German Shepherd Husky Mix – Shepsky Breed Information

Parent Breeds:

German Shepherd & Siberian Husky

Breed Nickname:

Shepsky, Gerberian Shepsky

Size:

Medium-sized, smaller than German Shepherds but larger than Siberian Huskies.

Height:

20-26 inches

Weight:

50-100 pounds

Life Span:

7-14 years

Coat Colors:

Black and white, gray and white, red and white, tan and white, black and red, white, gray, sable, blue, liver.

Friendliness

Intelligence

Good for First-Time Owners

Good with Children

Easy to Train

Exercise Requirements

Ease of Grooming

Amount of Shedding

Amount of Drooling

Tendency to Bark

What Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix Called?

A German Shepherd Husky Mix is called a ‘Shepsky’, and is sometimes referred to as a ‘Gerberian Shepsky’.

German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are two of the most popular breeds among owners, so it’s not surprising that they have been bred to create the Shepsky. The result? A mixed breed that combines the smaller stature and piercing blue eyes of the Husky, and the intelligence and strength of the German Shepherd.

The Shepsky is a beautiful breed and therefore very popular. However, this is not an easy breed to take care of. If you’re considering owning a Shepsky, it’s vital that you do your research beforehand.

This breed is incredibly demanding in exercise and grooming needs, and its intelligence can lead to boredom quickly. They are relatively easy to train but will need to be practiced every day to offer enough mental stimulation.

Let’s learn more about the Shepsky breed and whether it’s a good fit for you.

German Shepherds were originally bred to be herding dogs in Germany and used to control large groups of sheep. However, they were quickly noticed by other professionals who saw their loyalty, intelligence, and agility as admirable. They were then bred to be working dogs, particularly in law enforcement.

Siberian Huskies were first bred in Asia and used as sled dogs by the Chukchi tribe.

The breeding history of the Shepsky is unknown. They’re considered designer dogs and are popular among dog owners for their beauty and intelligence. They’re also known for being good companions.

German Shepherds are beloved for their confident and courageous demeanors. They’re smart enough to work in demanding fields like law enforcement, where their intelligence and loyalty are praised.

Siberian Huskies are friendly and mischievous, but they are also excellent at working independently.

The Shepsky is a plenty excitable and highly intelligent dog that will need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. Otherwise, they’ll get bored and start acting out. They can be outgoing, but they might also be careful around strangers.

The Shepky’s loyalty to its owners will cause its skepticism and might increase its barking tendencies. Early socialization can prevent this, as well as continual training.

As with any mixed breed, you could get any blend of its parental breeds traits. They could be very friendly and outgoing or wary and difficult to train. It’s this uncertainty that makes them not great for first-time owners.

Hybrid dogs can be less prone to many of the health conditions that their parental breeds face. However, it’s still possible for them to suffer from these conditions, so it’s vital that you know the risks.

Shepskies are predisposed to hip or elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, digestive issues, and several eye problems including keratitis, corneal dystrophy, and cataracts.

To avoid these issues from escalating beyond the point of treatment, ensure that you’re taking your dog to regular vet appointments for checkups. This will increase the chances of catching the problem early and being able to treat it with no lasting consequences.

Shepskies have a life expectancy of between 7 and 14 years, although most live between 10 and 13.

The Shepsky is a highly intelligent breed that is always eager to learn. They’re relatively good at learning new things quickly, so they can be very easy to train. However, some Shepksies might have a stubborn side that makes this a little difficult.

Shepskies also need constant mental training to avoid boredom. Boredom can lead to destructive tendencies and excessive barking.

If your dog is not socialized from an early age it might be wary and overprotective around strangers. Shepskies thrive off of continual training and will respond well to positive reinforcement.

Since both German Shepherds and Huskies are incredibly athletic, it makes sense for their offspring to be, too. The Shepky has high physical fitness requirements, and a quick walk around the block is going to do nothing to quell these needs.

Instead, think of hiking, running, biking, and even swimming. Your dog will keep up with you no matter what exercise you take them along for, so enjoy the challenge of pushing each other to your limits.

You can also head to your local park and throw a toy for your Shepsky to retrieve for an hour. This is both good mental and physical stimulation and is sure to tire them out.

Shepskies need plenty of exercise, so think of two hours as a guideline. Splitting this up into two hour-long walks throughout the day prevents them from getting bored trapped in the house.

Due to their high energy needs, Shepkies are also not recommended for apartment living. They’ll need constant access to the outdoors where they have more space to run around and play.

Shepskies need a balanced diet to thrive, and most high-quality dry dog foods will have the necessary macros to keep your dog in fighting shape. Look for kibble with lean meats, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Protein should make up the bulk of the food and there should be minimal filler ingredients as these do nothing for your dog’s health. There are specific dog foods formulated for German Shepherd’s size and activity level, which might be best for your Shepksy.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Dog Food for Siberian Huskys
• Best Puppy Food for Siberian Huskys

The average cost of a Shepksy is between $1,000 and $1,500. The price will vary between each breeder depending on the parents and the rarity of this designer dog in your location.

You’ll also need to take into account the costs of food, grooming, treats, beds, and more. Shepskies will eat more food than the average dog thanks to their high energy levels, which means you’ll be paying more for food, too.