Dating back to the late 1800’s, the German Shepherd, or Alsatian, is bred mainly as a working dog. The German Shepherd has several characteristics which are almost unique to its breed.
An excellent sense of smell – With their highly developed senses and a long snout, these dogs are an excellent choice for sniffing out explosives and drugs. They are also put to work searching for other hazardous substances.
They are very protective – They make fantastic guard dogs. This is because they generally don’t trust their environment and stay alert most of the time.
Very versatile – German Shepherds seem to adapt to almost any situation you place them into. Together with their high levels of intelligence and loyalty, they are almost always placed in working situations.
Boundless energy levels – With abundant energy and never seem to tire.
The German Shepherd crossbreeds common health issues
In the canine world, it’s commonly understood that crossbred dogs have a healthier and longer life expectancy than any purebred relatives. This is certainly the case with the German Shepherd cross dogs. There is a chance that hip dysplasia, a genetic condition can be passed from parent to the mixed breed.
Training an Alsatian cross
Because this breed is a working dog, due to its confidence, alertness and intelligence, they are very easy to train. Certainly, its high levels of obedience are a positive trait. With a natural aversion to any strangers and appearing constantly alert, many German Shepherds are trained as watchdogs.
However, some mixed breed combinations may not be the ideal choice for a family with young children. The German Shepherd parent can show dominance and aggression. Similar problems can occur when crossbreeding with purebreds such as the Dobermann, Pinscher, Rottweiler, Akita and the Chow Chow.
Popular German Shepherd cross breeds
The German Shepherd dog is famous thanks to these characteristics: speed, agility, intelligence and his air of authority. These traits can all be inherited for German Shepherd cross puppies. Throwing in another mix from a different breed only enhances and strengthens these interesting individualities.
1. Golden Shepherd: German shepherd cross Golden Retriever
A cross between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd dog, known as a Golden Shepherd takes strengths from both dogs. Above all, the Retriever’s swimming abilities and the size and strength of a German Shepherd parent while portray your mixed breed. Taking traits from the parent Golden Retriever, this German Shepherd cross is most suited to search and rescue situations, obedience, guarding, hunting and tracking roles.
2. Shepkita: German shepherd cross Akita
When mixed with an Akita, the pups are very family friendly. They do, however, have rather a stubborn streak too and will need to be trained from an early age. This mixed breed is an excellent guard dog, and they are very good with children.
3. Chow Shepherd: German shepherd cross Chow Chow
The Chow Shepherd, also called Sheprachow is very clever, curious and also quite witty too. The German Shepherd suspicious instincts and the Chow’s protective nature mix to form a dog that will guard any possessions. The German Shepherd Chow isn't the best choice for first time owners.
4. Rottie Sheperd: German shepherd cross Rottweiler
The Rottie Shepherd grows to quite a large size and they make brilliant guard dogs. Some puppies grow to around 70 pounds, so check out their parent characteristics before you decide to get a Rottweiler Shepherd. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent, loyal and powerful. With proper and constant training, these mixed breeds make excellent family pets.
5. Labrashepherd: German shepherd cross Labrador
Take a friendly Labrador and mix it with a German shepherd, you will get a Labrashepherd, a playful and affectionate pup. This crossbreed is an excellent family dog, and will love to play with children. The Labrashepherd is a loving and affectionate dog, he will love to spend time with its owner and learn new tricks.
6. Shollie: German shepherd cross Border Collie
This alert, jaunty and energetic pooch is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. The Shollie puppies have inherited the best traits of both parent breeds.This mixed breed is extremely intelligent, energetic and very loyal. Although they will need a huge amount of exercise and will need to be stimulated mentally, they make amazing pets.
7. Shug: German shepherd cross Pug
Although an unlikely breeding, the parent Pug dog provides a loving personality to this mix. The Shug is eager to please its owner and will therefore be an easy breed to train. This crossbreed will be happy living in a house or an apartment as long as he gets his daily exercise. The Shug is a great companion.
8. Shepherd Pit: German shepherd cross Pitbull
Choose this crossbreed dog and you could have your hands full. Combining the protective nature of the Pitbull and the energetic characteristic of the German Shepherd will require a firm hand. However, if they are trained properly, had an early socialisation they are a great companion. They are eager to please and will love to spend time with their family. However, be aware, this crossbreed can sometimes be a little bit sensitive around children, therefore it's important to teach to your child how to respect your dog.
9. The Gerberian Shepsky: a German Shepherd and a Husky mix
The Shephsky, also called Gerberian Shepsky is full of energy and extremely loyal. This crossbreed has inherited some of the best qualities of both parents, the German shepherd and the Husky. Indeed, both parents are working dogs and are often used in the police, to search and rescue. As a result, by mixing both breeds, the Shepsky will be very intelligent, protective and alert. Because of these characteristics, the Gerberian Shepsky will need a lot of exercise and will also need to live in a big house with a large yard. This crossbreed will need firm and consistency in his education but make sure you use positive reinforcement while training your pup.
10. The Corman Shepherd: A German shepherd Corgi mix
The Corman Shepherd has inherited some of the best qualities from both its parents the Corgi and German Shepherd. This crossbreed is loyal, courageous and a little bit stubborn. The Corman Shepherd is an excellent family dog and will adapt to any living environment as long as they are active. This goofy pup do have a tendency to guard their homes, so, they can be a little bit aggressive towards strangers. But with training and early socialisation, this can be controlled.
Are German shepherd mixes good dogs?
The German Shepherd is an excellent guard dog and usually gets along very well with children. They are extremely loyal, easy to train, alert and protective. So, by throwing in a mix to this breed, it will just strengthen and complement these traits.
Of course, like any breed or crossbreed, training needs to be firm, consistent and positive. The German shepherd confident, alert and intelligent, so they are very easy to train but depending on the other parent, it can be a little more challenging. If you have any doubts, make sure you contact a dog trainer who will give you the best tips.
All dogs are good and the German Shepherd crossbreed too.
Check out these other mixed breeds:
- The Beagle cross
- The Border Collie cross
- The Border Terrier cross
- The Chihuahua cross
- The Dachshund cross
- The Dalmatian cross
- The French Bulldog cross
- The Golden Retriever cross
- The Husky cross
- The Jack Russell cross
- The Labrador crossbreed
- The Pomeranian cross
- The Poodle cross
- The Pug cross
- The Rottweiler cross
