The German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky are one of the most recognizable and ideal breeds for dog lovers wanting a large, loving, and working dog. But, what if you put them together to get the beautiful German Shepherd Husky?
Often called the Gerberian Shepsky (that’s a mouthful!), they can also go by the name of German Husky, Husky-Shepherd, and the Siberian Shepherd.
Read on to find out more about the German Shepherd Husky mix and whether or not it would make the ideal choice for you and your household.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix?
2. A Look Into the Origins of the German Shepherd Husky
3. Physical Characteristics of the German Shepherd Husky Mix
4. Temperamental Characteristics
5. Potential Health Conditions and Risks
6. Maintenance of the German Shepherd Husky Mix
7. Environment and Living Conditions
8. Price and Costs of a German Shepherd Husky Mix
9. FAQs
What Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix?
Much compared to the Cockapoo or the Labradoodle, the German Husky is a crossbreed between a German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky. Crossbreeds have been existing for as long as we know it – but they often go unnoticed.
It isn’t until recently that crossbreeds have begun to attract more attention than they once used to. In fact, the German Shepherd and Husky mix had existed long before they were even named the Gerberian Shepsky!
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a bold, intelligent, and powerful working dog presented with a wolf-life appearance and recognized by the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
A Look Into the Origins of the German Shepherd Husky
With the combination of two loyal, hardworking and intelligent canines, the Gerberian Shepsky is by nature an Alpha. With origins from the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, this Shepsky is definitely an all-in-one pooch.
Let’s take a look at the origins of its parents to take a closer look at the traits the German Husky carries.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dates back to its origins in the late 1800’s. The very first German Shepherd was named the Horand von Grafrath, and all German Shepherds we know descended initially from him.
German Shepherds were the ideal dream of the German army captain, Max von Stephanitz. The very first dog that Stephanitz caught eyes on as his ideal canine was then named the Horand von Grafrath.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1908, and from there, the German Shepherd is now the second-most famous canine in the world.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky descended from the dogs initially bred as companions and sled pulling dogs by the Chukchi in North-East Siberia. Their distinct body and coat were built for ideal cold climates out in the frozen lands.
The Siberian Husky caught headlines in the 1900s after a relay of Siberian Huskies won a sled race of 659 miles in just five and a half days lead by Leonhard Seppala.
Seppala’s lead husky, Balto, is still considered to be one of the most honored hero canines after 1925 during a lifesaving medicine run to Nome, Alaska, and has brought popularity amongst Huskies ranking them at the 12th most popular breeds in the world.
Physical Characteristics of the German Shepherd Husky Mix
As with all crossbreeds, the puppy will most likely inherit characteristics from both of the parents. It will vary from litter to litter, and not all puppies will be the same.
Some puppies will inherit more characteristics from one parent than the other, and others may inherit just about the same characteristics from both parents.
Nonetheless, they are still some of the cutest puppies you will lay your eyes upon!
Distinct Facial Features
A Husky German Shepherd Mix will naturally have pointed ears and a distinct, wolf-like appearance. Sometimes, they can also inherit beautiful blue eyes, or dual-colored eye colors often associated with the husky.
Lifespan
On average, the lifespan of the Gerberian Shepsky is usually between 10 to 13 years, sometimes as long as up to 18 years old.
They may vary according to a multitude of factors, such as genetics, diet, overall health, activity and exercise, and lifestyle.
Size and Weight
The Siberian Husky is an average 20 – 23 inches tall and fall into the medium-sized category, weighing in at about 35 – 60 pounds. German Shepherds are an average of 22 – 26 inches tall and fall into the large-sized category and weigh in at about 49 – 88 pounds.
On average, a Gerberian Shepsky can fall into a mix of either the two categories, in both size and weight.
Coat
Since both parents have a thick double coat, it is likely that the German Shepherd Husky mix will have a thick coat as well that may either be long or short, dense or soft, to protect the breed from colder climates, like the Husky.
Colors
Many German Shepherd Huskies appear darker regarding of color, and that is because darker shades of colors dominate over lighter colors. Lighter color coated dogs of this breed usually are derived from two parents that are white, or of a lighter color.
