German Shepherd Pit Bull Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the German Shepherd Pit Bull?

The German Shepherd dog breed was first deliberately bred by designer breeders in the 1990s as a mix of both the German Shepherd and Pitbull, unsurprisingly! However, likely, they were also bred long before this.

The idea of breeding these two dogs was to create a brave and fearless guard dog coupled with a loving canine companion.

Today, sadly, many of these dogs now end up in animal shelters, with their fearsome reputation having a lot to do with it and through no fault of the dogs themselves.

But, as we shall see, the mixed breed is a loving, goofy, fun, and highly intelligent ball of playfulness that can make the ideal pet for many people.

Who are German Shepherd Pit Bull dogs best for?

German Pits are full of energy and therefore need an owner with both the time and space to give them the physical exercise they require. They will need at least a brisk hour and a half walk each day and a large fenced outdoor area where they can play and roam around - and hopefully not dig too many holes, something which they love doing!

Due to their size, they are not suitable for apartment dwellings.

It isn't just physical exercise these boisterous puppers require; with high intelligence also comes the risk of boredom, and these guys aren't the best behaved when they have too much time on their hands!

They can soon begin to display destructive tendencies, including barking, urinating in the home, and ripping off any soft furnishings they can get their crafty paws on. Therefore, it's important to have lots of toys and games to play with the dog, and again, the time to devote to interacting with them.

Similarly, if they are left on their own for too long, the same destructive behaviours manifest, so a potential owner will need to be at home for large sections of the day.

It takes an experienced owner to get the best out of these wonderful dogs, so if you are new to owning dogs, this breed isn't the starting dog for you.

How much grooming does a German Shepherd Pit Bull need?

These dogs are a brilliant option if you aren't keen on the thought of owning a dog with a high-maintenance coat.

The German Shepherd Pitbull mix has a medium-length coat, and it doesn't shed too much, so a brush once or twice a week should be more than enough to keep its coat looking its very best.

The breed does tend to have sensitive skin, so baths are only recommended once a month. Any more, and their skin can become dry due to the removal of the natural oils that build up. And always opt for shampoos for sensitive skin, which your vet will be able to recommend.

Those gorgeous floppy ears will need to be checked over weekly, too. This is because folded ears are much more likely to develop nasty ear infections, which can be very painful for a dog.

Do German Shepherd Pit Bull bark much?

As protective dogs, German Shepherd Pitbull mixes can be prone to barking when they are wary of someone or something. Early training and puppy classes are the best options to reduce the noise levels in your home!

Any behaviour change should be closely monitored by your vet, so if there is no clear cause why the breed is barking, seek medical attention as it is sometimes indicative of ill health.

Do German Shepherd Pit Bull bite?

A well-trained and aptly socialised German Shepherd American Pitbull Terrier mix is no more likely to bite than any other breed of dog.

Their reputation as terrifying, unpredictable dogs is completely overblown, and yet, sadly, the myth continues to prevail.

What is the temperament & personality of a German Shepherd Pit Bull?

These dogs can adopt the characteristics of either one of their parent dog breeds. While Shepherds are known to be protective, highly intelligent, and loyal, Pitbulls are affectionate and doting dogs.

What's most common, though, is that the breed displays a good mixture of each of these traits.

When the dogs are raised well, live in a happy home, get all the exercise they need, and have lots and lots to do, they thrive and are intensely affectionate when it comes to their family.

They do have a domineering side when it comes to other dogs, as they very much want to be the leader of the pack! This tendency to domineer can be stripped back with training and early socialisation with other dogs.

What is the weight & size of a German Shepherd Pit Bull?

While each dog is different, many Shepherd Pits can weigh as much as 40 kg and stand as tall as 60 cm.

How much training does a German Shepherd Pit Bull need?

It's vital that the Pitbull German Shepherd mix receives proper training. They can be dominant and extremely stubborn when they want to attempt to manoeuvre themselves as the hairy ruler of their kingdom and subjects, aka your home and family!

Successful training can get rid of this behaviour, thanks in part to the high intelligence of the breed, who are quick to learn and often terribly keen to please - but it takes time. Positive reinforcement makes them happy, so lots of playtimes, treats (within reason, of course!), and praise can go miles in helping your pup become a well-mannered adult.

If you are adopting an adult, don't worry; this breed is easy to train when they are a bit older too. Yes, it's true; you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

What are some of the most common health issues for a German Shepherd Pit Bull?

The mixed breed is largely more healthy than its parent breeds; however, it's a good idea to know what these potential predispositions are.

Some common health concerns include hip dysplasia, which comes from the German Shepherd side, and Demodex, a skin condition from the Pitbull.

What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Pit Bull?

In the right environment and in good health, a German Shepherd Pitbull mix can live to between 10 to 12 years of age.

How much should you feed a German Shepherd Pit Bull?

Large dog breeds such as the GSD Pitbull mix need a high daily intake of calories to keep them in tip-top condition - some males will require as much as a whopping 2700 calories each day!

While your vet will be able to tell you everything you need to know about feeding your particular dog, based on size, age, and activity level, it's generally recommended that they are given 4 cups of high-quality kibble/dry food. However, this is just a rough guide - each dog is different.

What is the price of a German Shepherd Pit Bull in Australia?

The price of this breed can vary wildly, anywhere between $500 and $2000. If you want to purchase a German Sheppit puppy, ensure you look out for a reputable breeder.

However, the German Shepherd Pitbull mix is commonly found in animal shelters across the country due to the bad rep that is so often - and unfairly - attached to them. Please consider adopting this beautiful breed over shopping.

What could be more fulfilling than giving a wonderful dog a second chance at life?