20 Wonderful German Shepherd Mixes
German Shepherd dogs are one of the world’s most recognized breeds and the third most popular breed in America. That’s hardly surprising when you think about how loyal, intelligent, sensitive, and protective they are. We don’t want to say it… but they may be the perfect breed.
But what about a German Shepherd mix?
Is it possible to breed this amazing dog with other beloved breeds – say a Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, and an Alaskan Malamute? Yes, it is. And the result is often an amazing mixed breed that inherits some of the best qualities of both its parent breeds.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd, or Alsatian as it’s called in the UK and Europe, is quite a new breed (if you compare it to the likes of the Afghan Hound or the Chow Chow).
They originated in 1899 when a man named Captain Max von Stephanitz made it his passion to create the perfect German herding dog. In his opinion, up until that point, he’d only found herding dogs that were athletic, intelligent, or a good companion. Not one that embodied all of these traits.
Over time, there was less of a need for herding dogs but von Stephanitz still wanted his dog to be an excellent working pup.
During World War I, German Shepherds were enlisted into the German army and were used as messengers, guards, and rescue dogs. They became really popular dogs amongst American soldiers and many brought them back home with them.
To get rid of the stigma associated with their name, in 1917 the American Kennel Club changed the breed’s name to Shepherd Dog and they became known as Alsatians in England. It wasn’t until 1931 that the AKC returned to using the breed’s original name of German Shepherd Dog.
German Shepherd Temperament
To get a good idea of what your German Shepherd mix will be like, it’s good to know the general personality traits of a purebred pup.
Despite what many think, German Shepherds are usually not aggressive. They’re protective of their family and are not afraid to let everyone know they feel threatened. They’re strong and highly alert which makes them excellent guard dogs.
Around their family and those they know, the German Shepherd is very sociable, playful, and caring.
They’re one of the most intelligent dog breeds you can get and can be trained to do just about anything – which is why they’re still used by police, as service dogs, and by rescue teams.
These pups are hard-working and need a lot of exercise to burn up their energy. They’ll benefit from different types of training as well as a good walk, run, hike, or time playing in the dog park.
A German Shepherd loves to bond with its family members and because of this, doesn’t do well being left alone for long periods of time. They can easily develop separation anxiety and a bored German Shepherd can become destructive (think digging, barking, and chewing)!
It’s important you keep their mind, as well as their body, fit and engaged with squeaky toys and plenty of interaction.
20 Of The Best German Shepherd Mix Breeds
These family-favorite pups are no exception when it comes to the designer dog movement. Their attractive, wolfish looks plus their great temperament have made them a popular breed to mix with other purebred dogs. Here are 20 of the best German Shepherd mix breeds.
Beagle Shepherd (German Shepherd Beagle Mix)
If you think of a German Shepherd mix, a Beagle may not be the first dog that comes to mind. Appearance-wise, they’re two pretty different-looking breeds. But this mixed breed is loyal, friendly, and very sweet-natured.
As with both parent breeds, the Beagle German Shepherd mix will need early socialization to prevent them from becoming possessive or potentially aggressive. They’ll do well in training and will need a good amount of exercise – after all, they have a lot of working dog genes in them.
These pups make great family pets and will love to have fun with their owners. They’re medium-sized dogs that can be quite muscular and strong.
They have dense, medium-length coats and are likely to shed (Beagles are considered moderate shedders but GSDs definitely shed)! Regular brushing will help to minimize the number of hairs around your house.
Because of their Beagle heritage, it’s also possible for this German Shepherd mix to have long, floppy ears which need to be cleaned often to reduce the chance of infection. They may suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, and a few eye conditions.
Siberian Shepherd (German Shepherd Husky Mix)
Now, this is a very attractive dog – as you can totally guess from the parent breeds! In fact, this pup is one of the most popular mixed breeds in the world! They tend to inherit the fun and silly side of the Husky and the obedience of the German Shepherd.
The Gerberian Shepsky, as it’s also known, is a hard-working dog that’s fairly easy to train. They love to please their owners and constantly learn new things.
Both parents were originally working dogs, so these pups need to feel like they have a purpose. Learning new tricks or training classes can be a great idea. This German Shepherd mix also needs regular exercise such as long walks, hikes, or games in the park.
A downside (to some owners) is that these dogs shed. Like, really shed. It will be pretty constant and they’ll also blow their coats twice a year as they grow a new one for the changing season.
Regular brushing with a good quality brush for double-coated dogs will help – but you’ll also need to have the vacuum cleaner to hand! Huskies can have different colored coats, so you can expect the Siberian Shepherd to too!
These dogs are a very lively designer breed and don’t do well in small spaces. They’ll also prefer cooler temperatures and it’s important you help them keep cool in summer.
Shepkita (German Shepherd Akita Mix)
This is a particularly cute-looking German Shepherd mix. What could be cuter than the super fluffy Akita mixed with the striking looks of a German Shepherd?
Your Shepkita will probably look fairly wolf-ish but with the distinctive square features of the Akita. In all likelihood, they’ll also inherit the Akita’s curly tail.
They’re big dogs and need a lot of room to move in. They’re really not suited to apartment living and like to be out in the fresh air, so a backyard to roam in is a good idea.
Shepkitas are very loyal and protective dogs. They’re devoted to their families and form strong bonds with their owners. They can, however, have a bit of a stubborn streak, and training from a young age is essential.
The German Shepherd Akita mix loves a challenge and needs an experienced owner who can curb any unwanted behavior. With good training and socialization, however, you’ll be getting a great family pet that’s incredibly loyal and protective.
Shollie (German Shepherd Collie Mix)
These two are very popular dogs so, of course, their hybrid is too! They’re very attractive pups and nearly always have a multi-colored coat that perfectly combines the German Shepherd and Collie colors.
They usually inherit the Collie’s slightly longer and finer coat. They’ll need regular grooming to keep their coats clean and healthy-looking.
These pups will do really well in an active family – possibly even in a working/herding role. They’ll love to go on long excursions and burn off some of their enormous amounts of energy.
It’s really important you keep this mixed breed’s brain engaged as they’re highly intelligent (Collies are up there with some of the most intelligent dog breeds ever). Shollies won’t do well if they’re left to get bored. Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are a great way of keeping them engaged.
This is a great designer dog that’s a fantastic mix of two purebred pups. They normally inherit the protective nature of the German Shepherd and the affection of a Collie – the perfect family addition!
German Pit (German Shepherd Pitbull Mix)
This is a great German Shepherd mix for owners that want a loving and adoring pup. And that’s something that many wouldn’t expect from a Pitbull and German Shepherd mix! But, like both parent breeds, this hybrid dog is often misunderstood.
They’re medium size and quite often look more like a Pitbull than a German Shepherd. They can, however, have more German Shepherd coloring.
It’s important (really important if you don’t want a dominant and potentially destructive dog) to train German Pits from a very young age. If you do this in a firm yet loving way, you’ll have a calm and caring dog that’s great with children.
As with all puppies, it’s important you get your German Shepherd Pitbull mix from a reliable and ethical breeder. Over the years, there’s been a great effort to breed out negative and violent traits in Pitbulls and it’s important you know the parents of any Pitbull or Pitbull mix.
If you’re not convinced about a German Shepherd and Pitbull mix, why not check out a Husky Pitbull mix?
Shepadoodle (German Shepherd Poodle Mix)
No prizes for guessing the other parent breed of this adorable, fluffy pup! And actually, those curls make the Shepadoodle a hypoallergenic dog breed – so good for those with allergies.
You can expect your Shepadoodle to be very energetic and outgoing. They may also inherit the playful side of their Poodle parent.
Either way, you’re getting a dog that needs a lot of vigorous exercise and that will excel in agility training. Because the German Shepherd and the Poodle are both so intelligent, you can be sure this hybrid will be too.
Make sure you have plenty of cute toys for them to play with and use training as a way for them to engage their brains.
It’s likely that this dog will look more like a Poodle than a German Shepherd and it’ll probably be a dark color. They may have a long tail and floppy ears.
The Shepadoodle is a very loyal and affectionate dog. They’re sociable and love to be with the family and make new friends.
Corman Shepherd (German Shepherd Corgi Mix)
These little guys are one of the smallest German Shepherd mixes on the list – but don’t let their size fool you! These dogs have plenty of personality and energy!
Both the Corgi and the German Shepherd have herding backgrounds (yes, even the Corgi with its little legs!) so you can expect your dog to excel in that too.
They have lots of energy and will love to run around the park or go for a good walk with you. Corgis can be prone to putting on weight, so you need to make sure your dog gets enough exercise and doesn’t eat too much.
It’s really important you socialize your Corman Shepherd from a young age as they can have a tendency to be a little skittish and wary of new people.
As with some Corgis, they may bark when strangers are approaching. With good socialization and training from you, they’ll soon be able to tell the difference between friend and foe!
The Corman Shepherd is a sweet dog that makes a great family pet. It will shed quite a lot (like both the Corgi and the German Shepherd) so you can expect some grooming. They can also attempt to dominate so these pups do best with experienced dog owners.
Golden Shepherd (German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix)
Of course, a Golden Retriever and German Shepherd hybrid pup is going to be a gorgeous, loveable, and very popular dog. And these pups really will be a man’s best friend!
They tend to inherit the Golden Retriever’s gentle, playful nature and the German Shepherd’s loyalty. A Golden Shepherd is likely to still be protective of its family but the Golden Retriever genes make this dog initially more friendly than a purebred German Shepherd.
They’re large dogs that can weigh up to 70 pounds and will typically look more like a German Shepherd but with the iconic yellow coat of the Golden Retriever.
They’ll need regular grooming to keep their coat shiny and healthy (daily brushing and a bath once a month) and you can expect some shedding.
These dogs are outgoing, affectionate, and very loving. They can be excitable and need lots of entertainment, such as games, training, and exercise. They adore being around children and make perfect family pets.
German Australian Shepherd (German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix)
These dogs are very attractive pups with fluffy, straight, and fine coats. They’ll likely have German Shepherd colorings with the odd bit of merle across their body. They can also have light blue eyes or different-colored eyes. They’ll be smaller than a German Shepherd but still a relatively large dog.
When it comes to herding, you can’t do much better than the German Aussie. They’re highly intelligent dogs and love to show off their impressive abilities.
If you’re not using this pooch as a working dog, you’ll need to make sure its brain is stimulated and that it doesn’t get bored. Agility courses and obedience training can be really fun for these dogs.
They also need a lot of exercise and time outside. They do best in homes with a large backyard that they can burn off some energy in. German Australians are also vigilant dogs that are sure to protect you and your property!
Sheprador (German Shepherd Labrador Mix)
The Sheprador is a perfect hybrid of both its parent breeds. Looks-wise it’s a strong, stocky dog that has a double coat – so you can expect year-long shedding.
Depending on the Lab color, your dog could be a mix of black, brown, and golden.
Both parent breeds are very energetic and the Sheprador is no different. They’ll need a good amount of intensive exercise a day. It’s also possible that they’ll inherit the Labrador’s love of water which is a good way for them to have fun and use up some energy!
These dogs are patient and loving and their only wish is to please their owners. They’re sociable but may inherit the German Shepherd’s shyness when they first meet someone new. Socialization and early training can help with this.
This really is a wonderful German Shepherd mix that’s perfect for an active and loving family!
Dachshund Shepherd (German Shepherd Dachshund Mix)
This sweet pup looks pretty much exactly how you’d imagine. Like a mini German Shepherd with a slightly longer body! This small German Shepherd mix is one of the rarest on the list but just as loveable.
These pups will be less active than other German Shepherd mixes but will still need some exercise and plenty of things to keep them mentally stimulated.
The Dachshund Shepherd will also be quite happy curling up on the couch and snoozing with you. It’s important, however, that they get enough exercise and move their little bodies and these pups can be prone to weight gain and obesity.
They have a very sweet temperament and are generally calm and fairly easy to train. They can have high-energy levels so lots of playtime is a good idea!
Chow Shepherd (German Shepherd Chow Chow Mix)
If you’re after a fluffy German Shepherd, the Chow Shepherd might be the pup for you! They typically inherit the Chow Chow coat which is long and very fluffy, so expect some grooming and shedding. These dogs are usually brown and tan in color and are slightly smaller than the German Shepherd.
Something which owners of this pooch love is that they’re pretty predictable dogs – which isn’t always the case with hybrid pups. Both the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd have similar temperaments so it’s common for the Chow Shepherd to too.
Both can be a little aloof and independent, protective, loyal, and very loving towards their families.
Chow Shepherds will need at least an hour’s exercise every day to keep them happy. They’ll also enjoy training and socialization is important to stop them from becoming too independent.
Doberman Shepherd (German Shepherd Doberman Mix)
If you’re after an incredible guard dog, you can’t do much better than the Doberman Shepherd. They’re very vigilant and their intimidating (yet attractive) appearance is sure to scare any intruder off.
These dogs are highly intelligent and enjoy training. They can be strong-willed and stubborn at times, so these pups are best left to an experienced owner who can assert their authority early on. These pups are also large dogs (weighing up to 110 pounds) so you don’t want them thinking they’re in charge!
When well trained and socialized from a young age, this crossbreed can be a very playful, affectionate, and protective dog that’s a wonderful addition to your family.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
There’s not a particularly catchy name for this unusual mixed breed. Maybe the Chihuahua Shepherd? The Shepchi? But that doesn’t stop this small to medium-sized dog from being attentive, loyal, bold, and quite strong-willed. It’s also very loving towards its family members.
Despite their size, Chihuahuas can be quite aggressive and they’re known for being distrusting of strangers. This is likely to be a personality trait of your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix too. They can also be prone to barking (or rather yapping).
It’s crucial you socialize this designer dog early on so they get used to being around other dogs and humans.
These German Shepherd mixes don’t do well being left alone. They love to be around their families and to interact and play with them. If left alone they can easily become bored and destructive (say goodbye to your furniture).
Because both the Chihuahua and the German Shepherd look so different, you can expect their crossbreed to vary quite a lot. There are actually 7 different types of Chihuahua which makes it even more complicated. They could look more like either parent breed and the color of their coat can be quite different.
Shug (German Shepherd Pug Mix)
Another smaller German Shepherd mix is the Shug or Pugger Shepherd as it’s sometimes called. These dogs are very friendly and exceptionally loyal to their families.
They have a caring temperament but can be a little stubborn. It’s best if these dogs are part of a family of experienced owners who won’t let them get away with their strong-willed personalities!
That being said, Shugs are very intelligent dogs and relatively easy to train when you find out which way works best for them.
As with the Chihuahua German Shepherd mix, this pooch’s appearance can vary a lot. They’re normally quite chubby with a medium-length coat.
Their size can differ from puppy to puppy and they generally have a longer snout than Pugs (which is the same with other Pug mixes such as the Retro Pug or Chug). They can, however, still suffer from some respiratory conditions common in Pugs.
Because these dogs are smaller, they’re a better option for those living in a smaller house. Ideally, they’d have a backyard to roam around in, but if you’re willing to take them out for plenty of short walks, they should be OK in an apartment.
Boxer Shepherd (German Shepherd Boxer Mix)
This is one of the most popular German Shepherd mixes – and it’s easy to see why! They’re very handsome dogs. These dogs love to have human attention and pleasing their owners is top of their list of daily activities.
The combination of the two purebred pups is ideal. The German Shepherd influence makes this crossbreed extra intelligent and trainable and the Boxer genes make it fun-loving and friendly.
The Boxer Shepherd is a great guard dog. They’re very alert dogs and initially aloof with strangers which can make them a bit wary – ideal for guarding. They’re also large dogs that can be 25 inches tall and up to 85 pounds heavy.
They’re strong and muscular pooches that have very athletic bodies. Generally, they’re a perfect mix of both parents and can have the boxier appearance of a Boxer combined with the longer looks of a German Shepherd. They can be a mixture of colors including white, brindle, black, brown, and tan.
Boxer Shepherd mixes normally have a thick, medium-length, double coat, so you should expect some shedding. Combing with a good quality brush should keep the worst of it at bay.
Rhodesian Shepherd (Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix)
These pups make wonderful pets, but they’re certainly not for everyone. They need an experienced owner as their boisterous and sometimes rebellious nature may be a bit too much for novice pup parents.
It’s really important to train your Rhodesian Shepherd from a young age and continue with this their entire life. These dogs will really benefit from obedience classes.
This mix is independent and protective but they’re also affectionate towards their families. The Rhodesian Shepherd (or the German Ridgeback as it’s otherwise known) can be untrusting of strangers so make good guard dogs.
These pups are big dogs and can be 28 inches tall and weigh up to 90 pounds. That means they need a lot of space and wouldn’t be suited to apartment living.
Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the German Shepherd breed are working dogs at heart, so this crossbreed needs a lot of exercise and does well being put to work.
Appearance-wise, these dogs can be a real mixture of both parent breeds. Normally they’re tan or brown in color but they can have patches of other colors on their body.
They can either inherit the Ridgeback’s floppy ears or the German Shepherd’s erect ones. They’ll normally have dark eyes and a strong body.
With the right training and an owner who (preferably) has owned a Rhodesian Ridgeback before, these dogs can be wonderful companions.
Mastiff Shepherd (German Shepherd Mastiff Mix)
The Mastiff is really a huge dog and the German Shepherd isn’t exactly small, so you can expect this crossbreed to be big too. Their sheer size means they need a competent owner who can properly handle such a big ball of fur!
Obedience training is crucial. These pups have a more gentle nature than you’d think but because of their enormous size, you want to make sure they do as they’re told!
Mastiff Shepherds like to be outside so a large backyard is preferred for this dog. They’ll enjoy roaming, playing, and napping!
Like their German Shepherd parent, these dogs need a decent amount of exercise. It’s important not to exercise them too much when they’re young and their bones are still developing as this can cause problems later on.
Because of the Mastiff in them, you may find that your German Shepherd mix has a little less energy than a purebred and that they like to lay around a lot.
With good training, these pups can be amazing, large, family protectors. Their unique appearance will ensure that you get stopped on the street by dog lovers everywhere!
Rottweiler Shepherd (German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix)
The Shepweiler, as it’s also sometimes called is a strong and fiercely loyal dog. They’re one of the best guard dogs you could wish for and are sure to protect your home and family.
They’re not, however, the easiest of dogs to have. They need firm training from a young age so they know exactly who the leader of the pack is. It’s important you don’t let them challenge that role.
If well-trained from puppyhood, these dogs are caring, affectionate, and love to be part of the family. They can be a bit rebellious if not, making having them as a pet difficult.
This mixed breed is large and can weigh up to 130 pounds. They do best in homes that have large outdoor spaces that they can explore. Plenty of exercise and activities to keep them busy are daily musts for Rottweiler Shepherds, as well as lots of time and affection from you.
Alaskan Shepherd (Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd Mix)
This is a wonderful, very handsome German Shepherd mixed breed. The Alaskan Malamute is also a working dog so these pups will thrive in an environment where they feel useful and can learn new things. They’re very intelligent and can be trained well.
The fluffy Alaskan Shepherd does have an independent streak which means it’s necessary to socialize them from a young age so that they’re good around humans and other animals.
That being said, these dogs can take after German Shepherds and bond more with one owner rather than an entire family.
When it comes to their appearance, they can look very hairy and Malamute-like or more similar to the German Shepherd. They’re large dogs and need a good amount of area to roam in and plenty of walks and time playing in the dog park to be happy.
So, there it is! 20 wonderful crossbreeds that are all unique and totally adorable. And that’s not all of them. There are so many adorable mixes like the Border Collie German Shepherd mix too! Which German Shepherd mix is your favorite?
