Gerberian Shepsky
Crossbreed: German Shepherd × Husky
Other names : Shepsky, Husky Shepherd, Siberian Shepherd
The Gerberian Shepsky, a cross between the Husky and the German Shepherd, was first created intentionally in the United States in the 1990s. Here's all you need to know about this intelligent, loyal, active crossbreed.
German Shepherds have many qualities that make them fantastic working dogs as well as family dogs. Also known as Alsatians, German Shepherds have been used as guide dogs for the blind, police dogs, and even herding dogs. Their high intelligence and versatility have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, earning them a consistently high spot in the UK’s most popular dog breeds rankings for decades.
You may see Siberian Huskies in sled-dog competitions, but today, they are more commonly chosen as pets. These beautiful and gentle dogs are ideal companions for people who like primitive breeds. Huskies are friendly towards everyone (hence not good guard dogs). They are very independent, and have a high prey drive. Getting a Husky is not a decision to be made lightly.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds have many qualities that make them fantastic working dogs as well as family dogs. Also known as Alsatians, German Shepherds have been used as guide dogs for the blind, police dogs, and even herding dogs. Their high intelligence and versatility have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, earning them a consistently high spot in the UK’s most popular dog breeds rankings for decades.
Husky
You may see Siberian Huskies in sled-dog competitions, but today, they are more commonly chosen as pets. These beautiful and gentle dogs are ideal companions for people who like primitive breeds. Huskies are friendly towards everyone (hence not good guard dogs). They are very independent, and have a high prey drive. Getting a Husky is not a decision to be made lightly.
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Life expectancy |
The Gerberian Shepsky has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 22 and 26 in
Male
Between 22 and 26 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 55 and 88 lb
Male
Between 55 and 77 lb
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Coat colour
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Black
White
Brown
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Type of coat
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Short
Long
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Eye colour
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Blue
Brown
Odd-eyed
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Purchase price |
The Gerberian Shepsky costs between £500 and £1500 |
More details about the Gerberian Shepsky
Gerberian Shepsky: Origins and history
The Shepsky is a cross between the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd. The crossbreed was first created intentionally in the 1990s. A few smaller associations, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club have recognised the Gerberian Shepsky, but larger associations such as the FCI do not yet consider it a breed in its own right.
Gerberian Shepsky: Characteristics
Gerberian Shepskies are affectionate dogs, often forming a very close bond with their family.
Gerberian Shepskies are energetic, playful dogs, who need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Gerberian Shepskies may be energetic dogs, but they also enjoy periods of rest. With the right exercise and training, this crossbreed can learn to settle well at home.
With the German Shepherd and Husky as parent breeds, Gerberian Shepskies are highly intelligent. They pick things up quickly and love to learn!
This crossbreed typically has a high prey drive, particularly if they inherit this trait from their Siberian Husky parent.
Gerberian Shepskies can be wary and fearful of strangers if they haven't been well-socialised at a young age. With the right training they can learn to welcome newcomers to the home.
Gerberian Shepskies are fairly independent dogs, but they always enjoy affection from their family.
Gerberian Shepsky: Behaviour
Shepskies are absolutely devoted to their families and they do not enjoy being left alone for extended periods.
This crossbreed is very easy to train using positive reinforcement methods.
Gerberian Shepskies are usually very talkative dogs. They inherit this from their Husky parent, often resulting in a range of vocalisations when they're bored or excited.
Shepskies must have a fully fenced garden at home. They are curious, adventurous dogs, who may have a tendency to roam.
Without the right mental and physical stimulation, Gerberian Shepskies can become destructive. As an active, intelligent breed, they need plenty of attention at home.
Shepskies can be prone to overeating, which may result in health concerns later in life. A balanced diet and regular vet check-ups will help keep your Shepsky feeling their best.
Gerberian Shepskies are naturally protective of their home and family. They will quickly alert their owners to the presence of anyone unknown.
Training a Gerberian Shepsky
Gerberian Shepskies do best with experienced, committed owners who have lots of time to offer.
This crossbreed has a lot of energy, and a very active mind, so they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. These dogs often enjoy treats and toys in equal measure, making training fun for the whole family.
Quick to learn and eager to please, Shepskies make wonderful family companions.
Gerberian Shepsky: Lifestyle
Unless they're offered an extremely active lifestyle, Shepskies are not well-suited to apartment living. They need lots of space to run and explore.
Hiking, swimming, dog sports, outdoor adventures- Whatever you have in mind, you can be sure a Shepsky will be up for the challenge!
These athletic dogs love joining in with any form of physical activity.
With the right training from a young age, the Shepsky can adapt to life on the move. That said, the crossbreed's size can complicate things when it comes to transport.
Breed compatibility Gerberian Shepsky
With the right socialisation from a young age, a Shepsky may be able to share their home with a cat. Whether or not this is possible depends largely on the prey drive they inherit from their parent breeds.
Gerberian Shepskies typically enjoy the company of other dogs, provided they've been well-socialised from a young age.
Gerberian Shepskies make excellent family pets, often joining on outdoor adventures. As with any dog, supervision around children is always recommended.
Gerberian Shepskies can share their space with older people, but their energy and size may make them unsuitable long-term companions to the elderly.
Gerberian Shepskies are best-suited to experienced owners, who have the time to dedicate to their training and care.
Gerberian Shepsky: Shedding
Heavy !
Both parents have a dense coat with an undercoat that protects them from the cold. Because of this, Gerberian Shepskies require regular grooming to remove loose fur. Daily brushing is recommended during moulting seasons.
Gerberian Shepsky: Grooming
Having a Husky, German Shepherd mix at home involves lots of grooming, in order to prevent heavy shedding and matting. Nail, ear, and eye checks should also be carried out at regular intervals.
Gerberian Shepsky: Health
Overall, the Shepsky is a strong dog, less prone to health concerns than their parent breeds.
This crossbreed can struggle in hot weather, due to its dense coat.
The Shepsky's thick coat helps protect from the cold.
Gerberian Shepskies may have a tendency to put on weight, particularly if their diet isn't carefully managed as they age.
Gerberian Shepskies may be fairly healthy dogs, but they are not completely free from hereditary diseases.
Those who share their home with this crossbreed will need to look out for following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
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