The Shepsky is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky, two well-known dog breeds. Similar to both of their purebred parents, Shepskies are jam-packed with energy and will require exercise daily. Their owner must be committed to taking them out for vigorous exercise often, otherwise, they can be difficult to manage and potentially destructive in the house. Ideally, the best home for a Shepsky would be one with access to a yard.
The Shepsky has only been intentionally bred since the late 1990s in North America. The purpose of mixing the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky was to create a dog that would have fewer health issues than the purebred dogs alone. The popularity of this mixed breed continued to grow, and they can be seen quite frequently today. The reason for their popularity is their loving nature and the loyalty that they show towards their owners. They make incredible companion dogs and are very affectionate with their people.
Like their parent breeds, the Shepsky is a working dog at heart and wants to be given a job to do. One of the ways that they display their work ethic is through their commitment to guarding the house. They always seem to be on alert and will let out an intimidating bark if anyone gets remotely close to the front door. This dog weighs between 45-90 pounds, so they can certainly hold their ground if need be. Their strong work ethic has led them to roles as police/military dogs and search and rescue dogs.
Sometimes referred to as ‘Gerberian’, this dog is highly intelligent and can learn just about any trick with enough training. The Shepsky is a pack animal, and its owner must establish that they are the pack leader from an early age. Firm consistent training will let your pup know that you are in charge, and this will make taking care of them a whole lot simpler. The Shepsky will become so attached to its family that it will despise being left alone at home. They love being part of every adventure, especially if it revolves around being outdoors!
