Germanees Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- German Shepherd
- Breed Nickname:
- Germanees
- Size:
- Large
- Height:
- 22 to 32 inches
- Weight:
- 75 to 120 pounds
- Life Span:
- 9 to 13 years
- Coat Colors:
- White, black, and fawn
Germanees Characteristics
About The Germanees
What Is A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Called?
The offspring between a Great Pyrenees and a German Shepherd is called a Germanees. They can also be referred to as a Shep Py or a Shepnese, but Germanees is the much more common name for these uncommon dogs.
Germanees’ are large dogs despite their designer breed status. They have strong herding roots, so you’ll find that they’re always ready to work.
They are both intelligent and intuitive, but their headstrong nature makes them not the best choice for novice owners.
To learn more about this protective dog breed, keep reading our ultimate guide.
Germanees Breed History
Thought to have been first bred in the 1990s in North America.
The German Shepherd has a rich history as a working dog.
The Great Pyrenees is named after the Pyrenees Mountains!
The Germanees breed has very little history documented, most likely because they were originally bred within the last 20 years in North America.
The same can be said for the majority of mixed breeds, as it wasn’t until the 1990s that people realized the benefits of creating hybrid breeds.
Luckily, though, the parent breeds have much richer histories. The German Shepherd was first bred in Germany in the 1800s to be used for herding.
They were then perfected for the next 100 years, with the first modern German Shepherd being documented in America in 1993. They have since been used prolifically in the police force and military.
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient dog breed originating from Central Asia or Siberia. They migrated with herds of sheep and shepherds into the Pyrenees Mountains around 3000 BC. However, they weren’t brought to the US until 1824.
Germanees Personality & Temperament
Intelligent and gentle dogs, ideal for large families.
Can be slow to mature and act aloof most of the time.
Needs an owner who can keep up with their energy levels.
The Germanees often has a personality similar to both the German Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees.
They are playful and intelligent, and they have endless amounts of energy to burn off. They’re fearless and protective of their owners, so you might find that they’re territorial around you. This can be minimized through socializing.
They get their well-mannered temperament and gentleness from the Great Pyrenees, who are considered to be gentle giants. The Germanees might have a stubborn streak, but they’re still eager to please their owners.
These dogs are considered good with children but should never be left unattended with them. They can get bored easily and therefore need an owner who will be around them most of the time.
They’re known to bark, so you might get some noise complaints if you leave them alone for too long.
Germanees Health
Might be at higher risk of health issues due to large size.
The main health issue with Germanees is joint problems.
Make sure you don’t skip your routine vet appointments!
Being large dogs, there are a number of health issues that Germanees’ are at risk of due to their size.
These include Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, which is where the joint is misaligned to cause lameness of the limb. They are also at higher risk of Heart Murmurs, Atopy, Bloating, Deafness, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
The Germanees can also suffer from eye issues such as Cataracts. Other minor concerns include Ectropion, Epilepsy, and Diabetes.
Making sure you keep up to date with your routine vet checkups is essential with large dogs such as the Germanees.
Here the professional will be able to rule out any signs of illness and check any new symptoms your dog might have developed. They’ll also weigh your dog which you can use to ensure that you’re not overfeeding them.
Germanees Training
Eager to learn and please.
Can be stubborn and aloof.
Need plenty of training to keep them mentally stimulated.
Germanees are often eager to please their owners, but they can also be stubborn when it comes to training.
They need to be reminded who is the alpha in your household so that they can treat you with respect. Make sure you’re using positive reinforcement only to work with your dog instead of against them.
Germanees can be slow to mature which makes them aloof during training. This means that they’ll need consistent training routines that are fun and fresh to keep them engaged.
Once your dog starts to settle down, you can relax on its training regimens. But don’t expect this to happen for a few years…
Germanees Exercise Requirements
Eager to learn and please.
Can be stubborn and aloof.
Need plenty of training to keep them mentally stimulated.
The Germanees needs plenty of exercise throughout the day to remain happy and keep boredom at bay.
They’ll need around 60 minutes of exercise each day, and this needs to be vigorous. A walk around the block won’t cut it – these dogs need to be hiking, swimming, and running.
Germanees need plenty of outdoor space for them to run around throughout the day.
This will allow you to get some work done instead of spending all day with your dog at the dog park. They are not suitable for living in apartments as they need ample space to move.
Germanees Diet & Feeding
Choose kibble formulated for large dogs with high energy levels.
A raw food diet is also a good option.
Be careful not to overfeed your dog.
Germanees need plenty of food to keep them going, so look for premium kibble formulated for large dogs with high energy levels.
There are some foods marketed towards German Shepherds that would work, or you could opt for feeding them a raw food diet.
Germanees are prone to gaining weight quickly so make sure you’re only feeding them enough for their weight. If you’re confused about how much to feed your Germanees, ask your vet for advice.
Germanees Cost
Costs $800 to $3,000.
Choosing a reputable breeder is essential.
Ongoing costs include food, training classes, and vet bills.
The cost of this unusual breed is higher than most mixed breeds at between $800 and $3,000. The cost will depend on the breeder, location, and parentage.
With the Germanees, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about the breeder you use, as using an untrusted breeder can leave you dealing with plenty of health issues in the future.
