These breeds are so famous that breeders have been breeding many German Shepherd mixes for so long now. With its incredible intelligence, loyalty, and agility dogs, no wonder German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds. In fact, it ranks 3rd in the most intelligent canines and currently in 2nd place in AKC registrations. You can breed a GSD with any breed, but here are some of the best mixes when it comes to appearance, temperament, needs, and ideal lifestyle.
When you want to have two dog breeds in one, you may want to consider adopting some of the best German Shepherd mixes on our list that are so adorable. The combined traits of this breed and other PAWsome dog breeds could be life-changing and therapeutic for some.
Some of the best German Shepherd mixes are Gerberian Shepsky, Shepkita, and Shepadoodle from purebred canines with lots of positive traits and beautiful looks. These are hybrids that boast incredible intelligence, loving, and protective nature.
Gerberian Shepsky is a hybrid imposing incredible physique of a purebred German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. On the other hand, Shepkita or Akita Shepherd is a hybrid after cross-breeding Akita Inu with a German Shepherd. Finally, Shepadoodle is the result of German Shepherd and Poodle cross-breeding.
The height and weight of a German Shepherd mix depend on its parents. When breeders mix German Shepherd with a Beagle or Poodle, you can expect a 22 to 28 inches tall dog with a weight ranging from 50 to 125 pounds. On the other hand, mixing German Shepherds with other large canines like Alaskan Malamute and Saint Bernard may lead to bigger dogs that also require bigger spaces.
German Shepherd and Labrador are one of the most common cross-breeds. With this situation, you can expect a German Sheprador to be about 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder in height, and most would weight between 60 to 95 pounds. For short, there are no exact sizes of how tall a German Shepherd mix can be because it can still be smaller or larger.
Both the German Shepherd And Rottweiler have positive traits, which makes them a good mix for as long as both are healthy. This mixed breed is ideal as a family dog that can provide affection and protection. The average size is about 22 to 27 inches in height, and the weight can range from 75 to 115 pounds. Most German Shepherd Rottweiler mix has black and tan coats with medium length and dense fur. Some cases have long hair if the parent German Shepherd has a long coat.
Take note that this mixed breed also shed a lot. So, regular brushing and 3 to 4 baths a week will keep its coat in top condition. Both German Shepherd and Rottweiler are hard workers, so don’t feel surprised that this canine may have a high energy level. Hence, regular exercise is essential even 10 to 20 minutes jogging or walking each day.
Shepherd Mixes are excellent family dogs, but, like other things, there are pros and cons. Mixed breeds generally have a longer and healthier life than purebred parents. The German Shepherd has a small risk that the hybrid dog will become vulnerable to the disease when it is cross-bred with another purebred.
Other variations may not be too suitable for families with small children, as the hybrid German Shepherd blend may prove violent and dominant. Cross-breeding with purebreds such as the Chow Chow, Akita, Rottweiler, and the Doberman Pinscher may pose these problems, especially without proper training.
When searching for the best German Shepherd mixes, you must consider the possibility of having a wide range of characteristics and combinations of inherited traits from two different breeds. The best part about mixed breeding is that you would always be surprised how it would blend the looks and best qualities of two different canines. We know that you are excited, so here is the best mix of German Shepherds.
1. Shollie
It is a combination of German Shepherd Dog and Border Collie that may result in brilliant, energetic, and loyal pups. As herding dogs, these dog breeds are so active and can think on their own when it comes to completing a task. However, it also means that you need to be fit as well because Shollies will definitely require a lot of exercise and indoor plays. If you love sitting around, you won’t be compatible with a Shollie. This canine enjoys doing tasks and loves to play some enrichment activities.
Without toys, Shollies get bored quickly and sometimes become anxious when left alone. When it happens often, bad behaviors can develop like destruction and chewing on objects in your house. To prevent it from happening, proper training methods will keep Shollie’s brain active and happy.
2. Shepweiler
This beautiful mixed breed is a combination of two large dogs – the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Both canines are powerful, intelligent, and can be an excellent family companion with proper training because they can be aggressive towards strangers. Shepweiler or Rottie Shepherd is a designer breed famous for its tall stature with a well-toned body and deep chest shape. Still, this GSD mix can weigh about 30 to 90 pounds that is always energetic.
Shepweilers are mostly giant gentle creatures, but they can also be a guard dog to homes with children. Yep, that’s how much smart this breed can be due to its loving and big heart. Whenever you come home, this mixed breed will always have their tails wagging because of excitement to see you again. Using a black German Shepherd for this hybrid mix yields incredible results!
3. Golden Shepherd
Large, energetic, and loyal are some of the best qualities that a mixed Golden Retriever and German Shepherd pups can acquire. It is one of the best furry companions for kids, toddlers, or even infants due to its patience. Aside from entertaining kids, you can also expect a sporting breed that is a highly cooperative and trainable dog.
When it comes to personality, Golden Shepherds are friendly and gentle yet reserved. They can be both protective and playful towards its owner and especially kids. Most mixed breeds of this kind can stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches and weight about 55 and 85 pounds.
4. Bernese Shepherd
Bernese Shepherds are well-balanced dogs with great love and affection towards their companions, determined, and protective against unknown intruders. A wonderful combination of the german shepherd and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Some call it the German Mountain or the Euro Mountain Sheparnese; regardless, this giant mixed breed is famous for being so handsome and loyal to its human family. However, these canines have a shorter life span due to its massive size that large or medium breed dogs counterparts.
If you are a first-time dog owner, owning a Bernese Shepherd mix can be a challenge. It requires a firm correction of behavior because it will always push your boundaries and patience. Moreover, you should be willing to do regular grooming and combing because of its dense and straight fur.
5. Sheprador
This German Shepherd Lab mix, or what they call Sheprador, came from a purebred German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. It can grow about 24 inches tall and can weigh up to 80 pounds. It may look big, but Shepradors are always ready to cuddle and kiss away your tiredness and brighten up your day. With its lovable and playful traits, this mixed breed is perfect as a furry family companion.
Being a German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever, it is another popular working dog breed mix. It is so smart that you can train it efficiently with both basic commands and other specialized works.
6. Gerberian Shepsky
This German Shepherd Husky mix features a terrific personality and beautiful looks. It is a hybrid imposing the incredible physique of a purebred GSD and a Siberian Husky. When breeding this dog, you can expect the playful and energetic nature of the Siberian Husky and the obedience of a German Shepherd.
For short, you get the best from two worlds – beautiful and physical pet. Since it is also from a Siberian Husky, this mixed breed will not do well in warm climates and small spaces. Best of all, it is an excellent companion, a family dog, and a guard dog.
7. Shepkita
Shepkita or Akita Shepherd is a hybrid after cross-breeding Akita Inu with a German Shepherd. It may look too severe and stoic, but deep inside, this breed is extremely loyal and protective dogs. With proper training, you can teach it to excel in guarding your home and family, and other personal protective tasks.
As large and powerful dogs, Shepkitas requires regular exercises and playful activities to improve their mental state. If you are a person who enjoys watching movies all day, this breed is not for you because it is a canine that enjoys walking and running than sitting and waiting all day. Otherwise, Shepkitas may end up being too aggressive and destructive to consume energy.
8. Shepadoodle
Here’s another hybrid from two intelligent dogs – the German Shepherd and Poodle. As a result, you can get the best German Shepherd mix that is so bright, eager to please, and highly trainable. Imagine a Poodle with long legs with thick and curly, that’s what a Shepadoodle would mostly look alike. For this reason, you have to be patient in brushing, trimming, and bathing your pooch regularly to avoid matting its coat.
When it comes to its personality, a Shepadoodle is active and also needs regular training exercises. It can grow about 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 125 pounds. Meanwhile, the average life span is 12 to 14 years.
9. Dachshund Shepherd
The mix of Dachshund and German Shepherd can make an excellent guard and watchdog that is always ready to protect and warn you from any strangers. The Dachshund Shepherd may look weird and surprising for some, but no one can resist its overloading cuteness. What makes these two breeds perfect for each other is their differences that can create a well-balanced dog.
Usually, this mix will fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to size, personality, and activity level. However, you need to make sure that it is the one for you before you welcome one of these interesting German Shepherd mixes cross into your life.
10. Chow Shepherd
The name itself is a mixed breed of Chow Chow and German Shepherd that gives you an exotic kind. Both canines fall under medium to large dog breeds that are protective and playful. You can expect Chow Shepherds to be a combination of traits from both parents. Chow Chows are famous for being independent-minded, but it still has some affectionate and intelligent sides from Golden Shepherds.
Nonetheless, this mixed breed will always through to be firm and consistent in reinforcing positive traits to its human parent. At first glimpse, some Chow Shepherds may have thick fur around its neck, just like a lion, but it is a family dog. Just make sure to promote positive training and regular exercise to avoid being too aggressive.
11. German Ridgeback
German Ridgeback is the mix of two large breeds – German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both are strong, fit, active, powerful, and smart. Moreover, you can expect a strong sense of loyalty and hard work when it comes to training. It is essential to know that a German Ridgeback can also crave your constant attention, but it will always stick by your side.
With proper training, you can teach basic and even advanced tricks. If you love to jog, feel free to run with this canine by your side. It is a great way to exercises its mind, body, and other social aspects as well.
12. New Shepherd
Breeders have created a giant powder-puff and exciting mix of Newfoundland and German Shepherd that looks strong and loves water. Whether you love swimming or have a kid who would like to learn how to swim, this breed is your perfect companion. Although officially recognized by the Registry of Designer Breeds, they are not as common as you would expect.
As a devoted, loyal, and obedient canine, you can train it efficiently with some commands. What’s more interesting about this German Shepherd mix is being sweet-tempered. Newfoundlands are famous for being great with children as well as to other pets. It looks significant and superior, but New Shepherds have a soft spot in their hearts.
13. German Australian
It is a combination of two intelligent, alert, loyal, and affectionate shepherds – the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. It is a mix of two incredible herding breeds, and one of the canines that you can train quickly. Being a herding dog, expect an extreme level of protectiveness towards you and your family. Moreover, it can even herd kids away from any dangers against unknown strangers.
Due to German Australians’ natural kindness and love towards its rightful owners, they are an excellent family pet for active families who play outside. These breeds don’t enjoy laying around all day and relaxing because they quickly get bored, anxious, and develop bad behaviors. An average of 20 to 23 inches tall and a weight of 30 to 50 pounds is an all-around breed for any home size.
14. German Sheppit
What can you get when you mix German Shepherd with a Pit Bull? An extremely beautiful German Sheppit. It has the chance of being a vibrant, loyal, and energetic furry companion that is both powerful and trainable. When we say Pit Bull, it is not a specific dog breed but a group of bully dogs that include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and others. When mixed with a purebred German Shepherd, it can have different looks and results depending on the gene’s sources.
Most of these breeds will have a firm and robust built, but it doesn’t mean that they are not good at loving their human parents. It is also essential to know that German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are on the top list of the most aggressive and dangerous canines. So, proper training and guidance is a must to control its behavior.
15. Saint Shepherd
Fluffy on the outside, but firm on the inside. Saint Shepherd is a mix of German Shepherd and Saint Bernard that is loyal, loving, and protective watchdog for its sheer body. However, it is not enough that you have “sufficient” space at home, but it should be enormous to adopt this mixed breed. As a giant canine, it requires plenty of room to run and warn off those excess energies. It is one of those tender giant dog breeds because of its friendliness, especially around children and even toy breeds.
Saint Bernard has a very laid-back personality, but it may require some moderate exercises when mixed with a German Shepherd. Moreover, thanks to the intelligence of shepherd dogs, you can train it quickly as well.
16. Alaskan Shepherd
Here’s another interesting German Shepherd mix, the Alaskan Shepherd. It is a combination of Alaskan Malamute, and, of course, a shepherd dog. As a result of successful breeding, you can have a whole new pet with upgraded traits. Being two of the most prominent canines on its size, this German Shepherd mix can possess excellent characteristics from both parents like strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability.
You can also expect high tenacious since both of these breeds have it. Moreover, Alaskan Shepherds have plenty of energies, so make sure to use it wisely by proper training and exercises and keep its aggressive demeanor when not needed. Still, this breed has high patience when around with children.
17. Corman Shepherd
Corman Shepherd is a cross-breed between a Corgi and German Shepherd Dog breeds. It is a mix of David and Goliath, big and small. Still, it can result in a courageous and loyal canine that is a little bit stubborn when not appropriately trained. Both parent breeds are energetic, so it is vital that you take some time in training and exercising Corman Shepherd’s mind and body.
This breed doesn’t do well by just sitting or lying on its bed all day because it can get a little bit destructive. With a lack of physical activities, it may start biting and gnawing on slippers and mats at home. Still, it is one of the best German Shepherd mixes that can be an excellent companion.
18. Beagle Shepherd
Here’s another mixed breed of small and large dogs – the Beagle Shepherd. It is a designer breed since both parents are purebred. Based on other people’s experiences, this mix is a lovely and faithful companion. It will stick by your side, and can also be a formidable guard dog due to its protectiveness.
Best of all, since it has a Beagle mix, these dogs don’t require too much exercise. A little bit of walking and some indoor catch and fetch games is enough to stay healthy and active. It usually weighs about 20 to 50 pounds, while the coat is short and more comfortable to manage than a purebred German Shepherd fur.
19. German Anatolian Shepherd
The last on our list is the German Anatolian Shepherd. It is a combination of German Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd, which is an uncommon designer dog but makes an excellent herding canine. Though dedicated to their charge or herd, these dogs may be less accommodating of strangers and may need a firm hand and tough love to take proper training.
Such dogs are not prone to anxiety about separation but are susceptible to boredom and may grow obsessive, nervous, and destructive when not given adequate mental and physical exercise.
Considering its popularity, no wonder why there are various German Shepherd mixes in the world. Some of its best traits are being loyal, athletic, highly intelligent, and loving that most owners would look for a canine companion. Still, you should always ask yourself if you are ready to adopt this kind of breed because it requires your time and patience when it comes to training and exercise.
Mixed or not, GSDs are one of the most prominent medium-to-large-dog breeds due to its athletic stamina, intelligence, and affection towards people. With successful mix breeding of positive traits from German Shepherds, it is no surprise that it has been one of the most precious pooches out there. Check out our list of german shepherd dog name ideas!