The Gerberian Shepsky is a medium-to-large dog breed, typically between 20 and 26 inches tall and weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. Their size depends on their parents’ genes. In general, Shepskies tend to be smaller than German Shepherds and larger than Siberian Huskies.

Gerberian Shepskies can be pure white, black and tan, or a combination of black, silver, and tan. Their coats tend to be shaded and include distinct markings. Like other mixed breeds, the coloring of a Shepsky depends on their parents.

Yes, Gerberian Shepskies are moderate-to-high shedders. Both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies have double coats that consist of soft, dense undercoats and longer, straight outer coats, so you’ll need to regularly groom your Shepsky to keep their coat looking good. You might want to keep that dog brush handy or budget for professional grooming appointments.  

In addition to shedding regularly, Shepskies will “blow” their coats seasonally; this sounds like a lot, but it mostly means you’ll see tumbleweeds of fur all over your house.

No, Shepskies will do best in a cat-free house. While some Gerberian Shepskies will accept cats, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds can be unpredictable with smaller pets, including your kitty.

Yes, Shepskies are okay with being alone as long as they have an outlet for their high energy. German Shepherds are known for having devoted, loving, and affectionate personalities, while Siberian Huskies are outgoing and affectionate. All that love and devotion is good, but Siberian Huskies are also known for forming strong bonds with their families and prefer near-constant companionship. Shepskies who inherit this temperament will become bored, lonely, and destructive if left alone for too long. Keep the leash ready for regular hikes, runs, and very long strolls.

Yes, Shepskies bark. Expect Shepskies to bark when someone rings the doorbell or drops off packages on the porch. But — good news — neither of their parent breeds are known for being big barkers. If you do notice your pup excessively barking, it could be because they are bored or want attention.

Yes, Shepskies are very smart dogs. Dog sports such as agility, tracking, competitive obedience, sledding, carting, and skijoring (pulling a skier) provide physical exercise and help Shepskies keep their minds sharp. Other options for mental stimulation include puzzle feeders, toys, and games. These pups will seriously own a game of hide-and-seek or scent tracking.

Yes, active families will love Shepskies. After a day of activities (don’t forget that key part!), Shepskies will happily curl up on the couch for family movie nights. Shepskies who inherit a German Shepherd’s guardian aptitude will need early socialization and training to ensure they are accepting of strangers.

Yes, German Shepherd / Husky mixes are relatively easy to train. The ancestors of these working dogs learned how to herd animals, pull sleds, and participate in search-and-rescue missions — all tasks that require outstanding intelligence and training. Gerberian Shepskies inherited those traits, making them easy to train. Because Shepskies are eager to learn, they respond well to reward-based training. But remember, training any dog — even a highly trainable breed — takes a lot of time, dedication, and patience.

Yes, with a consistent training schedule and positive reinforcement, Gerberian Shepskies can master basic commands, learn new tricks, and even take on the role of service dogs. Sign up for obedience classes or work one-on-one with a trainer to make sure your Shepsky is a model canine citizen.

Shepskies are highly active dogs who require one to two hours of exercise a day.

Yes, you need to groom a Gerberian Shepsky. At home, you can use a pin brush or metal comb to remove old hair and keep your pup’s coat clean and healthy; trimming the fur around their feet and toes also ensures their paws are clean. Trimming nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth should also be part of their grooming routine.

No, German Shepherd Husky mixes aren’t considered a hypoallergenic breed, so if you have a dog allergy, they might not be the pup for you.

Shepskies can inherit some of their parent breeds’ prevalent health issues, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Both German Shepherds and Huskies have a higher risk of developing hip and/or elbow dysplasia, a common skeletal disease in dogs where the joint has grown abnormally, resulting in pain, lameness, and possible osteoarthritis.

• Eye issues: Shepskies may develop progressive retinal atrophy, a disease that causes degeneration of the retina at the back of the eye, which can result in vision loss; juvenile cataracts, which are cataracts formed before or right after birth; and corneal dystrophy, or eye diseases that involve changes in the cornea. 

• Degenerative myelopathy: Shepskies are also prone to degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord and results in hind-limb weakness and paralysis.

It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, this doesn’t mean they will develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you watch for health problems with regular checkups.

The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross between the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky — breeds known for their thick coats, expressive ears, and perfect puppy-dog eyes. Gerberian Shepskies, also known as Shepherd / Huskies or Shepskies, have a very distinct appearance and might look like a blue-eyed German Shepherd to you.

Shepskies have an average lifespan of seven to 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Shepskies started off as a “designer breed,” but there are many German Shepherd / Husky mixes at shelters across the country.