Shepsky Dog: Origin, Characteristics And Care
The shepsky dog was born from the crossing of a Siberian husky and a German shepherd, two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In general, this dog is not only very intelligent, but also loyal, sociable and always alert.
Hybrid dogs – bred from crossing purebred dogs – have become very popular around the world, according to the American Canine Hybrid Club . Discover here the origin, characteristics and care of the shepsky dog .
Origin of the shepsky dog
The shepsky – or gerberian shepsky – is a relatively new hybrid breed, but the exact time when two of the most popular breeds came together to create their own variant is unknown. Currently, the American Canine Hybrid club and the Dog Registry of America are entities that recognize the shepsky as an official breed.
According to the Dog Zone portal , the German Shepherd – the original breed of the s hepsky – comes from Germany and has been known about him since the late 1800s. Initially, he was a herding dog and then he started working in the police and in the army, to cooperate in search and rescue missions.
Its high levels of intelligence made this dog a well-known breed. In addition, he is also famous for his attractive appearance, similar to that of a wild wolf.
On the other hand – to complete the shepsky – we have the service of a Siberian husky message , a very ancient breed that originated thousands of years ago in the Arctic. These dogs provided transportation, courier service, herded reindeer and served as guard dogs. Later, they arrived in Canada and the United States, where their popularity as pets grew.
Physical characteristics
Crossbred animals often combine the characteristics and personality traits of the breeds used to make the cross. However, there is always a trait of a dominant race in every hybrid, both in personality and physically.
The Shepsky is a large, skinny dog, measuring between 50 to 61 centimeters, its weight is 22 to 40 kilos, and its life expectancy is approximately 13 years. Their colors are very varied: they can vary between black, brown, red, white, cream, grey, blue or gold.
Its coat is smooth with a fluffy appearance and can be long, short or medium. Their ears and snout are pointed and their eyes can sometimes be light blue and contrasting with the face, or they can be two different colors: blue and brown, according to studies carried out on this breed.
shepsky personality
There are shepkys more like German shepherds and others like the Siberian husky . Even within litters, there is a very diverse variety of personalities and traits, according to the aforementioned portals.
These dogs tend to have a lot of energy and are famous for their intelligence and awareness. His temperament is mild and calm. They are curious and eager to learn, love to play and are loyal to their families.
On the other hand, well-bred specimens tend to be very sociable with the whole family and establish close bonds with the people they spend time with. If your socialization with other pets is early, they will have a good relationship with any pet.
If a shepsky dog has more German Shepherd genetics, it will be more focused, disciplined, and learn quickly. If he carries more Siberian husky genes , he will be less obedient and more undisciplined.
common diseases
Although the shepsky is a hybrid, it has a healthy life – unlike other purebred dogs. However, the possibilities of inheriting health problems common to German shepherds and Siberian huskies are not ruled out.
Some of these health problems are elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders—such as juvenile cataracts—digestive problems, blood disorders, and stomach bloating, among others. Without a doubt, hip dysplasia is one of the most worrying diseases in large dogs like this one.
General care with the shepsky
As with all dogs, there are special precautions that must be taken into account when having a shepsky as a companion animal. Among them, we highlight the following:
- Being an active and hardworking race – as their ancestors – the shepskys require training, games and constant exercise. Therefore, they need an open space where they can move freely and strengthen their bones and their stamina.
- Your tutors must have a stronger mindset than they are. Every tutor must be patient and dominant, as these dogs are inclined towards independence.
- The shepskys are excellent to eat, because of its active nature, but some can be demanding on the diet, then have snacks and dog biscuits can help. The important thing is to get to know your dog and find out what foods he likes.
- Thanks to the fact that their coat is thick – and beautiful – it is normal for these dogs to lose a lot of hair. Brushing them is an activity that should be done at least twice a week. Your ears tend to accumulate a lot of wax and your eyes need to be checked and cleaned regularly.
The shepsky is a lovable dog physically and in terms of personality. For all the reasons mentioned here, we can guarantee that he will be an ideal companion, as long as he receives proper care and has the necessary conditions to live fully.
