The Great Pyrenees GSD Mix is a unique and fascinating breed that can make a wonderful companion for active families. This mix is a result of breeding a Great Pyrenees with a German Shepherd Dog (GSD), creating a dog that combines the best traits of both parents.
The Great Pyrenees GSD Mix is generally a large dog, with males weighing between 85-115 pounds and females weighing between 75-100 pounds. They can grow up to 28-32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their coat is one of their defining features, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily during shedding season. This means they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
They are intelligent and trainable, but can be strong-willed at times, making consistency and positive reinforcement essential in their training.
Intriguing read: When Do Great Pyrenees Get Their Full Coat
Why a Great Pyrenees GSD Mix Might Not Be for You
If you're considering getting a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd cross, you should be aware of the potential health concerns that come with this breed. Deafness, bloat, and heart murmurs are just a few of the issues you'll need to watch out for.
They're massive dogs, to say the least, and they need a lot of space to roam. A small apartment is not the best fit for a growing Germanees.
Daily physical activity is a must for this breed, or they'll be prone to obesity. This includes regular walks and occasional hiking to keep their mind and body healthy.
Frequent trips to the vet are also on the agenda, as they'll need regular check-ups to monitor their health.
Worth a look: Great Pyrenees Exercise
Getting Started
If you're considering bringing a Great Pyrenees GSD mix into your family, start by understanding their size - they can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh between 80-120 pounds.
Great Pyrenees GSD mixes are generally friendly and outgoing, but they do require early socialization to become confident and calm in new situations.
Make sure to provide plenty of space for your new furry friend to run around, as they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A Great Pyrenees GSD mix's coat can be a mix of the parents' coats, with possible shedding, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
They are also intelligent and trainable, but consistency and patience are key when teaching them new commands.
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Breed Characteristics
The Great Pyrenees GSD mix is a large and robust breed, weighing between 75 to 120 pounds and growing up to 32 inches tall.
They have a straight and extremely dense coat that sheds quite a bit, requiring daily brushing to prevent matting. Their coat is medium in length, with a mane-like ruff around the neck area that can be curly or wavy.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown, while their nose, eye rims, and lips are all black, giving them an intelligent and eager expression. Their ears can be either erect or drop, depending on the parent breed trait.
Here are some key breed characteristics to consider:
Characteristics
The Great Pyrenees crossbred with German Shepherd is a large and robust breed, weighing between 75 and 120 pounds and growing up to 32 inches tall.
Their coat is straight and extremely dense, requiring daily brushing to prevent matting. It's medium in length and sheds quite a bit, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
Their coat color can vary between black, white, fawn, and other similar shades. Some individuals may develop a mane-like ruff around their neck area, which can have a curly or wavy texture.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown, giving them an intelligent and eager-to-learn expression. Their nose, eye rims, and lips are all black, adding to their alert and inquisitive appearance.
Their ears can be either erect or drop, depending on which parent trait is more dominant. Their head is wedge-shaped and well-proportioned to their body.
Here are some key characteristics of the Germanees breed:
Their temperament can be a mix of their parent breeds' traits, making them energetic, playful, intelligent, protective, fearless, sweet, loyal, and gentle.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Great Pyrenees crossbred with German Shepherd is a unique breed with a range of temperaments and intelligence levels. They are naturally protective of their owners and family, inheriting this trait from their parent breeds.
Their protective instincts can be a double-edged sword, making them suspicious of strangers and potentially wary of new people and environments. This can make them a bit challenging to socialize.
These dogs are often described as fearless, which means they're not easily intimidated by threats. However, this fearlessness can also make them somewhat reckless and hard to control.
They need plenty of training, but they're pretty easy to train, especially with early socialization and puppy classes. Consistent training with patience is key to developing good behavior.
One thing to expect from this breed is a lot of barking, as they tend to alert on anything they think is suspicious. This can be a challenge for owners who value a quiet home.
In terms of energy levels, these dogs are highly energetic and playful, often bonding with their owners through play. However, the exact amount of energy they have varies, with some being more laid-back than others.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of energy levels:
Overall, the Great Pyrenees crossbred with German Shepherd requires a thoughtful and patient owner who can provide consistent training and socialization. With the right approach, they can make wonderful companions and loyal friends.
Three Little-Known Facts
Here are three little-known facts about breed characteristics that you might find interesting:
Some breeds have a unique way of communicating with their owners. The Basenji, for example, is known for its yodeling howl, which is a distinct sound that's often described as a mix between a bark and a howl.
The Afghan Hound has a very low-shedding coat, which makes it a great choice for people with allergies. This is because their coat is made up of a unique type of hair that doesn't shed much, unlike many other breeds.
The Pug is known for its flat face and short snout, which can make it prone to breathing difficulties. This is because their brachycephalic skull structure can cause their airways to become narrow and restricted.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Great Pyrenees Coat Colors
Owning a Great Pyrenees GSD Mix
This breed is extremely protective, thanks to its powerful protective instincts from its parent breeds. They can be suspicious of strangers, which isn't always ideal for family dogs.
Here's an interesting read: Great Pyrenees Protective
To ensure a harmonious household, socialization and training are crucial, especially at a young age. Positive reinforcement like praises and treats is the most effective way to train your dog.
With proper training and socialization, a Great Pyrenees GSD Mix can be a great addition to any family, especially those with kids.
Related reading: Training Great Pyrenees
Things to Know When Owning a Breed Dog
Owning a breed dog can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to consider the unique needs of your Great Pyrenees GSD Mix.
They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, with a daily walk of at least 30 minutes recommended.
Their thick coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
They are generally quiet dogs, but they will alert you to any potential threats with their loud barking.
They are naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.
Their large size requires plenty of space to move around, so a spacious living area is a must.
They are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times.
Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Families
The Great Pyrenees GSD Mix is a fantastic companion for families. This hybrid is known to be good with children, inheriting the gentle and sweet qualities from its Great Pyrenees parent.
Its playful temperament makes it a joy to be around, and kids will love playing with this energetic breed. With proper training and socialization, it's no problem for this hybrid to get along with other house pets.
As a loyal and protective breed, the Great Pyrenees GSD Mix will have your family's back. Its German Shepherd parentage gives it a strong instinct to guard and protect its loved ones.
Since this hybrid has herding tendencies, it might play around with other pets in the house. But with constant training, socialization, and patience, you can raise a well-behaved and loving companion.
The Great Pyrenees GSD Mix is intelligent and can pick up on lessons quickly, making training a breeze. Positive reinforcement techniques like praises and treats will help you train your dog effectively.
Check this out: Great Pyrenees Potty Training
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your Great Pyrenees GSD mix is crucial for their health and happiness. Their thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent loose clumps of fur from forming. You can also use a de-shedding tool during heavy shedding periods.
Trimming excess hair around their eyes, ears, and legs is necessary to keep them comfortable. Regular nail checks are also a must to ensure they don't grow too long.
Their nails can be prone to breakage and brittleness due to their active temperament. A regular nail trimming routine is essential to prevent these issues.
Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also necessary to maintain their oral health. A bath now and then is recommended, but extra caution is needed due to potential skin issues from the German Shepherd parent.
Here are some essential accessories you'll need to care for your dog:
- Pin brush
- Comb
- Deshedder
- Nail clipper
Health and Training
The Great Pyrenees GSD mix is a highly intelligent breed that requires regular mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They can easily become destructive if they don't get enough mental exercise.
Agility training is a great way to provide your dog with physical and mental stimulation. It's suitable for all breeds, including anxious dogs, as it helps build confidence and trust.
To get started with agility training, you can try the following exercises at home: teaching your dog to walk by your side, wrapping them around a cone or barrel, and practicing jumps using two chairs and a pole.
Health Problems
As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health problems your German Shepherd Great Pyrenees cross may face.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues that can be prevented with regular veterinary check-ups for early detection.
Obesity is another concern that can be managed by meeting your dog's daily exercise requirements and consulting a veterinarian for a suitable diet plan.
Deafness, bloat, and heart murmur are other potential health issues that may arise.
Regular health checks, including tests like x-rays, eye examinations, and fecal examinations, can help monitor your dog's health and catch any problems early on.
It's also crucial to be aware of conditions like atopy, von Willebrand's disease, ectropion, cataract, epilepsy, and diabetes, which may require regular monitoring and treatment.
A balanced diet that meets your dog's nutritional needs, such as a grain-free option with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can help prevent health problems like obesity and promote overall well-being.
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Training
Training is a vital part of your dog's life, and it's essential to start early. You should commit to at least 30 minutes a day for the rest of your dog's life.
Training should begin as early as possible, and we recommend starting your puppy in group puppy classes as soon as they have all their shots. Most places won't let you enroll before then, so you shouldn't want to put your puppy at risk for deadly diseases.
Agility training is suitable for all breeds of dogs, especially those who are anxious, since it helps in building confidence and trust. It also introduces them to new experiences.
To help your dog build confidence and trust, you can start with obedience training, which includes teaching them to walk by your right and left side, turn around a cone or barrel, and perform tricks. These lessons can increase your dog's confidence, aptitude, and coordination.
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is extremely intelligent, and they need mental stimulation daily to stay healthy and happy. Otherwise, they can easily become destructive and attempt to make their own fun.
You can mentally stimulate your dog through training, which can be done at home with rewards and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Side: Teach your dog to walk by your right and left side.
- Wrap: Teach your dog to turn around a cone or barrel.
- Tricks: Teach your dog to perform tricks and increase their confidence, aptitude, and coordination.
- Moving Items: Teach your dog that putting their paws on moving things is not scary.
- Jumps: Teach your dog to jump over obstacles using two chairs and a pole.
Exercise
The Great Pyrenees GSD Mix needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks are a must, and the recommended daily minutes of activity is at least 60 minutes.
The ideal time for exercise is during cooler parts of the day, as the cold is more favorable for this hybrid. A backyard can also be a great place for your dog to play, but make sure to keep them company and provide plenty of shade.
This breed can be on either end of the spectrum, ranging from extremely active to significantly less so. It's essential to follow your dog's lead on their exercise needs, as obvious signs of needing more exercise include excess jumping and running around indoors.
Puppies, in particular, should not be forced to exercise too much, as their joints are still developing and over-exercise can cause problems. Instead, start with short sessions of 15 minutes a few times a day, and gradually increase the duration as they grow.
Here are some signs that your dog needs more exercise:
- Excess jumping and running around indoors
- Destructive behaviors
- Panting up a storm and laying down
Remember, it's essential to commit to a few hours of exercise a day, but don't be surprised if your dog actually needs much less. Always follow your dog's lead and adjust their exercise routine accordingly.
Purchasing and Nutrition
The Great Pyrenees GSD mix is a unique breed that requires careful consideration when it comes to their diet. To prevent obesity, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia, it's essential to feed them food rich in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Their individual dietary needs may vary, but a high-quality large-breed formula with real meat as the primary ingredient is a good starting point. This will support muscle development and energy needs of both breeds.
A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to a healthy and lustrous coat, which is beneficial given the Great Pyrenees' thick coat and the German Shepherd's plush fur.
Food Requirements
When choosing the right food for your Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix, it's essential to consider their unique nutritional requirements. This breed is prone to obesity, so it's crucial not to overfeed them.
Dogs have different dietary needs, and a diet rich in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help prevent health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.
Feeding your dog the right food can make a significant difference in their overall health and well-being. To get started, you can look at the worst and best dry dog food guides to select the right food for your pup according to their size and age.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppies can thrive on the best puppy food brands, but they also enjoy nibbling on the best dry dog food for small dogs.
A super premium dog food made with small pieces of freeze-dried raw meat, like Instinct Raw Boost, can be a great option, but make sure your dog gets enough exercise to avoid weight gain.
A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to a healthy and lustrous coat, which is essential for both the Great Pyrenees' thick coat and the German Shepherd's plush fur.
Take a look at this: Great Pyrenees Food
Return
Returning home with your new Germanees puppy is an exciting time. They can weigh around a hundred pounds.
As you settle into a routine, remember that Germanees are fiercely devoted and protective, making them excellent watch and guard dogs. This means they need proper training and socialization to distinguish between friends and foes.
With strong and capable leadership, you can help your Germanees feel secure and develop a clear understanding of your role as their pack leader. This is especially important for large breeds like the Germanees.
Keep a close eye on interactions between your Germanees and children, as they should always be supervised to ensure everyone's safety.
Puppies for Sale
If you're looking to bring home a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix puppy, it's essential to research this hybrid breed first. This will help you form coherent questions to ask a breeder.
You can find German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix puppies in local shelters, but if you prefer to raise one from scratch, talking to a reputable breeder is the way to go. A trustworthy breeder will provide you with complete documents of the hybrid parents, including their medical history.
Meeting the breeder and the dog in person is crucial to assess your compatibility with the puppy. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the puppy's upbringing.
Here are some reputable websites to find a breeder or adopt a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix puppy:
- LancasterPuppies.com
- AdoptAPet.com
- Petfinder.com
- GreenfieldPuppies.com
Remember, it's vital to work with a reputable breeder to avoid complications with the puppy while it's still growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix cost?
Prices for Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppies range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on factors like breeder reputation and location. Choosing a reputable breeder is crucial to ensure the puppy's health and well-being.
What is the lifespan of a Pyrenees shepherd mix?
The lifespan of a Pyrenees shepherd mix is typically between 10-14 years. This lifespan is on the lower end of the spectrum for dogs, making their health and care a priority.
Sources
- https://bigfluffydogs.com/about/great-pyrenees-mixes/
- https://www.alphapaw.com/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees-german-shepherd-mix/
- https://www.caninejournal.com/great-pyrenees-mixes/
- http://coloradogreatpyreneesrescue.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-pyrenees-mixed-dogs-what-to.html
- https://www.hepper.com/great-pyrenees-german-shepherd-mix/
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