Today, mestizo dogs have become increasingly popular. Representatives of large breeds are considered excellent companions and guards. The unique representatives of animals living next to humans include a cross between a German shepherd and a husky.
Why did you get a hybrid of breeds?
Once, scientists set a goal to breed a dog breed that could perform tasks in the harsh climate of North America and the Arctic. The shepherd is an energetic representative who can graze ungulates, conduct search and rescue operations, however, not during a blizzard and blizzard. To facilitate the difficult mission of the dogs, the breeders decided to cross it with a Siberian husky. The latter is characterized strength, strength and excellent data to participate in the mixture.
The result of the efforts of scientists was to be a cross between a German shepherd and a husky dog with all their performance characteristics. Crossbreeding was carried out by breeders from the United States. As a result, was born a mestizo, which is characterized by an attractive appearance, a beautiful article, sufficient mental development, as well as the ability to work and relax in the snow and blizzard. Unfortunately, the hybrid does not have some qualities that scientists tried to obtain, namely, the lack of endurance during a long run, as well as the impossibility of unconditional submission and pleasing to its owner.
A cute animal does not have the opportunity to pass on his working abilities and external beauty to future generations.Nowadays, active work is going on with the fight against unscrupulous breeders who give out non-pedigree puppies as mestizos.
Blue-eyed hybrids of the second, third generations, as well as crosses cannot be considered as an original cross between a German shepherd and a husky.
Which shepherd dogs are crossed?
Nowadays, some husky hybrids are known, and they crossed it not only with shepherds:
- Dalmatian Husky or Dalmatian Husky characterized by long life expectancy and activity;
- shar pei husky won the hearts of people as a pet, this is an intelligent, loving, playful animal;
- Labrador Husky which resembles wolves.
Husky and shepherd mestizos are as follows:
- german shepherd and husky - Gerberian Shepsky;
- australian shepherd and husky - characterized by a cheerful character, kind attitude towards children;
- Caucasian Shepherd and Husky - This is a powerful large breed that possesses protective and guard capabilities.
Mestizo Characteristics
Puppies of a mixture of husky and shepherd dogs are called mestizos, this animal has several names: Gerberian Shepsi, Siberian shepherd, German, and also shepherd husky. These dogs are classified as working, guard, companion dogs. Male growth usually ranges from 550 to 650 centimeters, bitches - 450-550 centimeters. At the same time, adult males weigh from 35 to 50 kilograms, and females weigh 10 kilograms less. Usually these are long-haired representatives and with medium-length hair. The fur is coarse, dense to the touch, has a voluminous but soft undercoat.
A crossed husky with a shepherd has a large physique. The dog took the external characteristics of the shepherd, its body structure and color. Some Shepsi have a special bevel of the back and croup, which is characteristic of the “Germans”. Pet fur can have a variety of colors, mixed, which is inherent in its saturation, shades, interspersed. The most common coat colors for mestizos:
- the black;
- black brown;
- white;
- chocolate;
- ginger;
- golden;
- grey;
- zoned.
In the color of dogs can be present various combinations of shades, while marble and piebald color are considered undesirable.
From the husky, the animal inherited the density of fur, the lightness of the skeleton. Mestizos are also characterized by the coloring of the eye, which only huskies have, namely blue. The appearance of the dog is quite original: shepherd fur in combination with blue eyes. Some representatives have white marks and masks on their faces. The advantages of this breed of animal include the following:
- beauty and originality of appearance;
- friendly, sociable, faithful character;
- sharp mind and quick wit;
- loyalty to children;
- the ability to tolerate cold;
- lack of need for special care;
- unpretentiousness.
The disadvantages of the hybrid husky and shepherd dogs are also available:
- unsuitability for serious work;
- territoriality;
- lack of aggression towards strangers;
- stubbornness;
- food selectivity;
- cunning, self-will;
- profuse molting.
Nature and behavior
Such a character trait as aggression against people is not inherent in Shepsky. The animal has a well-developed territorial instinct, so it is used as a watchman. They viciously bark uninvited guests on their territory. Such a dog will not become a bodyguard or a member of the guard service. Among other things a mestizo can behave aggressively with animals that it perceives as prey, for example, with cats or birds.
Since the shepherd dog mixed with husky is characterized by food aggression and extreme property in character, it stands from an early age. The animal must understand who is the boss in the house, how to behave with children and other pets. The child should also know that such a dog should not be disturbed during meals or taken away from him.
The correctness of raising a mestizo will allow you to grow a true faithful companion from your pet.
This is a smart, energetic, affectionate animal. Despite the fact that the dog loves his master, in loyalty he is significantly inferior to the German shepherd. Raising a mestizo should begin at the age of three months. For advice on training is worth contacting specialists.
However, the owner should remember that it is quite difficult to predict the puppy’s disposition, since each animal is individual. The pet will inherit some characteristics from the mother, the rest from the father. That's why Before crossing, all characteristics of both parents are carefully studied.
Subtleties of feeding and care
Husky and shepherd mestizo are more prone to allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract more than other breeds. The diet of the animal must be balanced, it must contain vitamin supplements and minerals. The pet should not need fluoride and calcium. The nutrition of such a dog should be protein, cereals, eggs, vegetables, greens should be present in the diet daily. Mandatory food also includes fish and seafood.
The best option is to feed your pet with dry food, which is designed for shepherds or husky dogs.
Such food does not need additions, and also does not create difficulties during storage. Dry food fully meets the needs of the dog. It is forbidden to feed mestizo with food from a human table, to give tubular bones, river fish, seasonings, confectionery, pasta, chicken.
Since the breed is based on husky blood, the street and cool will be the optimal living conditions for the mestizo. Mestizo puppies, like an adult, do not need special care. Due to the fact that there is an undercoat in the fur coat, the animal’s hair can fall off. For this reason, the dog needs to be combed regularly using a stiff brush. This procedure should be carried out at least once for two days.
During molting, the pet should be combed out twice a day. Bathing this breed of animals is required infrequently, quite a few times a year. Frequent water procedures can adversely affect the well-being of the animal. Claw trimming is carried out as needed or spontaneous grinding of platinum occurs. The ears and eyes of the pet should be inspected daily, but carry out cleaning if contamination is detected.
In order to maintain the health of the animal’s teeth, it is worth treating it with unstable cartilages or purchase special toys. Walking for a mixed breed is a mandatory procedure, the dog needs to run both on a leash and without it, so the pet finds a way out of the accumulated energy.
Life expectancy and health
Husky and shepherd mestizos do not live long, the duration of their existence is usually 9-14 years. This feature is determined by the uncleanness of the breed. In order not to shorten the life of his pet, the owner must provide him with normal conditions of detention, nutrition, as well as physical activity. The dog may show defects as well as diseases.
- Congenital vision problems. An animal may suffer from blindness, visual impairment, and eye diseases.
- Ailments of the hearing organs, otitis media.
- Large joint dysplasia, problems with the spine.
- Myositis, osteomyelitis.
- The frequency of allergic reactions.
- Diseases of the stomach and digestion.
- Disorders of the endocrine system, especially in bitches.
- Cryptorch.
- Heart and blood vessel disease.
Most often, the animal suffers from diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, organs of vision, as well as the psyche. Shepski can also have a predisposition to dysplasia, failure of the hind limbs, dermatitis, epilepsy, cataract. A cross between a shepherd and a husky was brought out to obtain a service dog that would be suitable for work in a northern climate.The result was a pet of a home type, which is an ideal companion.
The animal is endowed with an unusual appearance, it successfully combines the features of two breeds. Due to its characteristics, it is becoming more and more popular with dog lovers. Shepsky is a smart, kind and hardy dog. It does not create problems when kept at home. The pet has inherited strength and power from the shepherd, but activity and provocative character from the husky, however, exceptions are possible.
The characteristics of the animal can be called love to reproduce loud sounds like a siren, as well as the desire to escape, so the owner must be vigilant. Taking the puppy, the owner will not be able to predict his character, since the animal can inherit the peculiarities of the parents' temper in different proportions.
An overview of the Husky and German Shepherd Métis see below.
