German Shepherd Husky Mix – A Strong & Striking Dog

The German Shepherd Husky mix is a strong, striking hybrid mix that serves as a loyal family dog.

Picking up in popularity, this designer pup is great for fans of medium-to-large dogs who want a smart, dedicated pet by their side.

Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know about the German Shepherd Husky mix.

Meet the German Shepherd Husky Mix

Although a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a larger dog, it also offers the loyalty that your family may be looking for in a pet.

This friendly breed is eager to please its owner and has a lot of energy, making it a pet that you can take outside and run with or play catch with. Because of the demeanor of this mixed breed, it’s also a good dog to have if you’re looking for a pet that will sit on the couch with you or sleep at the foot of your bed at night.

With all cross mixes, there is no way to tell the exact proportions and traits they’ll pick up from their parents. But we have a solid idea of what you can expect with the German Shepherd Husky mix.

Appearance

With all mixed breeds, there are no guarantees, and the German Shepherd Husky mix is no exception, especially if you have not seen the dog’s parents.

Fortunately, each dog has similar characteristics pertaining to appearance, which means that you sometimes won’t be able to tell the difference as to whether the Husky is dominant or the German Shepherd. The ears are erect on both breeds with deep ear pockets. Both dogs have an athletic appearance. And both breeds have thick, soft fur.

You can expect your dog to weigh about 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown and stand close to 23 inches tall. If there is more German Shepherd in your dog, then it could be a few inches taller since that breed is a little larger.

The color of your dog will depend on the colors that show through from the parents. Many German Shepherd Husky mix dogs are darker in color because the darker shades tend to dominate over those that are lighter. This means that your mixed dog might look like a German Shepherd but have the demeanor of a Husky.

A beautiful combination and one that many people desire is the overall appearance of a German Shepherd with black and tan hair and the blue or green eyes associated with a Husky. If you want a better chance of having a lighter color dog, then try to find parents that are both white or that are lighter colors.

Personality

Most German Shepherd Husky mixes are loyal, making them a good pet for a family with children or for owners who are older.

They are also very outgoing and enjoy being outside as much as possible. Both breeds have friendly personalities and are smart. They are easy to train whether you want a guard dog or a dog that is easygoing and enjoys relaxing with you while you’re at home.

A Husky can be a bit stubborn and strong-willed compared to the German Shepherd, which is eager to learn and understands commands in a short time. If you’re looking for a guard dog, then try to find a mix that is mostly German Shepherd, as a Husky is a bit friendlier.

The temperament of your dog will be difficult to determine if you get it as a puppy because an adult German Shepherd or Husky will vary. However, if you get an adult dog, you will usually be able to detect the breed that is prominent regarding the temperament in a few short days or weeks.

Before you get a German Shepherd Husky mix, you need to think about whether you would want either breed inside or outside your home as they both require time and attention when training – but will offer a lot of love which makes it all worth it.

Health

Many people enjoy mixed-breed dogs because they are sometimes healthier than purebred. This is because the dog that you’ll have has a mixture of the genes of both parents instead of only one breed.

There are a few different illnesses that are common to each dog. Hip and elbow dysplasia is very common in German Shepherd dogs because they are so active. You’ll also notice arthritis and other issues with the bones and joints. They are also susceptible to thyroid dysfunctions and epilepsy.

The Husky doesn’t have as high of a risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. Huskies are, however, prone to illnesses that impact their eyes, such as cataracts.

Grooming

Each breed has a thick double coat, which makes sense since they were both developed as outdoor working dogs. This means that your German Shepherd Husky mix will have a double coat as well.

You will usually need to brush your dog’s hair about twice a week, especially if you plan on keeping your dog inside because of the shedding that each breed is known for.

When it’s time for molting, you will probably notice that there is an excessive amount of hair everywhere, which means that you need to be ready with a brush and lint remover at all times to keep your dog’s coat shiny and free of tangles.

Both breeds enjoy baths but try to avoid giving baths until most of your dog’s hair has shed so that you’re not washing away hair week after week.

Training & Exercise Needs

Since the German Shepherd Husky mix combines two active breeds, it will need a lot of training and exercise.

Both breeds have a strong work ethic, so they need quite a bit of room to run around. They are intelligent, which means that they are easier to train than other breeds. However, if they are in enclosed areas for long periods of time, then they could bite on things in your home or try to get out.

Obedience classes work well with a German Shepherd Husky mix and will result in a better-behaved pet.

German Shepherd Husky Mix: Is It Right For You?

Between the wolf-like appearance, impressive athleticism, and striking eyes and coat colors, the German Shepherd Husky mix is a stunning creature.

This mix is a smart, outgoing breed that is eager to work hard and serve its master. Solid training and lots of exercise are a must to keep this pup on its best behavior.

If you like what you hear and are able to dedicate the time and energy that this mix needs, then go for it!

You might also be interested in these mixes:

• German Shepherd & Australian Shepherd Mix
• Australian Shepherd & Lab Mix
• Australian Shepherd & Golden Retriever Mix
• Golden Retriever & Husky Mix
• Golden Retriever & German Shepherd Mix

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.