German Shepherd Pitbull Mix: Care, Size, Facts, Information

You may have heard a lot about a German Shepherd and a Pitbull separately, but you may have heard very little about the hybrid breed known as a German Shepherd/Pitbull. Here, we’ll go over specifics concerning this breed.

A German Shepherd Pitbull is a mixed breed dog, which is a cross between a German Shepherd dog and American Pitbull Terrier. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix can be a perfect friend for your family.

This dog breed is very intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. It is a large dog with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Let’s see details of the German Shepherd Pitbull mix.

Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier originated in the USA, and due to this, it is also known as American Pitbull Terrier. However, their ancestral roots began in England and Ireland. It is described as a medium-sized dog of the Molosser breed type with short, varyingly colored coats.

The weight of these dogs is 35 to 90 pounds, and in height, they are 14 to 24 inches.

Due to the muscular build of the dog and due to its reputation for aggression, people believe them to be an unfriendly dog, but in reality, they are affectionate.

German Shepherd

The German shepherd descended from the German herding dogs. In the early 1900s, they rose to popularity in the US. German Shepherds are a big breed, averaging 50 to 90 pounds and standing between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive appearance: long snouts, pointed ears, and thick, bushy tails.

Although it can sometimes be all-white or all-black, its coat is often black and brown.

German Shepherds have a reputation for being intelligent, devoted, and trainable. Due to their fast learning and obedience, they are frequently utilized as working dogs. They are also protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs.

Like all breeds, German Shepherds require regular exercise and proper training to maintain physical and mental health. Selecting a reliable breeder and giving regular veterinarian treatment are crucial because they are prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia and bloat. With the right care and attention, German Shepherds can make fantastic friends and working dogs.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Overview

History

It’s possible that the German Shepherd Pit Bull dog breed evolved naturally over time, but it was most likely in North America in the 1990s. The designer breeders began deliberately breeding American Pit Bull Terriers and German shepherd Dogs.

Breeders started mixing the two parent breeds to create a companion dog. The beginning of this breed happened as a designer breed, but some have ended up in shelters or the care of rescue groups.

Appearance

The German Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a unique-looking dog that combines the physical characteristics of both parent breeds – German shepherd and pitbull mix. They are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular and athletic build. Their coat can vary in color and texture but typically has a short, thick, and shiny appearance.

The head of a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix is usually broad, with a well-defined jawline and strong neck. Their eyes can be round or almond-shaped, and their ears can be floppy or erect, depending on the genes inherited from their parents.

These dogs have deep, broad chests, well-muscled legs, and long, tapering tails. They are known for their agility and speed, which makes them great for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and playing fetch.

In terms of size, the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix can range from 18 to 26 inches in height and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds, depending on the size of its parents.

One unique feature of a German shepherd mix with pitbull is their facial expression. They have a serious, almost intimidating look that can make them appear more aggressive than they really are. However, proper socialization and training can make them friendly and loving towards their family and other pets.

Overall, the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix is a striking and attractive dog that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Temperament

It is very difficult to predict the temperament of a designer dog like a pitbull and German shepherd mix. Generally, German shepherd pitbull are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protectiveness. At the same time, pit bulls are known for their devotion, faith, and affection.

When it comes to the German shepherd pitbull mix, they exhibit traits from both of them.

If you raise a German Shepherd Pitbull mix properly, they can be very affectionate. This dog breed may try to dominate the other dogs. However, with proper training, this dog can also become friendly with others, but it will require a lot of effort.

Training

If you have a German Shepherd Pitbull mix or plan to adopt it, you must know how to train this pet. When we are talking about German Shepherd Pitbull, do keep in mind that it won’t be easy.

The key to training this breed mix is consistency and patience. Start with basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Avoid harsh training methods, as this can lead to aggression and anxiety in the dog.

Socialization is also crucial for a German Shepherd Pitbull mix. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments, starting at a young age. This will help them develop into well-adjusted and friendly adult dogs.

Exercise is essential for this breed mix, as they have high energy levels. Plan for at least 30 minutes of exercise and playtime each day, such as walks, runs, or games of fetch. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training exercises, can also help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Overall, training a German Shepherd Pitbull mix requires commitment, patience, and consistency. These dogs can make excellent companions and working dogs with proper training and care.

Exercise & Living Conditions

This dog breed is very energetic and can be very dangerous when they are bored. Due to their large size, it is very difficult for them to live in an apartment. The ideal place would be the spacious one for this breed. It may include a big backyard where the dog can run freely.

The Pitbull German shepherd mix needs one and a half hours of exercise daily. Apart from physical activity, the dog also needs a lot of mental stimulation, which can be achieved through regular training and interactive toys.

The dramatic behavior of the German shepherd pit mix can be controlled with proper exercise. This dog breed requires more exercise compared to the other breeds.

Size

When we talk about size, Pitbulls are medium-sized, whereas German Shepherds are large-size. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is a large breed where males weigh between 40 and 90 pounds and females between 30 and 70 pounds. Their height is 18 to 24 inches.

When owning a large breed dog like a German shepherd mix with a pitbull, you need to be considerate about their higher food and medical costs.

Health

Generally, the German Shepherd Pitbull mix lifespan is 10 to 12 years. This dog breed is much healthier than their purebred parents, but they can still inherit some diseases from them.

Here are the 3 major health problems to which this breed can be prone:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint in which the ligaments holding the ball at the top of the leg to the socket are weak and do not fit properly. Due to this, there is more movement of the fitting, which can result in stiffness and pain in the dog. If your dog is suffering from this problem, don’t allow your dog to jump more.

Bloat

Many large-sized dog breeds who eat and drink in excess get affected by this problem. Early warning indications include restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach, and an inability to reach out effectively for extra air or food.

Skin Irritation

The German shepherd pitbull mix can easily catch skin irritation, and this is the problem they inherit from the pitbull side of the family. They have very sensitive skin, which can give a sharp reaction when they get a bite from an insect.

Diet

Large breed dogs like German shepherd pitbull mixes need a high caloric intake. The requirement is 1200 to 2700 calories for males and 900 to 2100 for females. However, do make sure to consult a vet to make sure your dog gets proper and healthy food.

Coat and Colors

As we said to you, a Mixed German Shepherd and Pitbull breed is inclined more toward its Pitbull genetics when it comes to appearance. The same goes for its coat, which often has a straight, short to medium stance.

In contrast to German Shepherds, which often have uniform coat coloring, Pitbulls come in a wide range of hues, and this combination does too. Pitbull Fawn, brown, tan, and black coats are the most prevalent colors for German shepherd hybrids. White & grey coats are less common.

Cost

The German Shepherd Pitbull mix price can be anywhere around $800. However, its price may vary depending on the breeder, location, and demand for the specific mix.

This cost can go much lower if you get it from a local shelter. They only need a small donation fee to cover the medical cost.

Grooming

The grooming requirements of the German Shepherd pitbull mix are much less than the other breeds. It requires low to medium maintenance.

The breed requires a bath only once a month. However, cleaning their ears regularly is important, particularly if they are crooked or bowed over.

The nails of the dog must be cut every few weeks to keep the paws hygienic & healthy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So, this was all about the great dog breed named – German Shepherd Pitbull mix! It is a large breed that can be a great family dog after some training. We have mentioned all the details regarding this dog breed, and now the decision to own this dog lies in your court.

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