deutscher-schaeferhund

All you need to know about German Shepherd Terrier Mix

German Shepherd Terrier Mix

Being a dog lover, I can understand how much a dog attracts you while passing by them. Especially the ones that are sophisticated and friendly enough to put a smile on your face. A GSD mix with terriers is such a dog that can easily attract anyone with its charm.

Terrier is a French word for the burrow, which means the tarrier dogs love digging a burrow. These active and energetic GSD terrier mixes, like the German Shepherd mixed with lab, are also perfect terriers.

If you want to dig deeper into the nature, behavior, and characteristics of GSD mixed with terrier dogs, we have come up with a complete Shepherd German guide with terrier dogs.

In this guide, we will be taking a look at German Shepherd Terrier Mix dogs. How to train them properly and how to take care of them. What are some of the most common diseases among this breed and how old do they get on average? Do they make good guard dogs and what do they eat? I hope you will decide whether to bring this fantastic dog breed home or not after reading this article.

Article Published on 21st October 2020 » Updated on 15th January 2022

Where Can One Buy A Dog of These Dogs?

There are different kinds of Shepherd mixes available like golden retriever German shepherd mix or German shepherd mix with a lab. If you are willing to bring such a dog home, then there are a few ways in which you can do so.

Search for A Local Breeder

The most reliable way to buy a dog is to contact a local breeder. The local breeder will avail you of the designer dog you are looking for; it will train them entirely right from their puppyhood to make them a perfect dog.

Rely on Rescue Groups

Another way to bring a Shepherd mix dog home is to adopt one from a rescue group. A few other rescue groups like the Orange Country GSD Rescue Group or American Kennel Club are places where you can adopt the desired dogs.

The rescue group dogs can have a bad temperament; thus, check their temperament before bringing them home. Also, check their health as well.

Online Websites

Contacting an online website that sells dogs is another approach one can follow to bring the desired dog home. But again, check the temperament and health of the dog you are going to get home.

How Old Will It Get on Average?

On average, a Shepherd mix can have an average lifespan varying from 12 to 14 years.

But with a better lifestyle and feed, they can even live longer. Just keep them active and energetic all day long; otherwise, they will become obese. After becoming fat, they will become more prone to health problems like heart diseases, ultimately reducing their lifespan.

Take your dog to the veteran for regular check-ups to avoid any critical health conditions in the future.

Size, Weight, Typical Colors Of These Dogs

Height

The average height of terrier Shepherd mixed breeds like Pitbulls mixed with german shepherds ranges from around 24 to 32 inches depending on its parent breeds’ size. Male terrier Shepherds are comparatively taller than female ones.

Weight

The weight of a Terrier Shepherd ranges from 70 to 120 pounds, depending on the GSD’s height or the terrier dogs. In mixed breeds, the weight of the dog depends solely on its parent breeds.

Color Of Coat

German terriers can have the variable color of their coat. From the primarily black and tan color of a GSD, its fur varies from around brown, red, blue, pale, black, and white. They can even have a coat with a combination of the above coats. Within appearance, they look similar to a German Shepherd, have triangular ears, and a long tail.

How Much Does It Eat on Average Daily?

As their height varies from medium to large, their food requirement changes depending on their size and weight.

For a fully grown mixed breed, at least 5 to 6 cups of nutrient-rich food is crucial. As a puppy, you can serve them with 1 to 1.5 cups of food a day, diving their meal in equal proportions twice or thrice a day.

As they reach adolescence, their food requirement increases, and they need 2 to 2.5 cups of food at that time. Then as they get their full-grown size, their food requirement rises drastically.

Apart from this, keep their food full of nutrients and protein, helping them grow and attain their maximum size.

What Are the Common Diseases of This Dog?

Nothing is mortal, and everyone is prone to one disease or another. Terrier mixes like German Shepherd mixed with the lab are prone to various common dog diseases like hip or elbow dysplasia, pancreatic problems, heart disease, and even cancer.

To give them a healthy life, it is crucial to provide them with a proper feed full of nutrients. Apart from this, obesity is another health problem that dogs might suffer from. Thus, keeping them active and energetic all day long is crucial for their health purpose.

Also, take them to a veteran for regular check-ups to prevent them from any diseases.

Is This Breed A Good Guard Dog?

Nobody can doubt the loyalty and watching skills of a German Shepherd. Being mix German Shepherd dog breeds, these dogs can also be a right guard. They are very attentive, even in sleep. Thus, they can easily recognize even the slightest interruptions.

With proper training, they will also distinguish people between friends and intruders, and thus, they can easily guard and protect your house. Not just this, they being loyal can even give up their life for you.

Are These Dogs Rather Stubborn or Easy to Handle and Train?

We can’t call them stubborn as it is one of the calmest and most comfortable to handle dog breeds. As a puppy, it is essential to train dogs well; otherwise, they will not control their temperament. So, it becomes the trainer’s responsibility to handle them and make them the right family breed.

This mix can become a little stubborn in the starting if you treat them with love and calmness, but if you teach them who the boss is, it will become effortless for you to train and teach them. And being a good learner, it will grasp everything quickly.

Is This Breed A Great Family Dog?

With a mix of loyalty and devotion of the German Shepherd and the cheerfulness and attentiveness of terrier breeds, this mixed breed is a perfect domestic pet.

Even if you are living with kids or oldies, it will not only adjust with them, but they will get a great companion to talk with them.

Although these dogs are a little shy in front of strangers, once they will get comfortable with you, they will become your best partner in crime as well.

How Often and How Long Do You Have to Exercise This Breed?

Like any other German Shepherd mixes, the German shepherd terrier mix, which includes Pitbull mixed with German shepherds, is very active. Thus, it is pretty essential to take them for a long walk or exercise sessions.

For an Adult German shepherd mixed with a terrier, an exercising session of around half an hour would be needed, while for a puppy, you can train them for a more extended period but with breaks.

Conclusion

Not just the Shepherd mixed with terrier dog, a wonderful mixed breed, not only for the family but also as a guard in police or Army.

If you are willing to bring one home, the only requirement they have is a large living space, proper food requirements, and your time. If you keep them happy, you will find a companion in them.

sargey

Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs.

Read More About Me >