The Husky Shepherd mix is a powerful hybrid of the best dogs — strong, intelligent, and protective. The breed’s personality makes it a perfect pet and loyal guard dog.
You might also come across the designer mix as Shepsky. If you’re thinking of getting this breed, here’s all the detailed information to help you understand your future pet:
- History of the Gerberian Shepsky
- Facts About German Shepherd Husky Mix Dogs
- Physical Appearance
- Temperament
- How to Feed the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky Mix
- Grooming Needs
- How to Mentally Stimulate the Shepsky
- Exercise Requirements
- How Does the Husky Shepherd Socialize?
- Taking Care of the Breed’s Health
- How Much Does the Shepherd Husky Mix Cost?
History of the Gerberian Shepsky
The Shepherd Husky designer breed is relatively new, so there’s not much information about it. Supposedly, it was first bred in the 1980’s by Max von Stephanitz in his quest to find the perfect working dog. Since then, the breed has only grown in popularity worldwide.
Facts About German Shepherd Husky Mix Dogs
- They have a life expectancy of 10–13 years, although they can live a little longer in rare cases.
- The mix varies in weight, with some dogs around 40 pounds and others up to 90 pounds.
- The Gerberian Husky Shepsky has a fluffy coat, but it can be short or long depending on the dominant genes.
- The coat color can vary from brown and gray to black or golden. Some may have hues of blue or white.
- An adult Husky Shepherd mix can vary in height from 20 to 25 inches. The females are slightly shorter than the males.
Physical Appearance of the Husky German Mix
The Siberian Shepherd is a stunning breed that inherits the beauty of its parents.
The hybrid might have a thinner build thanks to its Siberian Husky parent or a stronger one from its German Shepherd parent. It’s a medium to large dog with a thick, long, double coat. Also, it has a wider and large face with erect ears.
The coat can be brown, cream, white, red, blue, or you can even see a black German Shepherd Husky mix. Generally, you’ll find it in two or more colors.
The eyes can be blue, brown, or green, but some have one blue and one brown eye. It’s rare to spot a blue-eyed German Shepherd, and if you do, know that the Siberian Husky genes prevail strongly. When the Husky genes are dominant, the puppies have a wolf-like appearance.
Temperament
The mix between the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd traits comes with a unique personality. Generally, a Shepsky is strong, loyal, and brave, thanks to its shepherd origins. Also, these dogs inherit a silly, fun, friendly, and gentle temperament from the Husky parent.
The hybrid is a mix of working dogs, so its representatives are very active. That’s why they’re not ideal for apartment living. They thrive well in larger compounds where they can exercise and learn new tricks. Note that if you don’t stimulate them enough, they can become somewhat aggressive and destructive.
Shepsky dogs don’t like being alone for too long. Also, they require about two hours a day of exercising and running around. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to negative behavior like chewing, barking, or howling — the Husky’s favorite activity.
The German Shepherd Husky mix is brilliant. The shepherd side of the breed excels at both whistling and verbal commands. Also, they learn best when exposed to different environments.
These dogs are easily trainable and protective of their families. They tend to get aggressive whenever they feel their loved one is in danger. And thanks to their Siberian side, they’re great with children.
A Shepsky puppy will learn and train better than an adult dog. If you don’t start that process early, the independent Husky nature will kick in, making it much more challenging to handle.
How to Feed the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky Mix
The Shepsky is a relatively large dog, so you can only imagine it’ll eat its size. Due to its dynamic nature, the breed requires food with a higher protein content of at least 18%.
Ensure you get pet food and treats from reputable sources. Read reviews on HempMy Pet products and other brands to ascertain they meet the dietary requirements for your dog.
While the German Husky mix isn’t prone to obesity, you still need to control the portions. Also, some dogs can be picky about food. Find the brands your dog loves best and stick to them.
Here’s a breakdown of the dietary needs of a half German Shepherd half Husky dog:
- At least 25% of protein from grain-based meals
- At least 30% of protein from grain-free meals
- 5% fat for puppies and up to 12% for adult dogs
- Sufficient minerals and vitamins
- Hip and joint supplements are essential for an older dog of this mix
- Carb sources can be rice, oats, or wheat
How to Groom and Take Care of the Shepherd Husky
The mix has a thick coat that requires regular grooming. You should brush it two or three times a week to remove the shedding fur and dander. That will minimize the amount of fur falling on the carpet and around the house.
Grooming your pet often will keep its skin healthy and fleas away. Consider bathing your dog regularly and whenever necessary. That will strip away the accumulated oil on the skin and fur.
Another essential grooming aspect for the Husky crossbreed is teeth brushing. We recommend doing it at least twice a week. You can use your fingers with a piece of cloth or a dog toothbrush. Oral care helps prevent periodontal disease.
Check your pet’s ears often, especially if you have a full-grown German Shepherd Husky mix. They’re prone to pests, excessive wax, and debris. Also, remember to clip their nails once or twice a month.
How to Mentally Stimulate the Shepsky
The half Husky half German Shepherd mix is a unique breed that requires a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy. For instance, you can do a sniff and hide to hone your dog’s skills. Here’s how to do it:
- Pick a scented toy or treat and let the dog sniff it.
- Hide the treat or toy.
- Let the dog sniff out the toy.
- If your dog finds the toy, reward it with a treat.
Alternatively, you can get agility course equipment and interactive toys to distract your pet.
Exercise Needs of the Husky Mixed With German Shepherd
Both parents of this mix have a long history as working dogs, so you should be ready to handle all that energy.
The crossbreed requires a lot of space for exercise, so we don’t recommend it for apartment living. Besides, lack of activity can result in undesirable behavior. For instance, your pet might channel its intelligence and energy into howling, trying to escape, chewing things around the house, and tearing up your belongings.
If you choose to live in an apartment with this breed, schedule at least two hours a day for your dog’s exercise. You can take it to the park where your pet can run and play freely.
How Does the Husky Shepherd Socialize?
The Husky Shepherd mix can be aggressive to strangers, which is why you should start socialization from puppyhood. To improve your pet’s social skills, start by regularly taking it to pet kindergarten or parks. Also, introduce your puppy to unfamiliar objects and noises, like the vacuum cleaner and other appliances. Your dog will get used to them and won’t feel threatened.
Social skills start with teaching your pet to recognize its name early. If you haven’t decided on a name yet, check our list of top names for Huskies or German Shepherds.
Note that your dog won’t be friendly to strangers even after social training. While it won’t necessarily act aggressive, your pet will attack if it feels you’re in danger.
Taking Care of the Breed’s Health
Although Husky mixes tend to be healthier than purebreds, they’re not immune to health issues. And since both Shepsky parents are prone to hip dysplasia, expect that to affect their offspring.
Other health issues you should look out for include digestive problems, eye cataracts, and keratitis. Regular check-ups and vet visits can help find and treat early symptoms. Feeding your pet with high-quality food can also help prevent digestive disorders.
How Much Does the Shepherd Husky Mix Cost?
The German Shepherd Husky mix price is reasonable and ranges from $400 to $500. That’s much more affordable than the $1,000 price tag for a purebred of either parent.
When buying a puppy, be cautious of prices that are too good to be true. Considering the cost of breeding, vaccinations, veterinary care, health screening, and pest treatment, a dog doesn’t come cheap.
If you can’t afford to buy it, you can search for a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy for adoption. Pet shelters or breeding homes around you might help you adopt a Husky Shepherd mix.
Alternatively, you can go through our shepherd dog breeds list to explore all options before deciding.
Conclusion
The Husky Shepherd mix is intelligent, strong, loyal, highly trainable, and has great looks. To enjoy a stress-free life with your dog, do your best to provide proper nutrition, go on regular vet visits, teach it how to socialize, and groom your pet regularly.
Note that the mix isn’t suitable for apartment living. The breed thrives well only if it has plenty of room to run freely and exercise. Also, remember this hybrid doesn’t like being alone. If you leave it often, it’ll develop undesirable habits.
Finally, the Husky Shepherd mix isn’t a good idea for a first-time owner. You should be ready to dedicate plenty of your time and love to raising a good puppy.