Gerberian Shepsky is an attractive, affectionate, energetic, and loyal Husky German Shepherd mix. Even though it is actually a working dog, it is considered a designer breed. In most cases, puppies inherit the best parents traits, including superior intelligence, tendency to guard, and alert nature.
Once you decide to adopt Husky x German Shepherd, you need to provide adequate conditions for its wellbeing. For instance, this dog requires a high exercising level and a big backyard. Otherwise, you can face a destructive dog you can’t manage. Finally, be aware that puppies can inherit the primary characteristics of both parents, and you should be careful while choosing the right pet for you.
Everything You Need To Know About The Husky German Shepherd Mix:
1. History
German Shepherd Origin
German Shepherd is a popular herding dog developed in the 19th century in Karlsruhe, Germany. It was presented at Hanover in 1882, but its bright history starts in 1899 when the first shorthaired version was seen in Berlin.
The first German Shepherd came to the US in 1907, and American Kennel Club recognized it in 1908. Nowadays, this is the most popular breed in the US besides Labradors.
Siberian Husky Origin
Siberian Husky is a working dog that originated in Siberia. The Chukchi Tribe’s members started breeding this watchdog over 3,000 years ago in the Eastern Siberian peninsula.
The first dog came to Alaska in 1908. It was well-known that Admiral Richard E. Byrd used Huskies while exploring the Antarctic in the mid-1900s. American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1930.
Shepsky Origin
There is a possibility that the Shepsky dog breed existed even before breeders started intentionally mix German Shepherd and Huskies. Many experts believe that the first puppies were created accidentally. No one can say when the first German Shepherd and Husky mixed, so the official history of this designer breed started in the late 1990s in the US.
The idea was to mix two superior parent breeds and create an ultimate hybrid working dog. As a result, they got Gerberian Shepskies that was accepted almost immediately as an excellent family pet. Nowadays, the American Canine Hybrid Club and Dog Registry of America Inc recognized Shepsky as a separate breed. Since Gerberian Shepsky is a protective and tremendously alert dog, it is ideal for guard duties.
2. Personality
German Shepherd and Husky breed dog is an active and playful creature full of energy that you need to socialize on time. This pack dog needs a leader to guide it appropriately. Otherwise, it will probably become prone to destruction and misbehavior.
Intelligent Siberian Shepsky is a loyal and affectionate friend and excellent guard dog. Still, you should choose this breed only if you have enough time and energy to keep your buddy interested. Otherwise, you will get a bored and frustrated dog that howls and chews everything it can reach.
3. Temperament
Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix has a surprisingly gentle, obedient, and calm temperament. It is intelligent and prone to react to owner’s whistles and verbal commands quickly.
Remember that this dog is territorial and overly protective, so you shouldn’t expect your buddy to become a friend with strangers immediately. It will also hate sharing the same home with other animals, especially other dogs and cats.
On the other hand, your Gerberian Shepsky will adore kids, and you can be sure it will protect them at all costs. That is the breed’s primary trait, and you can count on this regardless of inherited genes.
4. Size And Look
Gerberian Shepsky is a German Shepherd and Siberian Husky offspring, so you can expect this dog to be medium- to large-sized. Don’t be surprised if you see this mix smaller or larger than an expected average. An average Siberian Husky is usually about 20 to 24 inches (51 – 61 cm) tall, but it primarily depends on its age and gender. The average dog weighs approximately 40 to 60 pounds (18 – 27 kg).
On the other hand, a German Shepherd is about 50 to 90 pounds (23 – 41 kg). On average, this dog is 22 and 26 inches (56 – 66 cm) high at shoulders. As a result of such a combination, your German Shepherd Husky mix can weigh in a range of 35 to 90 pounds (16 – 41 kg). It will be approximately 20 and 26 inches (51 – 66 cm) high at shoulders.
| Gerberian Shepsky | ||
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches (56 – 66 cm) | 20 to 24 inches (51 – 61 cm) |
| Weight | 45 to 90 pounds (20.5 – 41 kg) | 35 to 70 pounds (16 – 32 kg) |
Like its parents, your German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix dog will have a double coat consisting of soft and thick inner fur and dense outer hair.
Except for lovely white Gerberian Shepsky, you can look for a dog with a coat in other colors, including:
- Cream
- Gray
- Red
- Blue
- Light brown
- Golden brown
- Brown
- Brown and white
- Brown and black
- White and black
- Salt and pepper
- Black and tan
Keep in mind that GSD Husky mix can change color coat while growing. You can sometimes find a blue-eyed puppy or one with dual-colored eyes. As you can see, Gerberian Shepsky’s size and coat quality widely vary, so you need to check parents carefully before adopting a desired puppy.
5. Grooming
German Shepherd Husky breed dog is a moderate shedder, but its thick and fluffy coat is prone to matting. Therefore, you should brush your buddy at least twice a week. Regularly trim your four-legged friend’s nails and check and clean its ears to prevent wax from accumulating.
Avoid bathing this dog except when it is absolutely needed. Frequent bathing will probably upset it, plus water and shampoo will wash off natural oils from the fur and leave it dry and tangled.
6. Exercising
Huskies German Shepherd mix is a working dog that requires regular exercise, so taking it to long walks is crucial. Since this dog is of good nature, you can go to a park together and let it run free without a leash.
Such a treatment will keep your buddy mentally stimulated and physically healthy. Your ultimate goal is to strengthen its heart and bones. If you enjoy an active life, go jogging with your lovely furry friend and enjoy.
7. Training
Be prepared that the German Shepherd Siberian Husky mix is a puppy of specific parents. While the German Shepherd is prone to severe training and obedient, Husky is stubborn and independent. What doggy you will get depends on the genes your pet has inherited.
In any case, this intelligent dog needs a firm owner as a commanding but gentle pack leader. Gerberian Shepsky’s training should include praises and prizes for every success instead of harsh taming. If you do the job appropriately, it won’t take long to get the first results, including learning verbal commands and reacting to whistling.
8. Diet And Nutrition
This Husky German Shepherd mix is a working breed and requires a diet formulated for high-energy, medium-sized dogs. Since it is a new breed, the best option is to consult your vet or nutritionist for advice.
Provide a high-quality diet with 1,300 to 2,400 calories a day to keeps them from too fast-growing. Remember that Gerbian Shepsky overfeeding often causes joint problems. Therefore, serve regular meals to your dog and never leave food always available.
9. Possible Health Problems
As you can expect, the German Shepherd and a Husky mix will probably suffer from similar health conditions as its parents. While most mixes are healthy in general, this particular dog breed can suffer from a few hereditary issues, like:
Elbow and hip dysplasia – Dogs with this condition have problems with loose and unstable joints. You can help your furry friend by feeding it appropriately, maintaining its healthy weight, and exercising it according to its capabilities.
Juvenile cataracts – This opacity in the eye lens often occurs after your dog is 6 years old. It can decrease your pet’s eyesight or cause blindness in severe cases.
Corneal dystrophy – When material accumulates in the cornea, the dog will start suffering from visual impairment.
Progressive retinal atrophy – This inherited, incurable condition occurs in older dogs and causes blindness.
Ear infection – Unfortunately, ear infections are common in dogs with large ears. Therefore, you can expect the puppy, which you get when your German Shepherd mixes with Alaskan Husky, to suffer from this condition.
Allergies – Allergies are relatively common in Alaskan Husky and German Shepherd mix breed, including food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies.
German Shepsky is often sensitive to flea bites and some regular foods, such as:
- Lamb
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Soy
- Corn
- Wheat
When you mix Husky and German Shepherd, you may also get offspring that suffers from:
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- Blood disorders
- Eczema
- Dwarfism
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Endocrine pancreatic Insufficiency
- Degenerative myelitis
- Cancer in old age
You can expect your Husky and a German Shepherd mix to live approximately 10 to 14 years.
Conclusion
Germanian Shepsky is a lovely and gentle dog that breeders get by mixing Huskies and German Shepherds. This breed mix is an ideal combination of a babysitter and cop.
It will be highly protective of its family, particularly kids, but this dog is not the best choice for inexperienced and inactive owners. In other words, think twice before adopting one of these beauties.
