A German Shepherd mix with Husky is a mixed breed of two very popular and well-liked dog breeds. If you are looking for smart, extremely loyal hybrid, this mix is an excellent choice.
In a 2020 study on dog breed ancestry, Darwin’s Ark sequenced more than 2,000 dogs in its database. Both the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd are among the most popular dog breeds seen it pet dog ancestry. Parents being popular on their own right, a unique look, and great temperament are what make the Shepsky increasingly popular.
This mixed breed between a Siberian Husky and a German Shepherd inherits some of the finest qualities from both parents. The cross is a medium-size dog that is energetic, strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. These characteristics are what make the Shepsky one of the most sought after hybrids today.
Most people who own hybrid dogs will tell you that most of them are not the easiest to take care of according to a study conducted by the International Wolf Center. This challenge is brought by the diversity of genetic composition even in puppies from the same litter. Having a wide range of looks and behavior patterns among hybrids makes their behavior fickle and harder to predict.
So, before you commit to owning a crossbreed, like the German Shepherd mix with Husky, you should take your time to understand this mix.
Our article today broadly talks about everything you need to know about the German Shepherd Husky. From temperament to appearance, how to care for a German Shepherd Husky, price, and more, we got you covered.
Table of Contents
What is a German Shepherd Husky mix called?
A German Shepherd mixed with Husky is commonly known as a Shepsky. Other dog fanatics call this mixed breed a Gerberian Shepsky. And while this may sound funny, it does describe this mixed breed
A Gerberian Shepsky is a designer dogs not purebreds like their parents. For this reason, major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and Kennel Club UK (UKC) do not recognize them as a breed.
The Gerberian Shepsky is accepted by registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA).
Hopefully it will be recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Why mix with Husky?
Pomeranians are described as small dogs with big personalities that do not match their size.
Other than their adorable looks, Pomeranians are liked for their smartness as well as being active and attentive. The same goes for the German Shepherds which are all characters that make them fantastic pets. In spite of their small size, Poms are bold and love to be with their owners more than anything and the same goes for the German Shepherd.
Most breeders mix other dogs with Pomeranians because they are good-natured which is the case with German Shepherds. In addition, Poms are not as good with kids which is balanced by the German Shepherd’s gentleness and love for children. That is what makes this mixed breed a better companion and family dogs for most families.
German Shepherd mix with Husky Puppy
A German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is affectionate and loyal which is what makes it a great companion or family dog. As a mixed breed, it can look like the Siberian Husky parent or the German Shepherd parent. Expect a wolf-like appearance, long muzzles, and pointed ears.
Shepsky puppies are adorable and have enchanting dispositions although some can inherit the independent streak of the Siberian Husky. These pups to be alert in nature and super smart which is why they make outstanding guard dogs and duties in police force and the military. Shepskies tend to grow quickly so, introducing training early is recommended.
On average, a German Shepherd Husky cross costs $800 to $1,500 but the price can vary depending on the breeder’s location among other factors.
Full Grown German Shepherd Husky mix
A full grown German Shepherd mix with a Husky is a medium-sized doggie that stands 20 to 25 inches in height and weigh 45 to 88 lbs.
These furballs have a coat that is almost never solid so, they are mostly bi-colored or tri-colored. Their long, dense coats shed a little. Being a high energy dog, a Gerberian Shepsky will not do well in apartments. Thanks to the sweet and reliable temperaments of the parents, this hybrid is gentle and protective of its kids which makes it a great family dog.
We shall talk more about the Gerberian Shepsky below.
White German Shepherd mix with Husky
The German Shepherd comes in 13 different coat colors with the black, sable, grey, black & tan, black & silver, as well as red & black being the most common. Like Isabella GSDs (a recessive combination of liver and blue) White German Shepherds are very rare.
The Siberian Husky comes in 17 different colors with black, grey, silver & grey, black & white, red & white, gray & white, silver-gray, black & tan, and sable & white being the most common. Like GSDs, White Siberian Husky is the rarest color of Husky.
A white German Shepherd mix with Husky is a cross between a white GSD and a white Siberian Husky or at least one parent with white as a dominant color.
Interestingly, white the rarest color in both parents of the Gerberian Shepsky which makes a white hybrid somewhat special. Surprisingly, white is one of the most common colors for the Shepsky dog.
Black German Shepherd mix with Husky
Black is a dominant color in both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, either as pure or bi-color. Therefore, getting a black Shepsky in any litter is a great possibility. This magnificent pure black hue makes these pups charming to have in your home.
Other than the difference in coat color, a Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix has the same sweet temperaments.
History of the Breed
According to Darwin’s Ark, there more than 400 pure breeds of dogs and many other mixed dog breeds. Unlike purebreds, most mixed breeds, such as the Husky mix with Maltese, have an unknown origin.
Therefore, the no one knows their true origin because, as VCA Hospitals says, they have an unspecified parentage. There are no official records about their ancestry or how many distinctive breeds were used to develop them. As such, we assume that most of them first existed as a result of accidental breeding.
Designer dogs, such as the German Shepherd Husky, are developed by mixing two purebreds on purpose to get the best qualities from both thus creating an ideal companion dog. Decent breeding when creating hybrids helps avoid undesirable recessive traits found in some purebreds. With careful and responsible breeding, breeders are also able to create a dog that is healthier than its parents.
For these crossbreeds to be listed in the kennel club to be “a breed”, the Shepsky must have been bred from F2 generation crosses resulting in a multi-generational cross or F3 Gen. This is the kind of practice that is only possible with unscrupulous dog breeding, something that the creator of designer dogs says is unfortunate.
That being said, designer dogs have been around for the last 2 to 3 decades and that is all we are sure of. To know more about the German Shepherd Husky cross, let us take a look at their parents.
Parents
The German Shepherd Dog – Also known as the GSD, this dog breed is a descendant of Horand von Grafrath. They were created in the 1800s using the smartest, most obedient, and the most alert dogs in Germany for the purpose of herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. GSDs or Alsatians are known for their courage, loyalty, and guarding instincts that make them incredible family pets. The German Shepherd was recognized as a dog breed by the AKC in 1908.
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs with a dog IQ of 60, making them one of the smartest dogs globally known to man. Being the 3rd smartest dog breed for work and obedience intelligence, among other traits, is the reason GSDs are used by the military and police. The breed is also used as a guiding dog. Unlike Huskies, German Shepherds come in 4 types of coats including short with an undercoat, medium with an undercoat, and long with or without an undercoat.
These medium to large dogs come in a variety of beautiful colors and usually stand 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders with a weight of 49 to 71 lbs. The breed is generally healthy and has a lifespan of between 9 and 13 years. However, they are prone to health conditions such as hip & elbow dysplasia, cataracts, bloat, epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia, and degenerative disc disease, among others.
The Siberian Husky – This medium-sized dog breed was first developed by the Chukchi people in Siberia and brought to Alaska in 1908 to work as sled dogs. Eventually, the Siberian Husky was developed for use in sled dog races. The Husky is noticeable for its thick, furred double coat, striking eye colors, and erect triangular ears, plus distinctive markings. The Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC as a dog breed in 1930. This dog breed is renowned for having saved the town of Nome in 1925.
The Siberian Husky is not for everyone. It is active and athletic with high intelligence that makes it a great escape artist. When it comes to dog IQ, Huskies rank 74th position of the smartest dog breeds for obedience and work. However, they can be very independent and strong-willed which makes it a challenge to keep them as pets. Siberians are good options for active individuals and families that go for long walks and hikes, and will love a large, fenced backyard.
Known to be outgoing, gentle, and alert, the Siberian Husky makes a great addition for the right family. They are also alert with a high prey drive which is why they should be microchipped. On average, these dogs live between 12 and 15 years. Common health issues in Siberian Huskies are hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, zinc deficiency, certain cancers, epilepsy, and more. You can read more about this here.
Appearance
Predicting what your mix will look like is a little tricky. However, a Husky Chihuahua mix may either take after one parent more or have exceptional traits of both parents. Therefore, it would be better to wait until they are fully grown to talk about their appearance.
So, how big will a German Shepherd Husky mix get?
The Gerberian Shepsky is classified as a medium-sized pooch that stands 20 to 25 inches tall with a weight of between 45 and 88 lbs. Some can be larger.
This mixed breed has a wolf-like appearance like both parents and have pointed ears and long muzzles. Shepskies have brown or blue eyes, although some take after their Husky parent’s distinctive dual eye color that makes them even more adorable and charming.
Coat & Coat Colors
A German Shepherd mix with Husky has a double coat that is dense making ideal for colder climates like both parents. The undercoat is soft while the topcoat is either medium or long.
Due to the wide variety of coat colors and patterns of its parents, the Gerberian Shepsky comes in a range of colors that are mostly not solid. Common coat colors in Shepsky include brown, white, cream, and black, as well as hues of blue and red. Shepskies are heavy shedders.
Temperament and Characteristics
Gerberian Shepskies are highly intelligent dogs like both parents with either the eager to please personality of the GSD parent or the independent streak of the Siberian Husky parent.
A Shepsky is a high energy dog, loving, affectionate, and extremely loyal. Given the outgoing nature of the Husky and reserved nature of the GSD, their offspring is very protective of its family. While these traits make it an exceptional guard dog, it also means that it can be aggressive when guarding its territory.
Most owners of the Gerberian Shepsky describe their canine buddies as playful and active with high bursts of energy. For this reason, they are best suited for people with large yards or those living in rural areas. Since this mixed breed is very affectionate, it is prone to separation anxiety and can get very destructive when bored. If it takes after the Siberian Husky parent more, it can become a skilled escape artist. So, they will need constant stimulation.
Neither the German Shepherd nor the Siberian Husky tends to bark excessively. However, a Shepsky can be vocal especially when alerting you of unfamiliar persons or strange things. It is also possible for the hybrid to howl like the Siberian Husky parent. So, Shepskies are not good for urban living.
Like any dog, the Husky German Shepherd cross needs early socialization from a young age to ensure you are raising a well-behaved doggie. This will also improve how they relate with kids and other dogs.
Ease of Training
Thanks to its smartness and eagerness to please the GSD parent, the Gerberian Shepsky is relatively easy to train. On the flip side, this mixed breed can inherit the Siberian Husky parent’s strong-willed nature. Training a Shepsky can, therefore, be amusing and tricky at the same time.
With positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, however, training this mixed breed can be easy. A Shepsky will respond better to short and fun sessions and reward-based training. Make sure that you begin training when they are puppies.
Exercise Requirements
The Gerberian Shepsky is an active and energetic dog with demanding exercise needs. These fur babies are playful and will enjoy strenuous exercises to burn off excess energy.
On average, a German Shepherd x Husky needs at least 60 to 120 minutes of exercise per day. A Shepsky will enjoy long runs, walks, and hikes with all family members and make sure that you use different routes, so they do not master the terrains and get bored.
That being said, Gerberian Shepskies are best suited for rural living where there is ample space and different places to explore. Urban living, even with a large, fenced yard, is not enough for this mixed breed. The mix would also benefit from walks to the local dog park and around the neighborhood.
As mentioned earlier, Shepskies are smart dogs, and they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Otherwise, they can be escape artists like Huskies. So, keep them mentally engaged with a game of fetch, puzzles, and other mind-stimulating games.
Nutritional Requirements: What to feed a German Shepherd Husky mix
A perfect Husky mix with a Chihuahua diet should be formulated to meet all the dietary needs of a dog. In short, it must comprise the 6 basic nutrients of a dog such as water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These essential nutrients must make up your dog’s regular regime to promote proper growth and optimal health.
A Scientific study has shown that an adult dog’s daily regime can contain up to 50% carbs by weight, as well as 2.5 to 4.5% fiber. Approx. 5.5% of the diet should be derived from fats. High-protein diets can be beneficial for endurance exercise in dogs and Shepskies need at least 22% protein in their diet.
So, how much food should you feed your German Shepherd Husky mix per day?
The dietary needs of your German Shepherd Husky mix will change slowly as they grow. Active Gerberian Shepskies need about 1700-2400 calories while less active and senior Shepskies need 1300-1600 calories per day. To know the exact number of cups, talk to your vet.
According to PetMD, feeding your dog too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much causes obesity. Both parent breeds are prone to volvulus and bloat so, split the meal into small servings throughout the to promote digestion. This also prevents obesity.
Health Issues
A study conducted by PLOS GENETICS on genetic diseases of purebreds and mixed breed dogs found that fewer mixed-breed dogs are affected by the disease-causing mutations tested. So, mixed dog breeds are healthier than their purebred parents.
This analysis, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), found that mixed breed were 1.4 times more likely than purebreds to be a carrier of a recessive disease. That is better compared to 2.8 times in purebreds.
Gerberian Shepskies are healthier than their parents but still prone to some health conditions they suffer from. Common health issues in German Shepherd Husky crosses are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and patellar luxation.
Other possible health issues in Shepskies include cancer, panosteitis, allergies, EPI, bloat, vWD, CDR, corneal dystrophy, and juvenile cataracts.
Life Expectancy
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Husky mix?
According to an article on the mortality of mixed breed dogs by WebMD, these dogs have an average lifespan of 14 years, with small breeds living longer than large ones.
That being said, the Husky mixed with German Shepherd has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Good grooming, neutering, proper feeding, and a richer genetic pool has an effect on the lifespan of a dog. Make sure that your mixed breed attends all planned vet visits.
Grooming
A Gerberian Shepsky has a double, dense coat that is fluffy which means it sheds amply. To reduce matting and tangling, brush this mixed breed several days a week. This also helps distribute natural oils to keep the coat shiny and lustrous. Taking them to a pro groomer is also recommended.
Bath the Shepsky only when needed. This hybrid has big ears that tend to develop ear infections so, regular cleaning is recommended. As for the nails, they should be clipped regularly to prevent overgrowth. Brush the Gerberian Shepsky’s teeth 2 to 3 times a week if you can’t do it daily.
German Shepherd Mix With Husky for Sale
If you are interested in buying a German Shepherd Husky cross, it is a relatively new breed but can be easy to find since both parents are popular breeds. Those who live here in the US can buy pups from Lancaster Puppies, Puppy Finder, and Greenfield Puppies.
Avoid buying puppies from puppy mills and online sites as they are chances most of these dogs are not well-bred.
How Much does a Mix of German Shepherd and Husky Cost?
A healthy Gerberian Shepsky costs between $800 and $1,500 when buying from a reputable dog breeder. These costs can vary significantly based on factors such as the breeder’s location and the parents. Puppies bred from show dogs will be pricier.
Where to Adopt
Every year, says Wolf.org, thousands of pet hybrids are abandoned or euthanized because people buy a pooch they were not prepared to care for. Thankfully, there are many rescue organizations and a few facilities around the country that accept unwanted doggies. They may have limited resources, but they try to keep the canines as comfy as possible. They need you to save them.
Adopting a Husky mix with Chihuahua is always better and cheaper than shopping, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible breeder.
You can start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available. Alternatively, you can also check with the rescue organizations of Husky and German Shepherd such as
FAQs
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