Breeds / Medium
Gerberian Shepsky puppies
The Gerberian Shepsky is an energetic, intelligent cross that is loyal, playful and affectionate with their family. They may be reserved with strangers like a German Shepherd or outgoing like a Siberian Husky, and there is no way to tell which in advance.
The facts
- Size class Medium
- A cross of German Shepherd Dog and Siberian Husky
- Country of origin Not published
- Adult weight 18.1 to 27.2 kg
- Adult weight in pounds 40 to 60 lb
- Adult height Not published
- Energy level Very high
- Grooming Moderate
- Coat type Medium double
- Typical lifespan 10 to 14 years
- Good with children Not published
- Good with other dogs Not published
About the Gerberian Shepsky
The Gerberian Shepsky crosses the German Shepherd with the Siberian Husky. Nobody knows exactly when the first was bred, and the cross remains fairly uncommon. PetMD describes them as a medium sized dog of 18.1 to 27.2 kg that can live 10 to 14 years, with the medium length double coat of both parents. They are the offspring of two working breeds and have the energy and intelligence to match.
A Shepsky needs a daily outlet for body and mind, and does best with an experienced owner who starts positive training early and keeps it consistent. They shed all year and heavily once or twice a year, so brush at least weekly and more during a moult. Socialise them widely as a puppy, because the Shepherd side can make them wary of new people and pets. Those blue eyes the cross is often bred for are lovely, but a pet's exercise allowance will not be enough.
A cross, not a breed. The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross rather than a standardised breed, so size, looks and temperament vary and can favour either parent, and puppies from one litter can differ. PetMD quotes a behaviour consultant who says temperament will vary from puppy to puppy, so meet both parents if you can.
What to expect at eight weeks
At eight weeks a Gerberian Shepsky puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. This is a very high energy breed. The mistake owners make is trying to tire them out physically. Training, scentwork and puzzles will do more than distance ever will. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything they meet calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of their life.
Health worth knowing about
Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, screened by hip and elbow scoring radiographs of both parents
- Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease that usually shows after eight years of age, with a DNA test available for the parents
- Inherited eye disease, including pannus (chronic superficial keratitis) from the German Shepherd side, found on eye examination and slowed with topical treatment
Your Gerberian Shepsky puppy's first six months
- Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
- Worming and parasite schedule.
- Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Gerberian Shepsky.
- Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 18.1 to 27.2 kg adult range.
- Puppy names and the first week checklist.
Kit sizes: crate 36 inch (36 x 24 x 26 in, 91 x 61 x 66 cm) for an adult of up to 27.2 kg; chew toys made for medium breeds. Worked out the same way as the crate size calculator. PetMD bases a crate on the dog's own measurements, not weight or breed alone, so measure once the puppy is home.
Buying guides for this
Other medium breeds
American Cocker Spaniel
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Aussiedoodle
Australian Cattle Dog
More on the Gerberian Shepsky
Previous: Galgo Español · Next: German Longhaired Pointer
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
- petmd.com for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- Health notes from Gerberian Shepsky breed information at https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/gerberian-shepsky. Discuss any of these with your own vet.
No published figure for adult height, the good with children rating, the good with other dogs rating and country of origin, so nothing is shown rather than a guess.
Photo: Rennett Stowe from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped. All photographers are listed on the photo credits page.