45-72 lbs
20-25"
United States
The Gerberian Shepsky is a beautiful dog with the most startling blue or light golden eyes inherited from the Siberian Husky parent. They can sometimes have odd colored eyes, with one being blue, the other golden brown. These dogs have an abundance of energy and require a firm pack leader to get the best from them. The Gerberian Shepsky is loyal, alert, affectionate and intelligent. They can be reserved and a bit wary with stranger’s due to their protective instincts to the owner and their family. They are good with children, but are not so good with cats and other dogs unless they have been socialised thoroughly. They can become aggressive if their owners are threatened. But generally, they are a calm, gentle dog with a slight hint of mischievousness.
It is interesting to look at the history of the parent dogs to determine what sort of characteristics will be inherited by the new hybrid breed. The German Shepherd originated in Germany. In Karlsruhe, a group of dedicated breeders produced the handsome German Shepherd by using longhaired, shorthaired and wire-coated local herding and farm dogs. The dogs were presented at Hanover in 1882 and the shorthaired version was presented in Berlin in 1899. These dogs became known for their obedience and ability to be trained working dogs. The first German Shepherd was shown in America in 1907 and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Several movies, such as Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, featured the German Shepherd and it became very popular. It has since made a name for itself as a police or security dog, being reliable, trustworthy and willing to obey orders. The Siberian Husky has been used for centuries by the Chukchi Tribe off the Eastern Siberian peninsula. Their job was to pull the sleds, herd reindeer and they were an ideal watchdog. Their ability to endure the harsh climate is legendary, they were hardy and could be integrated into small packs who worked happily for hours on end. Native to Siberia, the Husky was brought to Alaska by fur traders in Malamute for Arctic races because of their endurance and speed. In the early to mid-1900s Admiral Byrd used the Husky in his Antarctic exploration. During World War ll the dogs served on the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit. The Siberian Husky was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
The Gerberian Shepsky has a muscular build but is light on his feet. The head is long and pointed, with powerful jaws and teeth that close in a scissors bite. The face is large and broad, and often has distinctive blue eyes that sparkle with anticipation. The eye color can be a light brown, or a mix with one blue eye one brown eye. Often the face of this attractive hybrid has a full or partial black mask. The body is long and lean giving the dog an overall elegant but strong appearance. Their ears are held high on the head and erect. The dense thick coat is soft to touch, their tail is long and bushy, and their legs are strong and slender. The Gerberian Shepsky is built for action, being lightning quick on his feet, and loves being part a close-knit family.
The beautiful Gerberian Shepsky coat requires brushing twice a week to keep it looking good. Spend a bit of quality time as you comb through the coat and the soft inner layer. Only bathe as required or you may strip the fur of its natural oils which are both protective and give the coat its sheen. Praise your dog for sitting still and letting you check his ears and eyes, trim his nails, and for when he lets you brush his teeth. With this hybrid breed it’s all about keeping it interesting. They can get bored easily so don’t overdo the grooming, keep it as short as you can and inject as much fun and praise as you can and you will have one good looking contented dog.
The Gerberian Shepsky is a working-class dog and has energy to burn. They require physical exercise daily, and willingly obey gentle commands of a patient dominating pack leader. They are a fun dog, always up for a game or some new challenge but they do get bored easily and wander off. This is a dog that needs to be doing something meaningful which is why they are excellent police dogs or search and rescue animals – it is mentally as well as physically stimulating. But they are also great family dogs, loyal, gentle and mischievous. They will protect your property and children, and will guard them with their life. As for their interaction with other animals such as cats or rabbits, these dogs need a lot of socialisation when they are young to overcome their tendency to see these as prey. They value their food and water and may react if disturbed or annoyed while partaking in these activities so teach your children to leave this dog alone when they are being fed. The Gerberian Shepsky is an attractive dog that has an interesting and engaging personality, but it is not for the inexperience owner. It does require a strong but kind hand to get the best out of this dog.
The Gerberian Shepsky loves action, they thrive on being busy. A bored dog will start to have behavioral problems such as incessant barking when you are not there (driving your neighbors mad) or they will chew anything they can get their teeth into. These are ideal dogs to take for a run, or when you bike they can lope alongside. They enjoy play that includes chasing a ball, tug of war, or any training if it is interesting. If the activity is boring your dog will lose interest and become a handful. Because of their activity level and tendency to bark they are not suited for apartment living.
