German Shepherds date to the mid-1800s, but Siberian Huskies enjoy a much longer history.
Huskies originate from Siberia, where the Chukchi people of the North-Eastern parts of the region used them for sleigh-dogs dating back centuries.
In contemporary times many dog breeds are mixed. So, it is with the Husky German Shepherd mix.
But what does this animal look like, and how does its health compare to either breed? People also want to know more about this dog’s personality and whether it is trainable.
If you love the Husky German Shepherd mix, then read on to find out whether this animal makes for a good pet.
Contents
Physical Appearance
Mixing the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky can produce offspring that look quite vastly different.
However, this mixture still contains the distinctive characteristics of the German Shepherd and the Husky, making it easy enough for anyone to identify its parents.
What the Husky German Shepherd mix looks like largely depends on whether the father is a Husky or German Shepherd or the opposite.
Despite variations, the average appearance of the Husky German Shepherd mix shares familiar traits regarding their height, weight, and color.
Height
Husky German Shepherd mix will typically reach heights of between 20 and 23 inches at the shoulder.
These animals live between seven and fourteen years, and they are as prone to shedding as the GSD.
The Husky German Shepherd mix typically has the appearance of either the GSD or the Husky in terms of size.
Both animals are robust, lively, with incredible stamina. They also both have thick, double coats, with the Husky typically having longer hair than the German Shepherd due to living in freezing cold climates.
However, the Husky German Shepherd mix can either have long or medium-length hair.
If you’re looking at purchasing a Husky German Shepherd mix, you can expect it to be either as big as the largest German Shepherd, the size of the smallest Husky, or somewhere in between.
Weight
Adult Husky German Shepherd mix weighs anything from 35 to 88 pounds. No matter how small or large this animal grows, it will have a sturdy appearance, a dignified posture, and pointy ears.
You can also expect this mixed breed to be particularly athletic as both have a long history of being working animals.
Color
The Husky German Shepherd mix will have diverse coat colors. Either the puppies will look more like the GSD or the Husky, making for an attractive appearance.
Coat colors on this animal will range from the typical deeper red coat of the GSD or lean more toward the beautiful sable, silver tones of the Husky’s coat. Some Husky German Shepherd mixes can also be white or red.
Remember that both these animals have close ties to wolves, so their coat variations will at some point resemble their ancient cousins.
In terms of eye color, the Husky German Shepherd mix can either have striking blue eyes or the warmer brown tones of the GSD.
At times, this mix can even produce puppies with two different eye colors, known as heterochromia.
Health Concerns
In a discussion of the Husky German Shepherd mix health attributes, this article first covers the health concerns of the German Shepherd.
When people first began breeding the German Shepherd as working animals, their breeding requirements were far stricter than they are today.
As a result, interbreeding within the German Shepherd now produces more health concerns than allowable due to restrictive gene pools.
German Shepherds comprise several health concerns, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis resulting from dysplasia and the sloping back and shorter hind legs of the show line GSD
- CDR or chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, which is a nerve condition that impacts control of the back legs
- Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is bloating, where the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow. This condition can cause death and occurs because the GSD has been bred to have a deep chest, leaving less room for the stomach to function optimally.
- Panosteitis is an inflammatory disease that negatively impacts bones
- Anal furunculosis affects the anus and is an excruciating condition
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency means that the affected GSD cannot produce enough proper enzymes to digest food properly.
- Painful structural conditions impact the spine, resulting in the GSD walking on its hocks.
- Epilepsy
- GSDs are also prone to developing eye diseases and allergies.
Huskies are known to suffer from various diseases such as:
- Patellar luxation, which means dislocation. This condition typically affects the Husky’s knee caps which pop out of the femoral groove when the animal extends its leg. Patellar luxation can also result from an injury and may cause lameness in the leg.
- Progressive retinal atrophy results in night blindness, bumping into objects, and stress at unfamiliar sounds that the animal cannot see.
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Occasional bloating
- Cataracts
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
While these distinct breeds share specific concerning health conditions, overall, the Husky is less prone to disease. When you have a Husky German Shepherd mix, their health can go either way.
You will have a perfectly healthy pet or one that suffers from one or more of these health issues. But before you worry about the health of this mixed breed, please understand that nutrition and exercise play a critical role in maintaining good health.
Temperament
Prospective pet owners and owners speak glowingly about the Husky German Shepherd mix. This mix is delightful.
It has an outgoing personality that is hard to ignore. In addition, the Husky German Shepherd mix is playful, willing to learn, and its energy levels will keep you busy.
Because the Husky German Shepherd mix is so energetic, you should exercise it long and regularly. A good thirty minutes of active play is highly advisable as both the GSD and Husky are working dogs.
Like the GSDs that are descendants of wolves, they love to be in packs. Similarly, Huskies are also pack animals, so the Husky German Shepherd mix also enjoys the company of other animals and people.
Because of this pack mentality, the Husky German Shepherd mix will also test it and your position within the pack.
It will try and dominate you, be assertive and try to control the “pack” in the family environment.
Do not allow this Husky German Shepherd mix to take the upper hand as it will quickly become unmanageable, causing an unpleasant, troublesome environment–especially where kids are present.
Establish strict ground rules for living with this type of pet. Ensure you socialize it properly and provide it with all the necessary entertainment and exercise to keep its intelligence and energy in check.
Avoid leaving the Husky German Shepherd mix alone as it does not thrive in isolation. Instead, you could come home to chaos as this animal will playfully destroy everything in its path when bored.
You can overcome this problem by playing games with this mixed breed to challenge its intelligence and ensure that it never feels neglected.
If you must leave this animal alone when you go to work, ensure that it has plenty to occupy its time, such as chew toys.
Give this animal enough attention, and you will have a lovely calm, agreeable pet who understands who the boss in the home is.
However, your best bet in raising a lovely companion is to train it. That way, you get to be the pack leader and can be confident enough to let your kids play safely with this cutie.
Training
You should follow the same training methods for any other dog. Every puppy must undergo socialization to feel confident in any situation without becoming aggressive.
Once socialization is over during their puppy stage, you must provide them with home training to obey basic commands.
Preferably, you should take this mixed breed for professional training to make it more manageable.
If you follow these fundamental steps, you will raise an obedient, lovable Husky German Shepherd mix who will be a reliable, loyal companion for life.
#1 Socialization
First, you should socialize the Husky German Shepherd mix. You do this by having your puppy become comfortable around family members, strangers, and the outside world.
For example, take your pup for walks in the park, so it learns how to interact with other people and noises.
You should also teach it to recognize its name and the names of family members during its first few weeks at home. Also, teach your puppy what to expect when eating.
For example, it should sit and wait for you to place its food on the floor before you allow it to eat.
Another essential element of socialization is potty training, which you can learn more about at this link.
Biting is another issue that you should correct at a young age as teething causes discomfort, but your pup and you should manage this period appropriately.
#2 Crate training
Crate training is another element of raising a well-mannered, confident pet. Teach your Husky German Shepherd mix that it should sleep in its crate.
Your pet can also use this space when it wants to be alone but don’t make the crate a place it associates with punishment.
The crate should be a haven, and your pet must be able to trust you enough to keep it that way. Crate training is also perfect for traveling with your pet on vacation or for trips to the vet.
#3 Basic commands
Teach your Husky German Shepherd mix a few basic commands. Typical home training includes your puppy learning how to sit, stay, fetch the ball, and come to you.
You can use the same words when training your puppy on a leash or create special commands for each purpose.
A value aid in teaching your puppy fundamental obedience is to use treats. Every time your puppy does what you need, give it a treat and be generous with your praise.
#4 Walking your dog
At some stage, you should focus on how to walk your pet. For example, your Husky German Shepherd mix should be about three months when you give it initial lessons on walking on a leash.
After that, you can walk your dog around the home, keeping it on a short leash initially. Also, focus on short ten to fifteen minutes of training at this age, as your pup has a short attention span.
As your puppy grows into a young adult, it becomes even more vital to teach it how to walk on a leash.
Get a strong leash and dog collar to assist with training at this stage as your pet is young, has loads of energy, and will take time to learn new things.
Depending on your pet’s disposition, you can choose a dog collar that emits small electric shocks to help with training or other types that facilitate learning how to walk on a leash.
#5 Professional training
If you wish to teach your dog advanced skills to protect you and your family, consider professional training.
Going to expert classes will help alleviate your pet’s high energy and challenge its intelligence, leaving you with a happy pet that is infinitely more manageable.
For more tips on pet training, look at this link to understand the appropriate training for their age.
Who Is a Husky German Shepherd Mix For?
If you want a dog but have never owned one, you may want to reconsider your choice of taking on the challenge of a Husky German Shepherd mix.
As delightful as these animals are, they are also challenging. Their elevated energy levels and high maintenance needs in terms of exercise and entertainment may prove daunting.
If you specifically want a furry friend for protection and companionship or want company while running or hiking, then this is the right pet for you. Husky German Shepherd mixes fit in well with families or single owners.
They are loyal animals with a great sense of humor. Cater to their needs, and you’ll have all the love you want.
Take them for professional, advanced training, and you’ll also have all the protection you could need.
Conclusion
Anyone who loves boisterous family-orientated dogs will love the Husky German Shepherd mix. Their appearance is appealing, and their personalities are intriguing.
Provide them with love, attention, and care, and you’ll have a valuable companion for life.
Give them appropriate training at home or a training school, and they become manageable and an absolute pleasure with which to share your space.
Resources:
