German Shepherd Pit Bull

The German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is a loyal and courageous breed. They are known for their intelligence and can be trained easily in various fields.

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German Shepherd Pit Bull Breed overview

German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are both known for their loyal, protective natures and high energy levels. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, and excel in obedience training, working, and service tasks. While they can be good with children and other dogs with proper socialization, they may require an experienced owner to manage their protective instincts and high exercise needs.

Height:
17-26 inches
Weight:
30-90 lbs
Life expectancy:
10-12 years

What To Expect When Caring For a German Shepherd Pit Bull

Grooming

German Shepherd Pit Bull mixes have a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is sufficient, although they shed heavily in the Spring and Fall. This breed should be bathed once every three to four months or as necessary.

Their nails need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort and even injury.

Health

This breed is generally healthy. However, they may develop hip dysplasia due to their growth rate. Regular check-ups and exercise can help reduce the risk of this condition.

Ear infections are also common in this breed and owners need to clean their ears frequently.

Training

The German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix is intelligent and the training process is usually easy for them. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. Consistent training with rewards, praise and treats will help them learn faster.

Moreover, dogs of this breed require early training and socialization to prevent stubbornness and aggressive behavior in adulthood.

Nutrition

Their recommended diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The portions should be measured to prevent obesity as this breed has a tendency to put on weight easily. It is important not to overfeed your dog treats and table scraps.

Exercise

Due to their high energy level, the German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix needs intense physical exercise daily. Long walks and runs, swimming, and playing fetch are all great exercises for this breed.

They excel in agility, obedience, and herding and can also be trained in tracking, search and rescue work and law enforcement.

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German Shepherd Pit Bull Traits & Characteristics

The German Shepherd Pit Bull mix is not recognized by the AKC, so there are no official standards for this breed.

This breed can weigh anywhere from 65 to 85 pounds.

Typically, this breed can range in height anywhere from 18 to 24 inches.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are both known to be very loyal breeds that form strong bonds with their owners. They are also very protective, which can sometimes result in them being overly cautious or reactive.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Both German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are generally good with children, although they can be very energetic at times. It's important to supervise interactions to ensure that play doesn't become too rough.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

German Shepherds can be somewhat selective about their dog friends and are known for their protective instincts. Pit Bulls can often be dog-aggressive, but with proper socialization they can coexist peacefully with other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Both breeds can be wary of strangers and require early socialization to prevent fearfulness or aggression towards new people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Both breeds have high energy levels and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

German Shepherds are known for their exceptional intelligence and ability to perform complex tasks. Pit Bulls are also intelligent and alert, but may require more motivation to focus on training.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Both breeds can adapt to different living situations, but German Shepherds have higher exercise needs and may not be ideal for apartment living. Pit Bulls can be more adaptable, but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Both breeds are moderate to heavy shedders and require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and clean.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Both breeds have relatively high grooming needs due to their thick, double coats. They should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and skin infections.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Pit Bulls are not heavy droolers, but German Shepherds can drool quite a bit. This can be a concern for some owners, so it's worth considering if you are particularly bothered by drooling.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

German Shepherds are a large breed, typically weighing between 50 and 90 pounds. Pit Bulls are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Both breeds have high energy levels and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Both breeds have high exercise needs and require daily activity and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Both breeds are highly intelligent and excel in working and service tasks such as search and rescue, police work, and therapy. Their loyal and protective natures make them highly valued as working and service dogs.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Neither breed is typically used for hunting due to their protective natures and lack of inherent hunting skills.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Both breeds have high energy levels and physical stamina, making them well-suited for activities that require endurance and athletic ability.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Both breeds are generally healthy, although they can be prone to certain inherited health conditions such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Regular vet check-ups and proper nutrition can help prevent and manage these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Both breeds can be prone to obesity if not provided with regular exercise and a healthy diet. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake and exercise as needed.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Both breeds are well-suited to cold weather conditions due to their thick, insulated coats. However, it's still important to provide them with shelter and warmth during extreme cold spells.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Pit Bulls are better suited to hot weather conditions due to their shorter coats, while German Shepherds can struggle in extreme heat. It's important to provide both breeds with adequate water and shade during hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

German Shepherds are not ideal for apartment living due to their high exercise needs and tendency to become restless and destructive in small spaces. Pit Bulls can be more adaptable, but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Both breeds have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

German Shepherds can be very sensitive to harsh training methods and can become fearful or aggressive if not trained with positive reinforcement. Pit Bulls are generally less sensitive, but still require gentle and consistent training.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Both breeds can experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, so it's important to plan for regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

German Shepherds can be vocal and bark to alert their owners, while Pit Bulls tend to be more quiet. However, excessive barking can be a problem for both breeds if not addressed early in training.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Both breeds are intelligent and require mental stimulation and training to keep them engaged and happy. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Both breeds can be good for novice owners with proper training and socialization. However, their high energy levels and protective instincts do require an experienced owner to properly manage.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Both breeds are highly trainable and excel in obedience training and advanced tasks. They are both intelligent and eager to please, making them great working and service dogs.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are both known to be very loyal breeds that form strong bonds with their owners. They are also very protective, which can sometimes result in them being overly cautious or reactive.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Both German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are generally good with children, although they can be very energetic at times. It's important to supervise interactions to ensure that play doesn't become too rough.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

German Shepherds can be somewhat selective about their dog friends and are known for their protective instincts. Pit Bulls can often be dog-aggressive, but with proper socialization they can coexist peacefully with other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Both breeds can be wary of strangers and require early socialization to prevent fearfulness or aggression towards new people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Both breeds have high energy levels and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

German Shepherds are known for their exceptional intelligence and ability to perform complex tasks. Pit Bulls are also intelligent and alert, but may require more motivation to focus on training.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Both breeds can adapt to different living situations, but German Shepherds have higher exercise needs and may not be ideal for apartment living. Pit Bulls can be more adaptable, but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Both breeds are moderate to heavy shedders and require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and clean.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Both breeds have relatively high grooming needs due to their thick, double coats. They should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and skin infections.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Pit Bulls are not heavy droolers, but German Shepherds can drool quite a bit. This can be a concern for some owners, so it's worth considering if you are particularly bothered by drooling.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

German Shepherds are a large breed, typically weighing between 50 and 90 pounds. Pit Bulls are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Both breeds have high energy levels and require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Both breeds have high exercise needs and require daily activity and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They both enjoy training and games that challenge their minds as well as their bodies.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Both breeds are highly intelligent and excel in working and service tasks such as search and rescue, police work, and therapy. Their loyal and protective natures make them highly valued as working and service dogs.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Neither breed is typically used for hunting due to their protective natures and lack of inherent hunting skills.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Both breeds have high energy levels and physical stamina, making them well-suited for activities that require endurance and athletic ability.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Both breeds are generally healthy, although they can be prone to certain inherited health conditions such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Regular vet check-ups and proper nutrition can help prevent and manage these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Both breeds can be prone to obesity if not provided with regular exercise and a healthy diet. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake and exercise as needed.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Both breeds are well-suited to cold weather conditions due to their thick, insulated coats. However, it's still important to provide them with shelter and warmth during extreme cold spells.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Pit Bulls are better suited to hot weather conditions due to their shorter coats, while German Shepherds can struggle in extreme heat. It's important to provide both breeds with adequate water and shade during hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

German Shepherds are not ideal for apartment living due to their high exercise needs and tendency to become restless and destructive in small spaces. Pit Bulls can be more adaptable, but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Both breeds have a moderate tendency to wander or roam, so it's important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds can be very sensitive to harsh training methods and can become fearful or aggressive if not trained with positive reinforcement. Pit Bulls are generally less sensitive, but still require gentle and consistent training.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Both breeds can experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, so it's important to plan for regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

German Shepherds can be vocal and bark to alert their owners, while Pit Bulls tend to be more quiet. However, excessive barking can be a problem for both breeds if not addressed early in training.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Both breeds are intelligent and require mental stimulation and training to keep them engaged and happy. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Both breeds can be good for novice owners with proper training and socialization. However, their high energy levels and protective instincts do require an experienced owner to properly manage.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Both breeds are highly trainable and excel in obedience training and advanced tasks. They are both intelligent and eager to please, making them great working and service dogs.

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History of the German Shepherd Pit Bull

The German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix has an unclear history and its origin is unknown. Nonetheless, it is believed that they were first bred in America during the 1980s or 90s. This hybrid breed became famous during the rise of designer dog breeds.

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German Shepherd Pit Bull Puppies

German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix puppies are generally playful and energetic. They require a lot of attention and are known to be quite stubborn at times. It is important to start training them from an early age.

Socialization is very important for puppies of this breed. They need to be exposed to different people, animals and surroundings at an early stage to prevent anxiety and fearfulness.