German Shepherd Mixed Breeds And Their Temperament

The German Shepherd breed originates from Germany and is actually a German Shepherd mix right from the beginning. There are three types of dogs that have been mixed and they come from three different regions of Germany. This cross breeding happened in the 19th century and it was between the long-haired, short-haired and the wire-haired shepherd dogs. With a very good temperament these dogs were ideal for guarding and guiding. The police and army used the breed for search and rescue purposes. Only at the end of that century, the German Shepherd mix was refined and in the early 20th century it got recognition from the American Kennel Club.

The American Canine Hybrid Club has officially recognized some hybrid crosses of purebred dogs. The cross breed called the Shepadoodle is a cross between the German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. Unfortunately, not all breeds are pure bred today, so the new designer breed could become a product of a multi generation cross, having the characteristics of more than two breeds.

Another name for the German Shepherd is the Alsatian. This dog is known for its obedience and loyalty, and because of these characteristics it is often used as a working dog. It learns extremely fast because of its intelligence. It can be trained very well and is always eager and alert to learn. But it is mainly a bold and confident dog, which can be direct and fearless. It is more or less a family dog, sometimes even a one-man dog and dislikes strangers.

The German Shepherd mix could, like any other mixed breed, be freed from some of the genetic diseases which are typical of the German Shepherd breed. Such a disease is hip dysplasia and often in the German Shepherd Mix the genetic disease could be absent because of the mixed breeding. Normally mixed breed dogs live a healthier and longer life than the purebred ones. Of course if both the parents have the same genetic disease, there is a great possibility that the disease will be automatically transmitted to the German Shepherd mix.

One of the common breeds used in a German Shepherd mix is the Great Dane. Both are affectionate dogs and also hyperactive. They are cute, in spite of the size, and very good guards.

Unfortunately some German Shepherd mixed breeds can show the worst characteristics of both parents. The common breeds crossed with the German Shepherd are Chow Chows, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. These guard dogs, which are the products of the German Shepherd mix, can be dominant and aggressive. This can prove difficult in families where there are small children, or there is an adult man or woman, who does not have a commanding voice and cannot control the dog. Also the German Shepherd mix could have either a very good or a very bad temperament for life as a family pet.

Also when it is bred with a Golden Retriever, a Labrador Retriever, a Collie or other mild-mannered dog, it totally overpowers the sweet temperament of these dogs. Some neurotic characteristics of the German Shepherd come to the forefront and the cross breed turns shy, but aggressive. It is even worse to combine the German Shepherd with the Alaskan Malamute, because the latter has a tendency towards animal aggression, independence and stubbornness. So the German Shepherd mixed breed then becomes more than a handful and potentially dangerous.

Jan Ryan is a dog owner, breeder and has experience training dogs for various purposes. German Shepherd mixed breeds have a longer and healthier life than their parents. The purebred German Shepherd is a fearless and loyal family dog. German Shepherd information is provided in this article with details about cross breeding and the dangers involved.