Loving, loyal, and intelligent, there is a lot to like about this mixed breed, which is also known as the Shephound. If you want an in-depth look at what it would be like for this pup to be a part of your household, then here is all the information you need. Let’s begin.
What are the Fundamental Distinctions of the German Shepherd Greyhound?
- Height: 23 – 28 inches
- Weight: 50 – 95lbs
- Coat: Single or double coat, short or medium-length fur
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Dog Friendly: Yes, if socialized properly
- Cat Friendly: Potentially, if socialized properly
- Preferred Climate: Moderate to cool
- Shedding Levels: High
- Trainability: High
- Potential to Bark/Howl: Low to Moderate
Which Breed Will the German Shepherd Greyhound Resemble?
As their parent breeds look quite different, many people are curious to know what Shephounds will look like. This can be tricky to determine as there are various possibilities. These pups may take after one parent or be some combination of the two. Here are some examples of this mixed breed’s appearance:
What Kind of Physique Will a German Shepherd Greyhound Have?
The Shephound will probably be taller than a German Shepherd, but shorter than a Greyhound. The main discrepancy will be in build and weight.
The pup may have a leaner build with the classic protruding chest and tiny waist of the Greyhound. Or, the Shephound may be more muscular – in this case, they will naturally be on the heavier end.
How Many Variations are There for a German Shepherd Greyhound Coat?
There could be a great deal of variation with the Shephound’s coat. On the one hand, this pup may have a short, single coat. They may also have medium-length fur with a double coat. It is also possible that it may have a short, double coat or a single medium-length coat.
Depending on their parents, these pups can also have coats of varying colors. These shades include fawn, black, red, tan, blue, white, grey, silver, sable, cream, and liver. They will often be two or more colors and may even boast a brindle pattern.
Are German Shepherd Greyhound Devoted to Family Members?
The Shephound is one of the friendliest and most loving dogs you will come across. They can bond with people quickly and are loyal.
It is these traits that contribute to the fact that Shephounds can’t be left alone for long. They work best in households where someone is at home for most of the day. They can exhibit negative or destructive behaviors if they are gone for extended periods.
For the most part, these dogs are quite good with strangers. Treat them well and they are sure to become friends with everyone they meet. If the German Shepherd traits are particularly strong, though, this pup may be aloof with strangers. This can be overcome with proper socialization.
The Shephound is quite affectionate around children and can even have a protective streak. Due to their size, these pups may be better around older children, although they will often take care not to push kids over.
It should be noted that these dogs can be rather sensitive. As a result, they will pick up on emotions around them readily. If they notice a tense situation, you may find them reacting to it. This higher sensitivity also means that you have to be careful with how you deal with these pups.
A raised voice or harsh command may be enough to make your pup skittish. Try to be as even-tempered as possible around them.
The Shephound can get along with other dogs, but it is best to introduce your pup to other dogs when they are young. It is more preferable if you can raise them in a household with other canines as this allows them to get along better.
Your German Shepherd Greyhound may show signs of a high prey drive. They may run after cats and smaller animals. If they do, it may not be easy to train this trait out of your pup. This isn’t the case for all Shephounds, however, and some dogs may be able to live with other smaller pets in harmony.
Are Medical Issues a Major Concern with German Shepherd Greyhounds?
The parent breeds of Shephounds have few health conditions in common which can allow them to produce healthier offspring. It is important to be aware of some of the health issues that can plague your pups. This can help to notice the early symptoms sooner and treat the problem in the milder stages.
Can German Shepherd Greyhounds Live Longer Than German Shepherds?
The lifespan of a Shephound can be anywhere from 11 to 15 years. On average, this breed can live longer than other dogs of its size. You can increase the chances of a long life by ensuring that your pup has proper nutrition and care.
What Diseases are German Shepherd Greyhounds Prone To?
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Bloat
- Bone cancer
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
Make sure to mention to your vet that your dog is crossed with a Greyhound. This breed is especially sensitive to anesthesia which increases the chance of death when these dogs are put under. Therefore, your vet needs to be informed of this in case your pup needs surgery or other procedures.
Take note of any changes in your dog’s appetite, behavior, and energy levels, and take them to the vet immediately if they’re sick. Early intervention can improve the prognosis of most diseases and raise your dog’s quality of life.
Does German Shepherd Greyhound Have Special Nutrient Requirements?
With mixed breeds, it can be tricky to find the right dog food. Due to this, it is a good idea to speak to your vet about recommendations. Always select a high-quality dog food that only uses quality protein, fat, and carbohydrates sources.
If your Shephound has strong German Shepherd genes, they may experience an accelerated growth rate between 4 and 7 months. This should be avoided, which means that you need to put your puppy on a high-quality, low-calorie diet. Once again, speak to your vet before choosing a dog food.
This breed can have a higher chance of obesity, which can trigger other health conditions and put undue stress on the joints. To prevent unnecessary weight gain, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for portion quantity. You should also have set meal times and avoid leaving food out for your dog.
Your German Shepherd Greyhound may end up being quite tall. In this case, look for raised feeding bowls. It will be more comfortable for your pup to eat this way.
How Much Exercise Does a German Shepherd Greyhound Need?
These dogs do need a lot of exercises daily. Aim to give your dog around an hour of physical exercise a day. Failure to do so can result in boredom which can result in destructive behavior.
Be careful with your puppy as they grow. If they have a rapid growth spurt, their bones and joints will be at an increased risk of injury and damage. This is why it is best to only let your puppy play on soft surfaces like grass. Stay away from surfaces such as concrete.
Long walks are a great way to exercise your dog, so don’t be afraid to pick up the pace. To ensure that they get all their energy out, try to split their exercise time into two or more sessions. Having access to a backyard can also be a great way for them to work out their excess energy.
Bear in mind that this pup may have a higher prey drive. You will need to keep a tight grip on your leash when you go on walks. Anything from a squirrel to a cat can trigger this drive, causing your pooch to run after them.
Do German Shepherd Greyhounds Need a Rigorous Grooming Routine?
Don’t be fooled by a Shephound with a short, single coat. These pups can still shed quite a bit. It is quite easy to keep them well-groomed, though. Brushing them a few times a week can help to prevent shedding.
If your dog has a coat that is more similar to German Shepherds, there may be more grooming involved. Try to brush your dog around three times a week and use an undercoat rake if they have thicker fur.
Some dogs may blow their coats a few times a year – the shedding will increase exponentially at this point. To overcome this, start brushing your dog every day during this period.
These dogs don’t need to be bathed that often. A few times a year is enough to keep them clean. Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo to keep their skin and fur in good condition.
Can German Shepherd Greyhounds Be Happy in Apartments?
The best climate for German Shepherd Greyhounds will depend on their coat. Those with thick, double coats may hold up in the cold a little better. For those with thinner coats, though, warmer climates are best. These pups may begin to shiver when the temperature drops and may require sweaters and warm clothing.
Despite their size, these dogs do quite well in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercises. Taking them out several times a day can make it easier to adapt to the smaller space.
Don’t leave your dog in an apartment for too long by themselves as they are prone to howling or barking. This isn’t something that your neighbors will appreciate.
Do German Shepherd Greyhounds Respond Well to Training?
This mixed breed is highly trainable. They are intelligent and can learn a wide variety of commands and activities.
It is important to approach their training the right way. To begin with, start from the moment your dog comes home. It is easier to train your puppy and get rid of bad habits when they are younger.
It should be noted that some Shephounds can be a bit stubborn, standing their ground during training. While it is important to remain firm, avoid being harsh with your dog or punishing them. If you recall, they are quite sensitive and will react poorly to punishment.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward good behavior. These dogs will be especially open to praise, cuddles, and treats. If they don’t take well to training, you can encourage them with treats. With tricky cases, it may help to enroll your dog in puppy classes or to hire a trainer for the job.
How Can You Find Healthy German Shepherd Greyhound Puppies?
You will need to find a breeder who specializes in this mixed breed in particular. Always choose a highly reputable breeder. A good breeder will make an effort to research the health of both parent breeds and often go back several generations. This reduces the likelihood of genetic disorders trickling down to your pup.
Are Abandoned German Shepherd Greyhounds Commonplace?
It may not always be easy to find these designer dogs in shelters. You may want to specifically search in shelters that rescue German Shepherds or Greyhounds. This particular mix may crop up here.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding German Shepherd Greyhounds:
How Big Will a German Shepherd Greyhound Get?
These pups can be as tall as 28 inches and weigh as 95lbs. They are often classified as a large breed.
How Long Can a German Shepherd Greyhound Live?
These dogs have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years.
How Much Will German Shepherd Greyhound Puppies Cost?
These dogs can cost between $1000 and $4000 depending on the breeder, availability, and where you live.
This is what you need to know about the German Shepherd Greyhound. Now you can determine if this pup is a good fit for your family.
