The German ShepherdHusky mix, otherwise known as Shepsky, is a cross of two pure breeds: the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, markedly distinct in appearance and temperament. They are often called German Husky, Husky-Shepherd, Gerberian Shepsky, and Siberian Shepherd. Medium in size, loyal, and energetic, these dogs inherited some of the best characteristics from both of their parents.
Shepskies are affectionate and faithful working dogs. Due to their alert nature and superior intelligence, they have a history of taking on police work, rescue missions, guard duties, and military operations. Apartment living would never do for Shepskies. They need large houses with yards and need to be responsible for rigorous work. When under-stimulated, these dogs can become unmanageable and destructive.
The prominent colors of Shepskies are black, cream, white, brown, red, and blue. Rarely solid, their coats are generally a blend of two or more colors. They have long, dense coats and are usually not suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed quite a bit. Shepskies’ ancestors descend from cold environments, so they tolerate freezing weather very well.
Other names: Husky Shepherd, Shepsky, Siberian Shepherd
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Breed Recognition: Dog Registry of America Inc (DRA), The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
German Shepherd vs. Husky: A Comparison
Features
German Shepherd
Siberian Husky
Image
Origin
Germany
Siberia
Height
24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
20 to 23 inches
Weight
65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
35 to 60 Pounds
Size
Large
Medium
Group
Herding
Working Group
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Children Compatibility
High
High
Family Compatibility
High
High
Pets Compatibility
With Supervision
High
Barking Level
Low to Medium
Medium
Shedding Level
High
Medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
Average
Medium to High
Overall Health
High
High
Complication in Breeding
No
No
Energy
High
High
Exercise Needs
High
High
Trainability
High
Low to medium
Activities
Agility Training, Obedience Training, and Swimming
Transportation
Litter Size
6-10 puppies
4 – 6 Puppies
Life Span
12-14 years
12 – 14 Years
Other Names
Alsatian Wolf Dog, Berger Allemand, and Deutscher Schäferhund
Chukcha, Chuksha
German Shepherd Husky Mix Personality
Shepskie is a medium-sized, energetic, and playful breed. They have a combination of the physical features of their parents. This remarkable breed has a medium-long head and a strong, pointed muzzle with triangular ears and almond-shaped, brown, or blue/green eyes. It’s not surprising for Shepskies to have two different colored eyes. The pups of these parent breeds are well-built, active, and athletic.
Shepskies have a super fluffy beautiful coat that contributes to their charming appearance. Like GSDs and Siberian Huskies, this designer breed has a double coat: a tough topcoat and a short undercoat. The undercoat keeps and protects warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoats will be shed during summer, keeping them cool and nice during the more humid weather.
Like every dog, the Shepskies need early and proper socialization to different sights, sounds, people, and experiences when they’re young. Socialization guarantees your Shepsky pup grows up to be a well-rounded canine.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-Compatibility
High
Kid-Compatibility
High
Pet-Compatibility
Medium to high
Strangers-Compatibility
Reserved
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Yes
Good for Apartment Living
Low
Tolerates being alone
Low
Heat Tolerance
Low
Cold Tolerance
High
German Shepherd Husky Mix Temperament
Shepsky is a strong, calm, gentle, and muscular dog with other great personalities and temperamental characteristics, making them an exceptional pet and working companion. Shepskies are:
Active and playful
Attentive and protective
Affectionate
Friendly
Loyal
Intelligent
Shepskies can get bored and sometimes naughty when they lack mental and physical stimulation. In addition, they are alpha dogs and may get slightly aggressive or do mischievous things if their owner is not firm. So, handling this strong breed can be a real challenge if you don’t socialize and train them properly. On the other hand, your Shepsky may inherit the gentle and calm behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky GSD Mix with this attitude can be clingy with its owner.
Shepskies prefer to take part in several activities with you. Some owners let their dogs engage in herding and fieldwork, but these canines will also have fun playing outdoors, walking, jogging, and hiking.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Training
You must practice proper socialization and training your Shepskies as early as possible while in the puppy stage. Because the Husky GSD Mix is quite an intelligent dog, and they learn quickly. You will have to implement the following factors to guarantee proper training:
Engagement
Consistency
Reinforcement
Firmness
Shepskies can withstand high-intensity exercise without collapsing a single bit – and they can make excellent exercise companions.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Medium
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
High
Wanderlust Ability
Medium to High
Tendency to Nip, Chew, and Play Bite
High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium
Attention/Social Needs
High
German Shepherd Husky Mix Exercise
The original intentions of the GSD tremendously vary from that of the Siberian Husky. The GSD is a true all-purpose workaholic usually found in the following sports:
Police/military force
Tracking
Schutzhund
Many people buy Shepskies to get that guarding instinct that the GSD possesses. Unfortunately, this is not always the scenario, and even a purebred may strive for protection without proper guidance and training. Always discuss with a professional to avoid training your dog to negative behavior patterns such as lunging at dogs, barking at strangers on walks, chewing furniture, and howling at people.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are incredibly enduring. Huskies are bred to run hundreds of miles in frigid climates. But their initial working purpose was quite specific, and they may need an outlet for this urge to run.
A Shepsky may not be into toys or snuffle mats, but they need mental stimulation nevertheless. Early training your Shepsky will prevent behavioral problems in the future and get your puppy used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively energetic, you need to take them for a walk 30-60 minutes daily or at least twice a day.
Shepskies require some off-leash time. Canine parks and fenced yards are excellent spots for this. Unfortunately, they get annoyed when they don’t get sufficient exercise and exhibit destructive behaviors.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
High
German Shepherd Husky Mix Grooming
A fluffy Shepsky means shedding, so if you plan to bring this breed home, make sure that no one in the family has allergies. Since the Shepsky has a double coat, they will have to be brushed 2-3 times a week to maintain it and remove excess, dead hair that may occasionally shed, especially during summer. Bathe your dog when needed, so you don’t remove the coat of their natural oils.
Wax may build up in Shepsky’s ears reasonably often. Therefore, you should clean their ears delicately using wet cotton balls or cotton buds. Dental hygiene is also an essential element of their grooming process. Always brush their teeth regularly, about 2 to 3 times a week, to decrease the risk of periodontal illness. Also, Shepskies require high-quality dry food to maintain their gums strong and healthy. Also, make sure their nails are groomed or trimmed regularly.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
High
Easy to Groom
Medium
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low
German Shepherd Husky Mix Health
The German Shepherd Husky Mix is predisposed to some of the same conditions their parents also face. Generally, most Shepskies are healthy; some may be prone to a few health problems, which is why it is essential to have good care and routine veterinary checkups.
Health Overview
Basic Health
High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Low
Size
Medium to Large
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are health ailments that result in unstable joints in the canines. Still, these diseases are also easily curable with adequate exercise, a healthy diet, and proper relieving of stress. This condition is usually brought on by obesity, so it is vital to keep your dog’s weight on point.
Eye Conditions
Canine glaucoma: Canine glaucoma is a collection of diseases that harm the optic nerve in canines and result in eye pressure. About forty percent of dogs affected by this ailment become blind within the initial year.
Corneal dystrophy: This critical eye condition leads to abnormal materials in the dog’s cornea and can develop visual impairment over time.
Juvenile cataracts may appear as early as five months old, and in critical cases, may progress into complete blindness. However, this condition can be healed through surgery.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a category of ailment that strikes the photoreceptors of the retina. This condition makes the photoreceptor cells degrade over time, resulting in blindness in the affected canine.
Epilepsy: This is the most common neurological condition in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is a broad name for various conditions defined by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain malfunction. This disorder can be obtained or caused by anatomical problems in the brain or by an unknown cause.
Cancer: GSDs and Huskies have one of the highest rates of cancer development of any breed. Osteosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma are cancers of the skeletal and circulatory systems, respectively. As a result, their mixed breeds are in danger as well, requiring regular veterinarian visits.
Ear Infections: This is most popular in German shepherd Husky and other breeds with floppy ears. Unfortunately, fungi and bacteria can create ear infections to thrive in the warmth and darkness provided.
Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyopathy (CDR is a degenerative disease in the nerves that regulate the dog’s hind legs.
Patellar Luxation: When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is known as luxating patella. Your dog may feel periodic hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or locking up the leg at an abnormal angle if the patella luxates.
Bloat: Also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, is a condition in which a dog’s stomach twists when it fills with gas, food, or liquids. GDV appears out of nowhere and can progress swiftly. There is always a situation that requires immediate attention.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Diet and Nutrition
Shepskies are a large-sized breed, so you will need to guarantee that they receive high-quality, proper nutrition for large breeds. An ideal quantity would be at least 3 cups of high-quality kibble daily, with some enticing wet meals occasionally. Make sure that your canine also has access to a clean water supply throughout the day.
The strong and athletic Shepsky needs a high-protein diet in terms of their dietary needs. Therefore, make sure the food meets the following characteristics:
A minimum of 25% protein in grain-based foods.
A minimum of 30% protein in grain-free foods.
A diet that is rich in essential minerals and vitamins.
Be cautious with meals that contain common allergens.
Provide your dog supplements depending on the age.
GSDs are picky eaters, so look for a brand that suits your dog’s requirements and try to stick with it.
German Shepherd Husky Mix Living Conditions
As Shepsky is a large, active dog, it is highly advised that you have a prominent, suitable area for your canine to roam free and get adequate exercise at the same time. Therefore, a perfect living condition for Shepsky would be a house, or especially an open, fenced backyard. In addition, the climate should be moderately cold, mainly because of their double coats.
Adding a German Shepherd Husky Mix to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying a German Shepherd Husky Mix
Ensure to buy a Shepsky puppy only from a reliable breeder as they ensure the happiness and well-being of both the puppies and parents. In addition, they should provide health clearance records along with gene tests for a vaccinated pup.
Cost of a German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy
If you buy from a reliable breeder, the German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppy can range from $400 to $1500, excluding their miscellaneous costs.
