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German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix Dog Breed: Image, Temperament, Traits, Diet, Price and Health Care

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Image

German Pit or German Sheppit is a product of mixing two breeds German Shepherd and Pitbull. The crossbreed between the German Shepherd and American Pit bull Terrier has a reputation for being aggressive, they have stronger personalities than any other breed. They are very loving, playful, and loyal companion pets with perfect training and exercises. 

The offspring from mixing the two Dog breeds would create a beautiful hybrid with an intelligent, loyal, and loving personality. This dog would be eager to please and enjoy spending time with its family. They are the combination of two dynamic, powerful, and distinct crossbreeds. They own the intelligence, loyalty, and versatility of German Shepherd. Due to their energetic and active trait, they often work with police, search, rescue, and service dogs.  American Pitt Bull Terriers are known for agility, strength, and affectionate nature. These two breeds are combined and result from a hybrid that inherits physical and temperamental traits.

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Height: 17-26 Inches

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Weight: 30-90 pounds

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Life Span: 10-12 years

German Shepherd Pit Bull : Traits, Personality & Characteristics 

German Shepherd Pit bull mix also known as “Shepherd Pit,” is a hybrid dog that has traits of loyalty, intelligence, energy, and protective dog. They are protective and loyal, love big families, and interact with people easily. The German Shepherd Pit bull mix’s lifespan is typically 10–12 years. German Shepherd Pit Bull mixes are large with a muscular build and a sleek coat. Let’s look at its train, personality, and characteristics:

German Shepherd Pit Bull Temperament

German Shepherd Pit bull mix are smart dogs. They responded well to the training due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They excel at various activities which include agility, obedience, and even therapy work. Proper training and socialization play a crucial role in shaping the temperament of this mixed breed. They become loving and well-behaved companions for those willing to invest time and effort in their care.

There is an incorrect reputation about these dogs that they are aggressive breeds, whereas they are not aggressive. They love to socialize when they are young, they don’t have any problem with getting along with other people and other dogs.

History of German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix Dog Breed

German Shepherd Pit bull mix dog breed was intentionally mixed in the 1990s, in North America, when Max von Stephanitz developed the breed from traditional herding dogs. Breeders mix with two parents to create a companion guard dog. However, the popularity of this mixed breed is declining due to Pitbull bans in certain cities and states across the U.S. German Shepherd Pit bulls are designer breeds. Few have found their way into shelters or rescue groups.  

If you think the German Shepherd Pit bull breed is right for you, consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue. Local shelters; German Shepherd and Pitbull rescue; breed-specific rescues for both German Shepherds and American Pitbull Terriers; this is often where they help to house them off mixed breed dogs. The German Shepherd Pit bull is one of the breeds currently recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA). 

Feeding & Diet For German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix 

German Shepherd Pit bull mix needs high-quality food and a balanced diet that is rich in protein with a focus on lean meats, Salmon, a variety of vegetables like carrot, turmeric, whole grains, and a mixed diet. This breed is more active and needs substantial nutrition. You should feed your dog twice a day with good-quality kibble especially designed for large, active breeds. You should always consult your vet doctor before fixing your pet’s diet. 

Key points to remember while feeding your German Shepherd Pit bull mix:

  • Due to its active nature, your pet needs a high-protein diet, always prioritize the diet of your pet with a good amount of protein sources like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. 
  • Choose a quality kibble for your active dog breeds, it contains the right balance of nutrients and is appropriate for your dog’s age. 
  • Consider your dog’s weight and shift the feeding amount to prevent obesity.
  • Divide the daily meal of your pet, feed once in the morning and once in the evening. 
  • Feed your pet with fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans in your diet. But ensure the food is well cooked and finely chopped. 
  • Give your pet treats like table scraps, processed snacks, and high-fat foods. 
  • Look for a primary source of protein such as chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. 
  • Have a balanced mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Avoid excessive fillers like corn or wheat gluten.

Health Issues in German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix

These breeds face some health issues which are common in German Shepherds and American Pitbull Terrier. Most of these dogs are generally healthy, but some may be prone to health issues, which is why it is important to maintain a proper diet and healthy care with regular veterinary checkups. Some common health issues in these pets are as follows:

  • Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition, which arises when the hip joint does not develop properly, causing instability and thereby predisposing the animal to arthritis. It is fairly common in larger breeds, such as the German shepherd. 
  • Allergies: Some Skin allergies become apparent in dogs if they react negatively against certain foods, environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites, or they make physical contact with certain substances, resulting in itching, reddened skin, ear infections, digestive issues, or all of these. 
  • Heart disease: Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the structure and/or function of the heart. They can be broadly classified into common classes such as valvular and dilated cardiomyopathy. 
  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV): Bloat is a very serious, even life-threatening condition of the stomach that has filled with gas and rotated on its axis, thereby blocking the blood flow and resulting in shock. 
  • Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is the condition that results when the thyroid does not produce enough follicular hormones. Therefore, it can come with nebulae of symptoms, from weight gain and lethargy to problems concerning skin and hair loss. 

Health Care of a German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix

From 6 to 8 weeks, these puppies should receive a series of vaccinations every 2 to 4 weeks and repeat until they are 16 to 20 weeks of age. The following vaccines are generally recommended: 

  • 6 to 8 weeks: Distemper and parvovirus.
  • 10 to 12 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, hepatitis adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus).
  • 16 to 18 weeks: DHPP and rabies.
  • 12 to 16 months: DHPP and rabies. 

German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix With Children And Other Pets

When German Shepherd Pit bull mix are trained well from an early age they become a great companion for large families and kids. Their size puts them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They can accidentally knock over toddlers so be a little careful with your pet when kids are around. Teach your kid how to treat your pet and touch them. No matter how friendly your dog is always keep your pet under your supervision. 

These dogs can get along with other pets if they are trained well or raised with them. Socializing your pet early is crucial. So, better training and socialization can make your pet a good companion for your family and outside. 

How to Train German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix Breed

The German Shepherd Pit bull Mix is highly intelligent, trainable, and easy to train via positive reinforcement training techniques. Harsh training techniques should be avoided as they may provoke aggressive or destructive behavior.

Not training a German Shepherd Pit bull will make this dog show dominant and aggressive behavior. Luckily, German Shepherd Pit bulls are smart and easy to train and will get it real soon, even in their adult phase. All would have been well for the German Shepherd Pit bull to undergo training as a puppy, but don’t let that discourage you from adopting an older dog.

Most dogs, besides Pitbulls, respond better to the use of positive training reinforcement techniques. This means no punishment training but, instead, positive training develops good relations between you and your dog.

How to Take Care of German Shepherds Pit Bull Mix & Top Parenting Tips

1) Diet and Nutrition Requirements

Feed this mix a quality diet fit for medium-sized and large-sized dogs. Depending on the life stages, portions may vary, or the veterinarian’s discretion may determine portions. To avoid gaining weight, only follow the recommended amount of food and ensure that no overeating has been done.

2) Exercise 

German Shepherd Pit bulls require about three-plus hours of exercising every day, which from our daily observation is a lot more than in most dogs. They should be exercised in order to keep out of mischief, with at least one long walk daily and plenty of time spent outside, playing around, or running and burning off energy.

3) Training

If the dog is not brought up in a disciplined manner, this mix may reflect aggressive and dominant behavior. The ideal would be to train a German Shepherd Pit bull while it is a puppy, but one should not be discouraged from adopting an older dog.

4) Grooming

German Shepherd Pit bulls shed a lot due to their thick coats. However, their short coats shed relatively about once in a while. To keep shedding from going into your house, regularly brush out the German Shepherd Pit bull outside at least two times a week.

5) Health and Conditions

These designer dogs are mostly fairly healthy, but they do inherit some health problems from their parent breeds. Pet Parent should be taken to the vet regularly to keep track of their health.

Top Parenting Tips:

1) Socialization and Training-For-Assuredness in Your Dog

Getting your dog socialized around people, animals, and the environment since he is a young pup will help keep away aggression or angry behaviors from him. 

2) Obedience Training

Start obedience training early using positive reinforcement such as praise and treats. This way, they will soon learn to do what you require of them.

3) Physical Exercise

Start on ground walks and later long walks, runs, playtime, agility training, and the like. In short, a lot of activities each day.

4) Mental Stimulation

Try to find things to stimulate his mind or your dear one-occupying puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games will all work dire wonders in not allowing his brain to sleep unnecessarily.

5) Vet Checkups

Watch for regular checkups by the vet to get the vaccination against serious diseases, perform like Gum Color checkup, physical examinations , deworming and treatment for parasites.

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Puppy Image Gallery

One can expect that a puppy carrying the German Shepherd Pit bull mix would have a strong and muscular build. With this breed of dog, expect moderately sized dogs varying from medium to large, and short to medium-length coats, with coloration depending on the parents. Their heads are broad with slightly pointed muzzles, and ears that may partly stand due to dominant genes from either side. Parents could pass on the longer muzzle of the German Shepherd and the shorter, blunt muzzle of the Pitbull. Generally, the coat could vary from solid colors, brindled, to a mixture of several colors and perhaps longer, slightly curled fur from their German Shepherd parent. 

German Shepherd Pit bull Mix Dog Price in India

Buying a Shepherd / Pit puppy from a breeder can be very expensive, depending on their lineage and fur color. The average price of a German Pitbull from a reputable breeder is INR 25000 to 55000.

CityPrice Range (INR)
Mumbai25,000 – 50,000
Delhi20,000 – 45,000
Bangalore15,000 – 45,000
Chennai18,000 – 40,000
Kolkata20,000 – 55,000

Where & How To Adopt German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppy?

You should first contact an animal shelter nearest to your location or consider a breed-specific rescue organization focused on German Shepherds or Pit bulls. Visit an online pet adoption platform and check for mixed breeds available in your area. You can always visit the shelter or rescue organization to meet the puppy and see if it fits; be ready to fill out an application and pay the adoption fee, too. You can easily adopt these pets from Pawnpets, and get professional vet checkups. A few rescue groups for German Shepherd Pit bull mix are as follows:

  • German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
  • Save-A-Bull Rescue
  • Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue
  • Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary

German Shepherd Pit bull FAQs

1. Are German Shepherd Pit bull hybrids good dogs?

Throughout the debate, a mix of a German Shepherd and a Pitbull is becoming a loving and loyal companion. Perhaps, this breed is intelligent and trainable, making itself suit a family with the willingness to invest time and effort in the training.

2. What do you call a German Shepherd Pit bull mix?

A German Shepherd Pitbull mix is also called either a “Shepherd Pit” or “Shep-Pit.”

3. What shall I feed my German Shepherd Pit bull mix?

A German Shepherd Pit bull diet should consist of a high-quality animal protein source diet, including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and duck, as well as salt, eggs, and fish.  Fat is the second most important nutrient that a dog should be eating daily.

4. What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd/pitbull mix?

An estimated life expectancy for a Husky German Shepherd Pit bull mix ranges between 10 and 12. Several things, including genetics, diet, exercise, and healthcare, greatly influence this estimate. Regular veterinary checkups along with a healthy lifestyle can assist the mixed-breed dog to live longer. 

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Disclaimer

The above-researched article is produced by PawNpets Staff according to our editorial research policy. All breed information is in line with AKC standards. The above article is written for only educational purposes. Any third-party link is not associated with us or sponsored; we have added it for only educational purposes.

In case of any mistake/issue/correction requires, please write to contact us with the subject "Correction on Pet Breed [Breed Name]. 

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