German Shepard Husky Mix/ Gerberian Shepsky is an intelligent, active, and loyal mix-breed dog of German Shepard and Siberian Husky. Despite being a new combination in the market, this mixed breed has gained huge popularity amongst pet-keepers worldwide.

This intelligent mix-breed dog makes a great pet, especially for those looking forward to buying a dog for the first time. So, are you thinking of getting one for yourself then? Below are a few things that you should know before getting your very own German Shepard Husky Mix.

1. Physical Characteristics

As with all the other crossbreeds, Gerberian Shepsky will inherit characteristics from both its parents. But there will be a slight difference between the puppies depending on various variables from area to area. Some may inherit more from the German Shepard side while some from more Siberian Husky side.

Facial Features

Most commonly, the Husky German Shepard Mix will have pointed ears giving it the perfect wolf-like appearance. In some cases, the eyes’ color could be blue or dual-colored, too, which is a signature characteristic of Husky.

Lifespan

Usually, these dogs live from anywhere between 10-14 (give or take a few years), depending upon the food and living conditions. The longest living dog of this mix-breed lived for 18-years.

Height and weight

An adult Shepsky would grow to be between 20-23 inches tall and weigh about 35-60 pounds. The weight and size can carry depending upon the parents and the dog’s diet and gender.

Coat

Both the parent dogs of this mix-breed dog are known for their thick coat. Therefore, Shepsky will have a very thick coat, enabling it to thrive in freezing temperatures.

Variant

There are many variants that this dog can be. It depends on the color variety of Husky because German Shepard has the same type of dark skin everywhere. Following are the colors they have been seen till date:

• Black
• Blue
• Cream
• Golden
• Gray
• Light Brown
• Pepper
• Red
• White

2. The Perfect Diet

Unlike American Eskimo, Lhasa Apso, etc., Shepsky falls into the dog’s larger breed category, so it will definitely require more food than the smaller breeds. It is essential to provide it a healthy and nutritious diet.

A raw diet is one of the best things to feed your dog, high-quality kibble or wet food filled with all the nutrition necessary for your dog is great too.

As an owner, it is up to you, does your research get to know what you can feed your dog and whatnot. The best person to consult this with is your veterinarian. But do know that various things seem to be healthy but are actually toxic for certain breeds, so be cautious about it.

3. Maintainance And Grooming

Everybody needs maintenance, so do your cute four-legged furry friend:

Grooming and Shedding

Though unlike the furriest dog, Husky German Shepard Mix does not shed many furs, it still is going to shed a considerable amount. So, before getting this dog home make sure that nobody in your home is allergic to dogs fur; otherwise, you will surely run into some problems. Hypoallergenic dogs are the best options for allergic people, and this mix-breed is not the one for you.

Because of Shepsky’s thick coat, you will have to comb their fur two-three times a week, if not more, and this will remove the extra fur they will shed in changing season. Never-ever shaves your Shepsky, and it can create a lot of skin problems in your poor dog.

Exercise and Training

Along with a healthy diet, you will also have to ensure that they have physical work too. Therefore being a responsible dog owner, you have to focus on proper training and socialization of your pet as early as possible. It is advised to start training them while they are still puppies because after growing up, they might become stubborn and might not enjoy training.

Enforce the following factors to make sure that your dog has proper training:

• Engagement
• Consistency
• Firmness
• Reinforcement

It would help if you also took them on walks of 30-60 minutes each day, keeping them healthy and active. If you do not take care of their health in the early stages, they will get obesity problems, which will eventually cause many health problems.

4. Price of German Shepherd Husky Mix

A German Shepherd Husky Mix puppy will cost you anywhere from $350-$1000, depending upon the color and other varients.

Apart from the cost, you have to be ready to spend at least $500 yearly on their medical expenses. You will also have to feed them good quality food and other essentials, which will also cost a hefty amount; therefore, you should be ready to spend this amount of money on your dog.

5. Temperament of Shepsky

These are a comparatively huge dog with muscular body anybody can get scared off if it runs towards them aggressively. But actually, this mix-breed dog has a reputation for being calm and gentle amongst people. Some of the best qualities that make this dog so popular amongst pet-keepers are:

Active and Playful

Shepskys are full of energy; they will be ready to play all time, but they will require regular exercise. Without regular exercise, they can get aggressive and stressed out, which will make them bark without any reason most of the time.

Therefore take them to at least a good strenuous walk every day to make them the active and playful breed they very much are.

Attentive and Protective

They are excellent guard dogs, and they stay attentive all day. This is the trait that they have inherited from both of their parents. They do also bark a lot because of the attentiveness to sound.

Affectionate and Friendly

They are one of the most affectionate of all dog breeds. They will get super excited seeing you and would never refuse a good pet or belly rub. It mixes well with other people and will get dissolved in your family like a child.

Loyal and Intelligent

It will stay loyal to you its entire life, and these dogs have never failed or disappointed any of their owners. With a higher cognitive level, they make one of the best dogs in the dog-keeping community.

So, before getting this amazing mix-breed dog, make sure that you have enough time and money to invest in this dog, and if you are, go for it!