The German Shepherd dog is an internationally loved breed. Originating in Germany, this beautiful dog has found itself ranked as the second most popular dog breed in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd can be described as confident, courageous, and intelligent.
Once fully grown, a German Shepherd dog can be expected to weigh around 65-90 lbs if male and 50-70 lbs if female. The life expectancy of this large breed is around 7-10 years. Having many admirable qualities, the German Shepherd dog adds incredible value to many breed combinations.
Need name ideas for your new German Shepherd mix? Here are the most popular names for German Shepherds.
What Are the Best Breeds to Mix With a German Shepherd?
Your perfect German Shepherd breed combination will depend on several factors such as weight, activity level, shedding, children, and budget.
Small, Medium, or Large Dog
Weight and size will have a large impact on the convenience of activities like traveling. You will need to consider whether you want a dog you can take everywhere like grocery stores and airplanes. If a traveling dog isn’t a requirement, be sure there are quality dog sitting services in your area.
Activity Level
German Shepherds are known for being high energy and will require plenty of physical activity as well as intellectual stimulation. If you are concerned a hyperactive dog is unsuitable for your situation, consider German Shepherd mixes with a calmer couch potato type dog.
Shedding
There is a reason Sheps are also known as German Shedders! They shed their coats quite a bit throughout the year, so you will need to invest more time cleaning. I highly recommend getting a robot vacuum for in between deep cleanings. By picking certain German Shepherd mixes, you can lessen the cleaning demand.
Children
You can rest easy at night knowing your German Sheperd is always ready to alert your family of danger. This breed does exceptionally well with children and will keep a watchful eye on them. However, it is important to keep in mind this high energy breed may be a bit much for very small children. Keep this in mind when choosing a mix as you can adjust the combination to fit the age of your children.
Budget
The cost of owning a German Shepherd mix will depend heavily on the size and energy level of your dog. The larger the dog, the more significant the food bill, and the same thing goes for activity level. Make sure to not underestimate the impact activity level will have on food consumption.
Popular German Shepherd Mixes
These are some photos of the most popular choices for German Shepherd mixes. For your convenience, you will find information on the weight, activity level, shedding, and disposition of each breed combination.
Golden Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Golden Retriever and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: High
Disposition: Golden Shepherds are high energy dogs that do well with families who are active. These dogs get along with children, however, be aware that small children can be knocked over on accident if not careful.
Shug
Parent Breeds: Pug and German Shepherd
Size: Small / Medium
Activity Level: Medium / High
Shedding: Low
Disposition: Shugs are upbeat, smart dogs. They are easy to obedience train but housebreaking could take a little more work. Shugs with shorter flatter faces tend to overheat, so be sure to take your daily walks during cooler hours.
Chow Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Chow Chow and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding: High
Disposition: Chow Shepherds are reasonably energetic and alert dogs. These dogs tend to be protective of their owners, so early socialization is important for them to be friendly towards strangers and other dogs.
Labrashepherd / Sheprador
Parent Breeds: Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy Seasonal Shedding
Disposition: German Shepradors are energetic dogs who love a long exercise session everyday. Be sure to plan many outdoor activities for this fun loving breed.
Siberian Shepherd / Gerberian Shepsky
Parent Breeds: Siberian Husky and German Shepherd
Size: Medium / Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: High
Disposition: The Shepsky is an extremely active and hard working dog. This breed has a strong prey drive and will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. First time owners are not recommended for this breed as they can be a handful. Experienced owners will reap the benefits of having a confident and friendly, yet sporty dog.
Shollie
Parent Breeds: Border Collie and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity Level: High
Shedding: High
Disposition: Shollies are very intelligent dogs with a peppy spirit. If you have plenty of time for outdoorsy adventures, this breed will be your perfect companion.
Corman Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Pembroke Welsh Corgi and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy Seasonal Shedding
Disposition: Corman Shepherds are enthusiastic and friendly dogs. As expected with intelligent breeds such as this one, it is important to provide physical activity and mental stimulation to ensure they do not get bored.
Shepweiler / Rottweiler Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Rottweiler and German Shepherd
Size: Large / Very Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Medium
Disposition: Shepweilers can get quite large and require plenty of exercise. Be ready to exercise as this dog will need plenty of outdoor time. 90 minutes of walking a day minimum should be expected. This breed makes for a very rewarding companion if you are an experienced dog owner. They will have lots of love to give your family, and will be your loyal buddy.
Shepadoodle
Parent Breeds: Poodle and German Shepherd
Size: Medium / Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Low
Disposition: Your Shepadoodle will be eager to please. This breed is friendly to all humans and animals. Shepadoodles tend to be on the very athletic side, so be ready for 2 hour walks, swimming, hiking, and fetch. These intelligent dogs will love intellectual stimulation to accompany their heavy exercise routine.
Wolf Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Wolf and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Moderate Yearly and Heavy Seasonal
Disposition: Wolf Shepherds are difficult when it comes to predicting personality. Keep in mind these breeds have key differences in the way they interact with other creatures. Wolves are shy by nature and aren’t aggressive unless afraid or provoked. Be sure to give this dog plenty of early socialization to prevent issues.
Important Note: Wolf hybrid dogs are illegal in several states in the United States. Please be sure to take into account ethical considerations inherent to breeding and animal domestication.
Shepkita
Parent Breeds: Akita and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Medium
Shedding: Heavy Seasonal
Disposition: Known to be goofy and affectionate, the Akita is no pushover. This breed can be reserved when it comes to strangers, and will need early socialization to avoid aggressive behavior. If you would like a dog that is as athletic but also loves couch time, this breed has much potential.
Alaskan Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy Seasonal
Disposition: Alaskan Shepherds are cold loving dogs with a strong work ethic. They are fiercely independent and will require consistent training early on. If you are looking for a loyal athletic companion, consider this breed.
Euro Mountain Sheparnese
Parent Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Low
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: Euro Mountain Sheparnese dogs are a strong contender for those wanting a calm German Shepherd mix. These quiet household dogs make great couch buddies and will stick to your side.
German Sheppit
Parent Breeds: Pit Bill and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Moderate
Disposition: Friendly and social, German Sheppits will require plenty of interaction with humans. These hard working and intelligent dogs will require training and plenty of stimulation to be happy. If allowed to become bored, this breed may become destructive.
New Shep
Parent Breeds: Newfoundland and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: The New Shep can be thought of as a gentle giant. Having a gentle demeanor, this breed gets along quite well with children and large families. Consider this breed if you are in need of an affectionate and loyal companion.
Saint Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Saint Bernard and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Low
Shedding: Moderate
Disposition: Saint Shepherds are a match made in Heaven for those wanting a dog who can be active but won’t knock the children over by accident. These strong but gentle dogs work well with both active and laid back families.
German Ridgeback
Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Low
Disposition: The German Ridgeback is a purpose driven dog with a need for goals. This intelligent dog has excellent hunting skills and will enjoy any woods outing.
German Australian Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Australian Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Moderate regular and Heavy Seasonal
Disposition: If you’re looking for a highly energetic dog with herding skills, take this breed into high consideration. While they are great companions, this dog breed needs a job. Be sure to give this intelligent dog the stimulation it deserves.
Beagle Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Beagle and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Low
Disposition: Be prepared to take long walks with this upbeat German Shepherd mix. Beagle Shepherds are curious and energetic companions that will follow their nose wherever it goes.
German Anatolian Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Anatolian Shepherd and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy Seasonal
Disposition: German Anatolian Shepherds are typically calm and protective of their owners. While they can be suitable for families, keep in mind they are quite large in size and may knock small children over.
Dachshund Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Dachshund and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity Level: Medium
Shedding: Moderate
Disposition: Dachshund Shepherds are very affectionate with family but can be reserved around strangers. Early socialization should be a priority when raising this breed. For those looking for a lapdog, they will be willing to have a lazy afternoon, but will still require an hour walk daily.
Heeler Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Blue Heeler and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity level: High
Shedding: High
Disposition: Heeler Shepherd mixes are known for being courageous and protective of their owners. To avoid aggressive tendencies, be sure to provide plenty of early training and socialization.
Doberman Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Low
Disposition: Protective and alert, this powerful dog will always be looking out for your family. They will alert you of danger, but are not aggressive. If you are looking for a loyal and loving friend to go hiking with, this may be your new athletic buddy.
Malinois X / Shepinois
Parent Breeds: Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: Be prepared to put this dog to work. The Shepinois is a dog bred for herding, agility, competitions, and police work. Very experienced dog owners will find this dog a delight to have as a companion and will keep it busy as much as possible. Please remember that a dog this intelligent will need an owner who knows how to train, otherwise things can get very difficult.
Spanierd
Parent Breeds: English Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: Spanierds are known for being very friendly and work well as family dogs. They are affectionate dogs who know how to please and crowd, but may go overboard if they aren’t properly trained. Give your Spanierds early socialization and training to ensure things go smoothly.
Dane Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Great Dane and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Medium
Shedding: Moderate
Disposition: Don’t be fooled by the pup in this photo as the Dane Shepherd is enormous when fully grown and can knock an adult over. This breed is alert but not aggressive and makes for a large friend. This dog prefers to be around its owner as much as possible so be sure you are able to accommodate that.
Sheltie Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Shetland Sheepdog and German Shepherd
Size: Medium
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: Get ready for an incredibly loving dog. The Sheltie Shepherd has a lot of affection to give and makes a great family dog. They are easy to train and will be gentle with children.
Mastiff Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Mastiff and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: Medium
Shedding: Moderate
Disposition: Be prepared for a huge dog with a guarding tendencies. The Mastiff Shepherd often grows to over 100 lbs which means you may want to think twice if you are looking for a family dog.
Shepherd Inu
Parent Breeds: Shiba Inu and German Shepherd
Size: Small / Medium
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: The Shepherd Inu is a very active dog that is eager to please. They make for lively walking companions for those who like to be regularly active.
King Shepherd
Parent Breeds: Shiloh Shepherd and German Shepherd
Size: Large
Activity Level: High
Shedding: Heavy
Disposition: Many consider the King Shepherd has a perfect family dog. This breed has a gentle temperament and will get along very well with children. The King Shepherd is one of the newer breeds and looks like a larger version of the traditional German Shepherd.