Alaskan Shepherd? Everything You Need To Know

Alaskan Shepherds are designer dogs intentionally designed to create a sled dog that would do heavy jobs. The Alaskan Shepherd is a blend of the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd. They are intelligent, loyal, highly trainable, and energetic dogs who thrive on many physical activities. Owing to their unusual blending, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they were recognized by the International Designer Canine Association in 2009.

An Overview of the parent breeds 

Alaskan Malamutes are huge and brilliant working dogs bred initially as sled dogs in the Arctic. They are confident, dignified, loyal in demeanor, and descended from the wolf-dog lineage. German Shepherds are large dogs with great intelligence and high energy that were once working dogs and now serve as service dogs, police dogs, or companions in homes.

Alaskan Shepherd Pros and Cons

Alaskan Shepherd Basic Information 

• Name: Alaskan Shepherd
• Height: 1 foot 11 inches to 2 feet 2 inches
• Weight: 75 – 100 pounds
• Coat: Double – thick and rough outer coat; soft and dense undercoat.
• Color: Black, red, brown, blue, white, silver, sable, cream, liver and gold, shades of gray 
• Energy: High
• Activities: Hunting, working, herding, agility
• Group: Mixed breed, Companion, Hunting, and Guarding
• Barking Level: Medium to High
• Shedding Level: High
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Litter Size: 7 – 15 puppies
• Life Span: 10 – 15 years
• Breed recognition: DRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc., IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry®

Alaskan Malamute Vs. German Shepherd – A Comparison

Features	Alaskan Malamute	German Shepherd
Image
Origin	Alaska, the U.S.A	Germany
Height	1 foot 11 inches – 2 feet 1 inch	1 foot 10 inches – 2 feet 2 inches
Weight	75 – 100 pounds	75 – 95 pounds
Size	Large	Large
Group	Working Dogs	Herding and Working Dogs
Children Compatibility	Medium	High
Family Compatibility	Medium to high	High
Pets Compatibility	Low to medium	Low to medium
Barking Level	High	Medium to high
Shedding Level	High	High
Hypoallergenic	No	No
Grooming Needs	High	Low
Overall Health	Medium to high	Medium to high
Energy	High	High
Exercise Needs	High	High
Trainability	Medium to high	High
Activities	Hunting, herding, pulling sleds	Herding, Agility
Complication in breeding	No	No
Litter Size	1 – 7 puppies	8 – 15 puppies
Lifespan	12 – 15 years	10 – 14 years
Other Names	–	Alsatian, German Shepherd DogBerger Allemand,Deutscher Schäferhund

Alaskan Shepherd Personality

Alaskan Shepherd is a well-muscled rectangular-shaped dog with a wolf-like appearance. They have gorgeous almond-shaped eyes on a long face that is blue, brown, or hazel, wide muzzles, black or brown noses, strong jaws, and erect and triangular ears; The limbs are sturdy and powerful with large paws and heavy padding. Their muscular hindquarters aid in prowling at an incredible speed like wolves; A long tail that is plumed and curled majestically on the back. 

The Alaskan Shepherd can also come in various colors, with black markings on the muzzle and forehead. Their double coats are dense, with rough outer coats and smooth undercoats that are usually straight and medium length. Their coats resists wetness from rain and snow and regulates temperature.

Friendliness Overview

Adaptability Overview

Alaskan Shepherd Temperament

It is difficult to figure out the temperament of a mixed breed. Alaskan Shepherds may either have an Alaskan Malamute’s personality, a German Shepherd’s personality, or a blend of both. They are:

• Independent
• Affectionate
• Courageous
• Friendly
• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Guarding
• Sensitive
• Great herders
• Intolerant to loneliness
• Very vocal
• Excellent watchdogs

In addition, Alaskan Shepherds would like to be alpha dogs and can be aggressive towards strangers. He is suitable for older children and adults. They are not ideal for smaller kids and aged people due to their hyperactive nature. The Alaskan Shepherd is unsuitable for apartments because of his size, energy, and exercise needs. It is a must for this hybrid dog to get access to the backyard with a tall and secured fence. You must keep smaller pets away from the Alaskan Shepherd, for he may instantly chase them if he carries his German Shepherd’s parental gene. Keeping him on the leash is mandatory while you take him to public parks.

Alaskan Shepherd Training

Perfect training is essential to make any canine a well-behaved dog in people’s eyes. Alaskan Shepherd is intelligent and can learn tricks and train quickly. You must train Alaskan Shepherds as early as possible to control their “alpha dog” nature. Socialize him right from his puppyhood to make him understand a wide range of people and situations. Training them on a leash is vital to keep their hunting instincts in check. Thus, formal training is very critical, and their training should include the following:

• Leash training 
• Crate training
• Potty training
• Early Socialization
• House training 
• Obedience training
• Firm and Consistent Training
• Positive Training Method

Further, training Alaskan Shepherd is vital to put a check on his:

• Territorial nature
• Aggressiveness
• Unwanted barking
• Stubborn streaks

Trainability Overview

Alaskan Shepherd Exercise Needs

Alaskan Shepherds are highly energetic and active canines. They are large dogs with great stamina. Ninety minutes of physical exertion every day is mandatory for this mixed breed. An exercise regime includes agility training, playing fetch and frisbee, walks, jogging, and swimming. Exercising is vital to keep him physically and mentally stimulated, healthy and hearty, and to check his destructive behavior and obesity. A large yard with a tall and secured fence will help these dogs to exert their pent-up energy. This designer breed should not be left alone for long hours under the Sun.

Exercise Needs Overview

Alaskan Shepherd Grooming

The double coat of the Alaskan Shepherd would not get tangled, and you can easily maintain them. He will shed during seasons like summer. Thus, pet owners should increase the time of grooming schedules from once to twice or more a day. It is enough to bathe him occasionally when he gets dirty or smells terrible with a mild bath shampoo meant for dogs. Remember that excessive bathing can remove the natural oils from your canine’s skin.

Trim their nails, check and clean their eyes and ears, and maintain their dental hygiene as a part of regular grooming. Some online buy suggestions for your pet:

Brush

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Deshedding tool

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Grooming kit

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Dog Shampoo

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Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit for Dogs

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Along with the above grooming routines, ensure you examine your dog’s feet for any injury like tearing nails, cuts, or cracks on footpads owing to the Alaskan Shepherd’s hyperactive nature. If you are allergic to dogs, you must take extra precautions as Alaskan Shepherds are not hypoallergenic breeds. As far as drooling is concerned, they don’t drool.

Grooming Overview

Alaskan Shepherd Health

Alaskan Shepherds are relatively healthy breeds. However, like any other breeds, they are prone to health conditions stemming from their lineage. Thus, to keep them healthy, it is vital to take this designer dog to the veterinarian for regular health checkups and ensure that he is updated with vaccinations. The lifespan of Alaskan Shepherds is 10 – 15 years. Some inherited health problems are listed below:

Hip Dysplasia: A disorder that affects canines in their growing phase. It leads the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. In addition, the cartilage and bones in the dog’s hip start to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.  

Elbow Dysplasia: This disorder occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t fit appropriately. This condition generates abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and painful osteoarthritis.

Symptoms 

• Mild to moderate pain
• Lameness in the forelimbs

Cataracts: Just like humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although they cause vision loss in some cases. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, you can remove cataracts surgically with good results.

Panosteitis: A bone inflammation common in puppies with long legs due to rapid bone growth.

Degenerative Myelopathy(DM), commonly known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a spinal cord illness that causes weakening and paralysis in the hind limbs. Degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord causes the symptoms.

Epilepsy: This is the most prevalent neurological disease in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is a broad name for disorders characterized by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain defect.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s metabolism is slowed due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Symptoms are: 

• Lethargy 
• Gaining weight 
• Reluctance to work out 
• Hair Loss

Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that can be found in any dog breed. However, some breeds are more prone to developing diabetes than others. For example, dogs with high body weight and a high-fat diet are the most likely to develop diabetes, while those fed a low-calorie diet are less likely to suffer from it. The reason is that they don’t consume enough calories.

Obesity: Obesity is a common health disease in the German Shepherd mixes. Excess weight can result in back pain, digestive disorders, joint problems, and heart diseases. The ideal way to control this disorder is by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.

Cartilaginous Exostosis is a disorder of the bones due to excessive deposition of calcium. 

Achondroplasia is a condition where the dog suffers from hip or elbow dysplasia and the malfunctioning of many body parts.

Glaucoma: It is caused by increased pressure in the eye and is found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by the decreased fluid in the eye. Symptoms include pain and loss of vision. Treatment includes surgery or eye drops. 

Heart Disease: This causes irregular heart murmurs and heartbeat. It can be identified through an X-ray or ECG. In addition, dental care, medications, and weight control can aid in controlling this disease.

Cancers: A leading health disease affecting dogs. The most standard ones are:  

• Lymphoma: A severe illness that affects lymphocyte cells. 
• Hemangiosarcoma: This is a hazardous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and the spleen. It most commonly happens in middle-aged and elderly dogs.
• Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.

Health Overview

Alaskan Shepherd Diet and Nutrition

An Alaskan Shepherd would need two to three cups of high protein dog food divided into two equal meals. You can add vegetables to his diet to keep him healthy. Do not overfeed; you should take care of his diet to avoid obesity. Consult a vet to chart his diet habits.

Alaskan Shepherd Living Condition

The Alaskan Shepherd will require the following living conditions to lead a happy and healthy life.

• A fenced yard or ample space to run around.
• A family that dedicates time.
• If you live in an apartment, you must ensure that you provide time for his physical exertion.
• Experienced pet owners.
• A devoted pet owner who spends on grooming and dietary requirements.

Adding an Alaskan Shepherd to Your Family

Things to Remember Before Adding an Alaskan Shepherd

Adding an Alaskan Shepherd to your family will need proper research about their parent breeds, cost, breeders, health, and certificates. Then, get your Alaskan Shepherd from a reputable breeder who will provide you with vaccination and gene testing certificates. Also, ensure the health of the puppy’s parent breeds.

Cost of an Alaskan Shepherd Puppy

The cost of an Alaskan Shepherd is around $300 – $1000.

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Alaskan Shepherd Videos

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Alaskan Shepherd Images

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Other Alaskan Malamute Mixes

• Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Mix (Alaskan Goldenmute)
• Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever Mix (Alaskan Malador)
• Alaskan Malamute Great Pyrenees Mix (Malanees)
• Alaskan Malamute Border Terrier Mix (Border Malamute Terrier)
• Alaskan Malamute Foxhound Mix (Mally Foxhound)
• Alaskan Malamute Pit Bull Terrier Mix (Alaskan Pit Bull)
• Alaskan Malamute Timber Wolf Mix (Wolamute)
• Alaskan Malamute Akita Mix (Akitamute)
• Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky Mix (Huskamute)

Other German Shepherd Mixes

• Airedale Shepherd  
• Akita German Shepherd Mix  
• Alaskan Shepherd  
• American Shepherd  
• American Bulldog Shepherd  
• Basset Shepherd  
• Beagle Shepherd  
• Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix  
• Bernese Shepherd  
• Border Collie German Shepherd  
• Boxer Shepherd  
• Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix  
• Catashepherd  
• Chigerpherd  
• Chow Shepherd  
• Corger Shepherd   
• Corgi German Shepherd Mix  
• Corman Shepherd  
• Dachshund Shepherd  
• Dane Shepherd  
• Doberman Shepherd  
• Dobgerpherd  
• English Shepherd  
• Euro Mountain Sheparnese  
• French Bullger Shepherd  
• Gerberian Shepsky  
• German Anatolian Shepherd  
• German Australian Shepherd  
• Germanees  
• German Ridgeback  
• German Shepherd Chow Mix  
• German Shepherd Pitbull Mix  
• German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix  
• German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix  
• German Shepherd Terrier Mix  
• German Sheppit  
• German Wolf  
• Golden Shepherd  
• Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix  
• Husky Shepherd   
• Malinois X  
• Mastiff Shepherd  
• Newfougerpherd  
• New Shep  
• Labrashepherd  
• Pitbull German Shepherd Mix  
• Pomeranian German Shepherd Mix  
• Poodleherd   
• Rhodesian Shepherd  
• Saint Shepherd  
• Sharpherd  
• Sheltie Shepherd  
• Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix  
• Shepkita  
• Sheprador  
• Shepweiler  
• Shollie  
• Shug  
• Pugger Shepherd  
• Siberian Shepherd  
• Spanierd  
• Weim Shepherd  
• Wolf Shepherd