The German Shepherd is a firm family favorite that currently ranks as the second most popular dog in America, according to the American Kennel Club. He was originally used as a herding dog in Germany, but it was soon realized that he made an excellent protection dog who has excelled in the police and military services across the world. Because of the breed’s popularity, the German Shepherd mix is one of the most common mixed breed dogs, both intentionally and unintentionally.
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The German Shepherd is described as confident, courageous, and smart. Those that know him as a family pet know that he is a loving and affectionate breed who adores his family. He is also a large dog who not only needs a fair bit of space both inside and outside the home, but he needs a lot of exercise to burn off all that energy.
The designer dog movement has resulted in many different purebreds being mixed across other breeds, and the GSD is no different. Below you’ll find 20 of the most popular German Shepherd mixes, so let’s dive in and take a look at each magnificent mix.
21 Awesome German Shepherd Mixes
The notion of the designer dog, which is the mating of two different purebred dogs, has been around for some time, but it has recently increased in popularity. With the German Shepherd being one of the most popular purebred dogs around, it was only a matter of time until there were enough German Shepherd mixes to write about.
As with any mixed pup, you can never guarantee what characteristics he is going to inherit, so it is important to make sure that you research both of his parents so that you know that you will love all of his potential characteristics, whatever the outcome. Mixed-breed pups can be healthier than their purebred parents, which is another benefit to consider when adopting your next puppy.
Read on to see 20 of the most popular German Shepherd mixes, as well as a few of the craziest concoctions that work surprisingly well.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
Alaskan Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Shepherd is another loyal and courageous dog who is known to be independent and aloof at times. However, with early socialization and training, he can become a very well-behaved pup thanks to his intelligence. You just need to put the work in early. He is also renowned for becoming attached to his main caregiver rather than the entire family, so this is something that should be suited to the whole family, as this is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Big, beautiful, and fluffy best describe this guy. With the look of the Alaskan Malamute and the colors and smaller stature of the German Shepherd, he is another striking pup. He will measure 22 to 25 inches in height, and he will likely weigh anywhere between 60 and 85 pounds, and he needs to be placed with an active family too.
Beagle Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Beagle
The Beagle Shepherd is charming and a sweet soul who cares for not only you and his family but also everybody else that he meets. He might be slightly protective at first, but he will quickly overcome this once he realizes there might be a treat to be had from wannabe friends. If he inherits his Beagle’s howling traits, then you are in for some laughs or headaches, whichever way you see it.
He is one of the smaller pups on the list, so he would be suited to smaller homes or apartments just as long as he gets his exercise. He will weigh between 20 and 70 pounds, and he will measure up to 24 inches in height.
Head over to our Beagle Shepherd breed profile to learn a lot more about him.
Bernese Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Bernese Mountain Dog
The GSD Berner mix, also known as the Euro Mountain Sheparnese, is a bit of a head-turner, so expect a lot of attention from passersby. He will measure between 23 and 28 inches in height, and he will weigh anywhere between 75 and 110 pounds. He is one of the larger German Shepherd mixes on this list, so you really need a lot of room for him. You can also expect him to have a lot of hair that he will shed throughout the year, but if you can look over the carpet of dog hair, then he makes the best warm cuddle buddy.
He is insanely loyal and will probably never let you out of his sight, which is why he is known as a Velcro dog. But when you are with him, he will reward you with a lot of goofy entertainment thanks to his Bernese Mountain Dog genes, with the boundless energy of the German Shepherd. He makes a fantastically fun family addition that everyone will love.
Chow Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Chow Chow
The Chow GSD mix has parents who are quite similar in their nature, so this means that his personality is not only matched but quite predictable too, which is great for those dog lovers who don’t like to play the genes lottery. He is fiercely loyal, independent, and protective while also being affectionate with his humans. The Chow Shepherd is known to be quite aloof with strangers, so don’t expect him to warm up to anyone outside of his family pack very quickly.
This fluffball inherits his coat from his Chow Chow parent, so if you aren’t a fan of dog hair completing your outfit, then you should probably stick to another German Shepherd mix entirely. He is a moderate shedder throughout the year, and because of his coat, he is better suited to colder climates rather than warmer ones. He will be brown or tan in color, with facial markings of the German Shepherd. It is likely that he will weigh between 60 to 85 pounds, and will reach around 26 inches tall, so ever so slightly smaller than the German Shepherd.
Corman Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Corgi
The Corman Shepherd is a spunky little guy who has plenty of energy and loves to go around, so expect him to steal the hearts of everyone you meet. Both of his parents are from the herding group, so he will have a lot of energy pent up in that small body of his.
Just like both types of purebred Corgis and all other mixed breed Corgis, If he doesn’t like someone, then expect him to bark quite a lot. This will soon pass when he realizes that this new stranger might just be his next best playmate. He will measure between 12 to 15 inches in height and will weigh between 30 and 60 pounds, so this guy is one of the smaller breeds here, so he is suited to smaller homes.
Dachshund Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Dachshund
The Dachshund Shepherd is one of the smaller guys on this list, which means that he is a great option if you haven’t got the room for a German Shepherd, but really want one. He will typically weigh between 25 and 45 pounds, and he will measure between 15 to 22 inches in height from paw to shoulder, so he is a compactor version of the German Shepherd. Owners say that he simply looks like a miniature German Shepherd with a slightly longer body.
As with all Dachshund mixes, he is prone to some health issues because of his long body and shorter stature. This mix will likely be a lapdog while still inheriting some of the energy that his German Shepherd parent is known for.
Gerberian Shepsky
Breeds: German Shepherd & Siberian Husky
The Gerberian Shepsky is another stunning dog, particularly if he inherits the bright blue eyes of the Husky and the dark coloring of the German Shepherd. If you like the wild and wolfy appearance but with the stable personality of a domesticated dog, then this guy is the one for you. He has large ears and a fluffy coat that you will need to brush daily. He will reach heights of 22 to 26 inches, and he will weigh anywhere between 45 and 80 pounds.
The Gerberian Shepsky will be a comical guy who will be very talkative, so you can expect a lot of noise and canine chatter from him. He is another delightfully dopey dog who will provide you and your family with hours of entertainment. But to unlock this side of him, he needs to be thoroughly exercised for 90 minutes every day, so he needs to be placed with a very active family; a bored Gerberian Shepsky is a very unhappy one, so be prepared for a stubborn and destructive pet if you don’t. He will also be quite protective of his family, so expect a loyal companion here.
German Anatolian Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Anatolian Shepherd
A unique shepherd pairing, this mixes the Anatolian Shepherd with the German Shepherd dog. What you’ll typically get when you combine these two breeds is a dog that’s bigger than a GSD but smaller than an Anatolian Shepherd. This mix requires early socialization and should be trained as soon as possible from puppyhood due to their stubborn streak.
You’ll likely get a dog that likes to roam and is protective of their territory. Generally, this mix will not be aggressive, but they will bark to let you know when people arrive. The German Anatolian can get up to 28 inches in height and typically will weigh between 50 and 100 pounds depending on which parent breed it takes after more.
German Australian
Breeds: German Shepherd & Australian Shepherd
The German Australian is one of the best herders around, so if it is a herding dog that you are after, this guy is one of your best bets. He is super smart, so if you aren’t using him as a herding dog, then he will need a lot of brain games to keep him entertained throughout the day. It is likely that he will also be very cheerful, so expect a dog who loves to be the center of attention but one who will be very loyal to his human pack.
The German Australian will have a very pretty coat, with the black and brown colors of the German Shepherd, with the likelihood of the merle color sporadically spread across his body. Like most Aussie mixes, it’s likely that he will have straight and fine hair, yet thick, so again expect this guy to be a moderate shedder throughout the year. He will be smaller and slenderer compared to the German Shepherd, will weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, and will measure between 21 and 24 inches from paw to shoulder.
German Blue Heeler
Breeds: German Shepherd & Australian Cattle Dog
The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix is a unique and energetic crossbreed that combines the intelligence and herding instincts of the Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) with the versatility and loyalty of the German Shepherd. These dogs are typically medium to large in size with a sturdy build, featuring a distinctive coat that may blend the colors and markings of both parent breeds.
Known for their exceptional work ethic and agility, they excel in various roles such as herding, guarding, and even as family companions. With proper training and socialization, this mix can be a devoted and protective companion, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep their active minds engaged.
German Ridgeback
Breeds: German Shepherd & Rhodesian Ridgeback
The German Ridgeback is not for everyone, just like both of his parents. He requires a family that is going to lead him and maintain his obedience training into adulthood. Otherwise, he may become rebellious and unruly. A strong pack leader is a must, but if you have had strong-willed dogs before or if you think you can step up to this challenge, then the German Ridgeback may be the one for you. Protective, independent, and dignified best describes this guy’s personality, but with a hint of affection and love limited to his human pack.
It is very much a mixed bag when it comes to his appearance. All that is guaranteed is that he will be a large dog that needs a lot of space both inside and outside of the home. He will weigh between 70 and 90 pounds and will measure between 26 and 28 inches in height. Of course, this guy will be brown or tan in color with sporadic black markings across his body. Still, it is unknown whether he will inherit the large floppy ears of the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the large erect ears of the German Shepherd, and sometimes he is known to have one of each.
German Sheppit
Breeds: German Shepherd & American Pitbull Terrier
The German Sheppit is a kind dog who loves his human family very much, so much so that he will likely suffer from separation anxiety, so this guy needs to be placed in a home that has the time to spend most of their day with him or expect a very anxious and destructive dog. If this is something that you can provide him with, then you will have one of the sweetest and most loving canine souls by your side, who will always be eager to please his master. His Pitbull parent is known as a nanny dog. Therefore, you can expect that he will have a fondness for the children in the family. As with any Pitbull cross, be sure to check out your local laws.
The German Sheppit will measure around 40 to 80 pounds on average, and he will measure 18 to 24 inches in height, so you can expect him to be a medium-sized dog. It is likely that the German Sheppit will resemble his Pitbull parent more so than the German Shepherd, with his muscular frame showing through his shorter and shiny coat. It is likely that he will be the same colors as the German Shepherd.
German Wolf
Breeds: German Shepherd & Wolf
The Wolf, being a wild animal who is nothing like a domestic dog, makes this mixed breed unpredictable. They are beautiful animals, but their suitability as pets is very controversial, illegal in some states, and definitely not suited to everyone. As with most wolfdog hybrids, this is an extremely rare combination, so make sure you know exactly where you are getting your dog from. It’s fairly uncommon for a wolf to mate with a German Shepherd, so this is usually intentional when it happens. That means you need to buy from a reputable breeder and make sure it’s legal to own a certain % or lower of wolfdogs in your state or local municipality.
Before you welcome one of these guys into your home, you need to prepare to commit your whole lifestyle to him and have acres of secure land, so unless you tick all of his boxes, then you should really try another mixed pup on this list, as this is not a pet to take on lightly. For further information about whether this guy is the one for you, check out the International Wolf Center. You can also check out one of these wolf-like dog breeds if you are not quite ready to bring a wolf hybrid home.
Golden Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Golden Retriever
The Golden Shepherd mix will work his way into any heart, so be prepared to fall in love with him. He tends to inherit the Golden Retriever’s gentle ways, with the German Shepherd’s loyalty, so expect to find a fierce friend in the Golden Shepherd. His protectiveness could fall either way, but generally, he is a bit less protective than the German Shepherd, which makes him a bit more approachable at the gate for your friends and loved ones.
The Golden Shepherd is a large dog that will measure between 21 and 26 inches in height, and he will weigh anywhere between 50 and 70 pounds. He will be longer than he is taller, and whatever color he takes, he will more likely be lighter in color with a golden sheen.
New Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Newfoundland
The New Shepherd is probably the largest mixed breed on this list, so space is unnegotiable for this guy. He will weigh anywhere in the region of 90 to 140 pounds and will measure up to 28 inches in height. This guy is much longer than he is tall, and he is quite a hefty chap for his height. He is also a very hairy guy with a thick double coat, so expect a heavy shedder throughout the year. It is likely that this guy will be a mixture of black and brown, with dark-colored eyes and features.
Despite his incredible size, he will love cuddles on the sofa and love to sprawl across you even more, and he probably makes one of the best lap dogs on this list. He also has an affinity for children and is known to be a nanny dog, so if you have older children who can withstand his size, then you will find a perfect family companion in this guy. He loves water, thanks to his Newfoundland parent’s employment as a deckhand and lifeguard, and it is likely that he will also have partly webbed feet, so a dip in the local lake would be very much appreciated.
Saint Shepherd
Breeds: German Shepherd & Saint Bernard
This is another big boy on the list, and you can expect him to weigh anywhere between 85 and 140 pounds and measure up to 28 inches tall. He will have a lot of fluffy hair, typically with the colors of the Germans Shepherd parent, and splashes of white across his body. Expect a heavy shedder, with potentially a bit of drool thrown into the mix.
This guy is intelligent and loyal but also extremely laid back, so it is anyone’s guess as to which parent’s energy levels he will inherit, but as long as you can guarantee him up to one hour a day, then he will be incredibly happy. He is a loyal and sweet soul who would do anything for his family, and devoted is the best word to describe him.
Shepadoodle
Breeds: German Shepherd & Poodle
The Shepadoodle mix, just like most poodle mixed breed pups, is likely to inherit the single coat of the Poodle, which means he will be more tolerable than the German Shepherd for those with allergies. With his coat comes the curls, so expect him to look like a German Shepherd who has just had a perm. Typically, he will inherit the darker colors and markings of the German Shepherd, although dependent on his Poodle parent, he could sport a variety of colors.
The Shepadoodle is a surprisingly energetic dog who will need at least an hour of intense exercise a day. Not only is he energetic, but he also is a very intelligent pup whose brain needs to be stimulated. Otherwise, he could become restless and bored. Forget pretty bows and pompon haircuts. This guy needs agility courses and long mountain hikes.
Shepkita
Breeds: German Shepherd & Akita
The Akita is not as popular as the German Shepherd when it comes to being a designer dog parent. Expect another wild and wolfy-looking mixed dog, but one with squarer and thicker features. It is also likely that the Shepkita will inherit the distinctive curly tail of the Akita. As with many Akita mixes, you can expect that he will grow up to 120 pounds in weight and up to 28 inches tall, so this big boy needs a lot of room. Coming from a herding and hunting background, this guy will need access to fresh air for a lot, if not most of the day, so a large and enclosed backyard is a must.
This protective dog will need to be socialized early, with obedience training to be maintained for his entire life if he takes after his Akita parent. Again, the Shepkita is not a breed to take on lightly, as he can develop behavioral issues if he is not led by a pack leader, so you need to be strong-willed. But if you are, then this guy is undoubtedly the most loyal of the dogs on this list, so you can expect a canine comrade for the rest of his days. He is fond of every pack member, from children to the elderly, and being a big cuddly bear, everyone will love him back just as much.
Sheprador
Breeds: German Shepherd & Labrador Retriever
The Sheprador is a special dog considering that his parents take first and second place in the American Kennel Club popularity contest. He is such an energetic pup who will need at least an hour of intense exercise, not just an hour’s walk. Given his parents’ working background, it is likely that the Sheprador will be obsessed with water, so treat him to playtime in the local lake, and he will love you forever.
The Sheprador will weigh up to 90 pounds, and he will measure up to 26 inches. He is a thick and sturdy dog with a muscular frame, which you probably won’t be able to notice under his hair. Both of his parents are moderate to heavy shedders, so you can expect him to be the same, so he is not suited to families with dog allergies. His coloring will be dependent on the coloring of his Labrador parent, but it is likely that he will sport black, brown, and golden hues.
Shepweiler
Breeds: German Shepherd & Rottweiler
The Shepweiler is a working dog, known for his guarding and protective traits, so he certainly needs to be socialized and trained from a very early age by a pack leader who is going to take charge. If you think that you can step up to this role, then the Shepweiler is one of the best guard dogs on this list who will reward you with the utmost protection and loyalty. However, if you aren’t sure, then he will become problematic and unruly, so don’t take him on lightly. But with all his loyalty comes his equally huge heart, which is full of love and affection for his human family.
He is formidable looking, just like both of his parents, and he will weigh at least 50 pounds going up to 135 pounds, so you need to have a lot of space for him. He will almost certainly be brown and black in color but with the markings of either parent, which is great if you want a pup that looks a bit different.
Shollie
Breeds: German Shepherd & Border Collie
The Shollie is a pretty pup, who will often take the colors of the German Shepherd with his deep brown hues, but with the longer and finer hair of the Border Collie. Rarely will this guy be one solid color, so you can expect a variety of colors, and he may inherit the bright blue eyes of the Collie. He will measure between 15 to 25 inches in height, and he will weigh anywhere between 40 and 90 pounds, depending on which parent he takes after more.
The Shollie is a super-intelligent dog who needs to be stimulated throughout the day, be that with training sessions, agility courses, or long walkies, so he needs to be placed with an active family who can guarantee both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. He is also very smart, but he will happily take orders from you if you are a strong pack leader, but just be careful that he doesn’t outsmart you. Collies are known to herd their family, so if he inherits this trait, keep an eye on him if he is around children or other animals.
Final Thoughts
If you are a German Shepherd lover but want something slightly different from this really popular dog, then this list should give you plenty of healthy mixed-breed GSDs to pick from. While this list isn’t all-inclusive, and there are other GSD mixes (like the Shepnees or the Boxer Shepherd) we didn’t cover in detail, we feel these are probably the common GSD crossbreeds you are likely to come across.
As long as you like both of his parents, then he will definitely steal your heart. Just be sure that you have the time to invest in training, exercise, and a lot of evening cuddles. As always, we encourage you to adopt before you shop.
I took in a young German shepherd mix that was dropped off in my neighborhood. She is for sure German shepherd but she looks like a coyote. What mix would that be. She eats out of her bowl but also takes mouthfuls of it and buries it in different places in the yard. I’ve never heard of a dog burying their food, why does she do this?
At our local animal shelter we have a mix of German shepherd and boxer maybe. Out of the 6 three are more nippy and tan. The three black colored seem more boxer/lab mix.
German Shepherd & Bernese Mountain Dog aka Euro Mountain Sheparnese.
I have 3 of these dogs. I bred 2 litters and the people who bought them were impressed with them as puppies and they all got better with age. I have the mom and I kept 2 puppies. We had the father, but he passed away. The 2 puppies look nothing like each other and they are awesome dogs. To me this is the best mix breed of dog around.
We have a German Shepherd Australian Kelpie mix. Beautiful and a great dog.
After looking at all the pictures of the dogs I can’t help but think that dogs glare earth angels. They spend their time watching you and protect you when you need it They are wonderful companions. I am 82 years old and I had all different breeds Yjey were all wonderful and I miss them all,
So thank you Lord fo creating them.
what about the shug (German Shepard and pug mix)
I have a GSD of about 9 months and will like to know her heat period and what breed to cross her with so as to have healthy & very active puppies.
Looking for a Shepherd mix dog
You could check out PetFinder.com and look for GSD mix to adopt by your location.