Shepsky Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

22-40 kg

Height

50-61 cm

Lifespan

10 -14 years

Jump To

About the Shepsky

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

These beautiful canines are excellent companion dogs who love family life, but have no problem being put to work either. Having been developed from two of the most popular dog breeds in the world, it’s no surprise why anyone would want a Shepsky in their home!

If you are one of those considering adopting or purchasing this breed, read on for everything you need to know.

What is the history & origin of the Shepsky?

These mixed-breed dogs were developed to create a dog that would inherit the hard-working and loyal traits of its parent breeds, the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky.

Although they may have been in existence for many years, they were only intentionally bred in the 1990s. These designer dogs are also known as a Gerberian Shepsky, German Husky, or Shepherd Husky mix.

To get the complete picture of how this mixed breed came about, we must look at the history of the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd hails from Germany, as its name suggests and was originally bred to herd. It is commonly used as a police dog and a loyal companion worldwide.

On the other hand, the Siberian Husky originated in the Arctic, where they were used as a herding dog, a hunter, and to transport sleds. Their history dates back thousands of years. They are still used to pull sleighs and are popular as companion dogs worldwide.

What is a Shepsky breed?

The Gerberian Shepsky is a large dog who has inherited only the best qualities from its parent breeds. They are loyal, strong and brilliantly intelligent. This makes them perfect as a working dog and a great companion.

Like most designer dogs, the Gerberian Shepsky is not officially registered with the American Kennel Club as they aren’t purebred dogs. It is, however, recognised by the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Who is a Shepsky best for?

If you are looking for a large dog to help you around the farm, to act as a watchdog, or simply just a companion in your home, then this dog is for you.

They are high-energy dogs who jump at any opportunity to stay busy or go on an adventure with their pet parents. Their need to be up and about is not ideal for apartment living, making them best suited for homes with a lovely garden with ample space to roam around.

Have children and looking for a playmate for your little ones? The Gerberian Shepsky is going to fit right in. They can be both a nanny and a cop as they engage well with children but are also fierce protectors of them.

On the other hand, if you are in law enforcement and looking for a crime-fighting paw-tner, the Gerberian Shepsky is the pup for the job! This breed is popularly used on search and rescue missions. They are disciplined and diligent, making them easy to train and the best pooch for the job.

Shepsky Grooming & Shedding

German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies both have fluffy coats, which the Gerberian Shepsky inherited. Being the mix of the two, the Shepsky breed will shed a lot, so be prepared to find fur all over the place. This also means that they aren’t ideal for those who suffer from allergies.

These dogs have taken on their parent breed’s good looks and can be identified by their mixed colours, which are either brown, black, red, blue, white, or cream. They are rarely a solid colour.

To maintain their double coat, brush them a few times weekly to eliminate the loose hair. They should only be bathed when necessary. Always remember to clean their ears as this is where infections can start, brush their teeth regularly to avoid gum disease, and trim your dog’s nails as necessary.

Do Shepskies bark a lot?

Neither the Husky nor the Shepherd is known to bark excessively, so luckily, the Siberian Shepherd is not the type to do so.

They are excellent watchdogs and won’t be afraid to tell you they sense danger or feel threatened. Their bark will give anyone their fair warning!

Barking is also a way for them to communicate that they are stressed. These dogs hate to be left alone for long periods and will cry out if they feel you have been away too long.

The Husky breed is especially known to communicate with their voice, so your Gerberian Shepsky may well inherit this trait from this parent breed.

It is essential to train this breed from a young age and to ensure social interactions with other animals. Early socialisation is critical in making sure that their inherited alertness and wariness of strangers don’t turn into aggression.

What is the average weight & height of a Shepsky?

Gerberian Shepskies are large dogs who can end up being larger than the average Husky but never larger than the average German Shepherd.

In most cases, males are usually larger than females. The average weight for this breed is between 22 kg and 40 kg, with an average size of 50 cm – 61 cm.

Are Shepskies easy to train?

The Gerberian Shepsky is easy to train; they thrive in environments where they are both physically and mentally stimulated. With both of its breed parents being athletic, this breed excels in dog sports and agility training.

All dogs need to be trained from puppyhood, not only for them to get their bad habits under control but also to learn how to interact appropriately in different environments.

Training should be fun and a chance for you to bond with your pet. This breed is highly intelligent and will get bored if your methods are not stimulating enough for them.

Use positive reinforcement training with this breed as rewarding them with treats is a fun way to encourage progress, especially since they love to please their owners.

If you want your Gerberian Shepsky to learn extra skills like rescue techniques, you need them to undergo special training. Take them to a training school for this.

How do Shepskies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The product of two breeds with very different personalities makes the Gerberian Shepsky temperament somewhat challenging to pinpoint. They could be more like the alert and spirited German Shepherd, the gentle and playful Siberian Husky, or a mix of the two.

The Gerberian Shepsky is a friendly dog who adores its family members. Their loyalty can go as far as becoming too attached to their family members to the point where they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long though.

They are energetic dogs who love to play a game of fetch in the dog park, take part in dog sports, or get to work on whatever needs their attention.

Does the Shepsky have any common health issues?

This breed is generally healthy but can be predisposed to large dog breeds’ health conditions. To avoid dealing with health conditions that could have been treated early on, make sure that you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups.

These are the most common health conditions that could affect your Gerberian Shepsky:

Hip dysplasia – This condition is often inherited and is very common in large dogs.
Patella Luxation – This is when the knee cap doesn’t sit properly in the joint.
Epilepsy – An invisible disability that affects the brain that can cause seizures.
Juvenile Cataracts – This condition is often hereditary and affects the dog’s eyes.

What is the lifespan of a Shepsky?

The life expectancy of the Gerberian Shepsky is 10 – 14 years.

How much does a Shepsky need to be fed?

Every dog is fed according to size, weight, metabolism and activity level so each individual dog’s diet will differ. To ensure that your dog is healthy and happy, you need to provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercises.

As a sizeable high-energy dog, the Gerberian shepsky may eat more than other dogs. They need to be fed 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily.

They are prone to gaining weight, so it’s best to feed them at their scheduled meal times rather than leave the food out throughout the day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Shepsky in Australia?

To purchase this breed in Australia, you can expect to pay $1,500 – $5,000.

Shepsky FAQs

Are Shepsky dogs hypoallergenic?

These dogs are not hypoallergenic. They are big shedders, having inherited the Husky and Shepherd’s dense double coat.

Do Shepsky dogs get along with cats?

With a high prey drive, this breed does not get along well with cats or other pets that are smaller than them. Socialising this breed as early as possible will teach them how to act appropriately around these smaller animals.