Shepsky

Shepsky Characteristics

Take some working-class heroism of the German Shepherd and mix it with the wild and ice-blue-eyed charm. Mix it well. And you’ve got yourself a Shepsky - a dog breed that’s part wolf-like enigma, part goofball companion, and 100% lovable.

Shepsky, also known as the Gerberian Shepsky, is a mix between German Shepherd and Siberian Husky. The reasons for the mix are unknown but it seems like the goal was to create a smaller version of the German Shepherd with blue eyes. They are a rare mix and there isn’t a standard defined yet.

But one thing is for sure, you’ve got a dog that can solve crimes like Sherlock and pull a sled through the snow like it’s a piece of cake.

Traits

If we had to describe a Shepsky using some adjectives, they would be – (1)

Common Health Conditions

Dogs, especially mixed breeds, get prone to the medical conditions that their parents are most prone to. Similarly, Shepskies are also prone to certain illnesses. The two most commonly seen ones are - 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

A degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. It is usually an inherited disease. It tends to progress slowly overtime and often starts with decreased ability to see at night. Below are the signs to look out for – (3)

Unfortunately, nearly all dogs with PRA will eventually go completely blind. There are treatments that can delay the onset of the condition though. 

Hip Dysplasia

A genetic condition induced by deformity of the hip during the growth stage. It can also lead to a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis. Common signs here include – (4)

The average cost of surgery for hip dysplasia can range from $3,500 per hip to $7,000 depending on the dog's condition, size, age, overall health, etc. (4)

Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good Dogs?

If you’re asking are these dogs good family dogs, then the answer is a big yes. With German Shepherd and Siberian Husky as parents, it’s like they have the genes of a babysitter and a cop – gentle and protective. With early and proper socialization, they can be great companions for your kids. Having said that, you should never leave young kids alone with dogs. 

Their stubbornness at times can become an issue as they are inherently working dogs and used to obeying a master, a firm leader (which you’ll have to be) should be able to control them. 

And if your question is are they good dogs for first-time owners? The answer may be ‘no’ here. They need a good amount of physical and mental stimulation during the day. They need someone who has a bit of experience in dealing with highly energetic dogs. The lack of enough stimulation can result in torn couches and broken glasses for you. (2)

How Big are German Shepherd Husky Mixes? 

While the breed standards are yet to be established, you can expect a Shepsky to be around 20-25 inches tall and weigh around 45-88 pounds. (2)

How Rare are Shepskies? 

We do not have a number in terms of their population. But they are relatively a newer breed and the fact that even the breed standards have not been established yet, you can say that they are rare. It may not be very easy to find a breeder to get one of these dogs home. 

Are Shepskies Aggressive?

Not really. They are usually gentle and playful. But in the spirit of play, they may start running aggressively in the house because of all the built-up energy. Huskies also tend to be vocal at times when they are bored or feel unattended for long. This trait may easily be seen in Shepskies. (2)

And as mentioned above, a lack of physical and mental stimulation during the day can also lead to some aggressive behaviors like barking or destroying furniture. And looking at German Shepherds, one may also say that their protective nature can result in aggressive behaviors at times.

How is a Shepsky’s Personality? 

They are an active and playful breed. However, they cannot be left alone for a long time. They have a history of being working dogs. Hence, they need a pack leader, which in your case, is going to be you. They need someone to guide and lead them. Keeping them alone for a long time can cause separation anxiety in them and may even lead to destructive behaviors because of all the unreleased physical energy. 

How is a Shepsky’s Coat? 

Shepskies come with a long and dense coat, usually in a mixture of 2 or more colors. The color options include brown, black, cream, white, red, and blue. They are not really the non-shedding types and hence are not recommended for people with allergies. And just like the Siberian Huskies, Shepskies are also made to endure cold temperatures. (1)

How Energetic Are They?

If you’re thinking of turning them into a couch potato and binge-watching Netflix with them all day, you’ve got it all wrong. They are meant for long walks and vigorous play sessions. They’ll be a perfect companion for your hikes and runs. And if you see them resting for a long time, don’t think they are done for the day. You may be in for a Zoomie surprise anytime. 

(don’t know what that is? Don’t worry. We have an entire article written on it for you.)

Sources