German Shepherd Husky Mix: Complete Guide To The Gerberian Shepsky

 

We briefly mentioned the German Shepherd Husky mix in our article about the 15 Most Popular German Shepherd Mix and Hybrid Dogs,

But, in this guide we go a little deeper into what that mix breed is.

We have broken down each aspect of the Gerberian Shepsky so you can gain a better understanding of them.

Typically, they can posses any balance or mix of traits from each breed.

Let’s go into this mix breed in more detail!

 

(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix: Complete Guide To The Gerberian Shepsky

 

What Is A Husky German Shepherd Mix?

The Gerberian Shepsky, as it is also commonly called, is a mix breed dog between the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky breeds.

 

Does A Husky German Shepherd Mix Behave And Look More Like A GSD, or A Husky?

Like all hybrid and mixed breed dogs, there is only one thing that is guaranteed with a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy, and that is that they will have a diverse mix of genes from both parents and breeds (read more about purebreed vs. mix breed dogs and puppies).

How the puppy looks and acts will depend on which genes are dominant – which comes down to chance.

For example, it is possible for a German Shepherd Husky Mix to look very similar physically to a Siberian Husky, but have the temperament traits of the German Shepherd.

It could also have a balance of both breed’s characteristics and traits both physically and mentally.

 

Buying German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies For Sale From A Breeder – Where To Find A Gerberian Shepsky Breeder Near Me

In terms of breeders, you’ll want to find a breeder that cares more about the dogs than the financial reward of breeding.

You’ll also want to find a breeder who has knowledge of dog breeding, including experience in breeding dogs with good health (free of genetic disorders), stable temperaments – and offers some type of guarantee on the health and temperament of the dog.

The Gerberian Shepsky is seen as a ‘Designer breed’ of dog – so it’s possible there are a lot of backyard type breeders around who have very knowledge of dog breeding.

You need to do your research before you consider buying a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy from breeders. 

A really good place to start might be to ask for a reference or recommended breeders list from a hybrid dog registry like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) for example.

Other registries that might include hybrid dogs are the:

If they can’t directly help you, they might be able to refer you to an organisation or individual who can.

In addition, we wrote some helpful guides which help you identify good and ethical breeders, and where to find them.

They are written for German Shepherds, but you can find some very useful principles and tips you can use to find Gerberian Shepsky breeders in your area:

What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy: Ethical Step By Step Guide

Where To Find The Best German Shepherd Breeders Near You

 

Adopting A German Shepherd Husky Mix  

When it comes to getting a puppy, you can either buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue or shelter.

Despite the myth, most dogs from shelters are not broken or aggressive.

Many are probably the opposite – they are just looking for someone to give their love to.

Thousands of dogs die in shelters and rescues every day – if you are looking for a GSD Husky mix, strongly consider them.

Here’s are some great guides to help you in knowing where to start with that process:

Things To Consider When Adopting or Rescuing A German Shepherd

Where To Find A German Shepherd Rescue or Shelter Near You

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Price

It depends on the breeder and supply and demand in your area.

As a comparison of what you pay with a purebred German Shepherd:

On average, you might pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a pet, or family dog type German Shepherd from a breeder.

For German Shepherds with pedigrees, papers, working titles, specific lines, and puppies who have a proven regulated breeding history – you can pay thousands of dollars.

Don’t get ripped off or buy from shady or unethical breeders – read this guide carefully.

When adopting a German Shepherd, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $500 – which covers adoption fees.

As Gerberian Shepskys are a designer type breed, you might pay anywhere up to a few thousand dollars for a healthy puppy from healthy parents.

 

Recognition Of A German Shepherd Husky Mix

The German Shepherd Husky Mix Dog is recognized within two organisations in the US – the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and the Dog Registry of America (DRA).

 

Other Names For The German Shepherd Husky Mix

Gerberian Shepsky

Husky Shepherd

Siberian Shepherd

German Husky 

German Shepherd Siberian Husky Mix

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Dog Origin, History and Bloodlines

Both the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky were originally bred as working type dogs.

German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany in 1889 as the ideal herding type dog, before becoming a popular choice at show conformance and woking dog competitions, and as a family pet in Europe and the US.

German Shepherds are currently the second most popular dog breed among dog owners in the US as of 2016.

Siberian Huskies were bred in the Siberian Arctic in Russia to be sled dogs that had to pull heavy loads long distances, and survive the cold.

They were registered by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and also became a popular family pet in the US and Canada.

They are currently the 12^th most popular dog breed among US dog owners as of 2016.

It is thought the Gerberian Husky gained traction with breeding and overall popularity in America after the 1930’s when both dog breeds begun to gain popularity as household pets in the US.

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Temperament, & Characteristics

If a German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy or Dog has dominant traits of the German Shepherd temperament …

German Shepherds if bred properly are known to be loyal, loving with family, protective, intelligent, obedient and slightly aloof or wary of strangers and other dogs.

Different German Shepherds have different personalities and drives depending on their breeding lines and the individual dog.

 

If a German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy or Dog leans towards the Siberian Husky temperament …

Siberian Huskies are very intelligent and loyal pack dogs that like to socialize and do not do well with their owner gone for long periods – getting lonely/anxious and destructive.

They are very playful and have a charming personality to those they trust.

Huskies have at times been described as an ‘escape artist’ by owners, and still have a natural instinct or prey drive to want to hunt wild animals as a food source.

 

Both breeds need a strong owner as they might show signs of dominance or disobedience if not trained properly.

 

a) Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy or Dog Good Around Children, Kids and Families?

If socialised early as a puppy and taught proper obedience, both breeds are very loving and protective with children and kids – even becoming their best friend.

Make sure your Gerberian Shepsky learns proper behaviors and socialisation from a young age so it doesn’t become overly protective of any members of your family.

 

b) Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy or Dog Good Around Other Dogs, and Family Pets?

Both the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky can show dominance over other animals and territory.

There shouldn’t be an issue if your Gerberian Shepsky grows up with your family pet/s or is introduced at a young age, but if being introduced as adolescents or adults, caution might be used.

Both breeds in particular show a tendency to hunt/stalk cats or birds they do not know that enter their yard or territory.

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Physical Traits, Characteristics and Exercise

German Shepherds were bred to be the ideal working dog with straight backs, strong bones, strength, stamina and agility.

Over time the breed has developed an angulated back in the US, narrow bodies, and genetic diseases like Hip/Elbow dysplasia are becoming more common.

They are traditionally black and tan in color, but there are 11 officially registered coat colors in the Alsatian breed.

The working lines tend to be sable and have darker pigmentations.

Siberian Huskies were bred for their strength and endurance/stamina to pull heavy loads on sleds in the snow for miles.

They had to be extremely durable to survive the harsh and cold environment – which they did with their extremely thick double coats.

The Husky is traditionally black and white in coat color with piercing blue eyes that have become their trademark, and have 17 registered coat colors in total.

Both breeds need regular exercise – at least daily walks.

In addition, you needs to provide the Gerberian Shepsky with mental stimulation at all times – bones to chew, toys to play with, human to dog stimulation, dog to dog stimulation etc.

Their intelligence and the Husky’s social nature when not utilised can lead to destructive behavior.

German Shepherds can bark, jump/climb and chew when they get bored or aren’t stimulated, and Huskies will do the same but they tend to howl and not bark.

The Gerberian Shepsky ranges in colour, but tends to maintain the double coat and pointy ears from both breeds, along with the bright eyes of the Husky.

 

a) How Big Do German Shepherd Husky Mix Dogs Get – What Is Their Size?

The German Shepherd is a large breed of dog, and the Siberian Husky is medium in size, so it only makes sense the Gerberian Shepsky is medium to large too.

A full grown German Shepherd Husky mix dog is on average 20 to 25 inches (51-64cms) tall, and 45 to 88 pounds (21-40kgs) in weight.

A husky mix is usually slightly smaller than this.

 

b) What is A German Shepherd Husky Mix Dog’s Lifespan?

The Gerberian Shepsky has a lifespan of between 10 to 13 years.

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Obedience and Training

Both the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky are extremely intelligent and obedient breeds of dog.

One thing to note is that Huskies have strong pack animal instincts where they seek to be the leader – so if you do not establish yourself as a firm (but positive) leader from the moment you get them, you may have issues getting them to listen.

Apart from that, the Gerberian Shepsky itself you should have no problems training as either a family dog or in a working field.

They have already been used in working fields such as search and rescue, police work, military, acting, scouting, guard dogs and more.

Read more on training and obedience in How To Train A German Shepherd: 10 Expert Tips and Advice.

We also have other training tips (for on leash, off leash, heeling and more) on our Training and Obedience page.

If you would like to read more about finding the best training equipment (lead/leash, collar and harness) for a German Shepherd Husky Mix, you can read more at:

Best Collar For German Shepherd: How To Choose The Best Collar

Best Lead/Leash for German Shepherd: How To Choose The Best Lead

Best Harness For German Shepherd: How To Choose The Best Harness

Best Crate For German Shepherd: How To Choose The Best Crate

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Health Problems

Generally the Gerberian Shepsky is a healthy dog.

But, some health problems you are more likely to encounter than others with a German Shepherd Husky mix might be:

eye issues such as juvenile cataracts

digestive problems

blood disorders

bloat

epilepsy

eczema

dwarfism

keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

flea allergies

perianal fistulas and Von Willebrand’s disease

spleen tumors

PRA (primarily in male dogs)

Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)Degenerative Myelitis (DM)

ectopy (displacement of the urethra)

corneal dystrophy

crystalline corneal opacities

 

Furthermore, coming mainly from the German Shepherd side, Gerberian Shepskies can carry the genetic disorder of hip or elbow dysplasia.

Being a medium-large dog, they are also at greater risk of developing arthritis and other joint problems as they age.

Read more about Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, Joint Problems and Joint Supplements below:

German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis: Joint Problems and Pain

Best German Shepherd Supplements and Vitamins for Joint Problems and Health

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Care

German Shepherd Husky Mix Sleeping and Bed

Being a medium to large dog, a Gerberian Shepsky will not spend alot of time in deep sleep.

This means he or she will not have regular sleeping patterns, and may sleep up to 18 hours some days to get the amount of quality sleep they need – but this depends on the dog.

You want to ensure your dog has a comfortable bed, and one that supports it’s joints being a large dog. Read more about beds for dogs at:

Best Dog Bed For Your German Shepherd: 10 Step How-To Guide

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Care, Grooming and Coat

Once again, grooming and care requirements are very similar for a German Shepherd Husky Mix and a purebred German Shepherd:

“Brushing your GSD regularly (two times a week at least) and having a strong vacuum handy is a good idea if you want to minimize hair all over the house and on your clothes.

It is important only to bathe your GSD when it really needs it. Bathing him or her too regularly can strip their coat of natural and healthy oils. 

Trimming the nails once a month and checking their ears once a week for infection is also good practice.

Dry food, Chew toys or bones are the best way to keep your GSD’s teeth clean.”

These dogs can shed regularly, and year round.

 

Names for a German Shepherd Husky Mix?

Read more about names for your Gerberian Shepsky in the following article:

Best German Shepherd Male and Female Puppy Dog Names: Ideas and Lists

 

German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy and Dog Photos and Pictures/Images

German Shepherd Husky Mix Dog Pictures

German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy Pictures

 

What Do People That Own/Have Owned German Shepherd Mix Husky Dogs Say About Them?

You can read at DogBreedInfo.com about owners that have owned or do own a Gerberian Shepsky and what they had to say about them.

There are also some more pictures there.

 

More Information & Facts About The German Shepherd Dog Breed

We’ve put together this guide with over 100 interesting pieces of information and facts about the German Shepherd Dog Breed.

 

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