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Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix – Everything You Need To Know

The Great Pyrenees German 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.

Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Highly IntelligentThey bark at and chase small animals
Strong, Alert, and LoyalThey 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
  • Barking Level: Medium to high
  • Shedding Level: Medium to high
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Litter Size: 4 – 8 puppies
  • Life Span: 10 – 12 years
  • 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

FeaturesGreat PyreneesGerman Shepherd
Image
OriginSpain and FranceGermany 
Height25-32 inches24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight85-115 pounds65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Size GiantLarge
GroupPastoralHerding
Children CompatibilityHighHigh
Family CompatibilityHighMedium
Pets CompatibilityHighHigh
Barking LevelHighLow to medium
Shedding LevelHighLow to medium
HypoallergenicNoNo
Grooming NeedsHighMedium
Overall HealthLowMedium to high
Complication in BreedingNoNo
EnergyHighHigh
Exercise NeedsHighHigh
TrainabilityLowMedium to high
ActivitiesTherapy Dogs, Family Dogs, Working DogsAgility, herding, companion dogs, guard dogs, military dogs
Litter Size6-126 – 10 puppies
Life Span10-12 years12 – 14 years
Other NamesPyrenean Mountain Dog and Chien de Montagne des PyrénéesMalinois, 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 levelHigh
Family-friendlyHigh
Kid-friendlyHigh
Pet-friendlyHigh
Stranger-friendlyMedium to High

Adaptability Overview

Good for apartment livingHigh
Good to new ownersMedium to High
SensitivityMedium to High
Tolerates being aloneMedium
Heat-toleranceMedium to High
Cold-toleranceHigh

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 trainMedium to High
IntelligenceHigh
Prey driveMedium
Mouthiness tendenciesMedium
Barking and howling tendenciesMedium to High
Wanderlust tendenciesMedium

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 levelsHigh
Exercise needsMedium to High
IntensityMedium to High
PlayfulnessMedium 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 groomMedium to High
Drooling tendenciesMedium
Amount of sheddingLow 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. The disease 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
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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, and Brown Rice
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Blue Wilderness High Protein Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food by Nature’s Variety
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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.  

Great Pyreness German Shepherd Mix
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Other Great Pyrenees Mixes

  • Akbashnees
  • Anatolian Pyrenees
  • Australian Pyrenees
  • Border Collie Pyrenees
  • Chownees
  • Collie Pyrenees
  • Corginees Pyrenees
  • Germanees / Shepnees
  • Golden Pyrenees / Great Pytriever
  • Great Bernese
  • Great Cambrian Sheepdog
  • Great Keeshees
  • Great Pyredane
  • Great Weilernees
  • Great Wirehaired Gryfenees / Great Gryfenees
  • Great Wolfhound
  • Malanees
  • Maspyr
  • Newfoundland Great Pyrenees Mix
  • Pyrador
  • Pyredoodle
  • Pyrenees Pit
  • Saint Pyrenees
  • Swissneese

Other German Shepherd Mixes

  • Airedale Shepherd
  • Akita Shepherd
  • Alaskan Shepherd
  • American Bulldog Shepherd
  • German Anatolian Shepherd
  • Cattle Shepherd
  • German Australian Shepherd
  • Basset Shepherd
  • Beagle Shepherd
  • German Malinois
  • Tervard
  • Euro Mountain Sheparnese
  • Boxer Shepherd
  • Bullmastiff Shepherd
  • Chow Shepherd
  • Shollie
  • Corman Shepherd
  • Doberman Shepherd
  • Spanierd
  • Frenchie Shepherd
  • Dane Shepherd
  • Germanees
  • Greyhound Shepherd
  • Golden Shepherd
  • German Sheprador
  • Sheptese
  • Mastiff Shepherd
  • Min Pin Shepherd
  • Native American Village Dog
  • New Shep
  • Patterdale Shepherd
  • Shepherd Pit
  • Shug
  • Redbone Shepherd
  • Rhodesian Shepherd
  • Rottie Shepherd
  • Saint Shepherd
  • Shepherd Pei
  • Sheltie Shepherd
  • Gerberian Shepsky
  • Shepadoodle
  • Weimshepherd
  • German Yorkie Shepherd

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