The Great PyreneesGerman Shepherd mix, also known as Shepnees, crosses the German Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. It is a large dog and makes an excellent watchdog, guard dog, and herding dog, looking after sheep and goats.
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is quite an intelligent breed. They are also brave and described as strong-willed, confident dogs. Despite their quiet nature, they are powerful. Another thing about them is that they are highly alert with strong protective instincts.
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Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Highly Intelligent
They bark at and chase small animals
Strong, Alert, and Loyal
They may be too aggressive for some people
Family-oriented dog breed.
They need a lot of exercise.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Basic Information
Name: Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
Height: 25 – 32 inches
Weight: 75 – 120 lbs
Size: Large
Coat: Thick, Coarse, and Wiry with a hard, dense undercoat
Color: Black, White, Fawn, Tan, and tricolor
Energy: High
Activities: Agility, herding
Group: Companion dog, guard dog, watchdog, farm dog
Other Names: Shepnees, Germanees, Shep Py, and German Pyrenees
Breed Recognition: Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), American Kennel Club (AKC)
Great Pyrenees vs. German Shepherd: A Comparison
Features
Great Pyrenees
German Shepherd
Image
Origin
Spain and France
Germany
Height
25-32 inches
24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight
85-115 pounds
65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Size
Giant
Large
Group
Pastoral
Herding
Children Compatibility
High
High
Family Compatibility
High
Medium
Pets Compatibility
High
High
Barking Level
High
Low to medium
Shedding Level
High
Low to medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
High
Medium
Overall Health
Low
Medium to high
Complication in Breeding
No
No
Energy
High
High
Exercise Needs
High
High
Trainability
Low
Medium to high
Activities
Therapy Dogs, Family Dogs, Working Dogs
Agility, herding, companion dogs, guard dogs, military dogs
Litter Size
6-12
6 – 10 puppies
Life Span
10-12 years
12 – 14 years
Other Names
Pyrenean Mountain Dog and Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées
Malinois, Chien De Berger Belge, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder, Mechelse Scheper, Pastor Belga Malinois
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Personality
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix has a dense and straight coat that sheds quite a bit, so regular brushing is necessary. In addition to their medium-length fur, they can have varying colors, such as black, white, and fawn. There is also the possibility that the breed will develop a ruff-like mane around its neck area with a curly or wavy texture. Moreover, these dogs have almond-shaped eyes and dark brown fur.
Germanees’s nose, eye rims, and lips are all black, giving it an expression of intelligence and eagerness. Their ears may either be erect or drop depending on which parent trait dominates. It will have a wedge-shaped head and a proportionate body to its head.
Suppose Germanees take after his Pyrenees parent. In that case, his coat will be solid white or cream and resistant to water and snow. But, on the other hand, he has a black and rust coat inheriting his German Shepherd parent.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
High
Pet-friendly
High
Stranger-friendly
Medium to High
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good to new owners
Medium to High
Sensitivity
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Medium
Heat-tolerance
Medium to High
Cold-tolerance
High
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Temperament
The temperament of the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is one of the essential characteristics of this breed because it will determine how well this dog will fit into your family. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a mighty, protective breed. Also, they are one of the most intelligent and loyal dogs.
Germenees loves children and is very playful and protective with them. Because of this, children are the most engaging company with this breed. However, they are also good with other pets, such as cats, small animals, and other dogs.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Training
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix is easy to train. However, this breed may have a more independent side, making training sessions more challenging.
You should develop a training schedule, use positive reinforcements and reward-based training for the best results. In addition, train your dog at an early age. The best types of training your dog can receive are
Here are some tips you can use to train your dog’s agility at home:
Side: Dogs that participate in agility must walk by their right and left sides. If they behave well, reward them.
Wrap: By teaching your dog how to turn around a cone or barrel, you can prepare them for over and between jumps in the future.
Tricks: As a result of the lessons, your dog’s confidence, aptitude, and coordination will increase, which are all required in agility training.
Moving Item: Skateboards and children’s wagons can be used to teach dogs how to get their paws on moving objects. You can begin by letting your pet merely look at the item first and gradually move on to letting them stand on the article by themselves.
Jumps: Two chairs and a pole make this one of the most natural training machines you can set up at home. In the beginning, you should place the stick at a low height, and the practice surface should not be slippery. Be sure that it can topple once your dog hits it and is not injured during training.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
Medium to High
Intelligence
High
Prey drive
Medium
Mouthiness tendencies
Medium
Barking and howling tendencies
Medium to High
Wanderlust tendencies
Medium
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Exercise
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix needs 45-70 minutes of daily exercise. Even though it doesn’t have to be intense exercise, he must get it to keep his mind active, body healthy, and avoid behavioral problems.
As a highly active dog, daily walks are a must. However, schedule your exercises during cold hours as it is more favorable for hybrids. At least 60 minutes of physical activity should be performed each day, while the distance walked every week must be at least 14 miles.
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix will need room to run. They’ll need a lot! Therefore, ideally, he should be placed with a family that has a large house with lots of outdoor space.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy levels
High
Exercise needs
Medium to High
Intensity
Medium to High
Playfulness
Medium to High
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Grooming
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix has thick and fluffy coats. This breed is not for the people who do not like dog hair in their homes. He needs to brush his skin every day to keep it healthy and tangle-free. You’ll need a pin brush and an undercoat de-shedding tool to manage it effectively.
Make sure you do not bathe them too often when cleaning. Generally, German Shepherds have sensitive skin and can quickly develop rashes or skin irritations if they are over-bathed. Therefore, you should only wash your pup when necessary (maximum once a month).
A bath now and then is also recommended. Extra care is needed because the German Shepherd parent may have a history of skin issues. Its nails will be hard and strong, but a regular check is necessary to ensure they do not become too long. If the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix claws are broken or brittle, you should check and carefully trim them. Finally, brush their teeth several times a week.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to High
Drooling tendencies
Medium
Amount of shedding
Low to Medium
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Health
Generally, Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes life for 10 to 15 years. Still, they may develop several health issues owing to inherited conditions. While all breeds are susceptible to developing health problems caused by their genetic upbringing, some races are more vulnerable than others.
Unfortunately, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd can develop health problems.
Hip Dysplasia:
Hip dysplasia is a painful ailment that makes walking difficult, and it can only be fixed by surgery. It might appear in middle age, but it can also happen later.
Elbow Dysplasia:
Elbow dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the elbows. The dog owner usually does not notice it until it becomes painful and noticeable.
Bloat:
Bloat is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with too much gas. It causes the dogs’ abdomen to expand and makes it look like it will explode. The best way to prevent this condition is by keeping your dog on a regular exercise routine.
Patella Luxation:
Patella Luxation is a congenital deformity of the canine knee joint. It occurs in dogs at birth and is a hereditary condition that affects one in every million puppies. Thedisease affects the dog’s knee joint and can lead to painful injuries, lameness, and arthritis.
Panosteitis:
Young dogs with rapid growth tend to develop panosteitis.
Osteochondrodysplasia:
Osteochondrodysplasia disorders are rare hereditary disorders of bone or cartilage that affect the development of the skeleton.
Degenerative Myelopathy:
A neurological disease that causes a dog to have difficulty in moving.
Cataracts:
Cataracts are a growing issue in today’s pet population, and there is no cure for them yet. The treatment varies depending on how advanced it has gotten and what other conditions it has caused your dog.
So if you are concerned about your dog’s health, you may want to have your vet examine them for any cataract symptoms or signs as soon as possible.
Heart Murmurs:
Heart murmurs in dogs are most commonly caused by ‘mitral insufficiency,’ where the mitral valve becomes thick and leaks.
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder found in dogs, affecting approximately 0.75% of them.
Heart Diseases:
The signs of heart disease may include exercise intolerance, weakness, coughing, difficulty breathing, increased breathing rate, and abdominal swelling.
von Willebrand’s disease:
von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor protein (vWF). This protein must be present in the bloodstream at the site of a blood vessel injury to control bleeding.
Eye Problems:
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix can be prone to these eye diseases:
Corneal damage
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Eyelid mass
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Cherry eye
Entropion
Allergies:
Great Pyrenees German Shepherds can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your dog licks his paws or rubs his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s metabolism is slowed, due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Among the signs and symptoms are:
Lethargy
Gaining weight
Reluctance to work out
Hair Loss
Arthritis:
Arthritis is most frequent in older dogs, can affect the legs, hips, back, and other body areas, making daily activities uncomfortable. However, as a dog owner, you can watch for signs of arthritis in dogs. So, if your dog is diagnosed, you may discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
Cancer:
A leading health disease affecting Germanees. 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 affects middle-aged and elderly dogs.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Diet and Nutrition
The diet of the Germanees can be described as very healthy, rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories but high in protein content (providing energy). The diet should be based on natural ingredients such as meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Puppies of the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix can be fed with the best puppy food brands, as well as the best dry dog food for small dogs. When fully grown, you can switch to the best large breed dry dog food to give them all the energy they need.
We recommend the following food products for your Germenees puppy:
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Also, monitor their diet and exercise levels to ensure they aren’t overweight, leading to health concerns. Follow a recommended diet. However, it is important not to overfeed your pup as this mix is prone to obesity.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Living Condition
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix is suited to families with young children. Because of his sheer size and the risk involved, you should never leave him alone with them. His good socialization as a pup makes him a good choice for homes with other pets. However, this may not be possible due to his parentage. If you have more than one pet, this is an important consideration.
Additionally, this breed is very loyal and protective of its family members. All other house pets will be fine living under the same roof. The hybrid might also play with other house pets because it has herding tendencies. However, raising this breed requires constant training, socialization, and patience.
Adding a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix to your family
Only purchase a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix puppy from a reputable breeder. They ensure the health and happiness of both the puppies and their purebred parents. They should also give health clearance reports and gene tests for vaccinated puppies.
Remember not to purchase a puppy if the breeders cannot provide you with documentation that the parent breeds have been cleared of any health issues that could affect the crossbreed.
Cost of a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Puppy
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix puppies will cost you around $400-$500. Make sure you buy from a reputable breeder.
