German Shepherd Pitbull Mix – 10 Interesting Facts That Everyone Should Know

Pitbull German Shepherd Mix

The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is a beautiful and agile breed of dogs. It is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the German Shepherd. More so, these dogs make marvelous companions to the right owner. They are lovingly affectionate, brilliant, and tremendously loyal. These qualities make them highly-rated dog breeds pets for families. Other names they are known for include the German Sheppit and German Pit.

Both the American Pitbull Terriers and German Shepherd dogs share the stigma of aggression and violence. These two dog breeds are misunderstood and often mischaracterized as dangerous. Thus, it is not surprising to tag a German Sheppit mix to be likewise aggressive. But contrary to popular belief, these dogs are not born aggressive. Dogs develop negative behavior when they experience abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training.

Although this mixed breed has a dominant personality, they grow to become loving and loyal pets. All they need are the right environment, training, and socialization. If you consider yourself a firm pack leader, a German Pitbull Mix is a perfect addition to your family.

The Parent Breeds – German Shepherd and the American Pitbull Terrier

German Pit Mix Breed Guide and Pictures

It is a must for new dog owners to do the necessary research about their new pet. If you are welcoming a German Sheppit into your home, you must learn all its parent breeds’ unique qualities. It will help lessen confusion and misunderstanding about them. You will also have a better insight into what you should expect about your mixed dog breed.

It is a must for new dog owners to do the necessary research about their new pet. If you are welcoming a German Sheppit into your home, you must learn all its parent breeds’ unique qualities. It will help lessen confusion and misunderstanding about them. You will also have a better insight into what you should expect about your mixed dog breed.

The German Shepherd Overview

Today’s German Shepherd dogs descended from the herding dogs of Germany. This breed’s popularity in the US started in the 1900s. They were favored as military and police dogs because of their trainability, loyalty, and intelligence. Likewise, they are also famous for being Service Animals for disabled and special needs persons.

These dogs are strong and athletic animals. They have a lean physique. Additionally, adults reach between 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds. Females usually are smaller than males. These dogs are inherently protective, and they develop a strong bond with their owners. Smart, courageous, and confident are some of the qualities that best describe the German Shepherds. Their coat varies in colors and lengths. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. More so, some of the common GSD crosses are the German Shepherd Chow-Chow Mix and the German Shepherd Labrador Mix.

The American Pitbull Terrier Overview

The American Pitbull Terrier is a breed that originated in the US; thus, they are often referred to as the all-American dog. But their ancestors came from England and Ireland. These dogs are medium in size with diverse colorations on their short coat. Full-grown Pitties can weigh from 35 to 90 pounds and grow from 14 to 24 inches in height. Several dogs are recognized to be an American Pitbull Terrier type, but there is only APBT.

And while they have an intimidating appearance, American Pit bull Terriers are a friendly and well-tempered breed. Their muscular build and dark history gave them a negative reputation for aggression. But owners are discovering that they are calm and tender around children making them an excellent family pet. On average, Pitties can live an active and happy life of 14 years or more. Also, they are often crossed with other dog breeds such as the Labrabull and the Golden Pit bull.

The Various Physical Traits of a Pitbull German Shepherd Mix Breed

It is often impossible to say what a Pitbull and German shepherd mix dog would look like physically. However, the German Pit bull puppy or dog would resemble its American Pitbull Terrier parent. The canine will have a face that is Pitbull-like, a short muzzle, and ears that are half-bent. As for the colors of the breed’s coat, it comes in several varieties. There are lots of blacks, browns, white and grey splashes, and tan and fawn.

Overall Stats (Size, Height, Lifespan)

The dog can grow up to an average height of 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) while its weight is 65 to 85 lbs (29 to 38 kgs). The canine has a lifespan of 12 years. If you manage to take good care of your pet’s health, it can go beyond 12 years.

Is the German Pitbull Mix Aggressive or not in its Temperament?

The German Pitbull crossbreed has the traits of both the American Pitbull Terrier and German Shepherd dogs. There is a mistaken belief that the breed is highly aggressive due to its being a mix of a Pit bull and German Shepherd. The aggressive behavior can be due to the abuse that the canine receives or lack of proper training to discipline its behavior.

Pitbull German Shepherd Mix Breed Personality

The dog has a calm, loyal, and affectionate personality toward its owner. Since this breed has the traits of a German Shepherd and Pitbull, it can be very protective of its owners and home. The canine will also have leadership traits and will often try to dominate other dogs. Finally, this dog likes to receive attention from its owner as well as spend quality time bonding.

How to Train a German Shepherd Pitbull

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppy

Training and socialization are essential in instilling discipline in a dog. It mitigates the breed’s aggression, pack leader mentality, and disobedience. Some people say a Pitbull German Shepherd mix dogs are aggressive due to their German Shepherd and Pitbull bloodline. The truth is that the canine is a mild-mannered and calm animal. However, if the breed has poor or little training and is in a poor environment, its aggressive tendencies will show up. The best age to train German Pitbull mix puppies is when they are seven weeks old. You can still train an adult dog, but it will be a tough training time. Thus, training German Pit puppies is the best method.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Breed Health Issues

Unfortunately, these canine mixes are also prone to health problems from its parent breeds. But do not be alarmed, any dog breed has health issues. Regular check-ups can mitigate or prevent those problems.

Here are some examples of health problems affecting a German Pitbull:

  • Skin Irritation – Pitbull dogs tend to suffer from this common skin problem, and because of this, these dogs also suffer from it. Bites from insects as well as ticks and fleas are the main culprits of the problem. Flea and tick treatment products, Omega 3 and six fatty acids, and a proper diet will help deal with skin irritation.
  • Hip dysplasia – As the dog grows older, its hip joint loosens or becomes unstable. Pitbulls and German Shepherds are prone to this problem. The best way to deal with hip dysplasia is to manage your dog’s food intake and avoid making it overweight. Be careful also not to overexert the canine when it comes to physical activities.
  • Bloat – This problem occurs when gas fills the dog’s stomach and distends it. In turn, the problem puts pressure on the diaphragm and cuts off the blood flow to the canine’s heart. If the bloat is left alone, it will eventually kill the dog. A vet can do a gastric decompression by stabilizing the canine’s stomach, but extreme bloat cases will require surgery.

Don’t forget to visit your veterinarian to give your pet a checkup and diagnose what other ailments affect it. You should also ensure that they are provided with a proper diet that will nourish their athletic and active bodies.

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The Other Names of the German Shepherd Pitbull

People have other names to call this particular dog breed, such as German Sheppit, German Pit, and Shepherd Pit.

Essential Grooming Tips for the German Pitbull Mix

The dog has a short or medium length coat that doesn’t require too much maintenance. Depending on the type of coat it inherits from its parents, you can have a puppy with a short to medium coat. You can brush the canine’s coat once a week with a stiff bristle brush to remove falling hair and keep the coat clean and tangle-free.

Bathing a German Pitbull is a good thing, but avoid over washing the canine. The skin of the dog is sensitive, so a once in a month bath should suffice. If you’re going to use a doggie shampoo, buy or get a brand that will not irritate the dog. Also, make sure that you rinse the canine thoroughly to get rid of doggie shampoos.

Don’t forget to clean the breed’s ear since they have little air circulation. German Shepherd Pitbull mixes have floppy ears prone to ear infections. They may also have a build-up of earwax, so cleaning the ears regularly is necessary. You can clean their ears if you are comfortable, but if you don’t know how to do it, go to the vet for a monthly checkup to be on the safe side.

Strangely enough, the dog will interpret your grooming as a bad thing. Some dogs become aggressive and fearful when touched or groomed. Thus, it is best to start grooming the breed when the dog is still young. It should be part of their training and socialization to be touched, cleaned, bathed and groomed. Through this method, the pup will be familiar with your grooming actions.

Exercise and Proper Diet Tips for a German Pit

Exercise and a proper diet can help a lot in taking care of a German Pit’s health. A daily one-hour walk outdoors in a park or backyard is more than enough for the dog. This exercise will keep your dog physically fit and release excess energy. You can also do a 30-minute walk during the evening. A German Pitbull that has enough exercise will settle down and relax. Exercises will also reign in the breed’s undesirable traits such as hole-digging, nuisance barking, and chewing on slippers.

As for the dog’s diet, you could either serve it homemade, raw, or commercial food. Just make sure that the food in question is nourishing and has lots of nutrients for the canine. Vegetables and fruits are suitable for the dog’s health. Be careful of serving human food to a dog or puppy since most of it is not safe for their bodies. Also, try to measure the amount of food that your pet can eat and how many servings you can give it per day.

Finding Your German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

The Pitbull and German Shepherd cross is a designer breed that is gaining popularity around the globe. Thus, it is now easier to find one if you want to take them home. However, because of their popularity, it is also crucial for you to connect with reputable and ethical breeders who are in their dogs’ best interests. Avoid puppy mills and don’t support breeders with questionable practices.

If you intend to buy, read some reviews about specific breeders or kennels. Request for health certificates and, if possible, meet the puppies and parent dogs personally. These things will give you peace of mind about the legitimacy of your transaction.

Additionally, adopting a mixed-breed German Pitbull from a rescue center is the next best thing for you to do. These dogs are one of the most hybrid dogs found in shelters, and they continue to have a low adoption rate. Due to the stigma of aggression that they have, nobody seems interested in owning them. If you are eager to adopt this robust, willful, but loving mixed breed dog, you will have a gratifying experience with them. Thus, consider adoption to save their life.

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The Cost of a Mixed Pitbull German Shepherd Puppy

Brindle German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
(Source)

The litter size of a mixed Pitbull German Shepherd cross is around 5 to 10 puppies. These delightful pups range widely in colors and personalities. If you are buying from a breeder, it is best to meet the puppies before purchasing them. Although color and physical appearance should not matter, it will not hurt if you can get a puppy with your desired coloring.

Additionally, breeder prices for designer dogs increase if there are unique characteristics. It can be a rare color of the coat, eyes or nose. Also, meeting your puppy first will help you decide whether their personality will suit your lifestyle. Make sure to check our review about Dry dog foods for pit bulls

Expect to pay around $500 and above for a beautiful and healthy Pitbull German Shepherd puppy. If you are adopting a dog from a shelter, the cost is generally lower. These organizations may ask for a donation or a fee that will cover food and shelter, neuter and spay, and others.

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Is the German Shepherd Pitbull the Right Dog Pet for me?

Whether this dog is the right pet is an excellent question to ask yourself. The ideal environment for a Pitbull and German shepherd mix dog is a house with a fenced yard. The fence will keep the canine out of trouble while at the same time, the yard gives it ample room.

Apartments are a big no-no for this canine breed. The canine will become miserable and bark all day to the annoyance of other people. Similarly, apartments lack enough space for your dog to play or exercise.

Finally, you should be able to spend time with the dog. It is not a wise move to leave the canine along for long periods. Behavioral problems and separation anxiety will rear their ugly head. If you are the kind of person who travels a lot or is too busy with your work, then this dog breed is not the type of pet for you.

On a final note, make sure that the German Pitbull you are adopting must not have an adverse behavior and is relatively healthy. If you are getting a puppy, go to a trusted and certified breeder who breeds high-quality pups.

Don’t let news or talk of the dog’s aggressiveness scare you from getting this breed. An ideal growing environment and proper training will have a significant influence on the canine’s personality. You will find a loving, loyal, and playful pet for you and your family with the right dog.

Wrap Up

Taking home, a new dog is not as easy as you think. It does not matter what breed or dog size you have; having a canine companion requires time, effort, and a lot of responsibility. For designer breeds like the German Shepherd Pitbull, pet owners may face more than they bargained for. You have to be aware that these dogs are still stigmatized for their parent breed’s history. Thus it may take extra effort on your part to prove that it is otherwise. More so, coming from two strong breeds, these mixed puppies require early socialization and training so that they will grow to become well-behaved adult dogs.

Lastly, all the cons of owning a Shepherd Pitbull is overshadowed by their extremely loyal nature. They are energetic and fun to be around. When trained and socialized early, they make fantastic family pets. They are also tough and athletic, so they are excellent guard dogs.

So, have you decided on whether to have German Pitbull? What can you say about these tough, but ever-loyal dog breeds? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment down below.