The German Shepherd has been and remains the most popular and sought after breed. The reason for this is a magnificent exterior, a powerful, harmonious physique, high intelligence and excellent service qualities. The demand for German puppies is huge, so unscrupulous breeders, in pursuit of quantity and profit, allow matings with individuals classified as mestizos. In such a situation, it is important to be able to accurately identify a purebred German Shepherd puppy and know how to distinguish it from a cross with a mongrel.
Shepradors
The German Shepherd, the European Shepherd and the Labrador are the parents of the Sheprador. This is an energetic, active dog, gentle, obedient and faithful pet. Smart, he easily learns commands - he is an excellent service animal. At the same time, it is also a pet, a faithful watchman protecting children.
The exact appearance of such a mestizo is difficult to predict. He will have a dense coat that needs daily grooming. The approximate weight of the animal is 28-38 kg.
Sheprador photo:
Shepski
The German Laika, Shepsky, is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a German Shepherd. The weight of the animal is 15-40 kg. An unusual dog, similar to a wolf, it needs daily brushing and periodic washing of its coat with a dense undercoat. Like Huskies, Shepskis can have blue eyes and dyschromia.
This is an active animal that needs daily long walks, games and runs. Good as companions and working dogs. They are smart, friendly and loyal, and love children. Even a beginner can handle training such a dog.
Shepsky photo:
Pros and cons of the nature of such dogs
The character of a mixed-breed dog is unpredictable. He can take both the best sides of his parents and the worst. Moreover, when breeding offspring from different dogs, breeders pay little attention to their character.
No one will bother to eradicate aggressiveness or other behavioral defects.
Therefore, you need to start raising a puppy immediately upon purchase, so as not to regret the lost time later. On a note! Crossbreeds mainly absorb the positive aspects of the character of their parents. The negative qualities of one parent are weakened by the positive qualities of the other.
Sheparnese
An interesting cross between a German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Their maximum weight is 50 kg. The length of the coat is average, but the dog tends to shed all year round - daily care for the “fur coat” is required. At first glance, it seems that this is an unusual Alabai.
Sheparnese are prone to dominance - they need strict education and training. Not the best option for families with small children. Such a dog should be owned by adults with a strong character.
Photo of sheparnese:
How is it different from Eastern European?
Among the anatomical differences between the “Germans” and the VEO, they note:
- sloping croup, smoothly turning into the base of the tail;
- squat, far-set hind legs;
- coat length ranges from medium to long;
- The color is usually black and red, but zonal is also acceptable.
In addition, when comparing breeds, there are significant differences in the temperament of East European Shepherds and “Germans” : the former are sanguine, characterized by slowness and balance, the latter are choleric, characterized by excitability and a love of expressing emotions through loud barking.
It is necessary to choose a pet from among the mestizos especially carefully, paying attention to all the character traits and appearance of the parents, since it is not known which genes of which breed will dominate in it. Acquiring a mixed breed is always associated with risk and uncertainty, and if most of the undesirable character traits can be leveled out through education, it is impossible to change the dog’s appearance.
Shotti
A Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix is a tall, muscular dog with a broad chest. These are medium, large dogs weighing 15-40 kg.
Shotties are energetic dogs and excellent guard dogs. They are prone to aggression if provoked. But at the same time, they are incredibly loyal and loving friends for their family.
Shotti Photos:
German Shar Pei
The German Shepherd and Chinese Shar Pei mix is a playful, intelligent pet. An excellent companion, he prefers quiet and calm families. He loves his owners with all his heart, but is distrustful of strangers and can be greeted with loud barking.
The maximum weight of an adult dog is 40-45 kg. This strong, muscular animal can have a bushy tail or wrinkles on its head and shoulders.
Photo of a German Shar Pei:
Types of "Germans"
Representatives of this breed can be short-haired or long-haired. In the first species the coat is thick and hard, on the tail, neck and hind legs it is softer and longer, the undercoat lies tightly to the body, in the second the coat is long, soft, slightly wavy, the undercoat is weakly expressed.
German Shepherds are also divided into species according to breeding line:
- exhibition - purebred individuals with an exterior as close as possible to the standard;
- working – have a denser and squat build;
- Shepherd dogs of East Germany are heavy, strong dogs with a massive body and a large head;
- American – these dogs are taller than their German relatives and have an angular build;
- Czech – outwardly they look like shepherd dogs from East Germany, but have a more docile and calm character;
- Belarusian Shepherds are strong and hardy dogs with dark or spotted hair, obtained by crossing German and Central Asian Shepherds and Russian Laikas;
- British - they are characterized by a long, stocky body and short legs.
In addition, as a result of breeding work on crossing German shepherds with other animals, such breed varieties as the Czech Wolfhound, American Shilohound, Dutch Sarlouz Wulfhound, and English Utonogan were obtained.
Shepherd Bulldog
The Bulldog and German Shepherd mix is a large, powerful and strong dog. Her weight is 27-40 kg. It is distinguished by non-marking wool of a wide variety of colors - from brindle to black, from fawn to spotted. If the animal takes after its bulldog parent, it may have breathing problems due to its short nose.
As for temperament, this is a brave, smart, self-confident dog. An excellent watchdog, he needs training if the dog is taken for home keeping.
Photo of Shepherd Bulldog:
Photos of a popular type of mestizos and who is better
Currently, mixed breeds of various breeds are gaining popularity..
Such dogs are cheaper, while containing the positive qualities of their parents. The German Shepherd did not escape a similar fate.
The following types of her mestizos are now popular::
- Labrador mix;
- Crossbreed with alabai;
- Chow-chow cross;
- Pug mix;
- Husky mix;
- Rottweiler mix;
- Akita Inu mix;
- A cross with a St. Bernard.
Mixed breeds are not a separate breed, so be wary of being overpriced and presented as a rare breed.
Wolf
This mixed breed is called the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog because of the place where it first appeared. This is one of the few crosses that has been approved as a separate breed and received its own standard from the International Canine Federation.
This dog was the result of long attempts to cross a Carpathian wolf with a German shepherd.
NOTE!
The breed contains only 10% dog blood and 90% wolf blood.
The dog is suitable for guard and security service; he is an excellent tracker and hunter. The color of the breed has a zonal “wolf” color - from reddish-gray to silver-gray with a light mask.
Pros of the breed:
- Devotion;
- Courage;
- Independence;
- Endurance;
- Distrust of strangers;
- Friendliness;
- Insight;
- Sociability.
Minuses:
- The dog obeys only the “leader”;
- She needs a confident owner;
- A beginner will not cope with training;
- If not trained, instincts can take over;
- It is still not clear how to feed correctly, which is why she is prone to various diseases.
Rottweiler
The mixed breed of these breeds is called Malkhover. It has excellent security and watchdog qualities. The dog is muscular, calm, loyal, intelligent, confident and trainable.
This is a very large dog, its weight reaches 50 kg . He inherited the color of a Rottweiler, but the muzzle and ears of a Shepherd, so he looks more menacing.
pros:
- Intellectually developed dog;
- A good watchman and security guard;
- Easy to learn;
- Loyal to the owner;
- In emergency situations, she remains calm, so her actions are clear and coordinated.
Minuses:
- A dog that only a strong nature can handle;
- She can be trained by an experienced dog handler or breeder;
- Very strong, without education can be dangerous.
Laika
A hybrid of a German shepherd and a husky is a large and strong animal with good endurance, guard and riding skills..
They tend to run away because they have much more energy than their parents, therefore they need even more activity. They have the color of a husky, even blue eyes, but the arrangement of spots is the same as that of a shepherd dog.
pros:
- Guard and hunting potential;
- Can act as a sled dog;
- Hardy, have great working qualities;
- Serves man faithfully;
- Has an even more sensitive sense of smell and hearing.
Minuses:
- Willful and prone to escape;
- Difficult to train;
- May not listen to commands;
- They bark loudly.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The dogs are very beautiful, they have a powerful physique, an intelligent and understanding look. Hybrids are more similar to Caucasians, but the characteristics of a German shepherd can be traced in their character and appearance.
They are not as heavy as Caucasian Shepherds , and are distinguished by greater grace in physique . At the withers they reach 70 cm and weigh more than 50 kg.
The coat is thick and long, the color appears as it grows up, it can be the same as both parents. Drop and erect ears are allowed.
These are very confident dogs, strong-willed and independent..
They always attack first, even if the opponent is superior in strength and number.
pros:
- A good watchman and security guard;
- Withstands high sub-zero temperatures;
- Calm by nature;
- Lightning-fast reaction;
- Brave and loyal;
- They get along well with children and other pets.
Minuses:
- Not everyone can own such a dog;
- Submits to a person with the same strong-willed and strong character;
- Too large to be kept in an apartment;
- If not trained they can be dangerous.
Labrador
This is a large dog with a black or dark color. They are true companion dogs, while maintaining protective qualities too.
IMPORTANT!
Metis can live in an apartment, are well suited for children, they are not aggressive at all, but if the owner is in danger, they will react instantly.
Have a positive attitude towards other pets.
pros:
- A sociable dog, friendly and intelligent;
- Gets along with children;
- Submissive and easily trained disposition;
- Sociable and watchdog qualities make a mixed breed a unique dog;
- Insightful, distinguishes between people.
Minuses:
- Prone to some hereditary diseases;
- Does not tolerate loneliness well;
- Becomes attached to the owner and suffers without him even in the family circle;
- Despite the fact that he can live in an apartment, he needs physical activity.
Doberman
Hybrids are slightly taller than German Shepherds and have a leaner and leaner body. They also inherited thin, muscular paws from Dobermans; it is customary for mestizos to have their tail docked.
The muzzle is also pointed, similar to the Doberman Pinscher. The coat is short and stiff, the color is black, black with tan on the chest and limbs.
Despite their menacing appearance, the dogs are friendly and sociable . The hybrid literally combines all the positive traits of both breeds.
pros:
- Calm, balanced and serious dogs;
- Sentry and protective potential;
- It will not harm a person if he sees that he has come with the owner;
- Smart and insightful dog;
- Has intelligence and is easy to train;
- Gets along with children.
Minuses:
- He looks aggressive and threatening, which is why passers-by avoid him;
- Does not get along well with other pets;
- Cannot stand loneliness;
- Needs exercise.
Alabai
Such dogs are born smart, with good security and watchdog qualities. They are people-oriented, obedient and active.
In their appearance, both an Alabai and a German Shepherd are easily recognizable, despite the fact that they can look different .
Due to the mixture of different psychotypes, a puppy may show unreasonable aggression or cowardice from childhood. This makes training dogs difficult.
Husky
This is one of the most popular hybrid options.
They are often called Siberian Shepherds. Dogs have strength, endurance, they are playful, smart, and at the same time they are good guards and watchmen.
They are not afraid of frost and can easily endure winter outside..
Their coat color can be black, brown or gray. Dogs' eyes can be dark, blue, or heterochromic.
Sugi
Shugi (nops) are funny crossbreeds of a German shepherd and a pug, a “product” of artificial insemination. They do not inherit their parent's breathing problems (due to the pug's flattened face).
The maximum weight of such a pet is 14 kg. This is a stocky animal with an easy-to-groom coat. Shugs are valued for their intelligence and energy, cheerful and friendly disposition. This is a family dog for a small apartment.
Photo of sludge:
Nutrition
The pet is fed both natural food (boiled meat, boneless fish, vegetables and cereals, and sometimes, not very often, fermented milk products), and ready-made commercial food. Don’t skimp on your dog; try to buy premium, natural-based food.
Before choosing a diet, consult your veterinarian. He will help you create the right balanced menu. This is necessary to avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract in the future. An adult dog should be fed 2 times a day, and a baby 3-4 times.
Be sure to give your pet vitamins, minerals, and there should always be clean water in the bowl. There is no need to experiment on your dog by treating it to various sweets, fatty and spicy foods, and flour products. All this has a harmful effect on health, and also contributes to excess weight gain.
Shepkita
A mix of Akita and German Shepherd, this is a large dog weighing 35-55 kg. An unusually intelligent creature, she is cunning and prone to dominance - it is important to let the dog know “who’s boss.” This is not to say that this is a family pet - the Shepkita does not like to be in contact with small children. However, he feels great with adults - he is a wonderful service animal.
Shepkita needs socialization and education. A strong, muscular dog requires long and active walks. Mestizos love to perform tasks - follow, catch, search.
Shepkita photo:
Owner reviews
The main difficulties of keeping Utonagans and Shepskys are noted by cynologists and owners of such mestizos as long-term and fairly heavy molting, as well as a very low level of controllability, a tendency to escape and steal.
This is interesting! Such four-legged pets need competent and timely, professional socialization, which should begin from a very early age of the dog.
According to experts, both breeds have their own characteristics and quite striking advantages, but strong friendship most often arises between the owner and such a dog only if they have complete mutual understanding, and also somewhat resemble each other in temperament.
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German Pomeranian Shepherd
A very cute mestizo - a cross between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian Spitz. Since the hybrid is created through artificial crossing, it will be quite expensive. A dog’s weight can vary from 2 to 40 kg, depending on which parent’s genes are dominant. The lifespan of a German Pomeranian dog is 10-14 years.
This is a self-confident, independent animal, prone to dominance - therefore, both education and training are important to it. At the same time, these are very friendly dogs who love to communicate with children, cats, and strangers.
Photo of a German Pomeranian dog:
Who are mestizos
Puppies obtained from crossing different breeds are called mixed breeds. It is believed that crossbred cubs are more resilient and strong. They have stronger immunity and are less aggressive.
Mixed dogs
Usually the process of mating of purebred animals is regulated by humans, and therefore the result is more predictable. Although it may result in a new breed with its own characteristics.
It is characteristic of mestizos that they are quite capable of reproduction. Mating is possible between the mestizos themselves and with representatives of other breeds.
For your information! The largest number of mestizos are produced by mongrels. There, even in a distant generation, it is not possible to find any specific breed.
Shepherd Chow
German Shepherd and Chow Chow mixes are healthy puppies with an unusually cute appearance. Their weight varies - 12-43 kg. One of the features is the long fur of the Chow Chow, which tends to mat. This pet needs daily brushing and visits to the groomer for hair trimming.
Because of the same thick and dense fur, the Shepherd Chow does not feel well in an apartment - she feels great in an enclosure or kennel even in the cold winter. But this is not a watchdog, but a family pet - it was created not only to protect, but also to love people. Loves to communicate with his owners - especially with small children.
Photo of Shepherd Chow:
Character
One of the main differences between these breeds is their bark. Huskies do not make such sounds - they only howl. You can even say this: they sing like wolves. But huskies, on the contrary, bark, which is why they got their name. True, their barking is always different, depending on the situation. But when they hunt, they behave absolutely quietly, and will only bark when they find prey.
And you can also note one more difference - endurance. Huskies have excellent physical fitness. They can easily cover long distances at high speed without being distracted by food. Laikas, intentionally bred for transport purposes, are also hardy, but not as hardy as huskies. They usually transport not too heavy loads and only over short distances.
And with its help, all issues with the outside world are resolved, for example, relationships with other family members or pets. In addition, they clearly have such character traits as love of freedom, phlegmatism and independence.
Huskies, on the contrary, are very loving. They treat any person with all the warmth, even strangers. They are believed to become attached to people almost instantly and treat them very well. However, they do not have guard instincts, so, unfortunately, they are no defenders.
The interesting thing is that when these breeds are mixed, it turns out that the puppy inherits only the best qualities from its parents. They have great personalities, adapt well to living with people and serve them well. Husky-husky crossbreeds are quite easy to train and quickly remember everything. They always show loyalty and treat children with all tenderness.
Mestizos are more similar in appearance to huskies. Most crossbred offspring appear with a blue eye tint. But there is a different palette of shades. If you put in more effort, you can get a dog with heavenly eye color and black fur. In addition, it is possible to breed an animal of a bright red color. Having received a red offspring, a real dog breeder will be happy with this news, but it is better to keep it not in a city apartment, but in a large house with a plot. But those individuals that are more tamed to people will become great friends, living in apartments.
But before you buy a mestizo, you need to accept the fact that not all babies receive only positive qualities. Of course, there may be different options. Therefore, it is worth observing how the puppy behaves, and only then make a decision.
Shepherd-Doberman
A crossbreed between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher has the appearance of a “Dobie” with the coloring of a Shepherd. This is a beautiful and powerful animal. The main instinct of a mute is watchdog, protective. This is the best guard for the house and its owner.
The pet is distinguished by intelligence and good learning ability. Such mestizos are excellent at tracking down criminals and saving people
This muscular dog weighs 40-45 kg. He has a long muzzle, dark eyes, and perfectly erect ears.
Shepherd-Doberman photo:
Shepherd-Chihuahua
The next mixed breed is a hybrid of a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. Due to the difference in the sizes of the parents, such offspring are most often obtained through artificial insemination. Depending on whose genes are greater, a mestizo can weigh from 4 to 27 kg.
As for coat color, the color of the German Shepherd is most often inherited. And the length of the hair, on the contrary, depends on the Chihuahua parent - whether it was short- or long-haired.
The Shepherd Chihuahua is a domestic dog. She feels great in a standard apartment.
Photo of Shepherd Chihuahua:
Care and maintenance
First, let's make a reservation - it is not recommended to get this breed for living in city apartments. She needs fresh air, free exit from the house. A shepherd dog requires a non-standard set of stress, both mental and physical. The ideal option is to keep her in a private house with a household or on a farm, where she will have a lot of work.
To care for your pet, you don't need any special worries. Brush the coat regularly, at least 3-4 times a week. Use both hard and soft brushes alternately. Dogs shed in spring and autumn, during which time more hair falls out. You need to bathe her only when necessary, she is quite clean and does not smell. Use dog shampoos and conditioners for bathing. Brush your ears, eyes and teeth once a week.
The most important thing is to walk for at least an hour in the fresh air with active physical activity. They need to move a lot, walks should be long and thoughtful. Physical exercise is important to them. Otherwise the dog may get sick.
They enjoy chasing and playing fetch (fetch a ball or stick). If a dog runs well during the day, by the end of the day he relaxes, calms down, curls up at his owner’s feet and sleeps. The breed has some genetic diseases:
- Hip dysplasia, watch the dog’s gait and mobility. At the first signs of sagging posture and possible pain, immediately contact a veterinarian.
- Gastric volvulus (rare)
- Allergy to medications.
Shepherd Beagle
This is a cross between a herding dog and a hound dog - a German shepherd and a beagle. A relatively small pet weighing 9-18 kg. An excellent companion, domestic, family dog.
It is worth noting that such a mestizo needs education and training more than an ordinary shepherd dog. The fact is that the genes of the hound somewhat narrow the possibilities of intelligence - the beagle only needs to track and catch prey.
The great advantage of the mixed breed is the ease of caring for its coat. This is the “legacy” of the beagle with an extremely non-staining coat.
Photo of mixed beagle and shepherd dog:
Why do you get a hybrid of a husky and a shepherd?
Crossbreeding is a method of obtaining crossbreeds that have good health, the absence of genetically inherited diseases, and advantages in appearance. If hybrids have been bred over several years, their appearance is officially documented, and sometimes they are registered as a new breed.
In the case of the German dog and the husky, scientists set themselves the task of obtaining a hybrid capable of working in harsh arctic conditions. The designer dog was supposed to not only transport cargo, but also participate in rescue and search operations during snow storms, blizzards and blizzards. American breeders were involved in crossing husky and shepherd breeds. They managed to breed a stately, handsome mestizo with high intelligence, capable of working in northern climates. Unfortunately, he is not as hardy as the Hasyata and does not obey his owner unquestioningly like a German dog, but his character and characteristics are used in modern life.
Sheepdog-Wolf
Sheepdog-Wolf is a cross between a Czechoslovakian wolf and a German shepherd. Quite a large animal weighing more than 18 kg. Such a delightful hybrid, unfortunately, is not a domestic dog. He thrives in a backyard enclosure. You need to understand that your pet needs not only long runs and walks. As a descendant of the wolf, he is motivated only by those activities that have a goal - to find, to catch.
Sheepdog-wolves are tall, with a long body, powerful and strong. Their coat color is black-brown, gray-brown, gray-white.
Photos of wolf-shepherds:
Similar breeds
There are several dog breeds that have similar appearance or personality traits to German Shepherds.
Chinese
These dogs can be of 2 types:
- Kunming Shepherds (recognized by China, but not by FCI) - similar in appearance to German ones, but smaller in size, have lighter bones and heads, the angles of the limbs are less pronounced, medium-length hair with undercoat;
- German Shepherd of Chinese breeding - the presence of Tibetan mastiff blood is noticeable in the exterior, which is expressed in heavier bones, a massive square-shaped head and very large sizes.
Despite serious differences from classic German shepherds, these dogs participate in exhibitions and have many fans.
VEO
How is a German Shepherd different from a European one? VEO are large dogs, growing up to 61-71 cm at the withers . They have large, powerful bones, well-developed muscles, and free and fast movements. Sexual demorphism is clearly expressed - females are much smaller than males.
What other similar breeds are there?
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are the largest of all Shepherd Dogs. These are strong, hardy, muscular animals with long thick hair, a massive head and a powerful neck. Central Asian Shepherds originated in Central Asia; mastiffs and wolfhounds are considered their ancestors.
"Central Asians" are divided into 4 types:
- Turkmen;
- Tajik;
- Uzbek;
- Kazakh.
Reference! There are also mini Australian Shepherds, Anatolian, Belgian, English, Basque, Bernese, Dutch, French, Icelandic, Scottish, Picardy, Polish Lowland, Romanian, and Old English Shepherds.
How to distinguish a “German” puppy from a mongrel?
Mongrels do not belong to any breed and, as a rule, live on the street. Their size, color, character and other qualities cannot be known in advance, since they do not have a standard.
Unlike slowly developing mongrels, German Shepherd puppies rapidly gain weight and grow , their body develops harmoniously and proportionally. In shepherd dogs:
- narrow convex forehead;
- drooping saber-shaped tail;
- rough and hard coat;
- massive and strong chest;
- almond-shaped eyes of a rich dark color;
- ears stand up as they grow older.
Sheepdog-Corgi
The German Shepherd and Pembroke Welsh Corgi mix is an excellent herding and family dog. The mother breeds were bred specifically for grazing cattle and sheep. Metis is a smart, quick-witted dog, perfectly trainable and kind.
Depending on genetic factors, a Corgi Shepherd can weigh from 11 to 30 kg. She inherits the best traits from her parents:
- From the corgi - longevity. Metis live up to 12-14 years.
- From a shepherd - no problems with the spine. The short legs of the Corgi, the dwarfism gene, is the cause of many serious diseases.
Photo of a mixed sheep dog and a corgi:
Advantages and disadvantages
The Shepherd is a popular, intelligent, brave, loyal and obedient dog breed. Purebred dogs bred in special kennels have the correct conformation, endurance, and learn quickly.
Currently, shepherd dog mixes are also gaining popularity, as they retain the advantages of two strong dog breeds.
Compared to a purebred dog, a crossbreed has a number of advantages:
- the puppies are strong and healthy;
- resistance to genetic diseases;
- immunity is developed;
- intelligence is more clearly expressed;
- the cost is lower than a purebred.
The excellent health of a crossbreed does not mean that they do not need care, care and proper nutrition.
You need to get the necessary vaccinations just like any other pet.
When keeping a crossbreed as a pet, you should remember the following disadvantages:
- the size and color of an adult dog cannot be determined;
- flaws in appearance;
- have no documents or pedigree;
- cannot participate in exhibitions;
- unknown character of the pet: it can be either affectionate or aggressive.
Scientists have proven that crossbred dogs are the best option, since the puppy takes only positive qualities from its parents. When mating two different dogs, the negative qualities of the breed are compensated.
