Gerberian Shepsky

45-72 lbs
20-25"
United States
German Shepherd
Siberian Husky
Husky Shepherd, Siberian Shepherd

German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are two of the most tireless and dutiful breeds you could hope to find. When crossbred together, the result is the Shepsky (also known as the Gerberian Shepsky). Not only are they loyal and lovable hybrids, but they’re excellent workers too, whether serving in the police or taking part in search and rescue missions.

Keep reading this guide to the Shepsky dog to learn that:

  • Both parent breeds are working dogs that are good at learning commands
  • They can be affected by hip dysplasia, eye conditions or epilepsy
  • An energetic dog, the Shepsky needs at least two hours of activity a day
  • They can be challenging for inexperienced parents to train


Shepsky Breed Overview

First up, what is a Shepsky dog? Put simply, it’s the offspring of a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. As you’d expect, they inherit plenty of their parents’ traits.

This is most evident when it comes to energy levels. A Shepsky is a bad fit for someone who doesn’t lead a particularly active lifestyle — they need a colossal amount of exercise every day, be that walking, running or hiking.

As well as that, this is a dog that harks from working stock and as such, is used to a lot of attention and stimulation. They can be quite vocal if they’re dissatisfied for any reason, but fortunately, they’re good at accepting the commands of a pack leader.

If you believe that you can commit to the time and effort that life with a Shepsky requires, you’ll find them to be rewarding companions.



Want to keep your Gerberian Shepsky fit and healthy for as long as possible? A pet insurance policy will get them back on their feet when illness strikes and Wag! Can help you find a suitable option.




purpose Purpose
Police work, search and rescue, guarding, herding, companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
German Shepherd and Siberian Husky

Gerberian Shepsky Health

Average Size
Male Gerberian Shepsky size stats
Height: 20-25 inches Weight: 50-88 lbs
Female Gerberian Shepsky size stats
Height: 20-25 inches Weight: 45-72 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Full Physical Examination
  • Ocular Tests for Eye Problems

Gerberian Shepsky Breed History

Like many hybrids with combined names — think the Labradoodle, Cavachon or Puggle — the Shepsky emerged in the 1990s. This was a period when cross breeding different dogs for desirable looks, size or attributes exploded in popularity.

Of course, the two parent breeds of a Shepsky puppy have both been around for a lot longer than this. 

The German Shepherd emerged as a distinct breed in the latter decades of the 19th century. They came about from breeders’ efforts in interbreeding long-haired, short-haired and wire-coated local herding and farm dogs.

The dogs were presented at Hanover in 1882 and the short-haired version was presented in Berlin in 1899. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.

German Shepherds quickly became known for their obedience and aptitude for hard work. And not just shepherding, either — they were prized in police and military environments, while they were also a natural in front of the camera, too (especially canine filmstars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart).

Siberian Huskies have been around for even longer than German Shepherds and were longtime companions of the Chukchi indigenous people in deepest Siberia. These dogs were well-suited to the extreme cold and were adept at pulling sleds at speed, herding reindeer and watching out for potential threats.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Siberian Huskies were being imported to Alaska and shone as competitors in sled races. 

Arguably their finest moment on American soil happened in 1925 when a team of Siberian Huskies led by mushers including Leonhard Seppala and Gunnar Kaasen covered more than 1,000km in five-and-a-half days in order to deliver diphtheria medicine to stop an epidemic in the town of Nome.

Five years later, the Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC and continues to be a much-loved breed in the USA to this day.

Gerberian Shepsky Breed Appearance

It should take just one look at a Shepsky to see their athleticism and talent for tolerating difficult weather conditions.

They’re a medium-sized dog with a muscular build — however, like a boxer, they’re light on their feet, too. The body is long and lean, and covered in a thick coat that’s soft to the touch. 

When it comes to the color of the coat, you might see the German Shepherd’s influence with browns and reds, but sometimes the Siberian Husky’s input reigns supreme — it’s possible to find cream, white, blue or black Shepsky puppies.

Eyes are brown, blue or even one of each, while noses are typically black.

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Gerberian Shepsky eyes
Blue
brown Gerberian Shepsky eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Gerberian Shepsky nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Gerberian Shepsky coat
Brown
cream Gerberian Shepsky coat
Cream
white Gerberian Shepsky coat
White
red Gerberian Shepsky coat
Red
blue Gerberian Shepsky coat
Blue
brown Gerberian Shepsky coat
Brown
black Gerberian Shepsky coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Gerberian Shepsky straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Gerberian Shepsky Breed Maintenance

There’s no getting around the fact that a full grown Gerberian Shepsky needs a lot of exercise — we’re talking at least two hours a day and around 11 miles of walking a week. A large yard is particularly helpful in letting them expel some energy while parents are otherwise occupied.

For a lot of people (including apartment-dwellers), that might be an unfeasible figure and perhaps a slightly less demanding breed might be more suitable. However, those who lead an active lifestyle will love this hybrid’s impressive stamina and enthusiasm for adventures.

As well as this, their dense and double-coated coat should be brushed at least twice a week to keep it in good shape. A Shepsky can be bathed if they’re especially dirty, but this shouldn’t be done too often as it can upset the balance of natural oils in its coat.

Just as with all other breeds, parents will need to stay on top of teeth brushing, nail clipping and ear cleaning — it can be a challenge to keep a Shepsky sitting still for long periods of time, so try to keep these sessions as short as possible.



Shepsky Health Risks

Although German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies gift many positive traits down to Shepsky puppies, unfortunately, there’s also the risk that they pass on certain health conditions. 

Some of the medical conditions that can develop over the course of the Shepsky lifespan include:

Joint Problems

As mentioned, the Shepsky is a dog that loves nothing more than to run around, but sadly, there are two health conditions that can impair this movement.

The first is hip dysplasia, a disease that’s common in medium-sized dogs with lots of energy. This happens when the hip joint fails to develop correctly during their formative years and the bone becomes misaligned with the corresponding socket.

The main symptoms are reduced mobility and pain in the hindquarters, which vets can address in a number of ways. Sometimes, supplements and weight loss will ease the worst of the effects, but physiotherapy or surgery might be necessary in more serious instances.

The second joint issue is Patellar Luxation, which, while more commonly diagnosed in smaller breeds, can occur in dogs the size of a Shepsky. This happens when a dog’s kneecap dislocates periodically, resulting in limping, abnormal movements and general distress.

Again, surgery can often correct this problem and medication can be given to soothe the pain and inflammation.

Eye conditions

Parents of a Shepsky should be clued up on eye disease. Cataracts are fairly common and are quite easy for parents to spot — the lens of a dog’s eye will look cloudy or abnormal in terms of color. 

Cataracts can lead to partial or even complete vision loss, but usually can be successfully treated with surgery. It’s important to inform your vet as soon as you suspect your dog has cataracts, as the affliction can sometimes be a side effect of a different medical condition.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another risk. This affects the retina at the back of the eye, but is similar to cataracts in that it can lead to vision loss. Unfortunately, it’s untreatable and the most a parent can do following a diagnosis is to keep their dog’s environment safer to reduce the risk of accidents.

Epilepsy

Both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are slightly more prone to being affected by epilepsy, so it only follows that this might be the case with Shepskies, too.

The main symptom of epilepsy is seizures, which often include involuntary movements and loss of consciousness. Although it can be an inherited condition, it can also be brought about by another disease, such as a brain tumor or liver disease.

Vets will look to get an epileptic dog onto anticonvulsant medication as soon as possible. This doesn’t cure epilepsy but allows a dog with the condition to live as normal a life as possible. Regular veterinary monitoring will be required once they’ve started taking the drugs.




Just as with humans, catching disease in dogs as early as possible is often key to a full recovery — a wellness plan includes testing and examinations for this very purpose.




What to Feed a Shepsky


Generally speaking, dogs that need a lot of exercise also need a lot of food and that’s no different for the Shepsky. Be sure to satisfy this big appetite with the sort of food that’s actively good for their insides — that means lots of protein, vegetables and vitamins, and less starchy filler and mysterious ingredients.

As a dog susceptible to hip dysplasia, be sure not to give them recipes with a large amount of calcium while they’re a puppy as this can be a contributing factor. Choosing a dog food that’s been specifically designed around the needs of growing canines averts this risk.



Our partner Dog Food Advisor has compiled lists of the best products for both German Shepherds and Huskies — these should also be great for Gerberian Shepskies, too.




Brushes for Gerberian Shepsky
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Gerberian Shepsky requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Gerberian Shepsky Temperament

Ideally, parents will have had some previous experience with looking after dogs. This is because the Gerberian Shepsky temperament can be tricky to deal with at times.

There’s no doubt they’re obedient and intelligent dogs, but they do get bored easily and need firm authority to keep them in line at times. Fail to keep them occupied or under control, and you’ll hear them barking or perhaps even catch them chewing possessions out of frustration.

When it comes to other members of the household, they’re protective around young children, especially if both are introduced while the Shepsky is still a puppy. You’ll have to teach kids not to disturb a Shepsky while they’re eating or drinking though, as they don’t tend to react well when this happens.

They retain a fairly high prey drive, which can make introducing new animals into the house when Shepskies are fully grown quite difficult. Again, if introduced during the early socialization period, the dog should be able to live in harmony with other pets.

However, it should be emphasized that a well-trained and socialized Shepsky will be gentle, affectionate and fun-loving — albeit with a mischievous streak.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
11 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes
activity minutes

Gerberian Shepsky Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $50.00
food bag monthly cost

Gerberian Shepsky Owner Experiences

Clint
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
Very intelligent- though, if not properly trained, can use it's intelligence for mischievous things.
7 years, 1 month ago
Aurora
15 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Playing in the snow
Very attached to me and not as much my girlfriend or either of our family members not too great with strangers not aggressive but standoffish great with dogs but a drive to be dominant doesn’t like cats much
6 years, 7 months ago
Dakotah
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Play keep away
Tug-of-war
He wants to be where I am but not necessarily close. I let him walk freely cause I am slow -but- he will wait for me to catch up. Wary of strangers but NOT aggressive. For some reason is deathly afraid of Mentally Challenged people.
6 years, 6 months ago
Nadya
1 Year
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So far.she is highly intelligent and trainable and she just turned 1 last month!
6 years, 5 months ago
Blade
15 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hike
Tracking
Somewhat timid around new people but incredibly sweet and smart. Very willing to train and go on walks.
6 years, 5 months ago
rose
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Park
Go on Vacation
Walk
Run
Frisbee
Road trip
Learn a new trick
Catch treats
Play keep away
Tug-of-war
Fetch
High Five
Brushing
Shake
Off-leash
Tag
Explore the woods
let me start by stating i live in Texas and rose struggles with that. if you live somewhere hot you need to make sure they are kept in a room thats 70 Fahrenheit or they will never stop panting. they have a double layered coat that is pretty thick. make sure you brush them regularly and only bathe when needed. rose is insanely smart and is full of energy, you need to both exercise them and keep them stimulated during the day or they will get in trouble. rose will chew anything and everything near her kennel which i have to leave her in when im away from home because she likes to get into trouble when shes alone. she sleeps in my bed with me and is with me at all times when im home. shes very defensive of me and often barks and occasionally growls but is quick to warm up to people. she is very loving, when i wake up in the morning and when i come home she rubs all over me. Gerberian Shepsky's make great companions and best friends but you need to teach them early obedience as soon as you can so bad habits dont form.
6 years, 4 months ago
Naydia
1 Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Highly intelligent. If you live in a hot climate expect to have to the dog inside with AC and groom them because they do shed a lot. She loves to go to our family farm about 4 times a week and runs freely and swims in the pond. Already at 1 year old knows all the basic commands and potty training was easy. Very friendly with others but does not like to have me out of her sight. Good with other dogs. Just wants to play with them. Great companion dog.
6 years, 3 months ago
Sage
2 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Plays in snow
Trail walks
Hike
Tug-of-war
hide and seek
Find the treat
Fetch
Cuddling
Swiming
Tricks for treats
Walks
Plays with cats
Running around the yard
Having the dog for almost 2 years now has had it's success and challenges. I'll begin with some challenges. The first and most annoying challenge was working on leash manners. She had terrible leash manners in the begining that was hard to break but she has overcame it well over time. Another challenge was being picky on top of being sensitive to foods she ate. The only types of food she eats that doesn't upset her stomach was home cooked food, and precise holistics kibble. Sometimes she even turns her nose up at these. Picky with treats, and bones. And something that isn't a challenge for myself, but may be for others is grooming. These dogs SHED. If you can't fathom dealing with hair on everything this isn't the dog for you. I brush my dog every 2 days to help keep shedding to a minimum. I would reccomend vaccuming at least once a week. On to the positives: Was fully potty trained by about 4 months old. Learned basic commands and tricks quick and easy. Dog is extremely friendly especially to children. Loving and cuddly. Dog doesn't understand personal space, or that she's too big to be a lap dog (at least to others). Velcro dog which is my favorite and most desired trait of a dog. Always wants to be by my side, and do what i do. Seperation anxiety was an issue in the begining but has been resolved over time. The dog rarely barks. She only barks during play, or may let out 1 or 2 barks when dogs walk by. She mostly does a very short low pitched "woof". Only dog I've met that doesnt bark when the doorbell rings just goes straight to her bed like a good girl. This dog doesn't make a lot of noise, but wouldn't be a good choice if you have neighbors below you. Mouth is quiet feet are loud. Does wonderful with cats of all ages. Grew up with a kitten and has great respect for the disabled senior cat that moved in. I have no worries at all with this dog around indoor cats. Has lived with a small dog growing up as well and does the best with the smaller creatures. Large dogs seem to scare her so we avoid them. We took her to the dog parks in the area once a week every week up until she was a year old and enjoyed it greatly, and was never involved in any fights. We halted dog park visits as she became more fearful with larger dogs after being chased, and bullied by a much larger dog than her. Dog parks are wonderful, but beware of irresponsible owners. The dog started out with never ending energy although she has calmed down a lot with age, being fixed, and giving her more mental stimulation on top of slightly more physical excersize. I suggest on rainy days making a play area inside. I let her run around in the basement, play fetch, tug, hide and seek, and find the treat indoors. Oh and crates. My dog was crate trained and left at home alone for 4 hours a day. Crate was a horrible idea being alone. She would tear apart anything inside. I suggest if you must use a crate please put them by a window if you can so they aren't completely bored out of their mind. I decided to get gates instead and it was an amazing decision. No more ripped up beds, and a happier dog. The dog has brought much joy and security to my life. Wonderful and goofy companion. She is a great balance of protective. Welcomes people with open arms, but I know if anyone were to try and assault me this dog would protect me no doubt. This dog is a motivater for me to get off the couch more and I have lost 20lbs within 2 years since having her. Not a good choice in dog for couch potatoes, those who work long hours, or those who think the dog will be fine at home alone for long periods of time.
6 years, 2 months ago
Luna
18 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very playful and active but sometimes can get aggressive with other dogs
5 years, 10 months ago
Sanjana
1 Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Tug of war
fetch with ball
wrestling
She’s super sweet, highly energetic, and definitely a bit mischievous. Love her to death!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
5 years, 9 months ago
Rocky
5 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kayaking
Hiking
Surfing
Sky diving
Fishing
Polar bear hunting
Deep sea diving
Gold mining
Eating his own poop
Being stinky
Moving when I say stay
Sassy pants
Pussy getter
Jogging
Fetch
Dog Parks
Pissing on my couch
snoring
Rocky is my dog, dawg. I love this kid so much, even though he chews everything he’s a big baby. He likes to bite me because he’s teething, it hurts gacho bad. His morning routine is peeing outside, sniffing these purple plants, eating food, eating toilet paper, jumping on me and biting me. He can run forever, like seriously, I’ve had him 5 months so far and I have yet to tire him out. He loves to beg for food and watch me cook. If you like your house smelling like pee then this is the dog for you.
5 years, 9 months ago
dick
15 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ice Skating
He's awesome on ice!
5 years, 8 months ago
Skayla
13 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hike
Swim
Walk
the most loyal, loving and kind dog I ever had
5 years, 1 month ago
Sam
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very very smart picked up simple commands in the first few months. Very smart and VERY high energy. Never gets tired no matter what. Very loving and sweet although defensive. Great dog to have if you want a pal thats loyal and loving.
5 years, 7 months ago
Archie
5 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's pretty affectionate, and I like how close these dog breeds can get to a person. They're great for people with depression and other mental health issues, as they are very empathetic.
5 years, 7 months ago
Bodhi
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Hiking
Going on drives
Friendly and affectionate dog, he loves people, children and other dogs. He is very vocal with what he wants. He loves to cuddle with me in bed. He is an excitable dog, but calms himself very easily and does enjoy having his nap times.
5 years, 7 months ago
Roman
8 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
It's an adventure, trying to stop him from destroying his toys.
5 years, 7 months ago
Nova
18 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Weight pull
Swim
Run
Agility training
Barn hunt
Nova was dog aggressive and human aggressive with both strangers and occasionally family members. Nova was very high energy and easy to train. She enjoyed weight pull, Barnhunt, running, and swimming!
4 years, 11 months ago
Maverick Jackson
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We’ve gone through a lot already he survived an almost fatal dog attack. He’s very attached to me and I’m also very attached to him, I don’t know what I would do without him
4 years, 10 months ago
Molly
18 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loves to go on walks and run around our large yard
Extremely intelligent and active. Can be very stubborn when she doesn't want to do something. Good at problem solving. Fantastic family dog but not for a first time dog owner.
4 years, 10 months ago
Zella Mae O’ Brien
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Look out the window
Dog-friendly events
Dog Parks
Eating Snacks
Play with ball
Playing in the snow
I got my dog when she was one year and two months old and she had been through four homes already at that point in time and she didn’t really have any trust for anybody she is now four years old almost 5 and she is more trusting happy go getting also lazy and a really cool personality❤️
4 years, 10 months ago
Zeus
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
walking and hking
Playing catch
Running
Our dog is a rescue dog, when we got him he didn't trust us much. Now a year and half later, he is the silliest dog ever!! Can't wait for his morning and evening snack. Loves to play and has so much energy. We truly got blessed with him.
4 years, 8 months ago
Rocko
10 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rescued mine at 5 weeks and he was scared and alone. Skittish when he arrived but instantly bonded with me. Now at ten weeks he already knows and responds to his name, has mastered sit, lay down, drop it, fetch, and outside. Took less than a week to get him potty and crate trained. Extremely friendly and hyper when meeting new people or seeing anyone. Very affectionate and attached to me. Sometimes he’s a stubborn little bugger who likes to talk back and get mouthy but that’s usually when he’s overstimulated. Tons of personality in these dogs. Can’t wait to see what kind of adult dog he grows into.
4 years, 6 months ago
Princess
3 Months
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It is very fun so far
4 years, 5 months ago
Fenrir
3 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Swim
Tug-of-war
Hiking
Living in an apartment is definitely less-than-ideal for this breed but he does surprisingly well and doesn’t bark incessantly or annoy the neighbors, he has complete and full run of the place with my 13 year old cat every single day and has never harmed the cat or destroyed anything (other than my shoes). HOWEVER, I make a point of getting him out to free-run at our apartment’s private dog park with his doggy friends and multiple daily walks to keep him well-exercised and entertained. I’m used to huskies but when this beautiful shepsky puppy came up as a multiple/repeat-surrender by only 7 months old at the local shelter I assumed it was the usual husky-problems. He was a total handful the first year, the intelligence level is incredible but the stubbornness and hyperactivity made it nearly impossible to train. The over-excitability around other dogs is still an ongoing problem especially on walks, and while he’s extremely docile and utterly non-aggressive when the toddler niece/nephew pull his tail or prod at his feet, he has been known to bowl them over without hesitation if they’re standing between him and something he wants (greeting someone at the door, running for a treat). Overall few complaints about this breed, intelligent and loyal and the hyperactivity can be managed same as with a husky, but the over-excitability is definitely a factor that comes into play.
4 years, 5 months ago
Kobe
2 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug of war
Running
Whines a lot , more whining, very sassy , stubborn , hyper , energetic , hates being alone , sheds an incredible amount , grows fast , screams when taking baths , ignores a lot , scared of outside , hates being in cars , whines to get their way , always hungry
4 years, 5 months ago
Luna
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car ride
Walk
Hike
Trampoline
Running
Luna is a rescue, and we are so lucky to have found her. She was the most calm, docile dog when we met her at the shelter, she asked so gently to step on our laps for kisses. When we got her home she was lazy and lethargic, but we attribute that to the meds from getting spayed before we could adopt her. We are also 90% sure she was pregnant when she got the spay, because all of her nipples were super hard for the first month. After the first week she went nuts! Now she’s the most playful, energetic dog I’ve ever had. She “loves to love” as we like to say, and will lick anyone to death if they’ll let her. She wants to play with the cat so badly, but the cat won’t have it. She loves to go out back and jump or lay on the trampoline, and will even play defense when I’m shooting hoops. The biggest issues with her are fleas and trying to run off. Because of her coat, one flea infestation leads to many months of trying to correct the issue. She will also run away for hours at a time, but will always find her way home if we can’t find her. Usually driving up and opening the car door will get her to come if she’s gotten out. She loves car rides, especially if she gets some whipped cream from Sonic. She is the smartest dog ever and even knows non verbal hand commands. She is very independent and doesn’t like to listen, but she will if you point her in the right direction.
4 years, 4 months ago
Echo
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Soccer
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Ball
companion
We may have gotten lucky, but Echo is not only the most kind hearted and affectionate dog we’ve ever had (we’ve had a lot of dogs) but he is the most loyal, definitely protective of us, but not in a threatening or aggressive way. You just know he’s watching out for you, especially our 4 year old daughter. If I knew they would all be like Echo, would never buy another breed. Of course most of our dogs have been rescued.
4 years, 4 months ago
Menner
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
give him lots of water and feed him
DOING FETCH!
love to pet him
His original owner abused him.The owner put him up for adoption and when we put up a appointment to meet, his breath smelled of whiskey and the dog was caged and sad when we saw him.The probabilities of what the original owner did to this dog was give him beer,chain him outside,hit him with fist or object,and cage him.When we bring menner home,I cried because I've never seen a dog this sad that the dog would lay down all day.The next day,I leaned next to this dog and whispered to his ear,'' Menner, Menner your name is Menner.'' I fed him dog food with lots of water and we often came with him on trips[Note:he is a mountain dog:)] and me and him alone outside,we would play fetch,I would teach him tricks,and I would pet him.One day, when I sat down for next to him,he put his paw on my lap,licked me,and put his head on my lap and slept.He is a very cautious dog because when he would sleep,he'd check his surroundings,he would walk around the house,and check up on everybody to see how they were doing especially me.At night, he would be afraid and traumatized so I let him sleep next to me because we let him sleep around the house like the living room.He is only protective to me and when I would be hit by someone or threatened,he would bark and bite to that person.He has been an angel to me as I am to him,I am just an 11 year old and he is just a dog but I love him and he loves me. Hi, my name is Josiah and my dogs name is Menner[Ma-neer, that is how to pronounce his name] he is a mix of german sheperd and husky,We both love each other.We live in Victorville,CA and that is our story,True story and hoped you guys loved this story of me and him.
4 years, 4 months ago
Oso
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I haven’t had him for long enough
4 years, 1 month ago
Frankie
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
howling/talking
Going to the dog park
Running
swimming
Our Shepsky is the sweetest, she can be a little shy with strangers however she love all dogs. She’s stubborn and does not like to do anything on others terms so she’s only affectionate when she feels like it. She also love the cold weather and in the winter she would sleep outside if we let her.
4 years ago
Cruiser
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Dog-friendly events
Cruiser is the most well behaved and handsome dog I have ever met. We hit the jackpot with him! He was rescued out of LA and prior to coming home with us he was in 3 different foster homes. He warmed up to us quickly and is used to his routine now. He only barks/talks when he is hungry or wants to play and is obsessed with going to play with the ball at the park. He gets along with every dog and human he meets. I don’t know how I am going to find another dog like him, I don’t think I ever will! He’s the best. Great breed.
4 years ago
Ghost
5 Months
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
They’re an extremely stubborn dog, they do what they want when they want, if you don’t keep the rules and expectations continuously the same. If shown affection and softness early on they can be super loving and cuddly. I like mine being in bed with me! When my girlfriend isn’t around he sleeps on top of me, and sprawls out covering my body to protect me. One thing I think is hard is getting them to gain weight, any ideas or tips to fatten them up?
4 years ago
Chase
4 Months
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a wonderful dog cute n cuddly
4 years ago
Arrow
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing
He's a very affectionate dog. He also gets into a lot of trouble.
4 years ago
Luna
19 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bare ground drag
Rally obedience
My dearest Luna loves to run and play. She guards me a little bit more than I’d like to. Barks at the door and sounds. Really strong hunting instinct.
4 years ago
Layla
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very timid to start with but loving. Took quite a lot of training to get used to other dogs and people apart from her family. Fun, mischievous, naughty! Digs holes everywhere!!
3 years, 11 months ago
Oakley
7 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great dog! Very intelligent, but very stubborn at times.
3 years, 7 months ago
Ventress
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Obedience classes
Service dog
Agility training
Off-leash
Intelligent enough to convince you they’re stupid, they’re a fun breed to train. They have the stubbornness of a husky and the sensitivity of a Shepherd.
3 years, 10 months ago
Nova
2 Years
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Run
Agility training
They can be very stuburn but are overall great dogs.
3 years, 10 months ago
Waylon
7 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Play keep away
Great to train. Picks up commands easily.
3 years, 10 months ago
Star
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Star is the most loyal, energetic, affectionate and sassy dog you will ever meet. She has quite a personality. She’s a talker, a whiner when she doesn’t get her way but she is very sweet and does not like when her owners are upset and will comfort them. Star does not like loud noises especially the fire alarm and will direct you outside to safety. Star loves the dog park and to run. She even runs in her dreams. I love her so much.
3 years, 10 months ago
Hope IKEA
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
water
cuddle
Running
Trick
Ball
She will dig or destroy plants if bored. Tolerates the other pets nicely. 2 cats and 2 other dogs. Barks and howls when strangers walk by. Peeks over the fence to watch people and pets walking by. Hope is a very loving dog with a sweet temperament has never been aggressive with children or visitors in any way.
3 years, 9 months ago
Milky
10 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He seems like hard of hearing, does not respond well to name or command, listens with actions for sit, leave come, we just got him at 8 weeks old, we do have another she terrier dog very loving and friendly.they play very well together, share food etc
3 years, 9 months ago
Rambo
1 Year
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going for run
Run
lake
He is so beautiful and has bright blue eyes
3 years, 9 months ago
Dunkin
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Walk
Run
Hike
Dunkin is a sweetheart puppy with a wild personality! He loves running in the house and learning new skills! He lets me know when its time to play, and lets me know when its time to sleep! He enjoys sharing a blueberry muffin with me from Dunkin Donuts. This puppy makes my day daily!!
3 years, 7 months ago
Sapphire
3 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug of war
Running
Sapphire is a very excitable 3 month old puppy with heterochromia, (one blue eye one brown eye), she is already potty trained, has good listening skills but still tends to jump on people. we love to go running when im home and i have had such a great time with my new baby.
3 years, 7 months ago
Sif
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Cuddling
Hiking
Running
Sif is such a smart, fun dog. She loves easily and guards the house well. She is high energy and loves to run and play.
3 years, 7 months ago
Jellybean
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
snuggling
Running
She was a ball of fur, a very confident puppy that stood her ground with her pack. She has grown to be loyal, dedicated, smart and highly trainable. She is wary of strangers and is always regulating and checking out the perimeter before she can relax. Truly an amazing, loving dog with gentle eyes and a sweet demeanor towards her person.
3 years, 7 months ago
Delilah Mae
2 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Honestly Delilah was my first dog, and it was rough. She is stubborn. Her separation anxiety was so bad she would eat through metal kennels and bust through plastic ones. She has hip dysplasia already so we have to monitor the amount of exercise we do let her have so she's not a whimpering mess, unable to get on the bed to sleep with us. She is on several medications but Delilah has been the best dog for my Bipolar Disorder and makes me feel safe. I live my life for her. God gave me her.
3 years, 7 months ago
Stinky
17 Years
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bubbles
Very stinky, so so bad
3 years, 6 months ago
REX
9 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very affectionate. Boisterous, loyal, good with children. Doesn't like being left alone. Can howl from time to time.
3 years, 6 months ago
stinky
20 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sleep
Nap
Farting
Honestly its been a horible experience my dog. Stinky is way to friendly and he doesent know simple comands like sit or come here Stinky. He has the energy of a slug and im always having to bring him to the vet and groomer since I have to brush his fur constantly and hes sick all the time.
3 years, 4 months ago
Balto
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Run
Balto has been a blessing to our family. Super friendly, and all my son’s friends are in love with him. He loves people, but definitely is skidding and/or aggressive with other dogs or small animals, unless I intervene. With that said, he learns quickly, and loves interaction and attention. My ONLY complaint is the non-stop shedding. I literally take a fur comb to my carpet before I vacuum just because the fur with clog up the vacuum every 2 minutes otherwise. But I definitely would do it all again, as Balto is my favorite dog I’ve ever had.
3 years, 4 months ago
Reign Crosdale
3 Weeks
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's very protective and loving
3 years, 3 months ago
Bailey
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running around
Hide & Seek
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Bailey was not what I expected. I assumed he’d be a little more trainable and obeidient. He tends to struggle with the two. However, he is quite affectionate and energetic. He does love my nieces and nephew so much! He is pretty good at socializing with other dogs, other dogs meaning his “cousins”. He’s okay with stranger dogs, depending on the other dogs attitude. He’s a good boy and is growing so beautiful! I love him!
3 years, 2 months ago
Axel
12 Weeks
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Run
Walk
Boat ride
Fetch
Very smart and energetic dog. I never had a dog in my life and got him at the same time I moved to my own house for the very first time in my life. Is it crazy of me to do so? Probably. Within a few days, I can already tell they are higher maintenance compared to most breeds. It felt like raising a toddler as a single parent, and on some days I felt incredibly overwhelmed. Now that we’ve settled into a routine, things are going smoothly. Will say the companionship they bring is literally priceless. With the help of a virtual trainer and putting a lot of hours into training, he got potty trained within 3 days of getting him, and stopped crying in his crate completely on day 4. All of my coworkers were shocked at the progress. The biting and play humping got particularly bad around 10 weeks of age where he adapted to his new environment and was likely testing boundaries. Where toys failed to redirect his behavior and commands, I got a pen and gave him a timeout. After sleeping, his behavior improved considerably. With this new timeout method in place, he stopped biting me altogether around 12 weeks and focuses more on the toys and chews I got him. I got lucky with mine because he’s very gentle, and calm when he’s tired and woken up from a nap. Does great around people of all kinds, but he’s very skittish/selective around other dogs. The dogs have to be gentle and patient with him, otherwise he gets scared easily if they approach him too strongly head-on - doesn’t matter if the dog is big or small, he’s scared if they’re too aggressive or start barking. My brother’s shepherd is extremely dog aggressive and dominant, but he gets along well with my puppy because he is submissive. Personality is definitely more on the submissive end of things. Though, he constantly tries to test boundaries because of that mischievousness to his personality. The key point is consistency and making sure not to let them get away with it. I’m sure this is something that will resolve with time as he ages. Since he isn’t vaccinated fully yet until mid-March, I exercise him constantly in my backyard throughout the day, and take him on walks around my neighborhood keeping him away from sniffing/licking grass/pavement. Leash training is still an ongoing effort, but he is improving. I couldn’t even walk him at all in the third week I got him, and now I can. It’s just a rough process still. He does very well walking in my backyard and in unfamiliar territory where he tends to go behind me, but if he knows he’s heading home he pulls insanely hard. A front clip harness helps somewhat, but it’s not nearly as effective. I can see that he’s also got protective instincts as well. Barks when the doorbell is rung, but if he’s able to differentiate whose on the other end of the door - warms up almost instantaneously. Loves kids. I look forward to my long journey with my puppy. He does talk a lot sometimes and have a word for everything, so if you live in a small apartment… probably won’t work because of the whole neighbor situation. Even though I live in a single residential house, there are times where I worry my neighbors can hear him screaming indoors. It’s gotten a lot better with the guidance of my trainer. They require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to keep the whining/screaming/excited barking at the minimum lowdown. Despite all the work I’ve put and continued to put into him, he’s worth every bit of my time and money. I couldn’t have asked for a better companion in my life.
2 years, 10 months ago
Luna
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddles
training
Dog Parks
The most loving dog, changed my life. Obsessed with her, love her so much, she’s playful and sweet and submissive, shy and just soo cute
2 years, 8 months ago
Coon
8 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great dog I love him
2 years, 8 months ago
Titan Alexander
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Belly rubs
Weekly enrichment
Going to work with me
roadtrips
Playing fetch, and hiking.
Titan is very active during the day, but once it's bed time he's out for the count. Loves sleeping on the floor more than the bed. He gets hot a lot, but still wants to be close so he sleep next to my bed. He's very active loves playing ball even by himself sometimes. He's good with dogs that can respect his space. He goes with me once a week to work for socialization to my coworkers and animals. He's the sweetest goofball ever. Definitely has both Husky and Shepard traits.
2 years, 8 months ago
Ellie
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sunbathing
Frisbee
keep away
Hiking
Walking
Chase
The BEST dog I’ve ever owned. Sweetest most loving dog. Protective when she needs to be, but loves everyone she meets.
2 years, 7 months ago
Rocky
9 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We just got our (not-so) little guy a week ago. He came puppy-pad trained at 8 weeks old. He will only poop outside. He’s already learned his name (we changed up what the breeders were calling him). He knows “sit”, responds most of the time to “come Rocky”. He will go down stairs, but not up. Very friendly with our older little dog (11 y/o pug-tzu), curious and friendly towards our cat (her, not so much yet). We have three daughters (5, 12 & 14) he loves them so much! He can’t wait till they come home from school. He likes to give kisses, sleep with us, and lay on everyone’s lap! He’s definitely a chewer, but we keep him busy with toys and bones. He still nips sometimes with his puppy-breath kisses, but responds fairly well to “no bite” or the sound “uh-uh” (as in “no”). He’s dramatic like a Husky, but smart and attentive like a German Shepard, but he has HUGE paws, so I wonder if he might actually be a Malamute/German Shepard mix. Mostly a calm loving demeanor with a little mischievous side. I’m excited to do more training and socializing with him because I think he really has the potential to be an amazing dog, as he’s already a very impressive little pup! We just adore him!
2 years, 7 months ago
Lily
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
petting
Playing
We found her on our doorstep took her to the vet and nursed her back to health ( she was wounded) Now she follows us around like we are a peice of meat
2 years, 7 months ago
Loki
3 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Tug a war
Fetch
Very good dog but has a very high tendency to bite a lot, has short term attention span
2 years, 6 months ago
Lady Rain
16 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running /swimming /chuck it stick with ball /
Run
She loves water and swimming . Keeps her cool in our hot summers. She’s very intelligent and learns fast. Gets along with all other animals , horses cats etc. she was raised around animals. Her favorite game is chuck stick with ball . She’s a great retriever sets the ball right at my feet ! She’s funny makes those goo goo eyes . She’s a very good cuddler. Short sleek coat black and brown
2 years, 1 month ago
Lady
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Belly rubs
She is so lazy lol, but she is so cute and always lets me rub her belly,and rarely barks she only howls when she hears an ambulance or a small animal.
2 years ago
Lily
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It wouldn't let me put the wag things but shes greeat. I love her, very hyper.
2 years ago
Mazikeen
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very intelligent needs stimulation and lots of play and walks , gets on ok with our cat but does like to chase her although does not harm her if cornered. Very loving and obedient
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

German Shepherd / Husky. My puppy does not seem to be getting fat. He is my first dog so i don’t really know if the food i’m feeding him is good. I feed him Taste of the Wild Smoked Salmon & Stella and Chewys Dinner Patties.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

We have a 5 month old (animal rescue) Shepsky who does not like his crate. We are at home alot but whenever we have to crate him he goes crazy. He barks and barks. Especially if we are leaving. If we crate in for bed, he whines and stratches the cage. How do we get him used to his crate?

Answer
Thank you for your question. At 5 months old, getting him adjusted to a crate should be relatively easy. You need to start by making it a place for him to want to be, rather than 'jail', so to speak. Feeding him in the kennel can be very helpful to make this process easier, with the door open so that he can come and go while eating. Putting a favorite toy or a Kong toy filled with a treat can be very helpful, as can making sure that he has comfortable bedding. Putting the crate in the Livingroom or somewhere the family spends time and leaving the door open with treats or Kong toys inside so that he gets more comfortable can make the process less frustrating, until you gradually start shutting the door for a minute or two. Lengthen the time that he is in the kennel slowly, always reinforcing with treats and Kong toys to distract him. I hope that helps, and that he does well!
3 years, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

We are interested in getting a Shepsky puppy. We are wondering if it would be a good dog to have around our 4 and 7 year old kiddos. The pup would be about 10 weeks old.

Answer
Hello, these dogs will need a lot of time and training. As long as you have time to teach your dog basic commands and obedience they will be a good dog
3 years, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

New let shepskey, female almost 6 months old. Has aggressive tendencies and has bitten but was very “sorry” laid down sad after she did it. Growls with food and starts argument bark/ fight with other 5 month female malinois x. I have 5 kids and she has growled at them but only when she had a special toy or food. My husband is very unsure of her due to this but I have hope. Any pointers to help me redirect her behavior?

Answer
This is a concern given her age, breed and the fact there are children in the home. I would strongly recommend seeking the help of a professional behaviourist who can come to the home, assess her and implement a tailored plan. It sounds as though she may have developed resource guarding behaviour, which needs to be addressed right away.
3 years, 9 months ago
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