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Also known as German Pit or German Sheppit, the German Shepherd Pitbull is the product of mixing two breeds both misunderstood because of the stigma associated with them. It’s a crossbreed of the German Shepherd and the American Pitbull Terrier.
Both parent breeds have a bad reputation for being aggressive, but that is not actually the case. While they may have a strong personality than other breeds, they can also be very loving and playful companion pets with the right training and environment. The offspring of mixing the two breeds would produce a beautiful hybrid that has an intelligent, loyal and loving personality. This dog would be eager to please and spend time with the family.
It is crucial that you check first which breed is the right match for you and your family before adopting or purchasing one. Read on to know more about the German Sheppit and if it’s the right dog for you.
1. Loyal and Loving Pet Companions
Contrary to being mistakenly known as aggressive, the Pitbull German Shepherd mix is a very affectionate dog when raised correctly. These dogs can be good at entertaining themselves, but they still prefer to be around you and make an excellent family companion dog. They also have a very protective nature due to their German Shepherd breeding lineage, who were bred to guard and herd livestock.
2. Excellent Guard Dogs
Both parent breeds of the German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull are excellent choices as guard dogs. The German Shepherds are an intelligent, loyal and at times over-protective breed. While the ferocious Pit Bulls were bred to be fighting dogs and they have a characteristic intimidating appearance which helps keep strangers at bay.
When trained correctly, the offspring of the two mighty dog breeds is an ideal choice for a guard/watchdog which will bark only when necessary
3. Intelligent Crossbreed
It’s no surprise that the German Shepherd Pitbull is a smart hybrid since both of its parent breeds are known to possess high intelligence. These dogs learn quickly than other breeds and respond incredibly well to training and commands.
It is important, however, to keep an eye on them while training as these dogs tends to exhibit remarkable leadership qualities and a desire to dominate. It’s crucial that you control this type of behavior because if it gets out of hand, it can turn into aggression.
Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.
Not sure the Pitbull German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Pitbull mixes.
Doggypedia has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:
Lab German Shepherd Mix | Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix |
Pitbull German Shepherd Mix | Beagle German Shepherd Mix |
Poodle German Shepherd Mix | Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix |
Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix | Doberman German Shepherd Mix |
German Shepherd Great Dane Mix | Border Collie German Shepherd Mix |
German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix | Boxer German Shepherd Mix |
German Shepherd Malamute Mix | Chow German Shepherd Mix |
Weight | Male: 40-90 lbs. Female: 30-70 lbs. |
Height | 18-24 inches |
Size | Large |
Coat Type | Short-medium sized coat; straight |
Coat Color | Black, white, grey, fawn, brown, tan |
Amount of Shedding | Moderate |
Eyes | Hazel, brown, amber |
Nose | Black, brown, Isabella |
Ears | Floppy |
Temperament | Loyal, energetic, loyal and loving |
Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Kids Friendly | No, unless socialized |
New Owners Friendly | No |
Breed Recognition | DRA (Dog Registry of America, Inc.) |
Generally, the German Shepherd Pitbull mix resembles more its Pitbull parent, with a broad head and a short muzzle, while some may also have a longer muzzle just like the German Shepherd. It prefers the warmer climates due to its shorter coat. Shedding occurs throughout the year but in moderate amount. Overall, the German Sheppit has a muscular and lean physique.
The parents of this crossbreed are well-known to be fearless and powerful, that is why it’s important to take note that this dog is not for everyone. If raised correctly, the naturally aggressive nature of this crossbreed can be eliminated. Despite this negative temperament, the Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is a very loyal and affectionate breed to his family members. With correct socialization, this breed can be great for children, making them a terrific choice as a family companion pet.
When purchasing your German Shepherd Pitbull puppy, it’s crucial that you negotiate with a trusted dog breeder. A responsible breeder will show you with proofs of health clearances for both parents of the pup. Your new family pet companion should be screened for any possible conditions it might have. Make sure you also ask the breeder if he used purebred dogs and if he can show them to you, to ensure that you’re adopting a Pitbull crossed with a German Shepherd puppy.
Be careful from purchasing your dog from puppy farms or puppy mills, which are places where they breed dogs in conditions considered inhumane. Dogs bred from these places are mostly not healthy.
Moreover, avoid buying puppies online. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) strongly discourages this act. It’s still best to talk with the breeder in person and meet your potential new-addition-to-the-family pup. This is also to ensure that you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Here’s a list of breeders to help you start off your search:
Moreover, don’t forget to check on rescue or animal shelters near your area. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. You’re not only giving a puppy a warm home, but you also serve as his new family to spend his life with. It can be life changing – not only for the dog but to you as well.
The grooming requirements for the Pitbull German Shepherd is quite easy compared to other breeds. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair.
When it comes to bathing, your German Shepherd Pitbull should only be given a bath when needed, such as when its coat becomes too soiled, but otherwise, this dog doesn’t need a lot of water time to preserve its natural oils and prevent dry skin. Also, he doesn’t have a lousy doggy odor so bathing can be very infrequently.
Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy.
Moreover, don’t forget to bring your dog for dental check-ups to avoid the likelihood of unwanted dental problems. Brush your dog’s teeth around 3-4 times a week.
Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases.
Since the Pitbull German Shepherd is a large-sized breed, it has a high caloric requirement. Generally, feeding him 3-4 cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient.
A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs 1200-2700 calories for males, while 900-2100 calories for females.
Consider the following high-quality dog food options in deciding the best diet plan for your dog:
In order to ensure that your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull is receiving the optimum nutrition it needs, it’s strongly recommended to visit your dog’s veterinarian. Your pet dog’s doctor can give you a piece of advice on which food is appropriate for your dog adequate for its size and health condition.
In case you are in a search for the best nutrition for your sweetheart, you’ll find our suggestions for best dry dog food extremely useful. While here, check out Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food and Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Don’t consider purchasing the worst dry dog food and bringing it into your home. Your pup won’t benefit from it.
If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Their nutrition should be well-rounded so it’s best to stick to the best senior dry dog food brands.
Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Always check with your vet if you should change your dog’s diet entirely.
The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily.
Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging.
Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys.
If you’re a potential owner of a German Shepherd Pitbull mix, you should know that training this dog can be a little bit stubborn when it comes to proper training exercises. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. It’s the reason why this crossbreed is definitely reserved for more experienced dog owners and is not ideal for first-timers.
The German Sheppit loves to take on the position of the pack leader, and therefore it’s essential that you set a proper training plan fit for him. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed.
Here are some tips to train your German Shepherd mixed with Pitbull:
Early training your German Sheppit is highly recommended. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace.
Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy.
The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions.
With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog.
Be sure that you introduce your Pitbull German Shepherd puppy properly to small children and orient them on the basic do’s and don’ts on how to treat your family pet. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions.
This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. It’s the reason why leaving them alone for an extended period is not a good idea since it’s tough for them to cope with solitude. It is not recommended to leave them by themselves for more than 3 hours, or they’ll get easily bored. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return.