Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix, also known as a “Shepherd Pit” or “Shep-Pit,” is a special kind of dog that comes from mixing two strong breeds. The German Shepherd is smart, loyal, and can do many jobs like being a police or rescue dog.
The Pitbull is known for being strong, quick, and loving. When you mix these two breeds, you get a dog with a mix of their traits.
This mixed breed dog is usually medium to big with strong muscles and a smooth coat. Because they’re smart and like to make people happy, they learn quickly with training.
They’re good at different activities like agility, listening, and even helping people feel better. Even though some people have ideas about Pitbulls, how a dog behaves depends a lot on how they’re treated and trained.
If you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix, it’s best to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. But if you decide to buy one from a breeder, make sure they’re a good one.
Look into the breeder’s background to be sure they take care of their dogs and puppies well. Good breeders make sure their dogs are healthy and have good personalities, and they don’t support bad breeding practices.
German Shepherd Pitbull mix Dog Breed Features
Appearance: A German Shepherd Pitbull mix is usually a big dog with strong muscles. Their fur can be lots of different colors and lengths, and their ears might stand up or flop down. They often look alert and confident.
Strength and Agility: Imagine a dog that’s both strong and fast. That’s what you get with this mix. They’re powerful and can move quickly, making them great for running around and playing outside.
Versatile Abilities: A German shepherd Pitbull mix can do many different things. They’re good at jobs like helping the police, finding people, and assisting those who need special help. These dogs are smart and like to learn, so they can handle lots of tasks.
Loyalty and Protective Instincts: German shepherd Pitbull mixes stick by their family’s side and make sure everyone is safe. They’re very loyal and always watch out for any problems. Having one of these dogs around can help everyone feel safe at home.
Affectionate Nature: Even though some people might think Pitbull’s are mean, this mix is actually very loving. They love their human family and enjoy cuddles and playtime. With the right love and care, they’re gentle and sweet.
Temperament: These dogs are smart, loyal, and protective. They’re good at watching over their families and learning new things. It’s important to teach them manners when they’re young and let them meet different people and animals.
Even though some people think Pit Bulls are mean, this mix can be friendly and easy to teach if they’re treated kindly.
Care: These dogs need plenty of exercise and things to do because they’re active and clever. Going for walks and playing games keeps them happy and healthy.
Trainability: These dogs love to make their owners happy. If you teach them nicely and give them treats when they do well, they’ll learn anything. Starting training when they’re young helps them grow up to be polite pets.
Active Lifestyle: These dogs have lots of energy and like to stay busy. Daily walks, games, and puzzles keep them happy and healthy. Keeping them active is important for their well-being.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix Dog Breed History
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is a type of dog that comes from mixing German Shepherds and Pitbulls on purpose. This started happening more in the 1990s, especially in North America.
People mixed German Shepherds and Pit Bulls to make a dog that’s friendly and protective. But now, not many people want this mix because Pit Bulls are banned in some places in the US, and the popularity of this particular mixed breed is in decline.
Some of these mixed dogs end up without homes and need help finding new ones. If you’re thinking about getting one, think about adopting from a shelter or rescue group instead of buying from a breeder.
You can look for these dogs in local shelters or rescues that specialize in German Shepherds or Pitbulls. They often have mixed breeds too.
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA).
German Shepherd Pit Bull Dog Breed Personality
German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are very protective and loyal to their family. They like being around lots of people.
These dogs need a big house with a big yard to play in. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy.
When they are young, it’s important to introduce them to new things, like people and other dogs. This helps them be friendly and not aggressive at all.
They are smart and can learn new things easily. It’s best to teach them using rewards and praise.
They don’t like being alone for a long time. If they are bored, they might start doing bad things like chewing on things or making loud noises.
Taking them for walks and letting them meet new people and animals when they are puppies helps them be more friendly as they grow up. Early socialization is key for their development.
German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Size
The German Shepherd mix is a new kind of dog, so there aren’t strict rules about how big they should be. Since they come from German Shepherds and Pit Bulls, they’re usually medium to big.
They usually weigh between 30 to 90 pounds and can be about 17 to 26 inches tall. But some might be smaller or bigger. Usually, the boy dogs are a bit bigger than the girl dogs.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Dog Breed Grooming And Coat Color
German Shepherd Pitbull mixes have coats that come from both their German Shepherd and Pit Bull parents. Their coats can be different colors like brown, black, white, grey, tan, or fawn. They usually don’t have just one color but a mix of a few.
Their coats are short and thick, which means they can shed a lot. If you’re allergic to pet hair, this might not be the best breed for you. You might need a special vacuum to clean up after them.
You should brush their fur at least three times a week to keep it neat and help spread the natural oils in their skin. Only give them a bath when necessary so you don’t remove too much of these oils.
These dogs might be okay outside for a little bit in different weather, but it depends on which parent’s traits they inherit more.
But generally, they’re best suited to living indoors with their families where they can be comfortable and safe. German Shepherd Pitbull mix black and white coats offer a striking contrast. German Shepherd Pitbull mix brindle coats showcase a distinctive pattern.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Dog Breed Feeding
If you have a German Shepherd Pitbull mix, it’s important to feed them right. They need food designed for big dogs who are super active. Ask a vet or pet nutritionist for advice on what and how much to feed them. As they grow up, their food needs change, so keep up with that.
When they’re puppies, be extra careful with what they eat and how much they exercise. German Shepherds grow fast when they’re young, so they’re prone to bone problems. Feed them good quality food that’s not too fattening to keep them healthy.
Don’t let puppies run around on hard surfaces like roads until they’re at least two years old. It’s okay for them to play on soft things like grass or carpets. Too much food and not enough exercise can cause joint issues and other health problems.
So, give treats in moderation, keep them moving, and feed them at regular times instead of leaving food out all day.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Dog Breed Health Issues
The German Shepherd Pit Bull mix can have some health issues similar to those of German Shepherds and Pit Bull Terriers. While most are generally healthy, some may have a few health problems. That’s why it’s important to take good care of them and have regular checkups with the vet.
Hip Dysplasia: This means their hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can lead to problems like limping or difficulty moving. Treatment might include watching their weight, giving them medicine, or even surgery in severe cases.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, tiredness, and skin problems. It can be managed with medicine prescribed by a vet.
Bloat: Bloat is a serious issue where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening. Breeds like German Shepherds are more at risk. Emergency help is needed to fix this.
Allergies: Like humans, dogs can be allergic to things like certain foods, pollen, or dust. This can cause itching, red skin, or tummy troubles. Finding out what they’re allergic to and avoiding it can help.
Heart Disease: This includes problems with the heart’s structure or how it works. Symptoms might include coughing, tiredness, or trouble breathing. They might need medicine, a special diet, and regular vet visits.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Dog Breed Care
Regular visits to the vet are really important for your German Shepherd Pit Bull’s health. This helps catch any problems early. Work with your vet to make a plan to keep your dog healthy. Since they can gain weight easily, it’s good to feed them at the same times every day.
These dogs have lots of energy, so they need about three hours of activity every day. This can be things like playing, walking, or running.
Taking care of their ears is important. Check them every day for dirt or bugs, and clean them like your vet suggests. Trim their nails every one to two months to keep them from getting too long and clicking on the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Brushing their teeth every day is also important to keep their mouth healthy. Your vet can show you how to do it right.
Sometimes, dogs might need help with their anal glands. If you see your dog dragging their bottom or scooting, it’s best to get help from a vet or groomer.
It might be a bit messy, but it’s necessary for their health. By taking care of these things, you’re helping your dog stay healthy and happy.
German Shepherd Pit Bull with Kids And Other Animal
A German Shepherd Pitbull mix can be a great pet for a big family with kids if they’re trained well and used to being around children. But because they’re quite big, they might accidentally bump into smaller kids and knock them over.
It’s really important to teach kids how to approach and touch dogs gently, and always watch over them when they’re with the dog. Kids should never bother a dog while it’s eating, and they should never try to take its food away. Even if a dog seems friendly, it’s still not safe to leave them alone with little kids.
These dogs can usually get along with other dogs, especially if they’ve grown up together. But it’s crucial to introduce them to different dogs early on so they learn how to behave.
If you’re dealing with an older dog that hasn’t learned to socialize well, you might need to be strong and firm when you’re out with them.
To understand this mix better, it’s a good idea to learn more about their parents, the German Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Dog Breed Rescue Organization
Finding a rescue specifically for German Shepherd Pit Bull mixes might be tough because they’re a mix. But you can check out rescues that focus on German Shepherds or American Pit Bull Terriers since they often take care of mixed breeds too.
There are lots of Pit Bull mixes in animal shelters all over the country. Here are some rescues you can look into:
- Animal Farm Foundation
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
- Pit Bull Project
- Bad Rap
- German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Georgia
- Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue
- Save-A-Bull Rescue
- Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary
- Mid Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue
- Pit Bull Rescue Central
Dog Breed Organizations
When you’re getting a new dog, choosing a good breeder is super important. Good breeders care a lot about making sure their puppies are healthy and friendly.
They check their parent dogs for health problems, spend time with the puppies to get them used to people, and offer help and advice even after you take your German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppy home.
But some breeders, called backyard breeders, are only interested in making money. They might not care much about the health or behavior of the puppies they sell. That’s why dogs from these breeders can often have problems.
There are clubs for different dog breeds, where people who love those dogs get together. These clubs help breeders, owners, and fans of the breed connect with each other.
They also do things like organize dog shows to celebrate the breed and teach people how to take good care of their dogs.
Key Facts
- Origin: Originating from North America
- Group: Not recognized by major kennel clubs
- Size: Height ranges from 18 to 26 inches, while weight typically falls between 40 to 90 pounds
- German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Lifespan: Lifespan averages between 10 to 12 years
- Temperament: Known for their loyal, intelligent, energetic, and protective temperament; however, they may require experienced owners due to their strong-willed nature. Early socialization and training are essential.
- Coat: Possessing a short and smooth coat, available in various color combinations including black, brown, white, fawn, and tan.
- Training: Moderately easy to train, though firm and consistent methods are necessary. High exercise needs, necessitating at least 2 hours of daily activity encompassing walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
- Health: Generally healthy, yet prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies.
Note: Discover a German Shepherd Pitbull mix for sale at a reputable breeder. The German shepherd Pitbull mix puppy price typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, varying based on factors such as breeder reputation, lineage, and location.
If anyone wants to learn more about pets, they can read our article at Harper’s Atelier. Discover a variety of German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies for sale and find your new furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Names?
Some common names for a German Shepherd Pitbull mix include Max, Bella, Rocky, Luna, Duke, Sasha, Zeus, Roxy, Diesel, and Maya.
How Big Will a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Get?
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix full grown is a sizable dog, weighing between 50 to 90 pounds and standing up to 24 inches tall. They typically possess a short, dense coat available in various colors like black, tan, brindle, and white.
Sources
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
