Dogs are one of the most attractive pets, especially for dog lovers. A survey by the American kennel club, German Shepherds are the second most common pet animals worldwide.
Their intelligence, smartness, and loyalty are what make them perfect pets. Not only a German Shepherd serves as an ideal pet that goes well with kids, but they also serve military and police with bravery.
But, cross-breeding them with other dog breeds not just results in a perfect pet with the intelligence, smartness, and aestheticism of German Shepherds when mixed with different breeds of dogs will result in an ideal dog that you might be looking for. If you want everything about a German Shepherd mix right from scratch, then we have come up with all that you might need to know about German Shepherd mixes.
In this detailed guide, we take a look at different types of German Shepherd mix breeds. You will get to know various breed types and their characteristics. What to feed them, how to buy them, how to train them and how to groom them properly. Do they make good family dogs and are they great with kids? What is their typical size and lifespan? Do they make good guard dogs and what types of diseases are common in them?
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 10 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
What is the best German shepherd mix?
Suppose you want to own a dog but are not able to decide which one. You like the calmness of one dog and the looks of a German Shepherd. Why don’t you go for a mixed breed?
When cross-bred with any other dog to produce kids that resemble both the German Shepherd and the other dogs and possess both of their parents’ qualities, the German Shepherd is known as a German Shepherd mix.
You might be thinking, what is the reason for experimenting with the dog breeds. Well, as per a survey, it was found out that the mixed breeds are lesser prone to most of the diseases and more agile than pure breeds. Thus, mixed breeds are more reliable than pure breeds.
Apart from this, every dog has its pros and cons, to overcome the same, mixed breeds come up with the best qualities of both their parents. Several German Shepherd mix dog breeds are available, but not all are perfect as a pet. Only a few breeds are there, which comes out to be great pet with excellent specifications, including German Shepherd corgi mix, Sheprador, Golden Shepherd, etc.
So, Are Shepherd mixes good dogs?
German Shepherd mixes are known for their loyalty, good guarding skills, charm, and behavior. Although all the dogs need proper training for socialization and control their temperament, and so are German Shepherd mixes, yet Shepherd mixes are a bit easy to train and manage as compared to the pure breeds.
German Shepherd is one of the most famous dogs as a family pet, but it requires more space and cares comparatively because of its bulky physique. Shepherd mixes, on the other hand, are not just as adorable as a German Shepherd is, but perfect to raise at home.
What all German Shepherd mixes one can raise?
A Master List of German Shepherd Mix Breeds
- Golden Retriever Mix German Shepherd
- Siberian Husky and German Shepherd Mix
- Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix
- Great Dane And a German Shepherd Mix
- Bernese Shepherd
- Corman Shepherds
- German Shepherd and Akita Mix
- German Shepherd and Labrador Mix
- New Shepherd
- German Australian Shepherd Mix
- German Sheppit
Golden Retriever Mix German Shepherd
Also known as Golder Shepherd, a German Shepherd mix golden retriever is one of the most cheerful and adorable Shepherd mixes one can raise. As the name suggests, the golden Shepherd is the German Shepherd mixed with the Golden retriever.
Golden retrievers are known for their intelligence, and this is because of their parents. Both the German Shepherd and Golden retrievers stand at 3rd and 4th positions, respectively, in intelligence among all the dogs.
Apart from this, the Golden retriever German Shepherd mix is very loyal and a right guard. It has inherited devotion from the German Shepherd and the playfulness and cheerfulness from Golden retriever.
With all these qualities, a German Shepherd mixed with a golden retriever comes out to be a wonderful pet and a good watcher as well. Also, it serves in the police and Army as well because of its searching and rescuing.
They also love working and are very ethical as well when it comes to their owners. You are going to adore this incredible dog and its high energy. Even if you have kids at your home, this German Shepherd mix dog is going to grab their love and attention as well. With proper training, they will possess all the qualities a person can ask for in their pet.
Siberian Husky and German Shepherd Mix
The next adorable German Shepherd mix in our list is the mix of Siberian husky and a German Shepherd. This mix has inherited the dark color of its coat from the German Shepherd, while their blue eyes resemble that of a Siberian Husky.
Look wise, they have a wolf-like appearance, but their qualities are similar to that of a pet dog. Commonly, people also call them Gerberian Shepsky. Although their wolf-like appearance makes them a little threatening, their behavior is exactly the opposite of their look.
These German Shepherd mix dogs are very calm and sophisticated. Even if you have kids at home, you can bring this mix as a pet. With an average height ranging between 22 to 26 inches, this dog mix has a very fluffy coat with large ears. They require a little bit of grooming and brushing at least once a day because of their hairy coat.
Well, if you need a talkative partner who can keep you busy all day long, then this German Shepherd mix can be the perfect choice for you. They love talking and can be a little noisy sometimes. If you want a companion who can not only keep to entertained all day long but is active enough to pull you out of bed for its regular exercise, then you can’t bring a pet better than the German Shepherd mix with Siberian Husky.
Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix
More commonly known as the Alaskan Shepherd, Alaskan malamute, and German Shepherd mix is another pet dog one can raise. But, to make them a perfect pet, make sure to provide them a good socialization training right from their puppyhood.
Because of their smartness and eagerness to learn, these dogs are pretty easy to train and teach. They become well behaved very soon after starting their training. Apart from this, it is quite a sensitive dog, and thus they get attached to their owners soon and can do anything for them.
Like German Shepherds, they possess loyalty and friendly nature, because of which, they get along with everyone in the family.
Although they look similar to an Alaskan malamute dog, yet the color of their coat is the classic black and tan of a German Shepherd. Also, they are short to medium-sized dogs, with their height ranging from 20 to 25 inches. It can weigh around 60 to 80 pounds as well.
Because of its activeness and playfulness, it is an adorable and charming family dog breed. As a puppy, they attract everyone with their friendly nature and smartness.
Shepherd Rottweiler
German Shepherd rottweiler or more commonly known as the Shepweiler is another very classy and high-energy dog breed one can raise. Like German Shepherds, a Shepherd rottweiler has good guarding skills. They are very tough and sturdy dogs and can serve as a good protector, which is why they do for police and Army as well. They are known as one of the most excellent guard dogs ever.
But for being a good protector, proper training of a German Shepherd rottweiler is a must. Ensure appropriate training sessions and socialization skills to teach them when to react and when not to. A Golden shepherd can become quite a ruly if you take them lightly.
But similar to German Shepherds and Rottweiler, Golden Shepherd is pretty loyal towards its owner. Again, it is identical to its parent’s breeds, has excellent health and height, and can weigh in between 50 to 135 pounds.
It usually has a black or a brown cost similar to its parent breed, which makes its appearance slightly different than other dogs. So, if you are looking for a different looking dog breed, then Shepweiler is the perfect Shepherd mix dog for you.
Great Dane And a German Shepherd Mix
If you are looking for a tall dog, then you must consider Great Dane and German Shepherd mix in your list. As its name suggests, it results from a cross-bred between a Great Dane dog and a German Shepherd dog.
Because of their great size, they are perfect as guard dogs. It loves looking around its owner’s house. Because of their conservative nature, they make sure that there is no suspicious activity going around them, even when they are sleeping.
One thing with a Great Dane German Shepherd breeds mixed dog is that they might have a double coat, and thus they shed a lot during the autumn and spring. Also, they require timely grooming and extra care for them as well.
Apart from this, they have great energy, and thus if you want a great companion who will not make you stand up and exercise, you must consider this dog breed. They have high energy, great focus, good running skills, and are very loyal. Their large size is enough to scare any intruder off.
But because of their calm temperament and friendly nature, they get along with kids and old persons well and thus a perfect family dog.
Bernese Shepherd
As its name suggests, Bernese Shepherd is a mix of a Bernese mountain dog and a German Shepherd. Like any other German Shepherd mix, it also possesses some qualities similar to German Shepherds while some like Bernese mountain dog.
It is a medium-sized dog and can have a height ranging from 23 to 28 inches. It can weigh around 75 pounds to 110 pounds, and thus it requires their space of living in the house. If you have a backyard or enough room in your home for the dog to play, then it is the perfect dog one can own.
As its parent includes a mountain dog, it has a very fluffy and hairy overcoat. And as usual, its coat sheds a lot. Thus, you are going to find hairs all around you. Also, they require proper grooming and care as well. Its overall look is similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog.
But like German Shepherds, these dogs are also loyal towards their master. Apart from this, they will entertain you whenever you feel low. They are quite sensitive dogs and love to stand by their owner no matter what. The mixture of boundless energy and fantastic fun makes them a perfect pet material.
Corman Shepherds
Corgi is a small yet cute and adorable dog. On the other hand, German Shepherds are the most active, alert, and loveable dogs. The mix of a Corgi and German Shepherd is more commonly known as a Corman Shepherd.
Like Corgi, they are quite loud and bark a lot, especially if they don’t like someone. On the other hand, they are a good watcher, small and alert similar to that of German Shepherds.
Being shorter in size, their height varies just around 12 to 15 inches, while they can weigh approximately 30 to 60 pounds. So, even if you have a smaller house or no backyard to keep a large dog, this fluffy dog can be the perfect pet you can bring. They being agile, can adjust almost everywhere.
Although they can sometimes be quite shy, once they start knowing the person, they will get along with it very well. You need to make sure to take them on daily walks and give them exercising sessions to keep it healthy and active all the time. They can have the classic German Shepherd black and tan coat and has a physique similar to that of a corgi.
German Shepherd and Akita Mix
Next in the list of our German Shepherd mixes is a very adorable and playful dog, which results from cross-breeding of a German Shepherd and Akita dogs.
Although the mix of Akita and German Shepherd is not that famous, yet it can become a great family dog if you make sure to provide them with proper social training and exercising sessions to them.
They have a squarer face, similar to that of a wolf. Apart from this, they might have a curly tail identical to that of an Akita dog. This German Shepherd mixes are again a large dog and can be up to 28 inches high. It can weigh around 120 pounds and require plenty of room for them to play and live in.
Also, make sure to provide them with regular walks and training sessions to keep them fit and active. Similar to German Shepherds, Shepakita is also a good watchdog and is very attentive even while sleeping. With good training right from their puppyhood, they can become perfect guard dogs as well. It can also have some behavioral issues if no proper training is given to them, ensuring they complete social training. They are friendly as well and get along with kids well.
German Shepherd and Labrador Mix
One of the most famous German Shepherd mixes on our list is German Shepherd and Labrador dogs. Both its parents have grabbed first and second positions in the American kennel club’s contest to find the most popular pet dog breeds. And thus, it possesses the best qualities of both its parents and is again a perfect family dog.
Apart from this, it is a large dog whose height varies from 26 to 28 inches. It can also weigh up to 90 pounds. These dogs love water and prefer to stay in water for long hours. So, if you have a pool in your backyard, then it is the perfect companion you can raise.
Also, being highly energetic and active all day long, they require at least one hour of exercising daily.
They shed a lot because of their double coat, so make sure to groom them regularly. Also, this German shepherd mix is not ideal for families having dog allergies. These dogs’ color coat depends on the Labrador parents, and their color varies from black to golden, brown, and even golden hue.
New Shepherd
New Shepherd dogs are mixed breed dogs result from the cross-breeding of a German Shepherd and a Newfoundland dog. Although this dog doesn’t have a significantly longer height, it is much longer than its size. It can have a height varying around 28 inches, while it weighs about 90 to 100 pounds.
Also, it has a fluffy and hairy coat, which might have a charcoal or brown color. These dogs again love water and can prefer to stay in the water all day long, especially at the time of summer. And thus, they also serve as live guard dogs at beaches.
This German shepherd mix dog is known as the best lap dog because of its significantly longer body. Also, because of their calm temperament and friendly nature, they get along with kids well. They can be a perfect babysitter for your kids when you are not around, and when they grow up, they can find their ideal companion in the form of a New Shepherd.
They are very attentive like their parent German Shepherds are. Also, they can easily scare any intruder off from their owners’ house because of their large size and loud bark. It is also known for its loyalty and is one of the most charming pets one can have.
German Australian Shepherd Mix
German Shepherds are one of the best herding dog species one can raise. They are also good watchers and protectors, which is why people raise them for search and rescue operations.
Another famous Herding dog includes Australian Shepherd as well. German Australian is the Shepherd mix breed of German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. It loves to brainstorm and is one of the smartest guys you can raise. It is also very playful and cheerful and will keep you entertained all day long. Being very energetic and active, it attracts almost all the dog lovers around him.
Like the Australian Shepherds, Australian German Shepherd mixes also have a double-thick fluffy coat with lots of hair. Its hair is pretty fine as well. Thus, if you plan to bring a German Australian Shepherd home, then be ready for its regular grooming and care.
With its height varying from around 21 to 24 inches, this mixed breed is smaller in size than a German Shepherd. It weighs about 50 to 70 pounds only. Its coat’s color is again similar to it the German Shepherd, while its appearance matches that of an Australian Shepherd.
German Sheppit
If you are looking for a dog that is not just playful and cheerful but is also dedicated towards its family and owner, then German Sheppit is what you need.
German Shepherd mix with an American pitbull Terrier is what a German Shepherd is. They are lovable pets and require time and care from their master. If you have enough time to spare with them, then you are going to get an utterly loyal companion. But on the other hand, if you don’t have enough time to spare with him, it can be very destructive.
They are one of the most loving souls and a perfect pet. Because of their calm temperament, they get along with everyone well. Whether it is a kid or an older adult, this dog is going to attract them all.
Again, they are medium-sized dogs and can be up to 24 inches tall. They can be up to 40 to 80 pounds on average. Their appearance is similar to that of the American Pitbull Terrier, while its body frame is as muscular as a German Shepherd. Its color, moreover, is the same as that of a German Shepherd.
Conclusion
No wonder German shepherds are one of the most loyal, friendly, and popular dogs, yet they require a large space to live because of their large size. If you are a dog lover but want a slightly changed dog, you can go for a German Shepherd mix.
Not just German Shepherd mix-breeds are healthier. They are much cuter than pure breed German Shepherd. Thus, by opting for them, you will get a hybrid dog with qualities similar to both its parent breeds. That means the skills and qualities of two dog breeds in one.
A perfect dog breed for you depends on what all qualities in a dog you are looking for. No doubt, all the German shepherd mixes will have a muscular body similar to that of a German shepherd.
But whether you want a small dog or a larger one, whether you want a watcher or a complete family pet or want one with a thicker coat or thinner coat, you can find one with the specifications you are looking for.
So, why are you waiting to choose the mixed breed that suits you the most and bring one home?
