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German Shepherd Husky Mix
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
45-70 pounds/20-25 inches
Coat Type:
Dense undercoat with medium-length fur
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Energetic, loyal, watchful, intelligent
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10-14 years
Adopting a German Shepherd Husky Mix: An Overview
German shepherd husky mixes, also sometimes called a shepsky, are an interesting crossbreed created by combining the intelligent and large German shepherd and the energetic, independent Siberian husky.
These dogs do not have a breed standard, as they are not an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed, which can make it hard to pin down their exact temperament and behavior as they grow into adults. That being said, it is almost positive that these dogs will be loyal, highly active, and ready for any adventure their owner is willing to take them on.
If you want to adopt a German shepherd husky mix, you have two options – look for a shelter or rescue, including breed-specific rescues, or work with a breeder.
In general, it can be difficult to find a true German shepherd husky mix at a shelter, as these dogs are not the most common combination, and they may not easily turn up for adoption. You may have more luck with a breed-specific rescue, but again, since these dogs are not a common breed, it may take some work to come across this dog for adoption.
If you find that you need to work with a breeder, you will need to dedicate some time to finding a reputable and ethical German shepherd husky mix breeder. It’s important that the breeder you work with puts the health of the dogs first. They should be knowledgeable about German shepherd husky mixes in addition to being open with you about the parent dogs.
You are unlikely to receive paperwork for a German shepherd husky mix, as these dogs are not an officially recognized breed. However, you will most likely be asked to sign a contract to purchase your German shepherd husky mix puppy.
On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a German shepherd husky mix puppy. These dogs are not the most expensive breed, as they are created from two fairly common breeds and they are not incredibly in demand, but certain breeders may charge more for certain colors, which can drive up the price.
Your location and the breeder you work with also influence the cost of a German shepherd husky mix, and you should be very wary about prices that are greatly outside of this average estimate.
German Shepherd Husky Mixes For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted German Shepherd Husky Mix?
When adding an adopted German shepherd husky mix to your life, it’s important to understand how to care for these dogs properly.
Shepskies are very high-energy dogs, and they will need a lot of exercise in addition to mental stimulation to stay both healthy and happy. It’s recommended that you take your German shepherd husky mix on at least two long walks each day in addition to giving them a full hour of playtime with you and their toys.
These dogs will thrive when they are in a home that provides them ample access to fenced-in, safe outdoor spaces to roam around.
You should be training your German shepherd husky mix from the moment they come home. Proper training and socialization are vital to ensuring that your dog grows up with the right manners and is generally okay meeting new people and visiting new places.
German shepherd husky mixes can also grow quite large and cause serious issues if they develop behavioral problems or if they are not under your control. For example, this breed may have a high prey drive, and if your dog is constantly leaving your side to chase animals, this can result in major problems and potential injuries.
In terms of basic care needs, your shepsky will have higher than average grooming needs. These dogs tend to have thick, double-coated fur, and they may have stronger husky parent traits which means a lot of shedding. You should brush your dog every other day and take them to a professional groomer every few months to keep their undercoat in good condition.
Twice a year, you can expect your German shepherd husky mix to shed a massive amount of fur as the seasons change; this will need lots of brushing and maintenance to keep it under control.
When feeding your German shepherd husky mix, it’s important to keep in mind your dog’s exact size and their caloric needs. Senior dogs need fewer calories, while adult dogs need an average amount and puppies need enough calories to grow.
On average, you will need to feed your dog between one and four cups of food a day, depending on the type of food and your dog’s needs. Speaking to a veterinarian is key if you are having trouble determining what to feed your dog.
A final thing you should note when it comes to caring for your German shepherd husky mix is that these dogs need high amounts of mental stimulation and physical stimulation to stay happy. You cannot adopt a German shepherd husky mix if you do not have the time to exercise with them, and if you are planning on leaving them alone for long hours.
These dogs do best in households where they can stay active alongside their owners and learn new tricks and tasks on a regular basis.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a German Shepherd Husky Mix As Your First Dog?
Adopting a German shepherd husky mix as your first dog is not the best idea, as this breed can be difficult to control without proper training and first-hand dog experience.
In general, because they’re not a standardized breed, you are taking a gamble when the German shepherd and Siberian husky breeds are mixed. You could end up with a perfect mix of these two dogs, or you could end up with a dog that inherits the most complicated traits of both breeds. For new owners, this can be difficult to deal with, and there is no way to know how your pup will act until they start to develop their personalities.
Additionally, German shepherd husky mixes need significant mental stimulation, including training. These dogs can be destructive when they get too bored or don’t receive enough exercise. Your German shepherd husky mix will require a significant time commitment, and for many new owners, this can be overwhelming.
That being said, if you are very dedicated to the care of your dog and you understand the pros and cons of adopting a German shepherd husky mix, you may be able to adopt them as your first dog. It’s vital that you understand training is necessary if you want to be able to properly handle your dog as they grow up into a large, energetic, and intelligent adult dog.
Adopt the Right German Shepherd Husky Mix for You
Adopting a German shepherd husky mix is not for everyone, but it could be the right choice for you if you have significant dog experience or if you are interested in an active, loyal, and intelligent companion.
Bred from two notorious working breeds, the German shepherd husky mix requires owners who are dedicated, and committed to keeping them both healthy and happy through mental and physical stimulation.
If you are set on adding a German shepherd husky mix to your family, we recommend taking the time to look around local shelters and rescues for this dog. This breed does occasionally end up in shelters, and there may be a breed-specific rescue in your area that can help you out.
If you need to utilize a reputable breeder to purchase a German shepherd husky mix puppy, take the time to find an ethical breeder so you can adopt a healthy puppy to bring into your life.
