Top 21 Most Adorable German Shepherd Mix Breeds That You Will Love

When you love the characteristics of 2 dog breeds but have room for only 1 dog, a mixed breed may be the ideal choice. The traits of a German Shepherd are smart, loyal, and protective. They’ll always be happy to see you, no matter how long you’ve been gone. Those traits mixed with other awesome dog breeds could be life-changing.

When searching for the right mixed breed for you, it is important to keep in mind that your dog could have a wide range of characteristics, inherited from either parent. You can’t expect your dog to act or look like one breed more than the other. It can be a tossup.

Any of the mixes on this list should be easy to train. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and will learn commands, tricks, and manners quite easily. All you need to do is be firm in your training manners, like a pack leader, so the dog understands who s/he should obey.

The Master List of German Shepherd Mixed Breeds:

In all reality, you could mix practically any breed with a German Shepherd. But we’re going to talk about 21 of the most popular GSD mixes in society. We’ll tell you about their appearance, temperament, needs, and ideal lifestyle. You’ll be able to decide which mix would be best for you.

Now, read the detail of each German Shepherd Mixed Breed and let us know which one might fit for your lifestyle!

1. Sheprador – German Shepherd Lab Mix

The Sheprador is a mix of a German Shepherd with a Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed, according to the AKC. German Shepherds are a close second. This makes the Sheprador quite the popular mixed breed. The main purpose of this mix is a companion or working dog. Both breeds are energetic yet gentle, loyal, and obedient. They’re easy to train in basic commands or specialized work.

The Sheprador’s exact appearance can be tough to predict as a puppy. Some show more black and tan, like the GSD. Some have floppier ears than others. Generally, the appearance is cute, due to some degree of a flop in the ears.

Typically, Sheprador’s are considered the large breed and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds when full-grown. They have a thick double coat that requires daily brushing and occasional shampooing.

A Sheprador would be an awesome mix for a family with small children. The German Shepherd trains would protect the kids from stranger danger while the Labrador trains would love playing in the back yard all day long.

Read more: German Shepherd Lab Mix – Lovable, Playful, and Perfect for Families

2. Shepsky – German Shepherd Husky Mix

The Shepsky is a mix of a German Shepherd with a Siberian Husky. This mixed breed has a wolf-like appearance with the black, tan, gray, and white colors mixed together. These dogs have a double-thick coat that requires daily brushing and occasional shampooing. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a Shepsky with striking blue eyes or one blue eye and one brown eye (dichromatic eyes).

A Shepsky could weigh between 35 and 90 pounds when full grown. They can stand 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan could be anywhere from 7 to 14 years.

German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are both very active dogs, so a mix of this type will require ample daily exercise. They succeed as an active companion dog or a working dog.

The personality of a Shepsky can be described as intelligent and loyal. They’re easy to train and eager to please. They’d be a good fit for an active family who may have kids who love to play.

3. Shepherd Pit – German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

The Shepherd Pit is a mix of (you guessed it) a German Shepherd with a Pitbull. These are 2 of the most misunderstood breeds in the world. In reality, these 2 breeds are sweet, affectionate, and well-mannered if raised and care for properly and with love. Unfortunately, this mixed breed is declining in popularity even though they make kind-hearted companions and guard dogs. Their personalities are loyal and unconditional with their love.

Their coats are usually on the shorter side, which doesn’t require as much grooming, but they’ll still benefit from a daily brushing with a basic plastic bristle brush.

Shepherd Pits usually weight between 30 and 90 pounds and are powerful creatures.

They do have a tendency to guard their handlers, their family, and their property, so socialize them well with humans, dogs, and other animals so they know how to behave properly.

4. Golden Shepherd – German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

The Golden Shepherd is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. This mix of a herding breed with a sporting breed produces a cooperative and trainable dog. They’re intelligent, easy to train, and very eager to please.

The personality of a Shepherd Golden is friendly and gentle (like that of a Golden Retriever) yet reserved (like that of a German Shepherd). The mixed breed makes an ideal family pet with small children since they play with kids, have patience for young ones learning to be polite with dogs, and slightly protective of kids who may stray too close to danger.

Shepherd Goldens stand anywhere from 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulders. They usually weigh between 55 pounds and 85 pounds.

The coat is a thick double coat that sheds a lot, which is standard in each breed. The fur may be longer like a Golden Retriever. It requires daily brushing and occasional shampooing.

5. Shollie – German Shepherd Border Collie Mix

The Shollie is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Both breeds are incredibly intelligent and active. They’re clever and inquisitive. As herding dogs, these 2 breeds are designed to actively think on their feet to complete a task.

A Shollie does not enjoy sitting around without a job to do or a game to play. This mixed breed must not be kept cooped up and without toys and enrichment activities. They’ll get anxious and bored. And that’s where bad behaviors develop, such as destruction and chewing on objects that are not their toys.

However, this breed is incredibly easy to train. You can work on specialized training methods, such as search and rescue or agility, to keep their brains active and happy.

The personality of a Shollie is friendly with family members but they may be reserved with strangers. They have a tendency to protect or “herd” family members, so they’re often pretty good at protecting small children playing in the yard. They’ll keep the kids away from dangerous streets or wandering off.

6. Shepadoodle – German Shepherd Poodle Mix

The Shepadoodle is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Poodle. Both breeds are highly intelligent and well-tempered so they are commonly trained for service work. They’re also extremely popular as family pets because of their cute appearances. Quite often they look like a scruffy mutt that nobody can resist.

Their coats, however, are curly and require intense regular grooming. Poodles are always going to the groomer for trims and shampoos, right? That doesn’t stop once you mix them with a German Shepherd.

However, some Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic, which is great for people with allergies. Don’t just adopt any Shepadoodle, though, and expect him to be hypoallergenic. Check to make sure, first, because not all Shepadoodles are easy on the allergies.

The personality of the Shepadoodle is active and requires training and activity. It’s not that they’re bad dogs who need to constantly learn proper manners. They’re just active dogs who need mental stimulation. Activities and games are super important, so having kids who love to play with the dog is a perfect situation.

A Shepadoodle can weigh between 50 pounds and 125 pounds. They stand between 22 and 28 inches at the shoulder. Their coat is medium length with curls or waves. The coat colors often consist of black, tan, cream, sable, or gray. Their shedding is considered light to moderate, depending on if they’re hypoallergenic. And their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

7. German Australian Shepherd – Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix

A German Australian Shepherd is a mix of (you guessed it!) a German Shepherd with an Australian Shepherd. They’re a popular mix of breeds between 2 herding breeds. This mixed breed is extremely intelligent and loyal. They’re one of the easiest breeds to train.

As herding dogs, they’re very protective of their family and will often “herd” kids away from danger, such as traffic or strangers. They make a great family pet for active families who play outside frequently.

Like other herding dog mixes, the German Australian Shepherd needs lots of activity and purpose in their daily routines. They won’t be happy to lay around all day and relax. They may become bored, anxious, and develop bad behaviors.

The coat of a German Australian Shepherd is so pretty. As you can see in the picture, the coloring can be a mix of brown, black, and white with varying patterns. The coloring could also be tan, gray, cream, or red.

German Australian Shepherds weigh between 30 pounds and 50 pounds, so they would be considered a medium-sized dog. They stand between 20 inches and 23 inches at the shoulder.

8. Shepherdane, German Dane – German Shepherd Great Dane Mix

A Shepherdane (also nicknamed a German Dane) is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Great Dane. They’re a rather large mixed breed, considering the jumbo size of a Great Dane. When full grown, the breed will weigh well over 60 pounds. Possibly close to 100 pounds.

The temperament of a Shepherdane could be like a gentle giant, as Great Danes are known. They’re calm, patient, and good with both kids and other dogs. On the German Shepherd side of things, the mixed breed could be unconditionally loyal and somewhat protective, yet fun-loving and cuddly.

When it comes to physical appearance, a Shepherdane could reach as much as 32 inches tall at the shoulder and 175 pounds when full grown. The dog may also be smaller since German Shepherds are not typically that big. Coloring of the fur could be any mix of black, tan, brindle, gray, sable, or fawn.

Most likely, a Shepherdane will need daily brushing with a basic brush without trips to a professional groomer. Your dog may require a shampoo bath if he has too much fun in a mud puddle.

Obviously, a breed of this size is going to need a home with a lot of open space as well as a large, fenced in yard with lots of open space. Both Shepherds and Danes love human contact so be prepared to cuddle, pet, and play a lot.

9. Sheparnese – German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Mix

The Sheparnese is a mix of the German Shepherd with the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese is one of the most popular giant dog breeds making this combination very desirable. Due to their large size, however, they live a shorter life span than large or medium breed dogs.

The Sheparnese has a working background and loves activity with purpose. They are very loyal to their handlers and loving to their human families.

People who’ve never had a Bernese Mountain Dog should be wary, though. They can be a challenge to raise if you’ve never had this breed. They require firm correction of behavior because they tend to push boundaries. As with all dogs, the handler should not use aggressive physical correction.

Sheparnese dogs stand between 23 inches and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 75 and 110 pounds when full grown. They have a medium coat length that is dense and straight. They shed year-round so daily grooming is mandatory.

Families with small children may want to choose another GSD mixed breed. The Sheparnese is not always tolerant of small, pesky children. The exception to the rule could be if a Sheparnese grows up with a child from puppy to adult and the 2 learn to be respectful of each other.

10. Shottie/Shepweiler/Rottie Shepherd – German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

The Shottie is a mix of a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler. They also go by Shepweiler or Rottie Shepherd. This mix is considered a designer breed. They’re known for their tall, proud stature with a well-muscled body and deep chest.

Their physical features include a medium to large build. They weigh between 30 and 90 pounds when fully grown. Their hips slope and their hind legs crouch like a German Shepherd at a dog show. Their ears are alert and listening to their surroundings.

The temperament of the Shottie is energetic and loyal but possibly aggressive, if provoked. For the most part, these breeds are gentle creatures. But if small children, pesky dogs, or other factors get on their nerves, they may give a warning. (Like many dogs) They do have a tendency to guard so they’re desirable among homes with children or cautious people.

These dogs have big hearts. They’re loving and lovable. They are completely devoted to their human companions and will always have a wagging tail when you come home. They make a perfect companion for nearly any person or family.

11. German Shar Pei – German Shepherd Chinese Shar Pei Mix

The German Shar Pei is a mix of the German Shepherd and the Chinese Shar Pei. They’re known for having playful traits as well as having a mind of their own. They make a great companion in a calm and quiet home.

The personality of the German Shar Pei is intelligent, loyal, and independent. They love their families unconditionally but tend to be wary of strangers. They go through a stubborn streak in their younger years so it is best if they live with experienced owners.

There isn’t exactly a set appearance for this mixed breed since it is a rather new combination to designer dog breeds. In general, they are sturdy dogs with muscular builds and a long torso. They often have the fluffy tail of a German Shepherd and upright or partially upright ears. The German Shar Pei often has wrinkles on its face, head, and shoulders like the pure bred Shar Pei.

As a large breed, the German Shar Pei stands between 18 inches and 26 inches at the shoulder. They can weigh anywhere from 45 to 90 pounds when full grown.

The coat is dense and requires daily brushing to avoid excessive shedding in the home. The fur is often tan in color. The coloring may be solid or have markings like that of a GSD.

While the German Shar Pei is versatile in various living conditions, an apartment would be suitable but they may bark at suspicious noises due to their guarding instincts. Homes with acreage would be suitable as well for the active breed.

12. Shepherd Bulldog – German Shepherd Bulldog Mix

The Bulldog Shepherd is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Bulldog. It’s a medium to large breed with strength like that of the parent breeds. Generally, a Bulldog Shepherd could weigh between 60 and 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches.

The coloring of a Bulldog Shepherd could vary from brindle to black and tan to patches of white. The coat is on the shorter side so grooming is pretty simple. Daily brushing with a basic plastic-bristle brush is sufficient. Your dog should only need a bath with shampoo if he gets especially dirt, perhaps from a mud puddle.

As for temperament, the Bulldog Shepherd can be brave, confident, loyal, and intelligent. They’re a trainable breed who can learn proper manners in the home. Both breeds have a protective nature so owners should train their dogs to be gentle.

As with purebred Bulldogs, the Bulldog Shepherd is known for breathing problems due to the short skull and short nose. The longer skull of the GSD helps with this health issue, but it is still not free of concern.

13. Shug – German Shepherd Pug Mix

The Shug is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Pug. Again, the breeding happens via artificial insemination. While a Pug typically has serious health issues with breathing due to the flattened face, being mixed with a German Shepherd improves their health thanks to the longer skull. A longer skull allows easier breathing. That being said, a handler must still be cautious because the skull is still short enough to cause overheating in warm weather if one is not careful.

The Shug is small in size – under 30 pounds and standing 12 inches tall. They have a short coat that only requires daily brushing with a basic brush. Their stature is stocky with a broad chest. Ears may be floppy like a Pug or upright like a GSD.

The Shug’s temperament is energetic, intelligent, cheerful, and friendly. And they’re pretty good with kids. A family in a small home would be a great fit for a Shug.

14. Shepkita – German Shepherd Akita Mix

The Shepkita is a mix between a German Shepherd and an Akita. They are a large, powerful mix of dog breeds. They have guarding tendencies and may have a mind of their own. Therefore, they must be well-trained and kept under control at all times. Your dog must understand that you are his master and he must obey you.

Both of these breeds are working dogs so they love activity and exercise. They love having a purpose to everything they do. Instead of just going for a walk, you could turn the walk into a searching or tracking exercise.

Like all independent and proud breeds, the Shepkita must be well-socialized, starting as a puppy. They should be taught to play nicely with other dogs and not pick on cats. They should not snap at children, although children must also be taught not to pull on ears, tails, or fur.

Shepkitas are likely to weigh over 75 pounds with a stout, muscular build. Their coat is dense and a medium length. It requires daily brushing. Their colors could include black, black and tan, light brown, merle, brindle, brown, speckled, spotted, golden, sable, or white. At the shoulder, Shepkitas could stand 24 to 28 inches tall.

The Shepkita does not, however, fair well with children. While GSDs typically do well with respectful kids, Akitas do not tolerate them. The only exception would be if a Shepkita puppy grew up with a small child together and learned to respect each other.

15. German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix

The German Shepherd Pomeranian is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian. Like other small breeds, breeding is usually done via artificial insemination. So if you’re on a budget, we recommend looking for this mixed breed in a rescue shelter. Special breeding methods can be quite costly.

As for physical characteristics, Pomeranians are typically 7 to 10 inches tall and GSDs are typically 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder so you can expect a mix to be anywhere in between. Weight could vary from 3 pounds to 95 pounds, depending on which traits are inherited. The life expectancy of each breed is about the same, though, at 10 to 14 years.

Socialization of the mixture is important, as with all dogs. If you get your Shepherd Pomeranian as a puppy, you’re in luck. You can do all the socialization yourself and ensure that he cooperates with other dogs, cats, kids, and strangers. An adult Shepherd Pom may need more work.

Both a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian have a stoic, take-charge temperament so your mixed breed should be confident. He may be (or think he is) the ruler of the house.

If you rescue a Shepherd Pomeranian as a full-grown dog and he is rather small, he would be a good candidate to live in an apartment or small house.

 16. Shepherd Chow – German Shepherd Chow Chow Mix

A Shepherd Chow is a designer mix of a German Shepherd mixed with a Chow Chow. While a designer breed might have a negative connotation, the Shepherd Chow is a healthy and thriving cross breed. And look at that cute face!

The main concern of a Shepherd Chow is the frequent professional grooming to avoid matted fur. These pups have a lot of fur. They need daily brushing with seasonal de-shedding, and regular visits to the groomer.

As a large sized breed, the Shepherd Chow weighs between 40 pounds and 80 pounds, but could reach 90 pounds or more. They stand between 19 inches and 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They do require ample space to move and live as well as the food supply to go with it.

The ideal living situation for a Shepherd Chow is a spacious home with a yard enclosed by a tall fence. With thick coats, this breed tends to prefer cooler climates. They’re loving, social, and protective so they’re great with families who include kids. This dog needs a lot of attention or else they will get bored and act out.

17. German Shepherd Doberman

A German Shepherd Doberman is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Doberman Pinscher. The mix has an unmistakable black and tan coloring that commands attention. The dog has powerful muscles and a look of being a guardian. Fittingly, they have strong guarding instincts so they will probably bark whenever someone enters your property or knocks on your door. They’ll make a great guard dog for a woman living alone.

A German Shepherd Doberman is highly intelligent and quite trainable. For extra exercise and to give the dog a purpose, you could train the mixed breed in a specialized area, such as search and rescue or tracking.

The appearance of a Shepherd Doberman is muscular and compact with long muzzles and dark eyes. The ears are upright, adding to the intelligent appearance. When full-grown, a Shepherd Doberman will stand between 22 inches and 26 inches at the shoulder. They’ll weigh between 90 pounds and 100 pounds.

The coat of Shepherd Doberman is short and manageable. We recommend daily brushing with a basic plastic bristle brush. You probably won’t need a professional groomer but your dog may need an occasional shampoo if your pup has playtime in the mud.

18. Shepherd Chihuahua – German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

A Shepherd Chihuahua is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua. You might be thinking, “How is the mating process even possible?” Well, it’s usually done by artificial insemination. So to save yourself the cost of specialized breeding, do some searching and find a Shepherd Chihuahua in a rescue organization. Adoption is almost always cheaper than breeding and the pups in shelters need homes more than breeder pups.

Shepherd Chihuahuas are small to medium in size. They stand between 7 inches and 45 inches at the shoulder. They can weigh between 8 pounds and 60 pounds. That’s quite a difference! It all depends on what genes the dog inherits from each parent.

The coat is likely to be brown and black, like a GSD. Since it’s a mixed breed, other colors and patterns are possible, too. A short coat Chihuahua will most likely produce a short hair Shepherd Chihuahua. On the other hand, a long coat Chihuahua will produce a long hair Shepherd Chihuahua. Shedding isn’t too severe thanks to the Chihuahua characteristics.

Since Chihuahuas are often ideal dogs for small spaces like apartments, a Shepherd Chihuahua would be a good fit for a small home. Preferably without kids, though. Chihuahuas don’t always cooperate with busybody children.

19. Shepherd Beagle – German Shepherd Beagle Mix

The Shepherd Beagle is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Beagle. With Beagles being part of the hound group, this mix breed can be more difficult to train. Hounds are not as sharp-witted as herding dogs. Their main focus is to catch the animal.

A Shepherd Beagle can still be a fun family pet. They just require a little more training and time spent keeping that training fresh in their mind.

Typically, Shepherd Beagles weigh between 20 pounds and 50 pounds – a bit larger than purebred Beagles due to being mixed with a large breed GSD.

The coat of a Shepherd Beagle is short and easier to manage than a German Shepherd’s medium to long coat. We recommend daily brushing with a basic standard brush. You don’t need anything fancy. Although the pup may need the occasional shampooing if they have a little too much fun in the mud.

20. German Shepherd Wolf Mix

The German Shepherd Wolf is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. They’re a descendant from the German Shepherd-Wolf hybrid.

The German Shepherd Wolf stands over 25 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh over 40 pounds. Since wolves are large animals, a German Shepherd Wolf is a rather large dog and needs lots of space to live and run. This is not an apartment pet. This is a pet for a big back yard and an active handler with a lot of time to run, walk, and play.

The wolf-like temperament requires a lot of stimulation. The dog needs to see a purpose in every task and activity. Simply going for a walk may not be enough. A German Shepherd Wolf needs to search for something (“prey”?) while walking. Games like searching for hidden treats or fetching a favorite toy give this mix the mental and physical stimulation they need.

This mixed breed has a beautiful, regal appearance. Both the German Shepherd and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog have deep chests, long bodies, upright ears, and tall statures. They have a mix of black and tan fur, or black and gray, or gray and tan, or a mix somewhere in between. They’re large dogs and absolutely stunning to look at.

The only precaution with owning a German Shepherd Wolf is their legality in some regions because of their relations to wild wolves. Check local, state, and federal laws where you live. Make sure owning a German Shepherd Wolf in legal in your area.

21. German Shepherd Corgi – German Shepherd Pembroke Welsh Corgi Mix

The German Shepherd Corgi is a mix of a German Shepherd and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Both of these breeds are bred to herd. The Shepherd herds sheep while the Corgi herds cattle. They’re intelligent with a lively mind. This mix is smart and trainable and good with family lifestyles.

The size of a German Shepherd Corgi depends on the inherited traits from each parent. However, Shepherd Corgis can grow to be 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 65 pounds. That’s a wide range of size possibilities. The mix lives between 12 and 14 years of age, on average, so it’s a great breed for people who want a dog who lives for many years.

Quite often, a Shepherd Corgi mix has the short legs we all know and love. While they’re absolutely adorable, the short legs can be the cause of spinal issues in a Corgi breed. As much as people love Corgis, everyone needs to be prepared for potential medical bills.

Veterinarian experts agree that passing on dwarfism genes is not a good idea, so we suggest adopting and Shepherd Corgi mix instead of buying a puppy from a breeder.

Final Thoughts

Do you have a German Shepherd mix? Tell us about it! What are your experiences? How did you train your dog? How do you socialize your dog? What’s your exercise routine?

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