German Shepherd Husky Mix: Breed Facts & Temperament
It is simple to slip-up and think that the German Shepherd Husky Mix looks just like an American Alsatian. In the end, they do look similar, apart from the fact that the German Shepherd Husky Mix is the product of a concentrated and focused breeding program that started in the 1980’s by the Dire Wolf Project. This is a hybrid that has the breath-taking appearance of a wolf and the wonderful and upright stance of a respected working dog. Courageous and intellectual, this cross is meant to go out and work for its owners, though, with the correct physical activity and socialization, it is also an outstanding family friend.
History
There are no historical records about the origins of the German Shepherd Husky Mix. But what is known is that this interesting hybrid dog is a combination of the long-loved German Shepherd Dog and a sprightly Siberian Husky. Both of these dogs are valued purebreds loved for their brainpower, beauty, even disposition, and very durable work ethos. As for exactly at which point the German Shepherd Husky Mix was originally created, there are no exact timings, but it was in the later 20th century that we can document seeing various examples of this designer dog becoming much more commonplace. As for the German Shepherd Husky Mix, it is an educated guess that it is an American-made cross breed and it perhaps was fashioned in the 1980s.
Who Are the Parents
The extremely compliant german shepherd is at the peak of the working dog classification. It can be said that there is not a single job that they cannot accomplish. The german sheperd is a natural guardian and a very smart dog breed. This is why they are dependably ranked highly for intelligence across the dog world. Having a german shepherd living with you gives you a new lease of life. They are intrepid, physical, and a truly multipurpose dog which can be trained to do almost anything. They might have begun their journey as a shepherd’s esteemed herding companion, but they are now a dog that can be seen in a wide variety of roles in our society. They are known as a military dog, a guide dog, a search and rescue dog, a police canine and even a therapy dog.
They love taking part in sport and they will succeed in obedience, herding and agility, events. The german shepard is a winning breed that justifies only the most dedicated owners that will really bring out the best in them.
But there is an alternative breed who loves life even more fervently than the german shepard. The siberian husky has been breed closely alongside its human Chukchi family where these dogs need to cuddled next to them just to stay warm when the cold of the Arctic was basically agonizing. The siberian husky also has a firm sense of humor which will certainly keep its owners amused. This dog is very excited, not to just please its owner but also to get work. Regardless of its wolfish presence, it is a calm and sociable dog that is at no time aggressive towards other dogs or blatantly mistrustful of unknown people. This then, in turn, makes it a very questionable contender for being the guardian and protector of their family. However, when it comes to having an outgoing nature, not many other breeds can match the gusto and passion that the husky has for appreciating life. They are the type of dog that requires that its family live a worry-free life. They want to run and play in the snow to suit their outdoor nature and cuddle up to each other at night.
Quick Facts
It is fairly tough to provide a very consistent explanation of what the german shepherd husky mix is like as all dogs can be different. This is a condition that you have to accept as an owner of a mixed breed. However, there are some general notes about the most shared characteristics of the german shepherd husky mix.
- They can be extremely diverse, due to the genetic differences that exist between their parents.
- These dogs can be as petite as 20 inches or as tall as 25 inches when measured from shoulder height.
- Their weight can be flexible too. The lightest can weigh about 35 pounds while at their heaviest their weight can go as high 95 pounds.
- On average, the german shepherd husky mix can live to around 15 years, dependent upon its health.
- This mixed breed will usually have a wolf-like face with the pointed ears like its parents.
- This mix often has piercing blue eyes found in the siberian husky breed.
- This mix will have a thick, double coat and are acknowledged to shed only a moderate amount of hair. The coat of this dog is typically black, although it is likewise probable that their coat can take on a variety of different colors depending on their parents. It can be white, blue, cream, or even a combination of colors.
Temperament
Attentive and brainy, the german shepherd husky mix is a nice-mannered large dog that will have the even nature of a German Shepherd which will be mixed with the openness and loving nature of a siberian husky. This will be a dog that loves its human family on top of loving the other dogs that live alongside them. Though, this personality can only be established if a dog has been appropriately socialized and trained correctly from the start.
This dog will be a poised dog breed and this can be gladly seen in its sophisticated and upright posture. They are ferociously loyal to their family, both with other dogs and their human families, and flourish in the love and attention that it is shown to them. This dog is never usually hostile to other people, and is even nice to strangers, even though it still has the set-aside, observant, and thoughtful nature of the german shepherd.
The german shepherd husky mix is the next best thing to bringing home a lovable dog in a Wolfs costume. When you are able to give the correct training, early socialization, adequate amounts of inspiring activities, and the correct nutrition and this dog will recompense you with its unending loyalty.
Training
The german shepard is one of the smartest dogs in the dog kingdom whereas the siberian husky is not that far behind. This is an indication of just how smart your german shepherd husky mix will be. When a mixed breed gets the majority of its intellect from the German Shepard side, then you can assume that a mixed dog will be easy to train providing that you know how to be the pack leader. The Siberian Husky is smart too, but they are also known for their stubborn streak. The Husky side will also continually try to test your capability to be the team leader.
Irrespective of which genetic trait from either parent dog is more dominant, you will always be able to rely on the german shepherd husky mix to answer well to training systems when they play correctly to the dog’s natural predispositions. This dog will love to make its owner happy so the more agreeable effects they obtain out of performing a specific task, then the more motivated they will become to continue doing the same task. Nevertheless, for training to be really successful, you ought to start training from the instant they come into their owner’s life as a puppy.
Feeding
This mix is a high-energy working dog and so it will require an ample number of calories to cater to their needs. But owners will need to keep their carbohydrate in take to the lowest levels as recommended, as a mixed dog of this size will profit more from a high-protein regime. Furthermore, it is crucial to give only proteins to your mixed breed that are animal-based as these come with essential amino acids for your dog. Be watchful of the fat content in any of the food you give to your German Shepherd Husky Mix as it is a delicate balance to keep them fit and healthy. In an ideal world, you should be offering them a higher ratio of essential fatty acids to help to maintain their coat, immune system, skin, nervous system, and overall health.
Ill-advisedly, there are some dog owners who do not appreciate the importance of planning the correct exercise and diet plan for their dogs or who might think the that a mixed dog is going to be much less demanding. While these dogs do not usually have the propensity to turn out to be overweight, this can happen when owners fail to watch the quantity of food they eat. Limiting these dogs’ physical activities will be a recipe for future obesity.
For more guides on choosing the right dog food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best dry dog food, organic dog food, grain free dog food, wet dog food and dog food for german shepherds .
Exercising Your German Shepherd Husky MIX
Both parents of the german shepherd husky mix are extremely valued working dogs. It is because of this that this mixed dog will need their owner to take them for a walk every day for at least 60 minutes, twice a day. As they are such friendly dogs, if you do not enjoy walking, then it is possible to take your mixed breed to the local dog park and allow them to run around as freely as they need to. On the other hand, you can likewise spend time playing with your dog, games such as fetching, pulling on child wagons, and even setting up an obstacle course in your yard are really good ideas.
Never forget intellectual stimulus. Good amounts of exercise can only go so far in keeping your dog enthused. Your german shepherd husky mix will also benefit from puzzle toys or some interactive dog food toys which can go a long way towards helping improve the cognition of this fashionable hybrid. When owners do provide these types of treat this will save you time and money from the otherwise damaging predispositions of a bored german shepherd husky mix. Find out more about interactive dog toys here.
Mixed Breed Socialization
One of the most prominent things about this mixed breed is its wolf-like presence. Often people seeing a german shepherd husky mix for the first time will immediately be shocked. Also if your new dog transpires to take on the great height of its german shepherd parent, then your dog can look somewhat formidable. Nevertheless beneath this wolf-like presence is a cuddly teddy bear waiting to be given a lot of cuddles and affection. This mix breed adores children, but owners will have to be cautious with very small children for example as they might get crushed by this big dog. Likewise, they might not yet completely understand how to respect a bigger dogs boundaries.
There is also one main consideration with the german shepherd husky mix that you truly have to think about in great detail. If you live in a home that already has smaller pets like hamsters, you might want to reassess if getting a mixed dog such as this is really such a good idea. There is a drive in the siberian husky to chase it’s pray and this might be triggered when you have small animals in your home, and nobody wants that to occur to your unfortunate little animals. Though, if you can ensure that you will put the time into socializing your puppy from the moment it arrives in your household, or if you are able to ensure that your puppy grows alongside other pets in your home, then all should be fine.
Grooming
The thick coat of this mix means that it requires twice weekly combing and grooming to keep their fur in top condition. Nevertheless, if you are able to do this grooming every day then it will work out to be much better for your dog and will assist in preventing them from getting knots and tangles as this breed is particularly prone. When your german shepherd husky mix has more german shepard in its blood, then you should assume that it will shed more heavily. This requires you to be ready and active with the best pet hair vacuum in addition to the regular brushing. If your mixed pooch has more of the siberian husky about them, then this more dominant effect on their coat will then mean that you will only have to help in the deshedding procedure during the summer months.
Irrespective of the grooming requirements of your dog, it is also really important that they have routine dental care daily. Do not wait until the worst happens, for tartar and plaque to begin showing up before you think about visiting the dentist and getting a professional brushing of their teeth. A german shepherd husky mix will also require its nails to be trimmed every few weeks, and it is so important to get its ears cleaned regularly.
For more help on dog grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best dog nail grinders, dog dryers, dog clippers, dog paw washers and dog shedding brush.
Health
The siberian husky is a comparatively healthy breed. The german shepherd, alternatively, can have a variation of sombre health problems that may be passed down to the german shepherd husky mix. So, you can expect the mix to be stricken with hip dysplasia, back problems, epilepsy, eye problems, heart problems, and much more as a pure breed dog will pass on a lot of problems. You will absolutely want a dog breeder to divulge to you any health problems that your puppies ancestors have endured to get you up-to-speed with your new dog’s health.
You will see the german shepherd husky mix is the right dog for you straight away. If you have a large yard for them to play in, with the high fence to let them roam free and enjoy a lot of exercise when you are not home then this is best. Promise to only train your new dog using only positive reinforcement methods and as soon as you can. Also, promise to socialize your dog with your other small animals so that they are protected from any harm. Forget trying to own a german shepherd husky mix if you or any of your family members are allergic or hypersensitive to pet fur.
If you have well-thought-out all of the pros and cons of purchasing this specific breed and have decided that this absolutely is the breed of dog for you, another question you have to think about is where to buy your german shepherd husky mix . When getting this type of dog, you need to search out trusted breeders that concentrate on this sort of crossbreed dog. Ensure that you go into the validity of the breeder, and make sure you check out the previous living conditions of your new puppy, as well as getting all of the previous health condition details. You must at all times visit to see your new dog first hand, acquire about their parents, and ought to be able to see the parents for yourself, too.
The German shepherd husky mix is a robust, outstanding hybrid mix that serves as a faithful family dog. It is picking up in popularity as this fashionable dog is great for fans of large dogs who want a clever, devoted dog by their side.
Source:
- German Shepherd Husky Guide – The Dog Digest
