to get along with cats well.
Final Thoughts: Is a Shepsky the Right Dog for You?
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a versatile dog that bears the remarkable traits of its parent breeds.
Coming from a line of herding and sled dogs, this highly active and clever hybrid is sure to be a source of pride and comfort to its family members.
Choosing to get one as an addition to your family means having to provide for its lifelong needs and being its reliable steward.
As this beautiful hybrid requires an active and assertive pack leader, you have to make sure that you are fully capable and committed to raising them well.
Which trait of the German Shepherd Husky do you admire the most? Share your thoughts and leave your comments below!
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