Gerberian Shepsky

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.

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.

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.

Somewhat timid around new people but incredibly sweet and smart. Very willing to train and go on walks.

So far.she is highly intelligent and trainable and she just turned 1 last month!

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.

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

Very intelligent- though, if not properly trained, can use it's intelligence for mischievous things.