15 German Shepherd Mix Dogs You’ll Fall In Love With

The German Shepherd, also known as the GSD, is currently enjoying his spot as the number two most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Perhaps it’s due to that winning temperament, his trainable nature, or the fact that he’s as loyal as he is protective.

Whatever the reason, we love German Shepherd dogs. And if you’re with us, then you’re about to love this article.

Not only are we talking an awful lot about German Shepherds today, but we’re also talking about German Shepherd mix dogs.

Why not have the best of both worlds in a crossbreed canine? Of course, like all dogs, the German Shepherd mix has his fair share of pros and cons.

So, before we dive into the 15 German Shepherd Mix dogs we know you’ll fall for, let’s first talk about what exactly a German Shepherd mix is.

What Is A German Shepherd Mix?

A German Shepherd mix is a German Shepherd mixed with any other purebred dog.

Crossbreed dogs like the German Shepherd mix are different from mutts, though some may argue this point.

The truth is, a German Shepherd mix dog is any dog that is a cross between the purebred German Shepherd and any other purebred dog out there.

The average German Shepherd mix can be difficult to nail down as far as characteristics go, though you can get a general idea of what a German Shepherd mix might be like by understanding the standard German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd Breed Overview:

Height: 22 to 26 Inches

Weight: 65 to 88 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Athletic, Devoted, Trainable, Work-Oriented

Lifespan: 9 to 13 Years

Best Suited For: Experienced Dog Owners, Active Dog Owners

Overview Of The German Shepherd:

The German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog in Germany. With his protective nature and incredible intelligence, the German shepherd quickly became the ideal candidate for a number of other working purposes as well.

Throughout his lifetime, the German Shepherd has been employed as a guard dog, herding dog, search and rescue dog, police dog, military dog, service dog, therapy dog and, most importantly, a beloved canine companion for families.

Of course, the German Shepherd isn’t the ideal dog for everyone. In his purebred form, German Shepherds are generally better suited for committed, more experienced dog owners. Without proper training and socialisation, they can be prone to a variety of behavioral issues and emotional issues.

GSDs also require plenty of routine grooming, exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.

But what about a German Shepherd mix dog? Well, that is going to be a little more complicated. Let’s learn why.

What You Should Know About Designer Dogs

Designer dogs like a German Shepherd mix are somewhat controversial.

Crossbreeds, hybrids, designer dogs or mixed breeds – these terms all mean the same thing. Basically, these terms translate to any dog that is the offspring of two specifically chosen purebred parent breeds.

While we love our designer dogs, and while crossbreeding is an ancient practice, it has come under some scrutiny over the past few years.

In the last two decades, cross breeding dogs for profit has skyrocketed in popularity. Doodle mixes are some of the most popular, but German Shepherd mix dogs and other designer breeds are quickly rising in the ranks.

The reason this is problematic, in some people’s eyes, is because early generation crossbreed dogs like a German Shepherd mix may be deemed unpredictable when it comes to genetic traits like health, temperament and appearance.

For this reason, it’s very important for anyone considering a crossbreed dog like the German Shepherd mix to know that a crossbreed may be a perfect mix of both his parent breeds, or he may be more like one over the other. This could be by way of health, temperament and appearance.

That said, there are some benefits of crossbreeding. In fact, some speculate that crossbreed dogs like the German Shepherd mix may be healthier than their purebred counterparts thanks to hybrid vigor.

This is because crossbreed dogs have a widened gene pool, which makes them less likely to inherit some of the same genetic health issues as their parent breeds. On the flip side of this, crossbreed dogs may also have double the health issues to contend with as they now have two different purebred parents in their DNA.

But enough with all the genetics talk.

Now that you know the basics of a crossbreed and what a German Shepherd mix really is, it’s time to talk about 15 German Shepherd mix dogs we can’t get enough of.

15 German Shepherd Mix Dogs You’ll Love

German Shepherd mix dogs are some of the most intelligent and people oriented.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of types of dogs in the world. Purebred dogs, crossbreed dogs, mixes and mutts. This leads to countless possibilities when it comes to the German Shepherd mix.

To help narrow it down, we’ve picked some of our favorites for you to consider and have included a brief overview of what each mix entails.

Some of the most amazing German Shepherd mix dogs we’re sure you’ll love include:

1. The Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever x German Shepherd)

2 The Shug (The Pug x German Shepherd)

3. The Sheprador (The German Shepherd x Labrador)
4. The Chow Shepherd (THe Chow Chow x German Shepherd)
5. The Siberian Shepherd (The Siberian Husky x German Shepherd)
6. The Corman Shepherd (The Corgi x German Shepherd)
7. The Shepadoodle (The German Shepherd x Poodle)
8. The Shepweiler (The German Shepherd x Rottweiler)
9. The Shepkita (the German Shepherd x Akita)
10. The Euro Mountain Sheparnese (The Bernese Mountain Dog x German Shepherd)
11. The Alaskan Shepherd (German Shepherd x Alaskan Malamute)
12. The German Sheppit (The Pitbull x German Shepherd)
13. The Saint Shepherd (German Shepherd x Saint Bernard)
14. The New Shep (The Newfoundland x German Shepherd)
15. The German Australian Shepherd (German Shepherd x Australian Shepherd)

Ready to fall in love? We’re starting with the Golden Shepherd!

1. The Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever x German Shepherd)

The Golden Shepherd is the clever cross between the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd.

Height: 20 to 27 Inches

Weight: 60 to 95 Pounds

Lifespan: 9 to 13 Years

Overview:

The Golden Shepherd is a cross between two world-famous canines – the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever!

Beautiful, intelligent and energetic, the Golden Shepherd is a German Shepherd mix that requires an active family or owner that is willing and able to commit time and attention to training, exercise, socialization and mental stimulation.

If not properly raised, the Golden Shepherd can become anxious, depressed and destructive. The good news is that the Golden Shepherd is a wonderful family dog. When properly trained and socialized, he can do well with children and other household pets.

He’ll also enjoy activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, dog parks and more.

2 The Corman Shepherd (The Corgi x German Shepherd)

The Corgi German Shepherd is a sight to see indeed!

Height: 12 to 15 Inches

Weight: 20 to 70 Pounds

Lifespan: 1o to 12 Years

Overview:

Have you ever heard of a Corman Shepherd? This quirky German Shepherd Mix is the irresistible cross between a Corgi and a German Shepherd. Combined, you’ve got two herding dogs with tons of brain power.

The Corman dog makes a great family dog for active families or experienced dog owners. That said, Cormans can have a natural droving instinct, which means they may be inclined to herd smaller children and animals around the home.

If you work early on with your German Shepherd Mix x Corgi dog, you should be able to reduce some of these instincts. It can also help to ensure your Corman has a job to do to that will provide him with a sense of purpose.

3. The Sheprador (The German Shepherd x Labrador)

The Sheprador, aka the Labrashepherd, is a cross between two of the world’s most popular dog breeds.

Height: 22 to 26 Inches

Weight: 55 to 80 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 14 Years

Overview:

If you’re looking for the top crossbreed in the United States, you may have found it in the Sheprador. A combination of the top two dogs in America, the Sheprador is a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the German Shepherd.

This hybrid is a dog-lover’s dream, especially if that dog lover is active, outgoing, and energetic.

Shepradors make great family dogs for active and outgoing families, but they do best in homes where owners are around often. Without proper exercise, mental stimulation and socialization, Sheprador dogs can be prone to serious behavioral issues including destructive behaviors and even fear-based aggressive tendencies.

We should also note that Labrador Retrievers are particularly known to be pretty active well into their first few years. This means that a German Shepherd mix cross Lab will require an owner that is patient and can keep up with all that energy.

4. The Chow Shepherd (The Chow Chow x German Shepherd)

Chow Shepherds are best suited for experienced dog owners with time to commit to training and socialization.

Height: 22 to 26 Inches

Weight: 45 to 90 POunds

Lifespan: 10 to 12 Years

Overview:

The Chow Shepherd is certainly a head-turning dog. With his gorgeous fluffy coat and proud disposition, this is a canine fit for a composed, active owner or family with older children. Chow Chow dogs in particular can be somewhat aloof, and they may not tolerate youngsters trying to play too roughly.

For this reason, we would recommend a Chow Chow Shepherd to more experienced dog owners who understand the importance of early socialization and training.

When in the right hands, Chow Chow German Shepherd mix dogs make excellent and intelligent companions. They become very bonded to their families and make wonderful guardians.

5. The Siberian Shepherd (The Siberian Husky x German Shepherd)

Siberian Shepherds can be absolutely stunning!

Height: 20 to 25 Inches

Weight: 45 to 80 Pounds

Lifespan: 1o to 13 Years

Overview:

Are you ready for a hurricane of a dog? Well, you’ve found it in the Siberian Shepherd! A cross between the energetic, outgoing and people-oriented Siberian Husky and the intelligent and trainable German Shepherd, the Siberian Shepherd is a mix that does best with very active families or owners.

They enjoy other pets and can be very playful with children, though they require at least an hour or more of exercise each day in order to stay happy and healthy. It’s also important to ensure your Siberian Husky x German Shepherd mix is kept mentally stimulated to reduce potential destructive behaviors.

When training your Siberan Shepherd, be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques. Remember, all dogs do best when trained with treats, praise and patience as opposed to punishment for scolding.

6. The Shollie (The Collie x German Shepherd)

The Shollie is incredibly intelligent and job oriented. He is best suited for active, experienced dog owners.

Height: 21 to 29 Inches

Weight: 70 to 80 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 12 Years

Overview:

All of our German Shepherd mix dogs are clever, but the Shollie may be the genius of the bunch. Collies are already considered some of the world’s most intelligent canines, and mix it with the brilliant German Shepherd and you have yourself a doggy prodigy.

Shollie dogs do well in homes with large backyards or lots of land. They require plenty of exercise and are very work-oriented, so they’ll need a job to do around the home.

Some owners find they can train their Shollie German Shepherd mix dogs to help with chores around the house. This could include sorting the laundry, bringing in the newspaper or mail, and even helping load the dishwasher from time to time.

7. The Shepadoodle (The German Shepherd x Poodle)

Some Shepadoodle dogs may be hypoallergenic, which is great for those who suffer from allergies.

Height: 22 to 28 Inches

Weight: 50 to 90 Pounds

Lifespan: 12 to 14 Years

Best Suited For: Allergy Sufferers, Active Owners

Overview:

Do you suffer from allergies? You’re going to fall in love with the Shepadoodle! A cross between the purebred Poodle and the German Shepherd, the Shepadoodle brings you a German Shepherd mix that could (potentially) be hypoallergenic.

Now, we say potentially because remember, genetics are not guaranteed. If you want a hypoallergenic Shepadoodle, it’s best to seek out a later generation crossbreed or go through a breeder who has bred their German Shepherd mix dogs for this purpose.

You also have the option of rescuing an adult Shepadoodle dog whose coat has already been established.

Of course, the Shepadoodle’s coat isn’t the best thing about him; his personality is! Shepadoodles are entertaining, eager to please, highly trainable and very active.

They do well in active households with active families and enjoy children and other pets. Shepadoodles also come in different size varieties, so you can find yourself a smaller Shepadoodle if you find the standard is too large.

8. The Shepweiler (The German Shepherd x Rottweiler)

The Shepweiler is an intelligent and affectionate dog, though he needs plenty of socialization and training.

Height: 22 to 27 Inches

Weight: 70 to 115 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 13 Years

Overview:

The Shepweiler is the ideal dog for anyone in search of a protective, devoted and affectionate canine companion. We love that the Shepweiler combines two of our favorite purebreds into one, giving us an adorable German Shepherd Rottweiler mix worth learning about.

We should note, however, that Shepweilers are quite large German Shepherd mix dogs that require lots of training and socialisation at an early age. They should also have training and socialisation continuously throughout their lifetime.

They can do well with children and other pets when raised correctly, though it’s important to always monitor young children around any dog and ensure you teach children basic canine body language.

9. The Shepkita (the German Shepherd x Akita)

The Shepkita is a clever, independent dog who is best suited for experienced dog owners.

Height: 24 to 28 Inches

Weight: 75 to 120 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 13 Years

Overview:

Akitas are famous for a number of reasons, but one of those reasons is their stunning appearance. With a coat unlike any other and a wide range of colors and patterns available, the Akita x German Shepherd mix makes an incredible, show stopping companion for experienced dog owners.

This is a dog that becomes very bonded to his people, and he requires plenty of time and attention. The Shepkita is highly intelligent, active and protective, though he may be wary of strangers.

Be sure your Shepkita is properly socialized at an early age and keep him busy with mental stimulation throughout the day like puzzle toys, lots of training, and jobs around the home. This will help reduce potential anxiety and behavioral issues down the road.

10. The Euro Mountain Sheparnese (The Bernese Mountain Dog x German Shepherd)

Clever and very people oriented, the Euro Mountain Sheparnese does best with owners who can be home with him often.

Height: 25 to 28 Inches

Weight: 75 to 110 Pounds

Lifespan: 9 to 12 Years

Overview:

Perhaps one of the most gentle of giants, the Euro Mountain Sheparnese is a cross between the courageous and devoted Bernese Mountain dog and the fearless, protective German Shepherd.

This German Shepherd mix is one of our favorites for a number of reasons. First, you’re combining strength with affection. Bernese Mountain Dogs specifically become very bonded with their people, so this could mean that your Euro Mountain Sheparnese will do best in a home with an owner who is around often.

Remember, the Euro Mountain Sheparnese is a sensitive dog, so utilizes positive reinforcement training techniques including lots of traits, praise, consistency and patience.

11. The Alaskan Shepherd (German Shepherd x Alaskan Malamute)

The Alaskan Shepherd takes on almost a wolf-like appearance.

Height: 22 to 25 Inches

Weight: 60 to 85 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 13 Years

Overview:

Wolf dogs have become incredibly popular over the past few years, namely due to shows like Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, wolf hybrids are quite high maintenance, which is why if you’re desiring a wolfy looking dog, you should definitely take a look at the Alaskian Shepherd.

A cross between the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd, the Alaskan Shepherd is a stunning, almost wild looking dog with a heart of gold. Energetic, outgoing and people-oriented, the Alaskan Shepherd is a German Shepherd mix that can do well with children and pets when properly raised and socialized.

He will enjoy active families and adventures, but will not do well in homes where he cannot run and play, or with owners who do not have time to get him outside and keep him active.

12. The German Sheppit (The Pitbull x German Shepherd)

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix dogs are incredibly devoted and loyal.

Height: 17 to 26 Inches

Weight: 30 to 90 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 12 Years

Overview:

We love the German Sheppit for all his devotion, energy and affection he brings to our list of German Shepherd mix dogs. Of course, the term “pitbull” is a broad term that could be used to describe a number of different types of Pitbulls, so the exact type of German Shepherd mix cross Pitbull you wind up with could vary.

For the most part, though, a Sheppit is a German Shepherd mix crossed with an American Pitbull Terrier.

This means that you can expect a muscular, athletic dog that is highly devoted, people oriented and intelligent.

That said, Sheppit dogs may not get along well with other dogs, so it’s very important to ensure your Sheppit is properly trained and socialized at an early age.

13. The Saint Shepherd (German Shepherd x Saint Bernard)

The Saint Shepherd is a massive yet gentle and devoted hybrid.

Height: 25 to 31 Inches

 

Weight: 85 to 150 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 14 Years

Overview:

Say hello to one of the largest German Shepherd mix dogs on our list – the Saint Shepherd. With a name that is as divine as he is, the Saint Shepherd is a sweet, affectionate and loyal dog devoted to his family and gentle with children and other pets.

With a background in herding and search and rescue, the Saint Shepherd (a Saint Bernard x German Shepherd mix) makes a wonderful, large, and sweet-tempered companion for families with youngsters and other pets. He will enjoy being with his family and may not require quite as much exercise as you may think in spite of his large size.

14. The German Chihuahua (The Chihuahua x German Shepherd)

This mix is almost unimaginable, but alas he does exist!

Height: 7 to 26 Inches

Weight: 8 to 60 Pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 14 Years

Overview:

Yes, the German Chihuahua totally exists, albeit this dog may not be exactly what you think he is. Though this German Shepherd mix is a cross between a large breed dog and the world’s smallest purebred, a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is typically still a medium sized breed with tons of sass, personality and potential.

German Chihuahua dogs do best in homes with owners who are totally devoted. They enjoy being the center of attention, though they are also somewhat independent. They can do well in homes with older children, though they may not tolerate very young children well.

This hybrid dog also requires plenty of exercise, training and socialization to ensure he is happy, healthy and well rounded.

15. The German Australian Shepherd (German Shepherd x Australian Shepherd)

German Australian Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, energetic and job-oriented.

Height: 20 to 23 Inches

Weight: 46 to 65 Pounds

Lifespan: 12 to 15 Years

Overview:

The German Australian Shepherd is a super smart, super active dog. And if you’re detecting a theme here now that we’ve reached the end, you’re onto us!

Just like most German Shepherd mix dogs on this list, the German Aussie is as brilliant as they come. This is also a dog that is very work oriented and will require tons of exercise, mental stimulation and training in order to stay happy.

If his needs are not met each and every day, this is a German Shepherd mix that could easily become destructive and distressed.

For this reason, we would recommend the German Australian Shepherd to more active families and experienced dog owners with a basic understanding of working breeds.

Of course, this may go for all German Shepherd mix dogs, which leads us to our next question; is a German Shepherd mix the right dog for you?

Is A German Shepherd Mix Dog Right For You?

German Shepherd mix dogs can make wonderful companions, but they are typically best suited for more experienced dog owners.

Adoring a German Shepherd mix and raising a German Shepherd mix are two different things. While we are sure you have fallen head over heels in love with all of the German Shepherd mix dogs on our above list, it’s still important to remember that every dog is not right for every person.

Regardless of the mix, most German Shepherd mix dogs are going to require a committed owner that is able and willing to spend time with their dog when it comes to training, socialization, exercise and mental stimulation.

A German Shepherd mix dog will also do best in homes with backyards, which means most of them may not be the best apartment dogs.

The good news is that the majority of the German Shepherd mix dogs on our list can do great with families and other pets so long as they are properly raised, trained and socialized at an early age.

So, is a German Shepherd Mix dog right for you? It all depends on your unique situation and how much time you are willing to commit to one of the above mixes.

Of course, that shouldn’t stop you from sharing your favorite German Shepherd mix with us. Go ahead and tell us which above dogs tugged at your heartstrings the hardest?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.