A Designer Breed: German Shepherd and Husky Mix (Gerberian Shepsky)

Are you looking to add a loyal and affectionate German Shepherd to the family? Or maybe a loving and playful Siberian Husky? Why not both in one package? Here comes the German Shepherd Husky mix, also known as Gerberian Shepsky, which can probably be the best of both worlds as a mixed breed dog.

The German Shepherd and Husky mix (Gerberian Shepsky), is an intentional mix breed that is known for its intelligence, independence, and high energy level. They are loyal, friendly, and very affectionate. Shepskies also love the outdoors and make great family pets.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the German Shepherd and Husky mix, so you can learn more about the Shepsky and decide if this dog breed is right for you.

What to expect from a German Shepherd Husky mix?

For those that are new to the Gerberian Shepsky (or Shepsky in short), this is a medium to large dog breed that stems from German Shepherds and Huskies. They are slightly smaller than the average German Shepherd (a large dog breed) and do inherit this breed’s loyal, and focused demeanor. 

Shepsky is affectionately coined as a hybrid of two of the most popular dog breeds and two very close relatives of the wolf. 

Just like the GSD, the Shepsky is well-known for being an energetic and extremely intelligent dog that has the potential to be an extraordinary family pet if they are socialized and trained properly. 

They are easy to train and can be perfect pet dogs for families with children.

Watch this 3-minute video to get a quick glimpse of this wonderful dog breed:

Shepsky vs German Shepherd vs Husky? 

The German Shepherd Husky mix is a combination of two dog breeds. Here’s a quick comparison of this mixed breed to their parent breeds. 

	Gerberian Shepsky	German Shepherd	Siberian Husky
Origin	No known record of breed development. It is said that the first Gerberian Shepsky litter was most likely accidental.	Originate as a herding breed and was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 1800s.	One of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were developed by the Chukchi Tribe in Russia.
Size	20-25 inches tall	22-26 inches tall	20-23.5 inches tall
Weight	Male: 55-80 Female: 45-65	Males: 70-90 lbs. Females: 65-80 lbs.	Males: 40-60 lbs. Females: 35-50 lbs.
Coat	Double coated. Depending on genes, they may shed all year round or seasonally.	Double coated. Available short or long. They shed all year.	Double coated. Their thick undercoat makes them look fluffy. They shed twice a year.
Color	Main colors include brown, black, mahogany (red), cream, and blue.	Black and tan is the most commonly recognized color. Rarer color variations, including sable, black, and white, liver, and blue are available as well.	Usually appears in mahogany with lighter shades on the stomach. Their faces usually have a black masks.
Lifespan	10-13 years	9-13 years	12-14 years
Energy Level	High, due to both parent breeds having high energy levels. Needs a minimum of 90 minutes of intensive exercise.	High. Need at least 90 minutes of physical and mental exercise per day.	High. They are natural-born marathoners and can run long distances every day.
Family friendliness	When socialized properly, they make great family pets. They are loyal, friendly, and protective of children.	Love and very protective of their family, very child-friendly	Huskies love to live in packs and they are very sociable. They are good with children as well as other animals in the household.
Trainability	Good, but may need some convincing at first. Once trained, they are perfect working dogs.	Great can do just about any job they are assigned to.	Good. But they tend to do things that they see the benefit in. So a pack of high-value treats and patience is what you need.
Cost of a puppy	US $1500-$3000	US $1250-2500	US$1000-2500

Why do you want to have a German Shepherd Husky mix? 

The German Shepherd Husky mix is an extremely active and quick-witted dog. Once given the proper training and motivation, they can be wonderful working companions. 

From livestock herding to hiking adventures, this dog does it all. And, if your Gerberian Shepsky has more Husky-dominant genes, they can perform well in sled races. 

Alternatively, if it’s a family pet you’re after, these pups are extremely loyal to their family and will even protect your children from harm. Free babysitting, anyone?

Who should get a German Shepherd Husky mix?

This may or may not be something you want to hear, but Gerbierian Shepskys aren’t suited to just anyone. For example, if you work a lot, and live alone in a condo, this dog breed is not for you. 

Here are some lifestyle types that are better suited for a German Shepherd Husky mix:

• Marathon runners or other types of athletes
• Avid Hikers or adventurers 
• Farmers (or people with a large property)
• Active families
• Outdoor enthusiasts (but not good for hunting)

History of German Shepherd Husky mix 

No one really knows exactly when the first German Shepherd Husky mix litter was born.

And, in all reality, the pairing probably wasn’t intentional. But, at any rate, it has become a designer breed that is extremely popular in the 21st century. 

The parent breeds, on the other hand, both have well-documented origin stories. The German Shepherd Dog was first bred in Germany in 1899. The Siberian Husky goes back at least 3000 years, only coming to America in 1900.

German Shepherd Husky mix temperament 

Like any mixed breed, the German Shepherd Husky mixes can inherit any number of traits from the Huskies and German Shepherds. Not to mention that every dog is an individual. 

That being said, this breed is typically known for inheriting the loyalty of the German Shepherd and the energy of a Siberian Husky. This makes for a super-smart and very energetic dog.

German Shepherd Husky mix appearance 

A German Shepherd Husky mix can vary in appearance. Not only in coat color and length, but also in size. German Shepherds are classified as large dogs, while Huskies are medium-sized. 

When it comes to their coat, this can also vary from pup to pup. Depending on the dominant genes, your German Shepherd Husky mix may have a long, fluffy or a shorter, smoother coat. Either way, this breed inherits a double coat from both parent breeds and sheds quite a bit. 

How big will a German Shepherd Husky mix get? 

Gerberian Shepskies weigh-in in a wide range of 45-80 pounds, with the males being on the heavier end of the scale. 

Their height, however, seems to keep to the Husky genes, with the Gerberian Shepsky only standing 25 inches tall, at the most.

Keep in mind that this is a highly active breed that requires a high-protein diet. Calorie requirements in the dog’s food will differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex.

How much exercise does a German Shepherd Husky mix need? 

With both bloodlines being extremely active breeds, it’s more than safe to assume that the puppies from this sort of pairing will have the same type of needs. German Shepherds need 90 minutes of exercise per day, while the Husky was originally used as sled dog and loves running all day long. 

So, if you’re thinking about getting a Shepsky, make sure you’re setting aside a couple of hours each day for intense playtime. If not, then you will most definitely run into behavioral problems.

What is the lifespan of a Shepsky?

Being a medium to large dog, the lifespan of a Shepsky can run anywhere from 10-14 years, depending on the lifestyle, activity level, diet, and location.

As a mixed breed, you can expect fewer health issue can than their purebred parent, however, congenital diseases from either parent are still possible. The list includes hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy and the like.

Common German Shepherd Husky behavior issues 

Since both parent breeds are intelligent and energetic, German Shepherd Husky mixes shouldn’t be left alone for long. While they are eager to please and easily trained, there are some common behavior problems that you may run into, including

• Stubbornness
• Separation anxiety
• Aggression toward strangers
• Being overprotective of children 
• Becoming destructive when they get bored

How cold can the German Shepherd Husky Mix handle?

Both parent breeds have thick double coats that keep them warm. That said, German Shepherd Husky mixes can usually handle temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) to 10°F (-12°C). However, a Shepsky’s threshold for cold weather will depend on other facts such as age, health, and genetics.

Training a German Shepherd Husky mix

Coming from two very well-known working breeds, you can imagine that the Gerberian Shepsky is pretty easy to train.

This is true, but only if you’ve trained dogs before. If not, it’s best left to the professionals, especially for work purposes. 

See this post for more ideas: Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Easy to Train? 

Socializing a German Shepherd Husky mix 

A German Shepherd Husky Mix should be socialized with children, other dogs, and other animals as soon as possible. You should introduce things slowly and in a controlled space, where your pup can feel comfortable. 

They should also be desensitized to anything they will come across. For example, if your dog is going to come along on trail rides, you should be introducing your pup to the horses and the trails, and not at the same time.  

Do German Shepherd Husky mixes shed? 

Both the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky have thick, double coats. The German Shepherd sheds all year round, while the Siberian Husky sheds once a year. 

The Gerberian Shepsky is known as a moderate shedder. However, coat types can vary from dog to dog. But either way, they do shed, which makes them a poor fit for people with pet allergies. 

Common German Shepherd Husky health risks 

Like every mixed breed, the German Shepherd Husky mix may develop any of the health issues that their parent breeds can, although responsible breeders will have the parent dogs cleared of all health issues. 

• Elbow and hip dysplasia 
• Bloat
• Cataracts 
• Nerve and muscle degeneration 
• Skin conditions and allergies 

Conclusion

If you lead an active lifestyle and have the time and dedication to train and care for a German Shepherd Husky mix, then they are right for you. Remember that as time goes on, your lifestyle may change, but your dog’s needs won’t.

So, if you do add a Gerberian Shepsky to your family, always remember their needs when you’re making life changes, and make adjustments to allow them to live their best life. 

Further questions

What is a German Shepherd Husky mix called?

A German Shepherd and Husky mix is called a Gerberian Shepsky or Shepsky for short. You can usually spot one by looking for a German Shepherd that has a longer coat or a husky with a German Shepherd’s nimble body. 

Are German Shepherd Husky mixes good family dogs?

A German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great family dog when it has had socialization with children or other animals. And while they’re typically friendly, their staunch protectiveness of children may be a problem for new people coming into your home. 

How much is a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy? 

The price of a German Shepherd Husky puppy can cost anywhere between $1500 and $3000. This wide range is due to the fact that it is not a pure breed, but finding a good genetic pairing takes just as much time and effort as any purebred line.