The Gerberian Shepsky is a unique and intriguing breed, but one thing to consider before bringing one home is the cost. The initial purchase price of a Gerberian Shepsky puppy can range from $800 to $2,000, depending on factors such as bloodlines, breeder reputation, and location.
This cost is just the beginning, as owning a Gerberian Shepsky comes with ongoing expenses. The average annual cost for a Gerberian Shepsky is around $1,500 to $2,500, which includes food, veterinary care, and supplies.
While the cost may seem steep, many Gerberian Shepsky owners swear by the breed's intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making it a worthwhile investment for those willing to commit to their care.
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What is a Gerberian Shepsky?
The Gerberian Shepsky is a crossbreed between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. It's a medium to large-sized dog with a thick coat.
This breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and loyalty. They're often described as friendly and outgoing, making great family pets. They're also highly trainable, which is why many people choose to adopt them as service dogs.
Gerberian Shepskies typically weigh between 45-80 pounds and stand between 20-26 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Parent Breeds
The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
Their parent breeds, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, are both purebred dogs.
Both parents are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic.
German Shepherds are often used as police and military dogs due to their high trainability and protective nature.
Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are bred to pull sleds and are known for their endurance and friendly demeanor.
As a result, the Gerberian Shepsky often inherits the best traits from both parents, making them a popular choice for many dog owners.
However, mixed breed puppies can also inherit health conditions common to both parents, so it's essential to research the potential health risks.
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Temperament
A Gerberian Shepsky, like its Husky parent, is known to be friendly, calm, and gentle with its owners, but can be leery of strangers and take time to warm up.
This mix is also intelligent and hardworking, inheriting traits from both its parents, including a strong desire to please its owner.
Gerberian Shepskies are natural pack leaders and can be demanding, bossy, and even stubborn at times, especially if they don't receive proper training.
Their high intelligence allows them to learn commands quickly, even with minimal training, but this can also make them more challenging to control if they're not well-trained from a young age.
To avoid future troubles, it's essential to socialize and train your Gerberian Shepsky puppy at a young age, as they can grow into hard-to-control dogs if left untrained.
Cost and Prices
The cost of a Gerberian Shepsky can vary depending on the breeder, location, and demand. On average, a Gerberian Shepsky can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.
You can expect to pay at least $350 to $850 for a puppy around six to eight weeks from a reputable breeder who includes all of the necessary paperwork for adoption.
Prices for Gerberian Shepskies can range from $500 to $1500, depending on various factors. The cost will also depend on the breeder you choose, their geographical location, the quality, its genetics and the dog’s age.
LancasterPuppies.com had about 40+ active listings at the time of publishing, with prices ranging from $500 to $900.
Care and Maintenance
You'll want to get ready for a lot of dog hair with a German Shepherd Husky mix, as they have a thick double coat that sheds continually throughout the year.
Their thick double coat means you'll need a powerful vacuum to keep up with the dog hair, especially if you have hardwood floors.
Bathing your Gerberian Shepsky should be done sparingly, but use a shampoo specifically made for breeds with double coats before you do.
During the spring and fall, your dog will "blow" his coat, undergoing two heavy shedding periods in line with the changing seasons.
Finding a Gerberian Shepsky
Finding a Gerberian Shepsky can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of finding a healthy and well-bred puppy.
The average cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is from $800 up to over $1,500, depending on where you live and on the achievements and pedigree of the puppy’s parents.
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You'll find plenty of breeders online, but be cautious as some may be sourcing their stock from puppy mills. It's better to check out local German shepherd husky crossbreed appreciation clubs where you could make some useful contacts.
Your vet and local boarding kennels might be able to put you in touch with a reputable breeder. When you find a good breeder, remember to ask to see written health certification for both the puppy’s parents.
As Family Pets
If you're considering bringing a Gerberian Shepsky into your family, you'll want to think about the high-maintenance requirements they come with. They need lots of exercise every day.
Gerberian Shepskys have a thick, double coat that sheds, which means they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a challenge for some owners.
These dogs are not the best choice for first-time owners due to their high exercise demands and grooming needs. They require a lot of attention and care.
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Despite the challenges, Gerberian Shepskys have a great temperament, being friendly, loyal, and loving. They make excellent family pets for active households with older kids.
However, if you live in an apartment, a Gerberian Shepsky is not the best choice of dog for you due to their size and exercise needs. They require a home with plenty of space to run around.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding if a Gerberian Shepsky is right for your family:
• High-maintenance dogs that require lots of exercise every day
• Thick, double coat that sheds
• High grooming and exercise demands
• Not the best choice for first-time owners
• Great temperament, being friendly and loyal
• Guarding issues can be a problem if your puppy takes mostly after his GSD parent
• May inherit health issues such as joint and eye problems
Remember, with the right care and attention, a Gerberian Shepsky can make a wonderful addition to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gerberian Shepsky rare?
Yes, the Gerberian Shepsky is a relatively rare crossbreed. Its rarity is due in part to the lack of a breed standard.
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