Do you want to own a Husky-German Shepherd? To be familiar with this breed, we are going to give you some facts about this pooch.

The Husky German Shepherd crosses the species of two intelligent dogs, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd. More people are also calling this mix as Gerberian Shepsky. Here are some facts you need to know before owning a Husky-German Shepherd mix:

#1 Description

The Gerberian Shepsky is such a unique combination of both stunning looking dogs. Who wouldn’t fall in love with their piercing blue eyes and its thick brown or gray fur? But other than its looks, it also boasts its excellent temperament compared to other breeds. But because they are a combination of both active and enthusiastic breeds, their owners should know to train them.

You need not fret because they are easy to prepare, and they are very loyal to their owners. They are also referred to as designer dogs because of their unique characteristics. Because they belong to big types of pooches, you need to have a wider space at home. This furry friend can last up to 10 to 13 years.

#2 Temperament

The Husky German Shepherd has calm and gentle personality. However, they are quite intimidating to look at because of their muscular structure. They can be both a pet and a working buddy, especially that they can guard their owners. They are also trainable types of dogs. Thus, they are very sensitive to owners’ verbal cues like whistles and claps. They can be trainable to herd cattle. However, they still have their animalistic behavior, causing them to be great at hunting. They can also manage to become police dogs since they are very smart and active.

Because of their potential to be trainable by police officers and special forces, they can be great police dogs during operations. They can also contribute to military missions. They are very appealing because of their intelligence. They can learn quickly after some repetitive commands, and they extremely obey commands.

Gerberian Shepsky mixes are also very active and are very enthusiastic to learn from their owners. They function well because of their calm nature. They are also very curious. That’s why they are ideal for search and rescue operations. However, these pooches tend to be very protective of their territory and their families. These dogs do not make friends with strangers too quickly, but they are loyal to their owners. They may be aggressive at times, but they are also kind.

#3 Size

The Gerberian Shepsky mixes are large dogs. These dogs height and weight may vary from one another because of their parents’ characteristics. However, the average weight of a Gerberian Shepsky is 45 to 88 pounds or 20.4 to 40 kilograms. Their measurement usually ranges from 20 to 25 inches or 51 to 63.5.

#4 Health Issues/ Problems

The Gerberian Shepsky has a typical lifespan that reaches up to 13 years. Although a lot of crossbred pooches do not experience many health concerns, this breed can inherit more health issues. Commonly observed health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia. Other health problems also include blood disorders, bloating, dwarfism, epilepsy, and juvenile cataracts. These Gerberian Shepsky mixes are also very susceptible to flea bites and allergies.

Moreover, here are some of the other health problems usually experienced by the Gerberian Shepsky:

     ● Digestive tract problems

● Eczema

● Crystalline Corneal opacities

● Keratitis or inflammation of the cornea

● Corneal Dystrophy

● Von Willebrand’s disease

● Perianal fistulas

● Spleen disorders and tumors

● EPI or Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

● DM or Degenerative Myelitis

● Take Note: Because Gerberian Shepsky mixes are hybrids, they tend to be more healthy than any other purebred pooches.

#5 Exercise and Training Routines

Gerberian Shepsky is an active species. Hence, it needs more physical exercise, activities, and training sessions. If you are too busy to have a schedule for his morning or afternoon walk, you may allow it to exercise through running in your backyard as long as it is necessary. And because these dogs think and work independently, they need a personal trainer that is strong willed. They are quite dominating and aggressive because they believe that they are the leader of the pack.

However, they are still very obedient to their master’s commands. But if the trainer of this dog is not self-assured, consistent, and physically healthy, then, this dog may trick you a couple of times.

The training schedule should allow them to function at their best, and they should be rewarding. Plus, personal trainers and even owners should take note that they should do their commands gently. Their training needs lots of understanding and patience because of the strong character of these hybrids. Bear in mind that these dogs are very energetic, and they love to have their play time.

You also need to find a place that they can freely and openly move. Allowing them to exercise builds up their bones and boost their endurance and resistance.

#6 Living Conditions Required

The Gerberian Shepsky mixes large dogs, with so much energy in them. So, it is a necessity to have a vast space at home, especially in your backyard. It will allow them to move around as they want and have their play time. And because they are not fond of cats and other dogs around them, you need to establish socialization in their younger years.

They do not need to stay indoors with you. They may stay outside as long as they have a shelter they can live. Additionally, these dogs are very playful. Thus, you need to have lots of dog toys to keep them occupied and stimulated.

#7 Grooming Needs

Having may seem very exhausting, especially that some dogs are high maintenance during their grooming time. You need to groom these dogs regularly because they shed more often. As owners, you need to make sure that you comb their double coat. You may brush it at least 2 to 3 times each week. It will ensure that their fur maintains its shine, and they are free from any dust and other particles. If you cannot properly groom these dogs, their fur may become wild and dirty.

Hence, it is very vital that you spend some time with your dog and keep them clean and shiny all the time. Make sure to brush them, trim their coats, cut their fur and take care of their nails and ears. Their ears may have gathered a lot of earwax, so you need to clean them, and their nails need regularly trimming too. If you do not have time for this, you may avail some services offered in a veterinary clinic or a professional dog salon.

#8 Proper Diet and Nutrition

Because of its active nature, the Gerberian Shepsky requires its proper diet and nutrition. Although they are great eaters, some of these dogs may be picky eaters. For picky eaters, you need to make wise decisions, especially in buying dog food brands. You need to stick to the brand that they like. You also need to find dog treats that are suitable for their appetite. But you need to know that selecting the food for your Husky German Shepherd mix may differ from one another.

You need to remember that just like us, dogs have different choices when it comes to food. Thus, you have to make sure to try a few brands and perform a trial and error stage before you settle for a product. You need to buy the food that increases its appetite. As owners, you also need to know your dog quite enough and find out what your dogs’ allergies are before buying their food. If you do not have any idea, you may seek the advice of your veterinarian for some suggestions and recommendations.

#9 Getting Along With Other People and Children

These dogs have their ultimate charm which is suitable for families who may give them a lot of time. They are also appropriate for individuals who love some outdoor activities like walking, jogging, running, and hiking. They may also fit into families who want increased security because these dogs are reliable dog guards, especially at night. They have their protective characteristics, and they will do their best to protect their owner and its family.

When you train them properly and they socialize early, they may be safe for children. However, they may become overly protective of them. However, if you make sure that your Gerberian Shepsky socializes at a young age and they undergo obedience training, they may manage to work well in the environment full of kids. And as parents, you also need to make sure that you teach your children what limits are acceptable when playing and interactive with these dogs. You have to instruct them not to pull their ears and tails because their animalistic nature may still overcome them.

Also, tell your kids not to leave food unattended, so that these dogs won’t become aggressive when it comes to meals. You should also supervise your younger children when playing with these dogs because they are big. These huge dogs may accidentally push your kids during playtime.

Conclusion

The Gerberian Shepsky is a hybrid of two highly attractive and famous breeds, the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd. These dogs share both the qualities and characteristics of both breeds. That’s why they are very alert, energetic, loyal, social, and smart. They may get along with everyone they encounter as long as the established their socialization earlier. Overall, it is not hard to adore these beautiful, furry creatures.