The Gerberian shepsky is a wonderfully unique breed in that it is the melding of the popular German shepherd and the equally famous Siberian husky. They are highly intelligent due to the addition of the German shepherd, yet extremely independent from the Siberian husky genes. The Gerberian shepsky has an excellent personality with sometimes an overall puzzling appearance. This breed is a hybrid dog and there is no way of predicting just what your shepsky will look like. They can be medium to large dogs with husky and/or shepherd colorings and different fur lengths and densities. They often have stunning blue eyes, but these can sometimes be brown or display heterochromia, with each eye being a different hue. For the Gerberian shepsky, just as looks are unpredictable, so can temperament and personality. The German shepherd possesses intelligence, loyalty, and protectiveness, while the Siberian husky exudes friendliness, a highly social demeanor, and a fun-loving companion. Generally, these traits complement one another in the Gerberian shepsky however, each of the originating breeds can display undesirable behavior at times just as any breed can. In this post I will give you some information on Gerberian shepsky behavior problems, concentrating on Gerberian shepsky barking, and howling, and some tips to eliminate these. I will also answer the question "is the Gerberian shepsky aggressive? Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay For your dog’s vitamin supplement, food, toys, or other dogs product please visit the Health Extension website. Gerberian Shepsky Behavior Problems Being highly an intelligent breed, the Gerberian shepsky sometimes does stray with some stubbornness and independent thinking of its own. The intelligence comes from the German shepherd's side and the stubbornness and independence of the husky. From centuries of being a sled dog, the Siberian husky has worked in a pack but has also had to use independent thinking when traveling with these sled-mates over the frigid arctic tundra. Below are some behavior problems you may encounter with your Gerberian shepsky and these can be passed down from either/or originating breed. To check your shepherds’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need. Image by Yanis Jilali from Pixabay Chewing Chewing is an instinct and trait of all breeds, especially when they are puppies. When Gerberian sheepskins are puppies, they need to chew for several reasons. Chewing helps relieve gum pain caused by teething. Chewing also cleans teeth and strengthens jaws. Even as adults, dogs still have that instinctual urge and desire to chew and this does help them to remove plaque and tartar from their teeth. When your pup begins chewing on inappropriate items like table legs, furniture, etc., this becomes a problem. Both the Siberian husky and the German shepherd can become bored or in some cases, extremely stressed and anxious when left alone and this, in turn, may cause them to dabble in unacceptable behavior. Before leaving your pup alone, ensure that they are getting enough exercise. Both the husky and the shepherd are very active and energetic dogs and the shepsky is no exception to the rule. You don't want to leave a pup home that has tons of pent-up energy. Tire them out with some exercise and you can also consider crate training to have them in a safe space when you are away. Make sure your shepsky has appropriate chew toys, ones that are safe but will keep them busy. Using toys that can hold a treat or peanut butter, will keep them very engaged in trying to extract the tasty morsel and it's also very time-consuming, tiring them out in the process. If your pup is chewing on unacceptable items when you are home, you need to redirect their attention to a Nylabone or safe chew toy. If this still poses a problem, you may need to pull out "the big guns" which would be using sprays on furniture and off-limits items to make them taste less appealing. There are safe sprays available specifically for this purpose that usually have a very bitter apple taste. Digging Digging is another trait that is borne out of instinct. In centuries past, dogs and wolves dug to make a den, find prey, or cool off. Your dog may dig out of boredom, to bury a "treasure" or they may smell prey. To deter this digging behavior, do not leave your shepsky alone in your yard unattended. If you see them digging, redirect their attention by playing with them or giving them something appropriate to play with. Have a child's pool for them in hot weather to cool off in. The last resort would be to give them a "dig pit" of their own in an out-of-the-way place in your yard. By only allowing digging in this designated spot, can satisfy that urge and desire to dig. Chasing Your Gerberian shepsky will have a desire to chase prey, inherited by both original breeds. Deep down, they have that inherent need to chase rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, etc. You certainly don't want them to kill these "prey" and you don't want your shepsky to chase them into dangerous areas. Training is the only way to keep chasing a bay. Your shepsky has to know who is in charge and look to you for guidance and direction. Chasing is instinctual and the desire will never be completely removed but with consistent training and obedience, it can be curbed. Escaping Your shepsky's husky nature will be evident with their escape tactics. It's not that they want to escape from you, they just require adventure on the other side of your fence! They are a lot like Harry Houdini and never tire of trying to escape. They will dig under, climb or jump over a fence and even attempt to chew their way out! Again, leaving them unattended in your yard can prove dangerous. You must be ever vigilant and keep a watchful eye when your shepsky is outside. Photo by Rattasat from Pexels Gerberian Shepsky Barking and howling For your Gerberian shepsky, barking, howling, and being very vocal can be a problem. While huskies are generally quiet, except for some occasional howling, German shepherds can be big barkers. If your pup is barking to alert you to the doorbell or strangers, no problem. Constant barking can be an issue and quickly fray one's nerves and your neighbors too. This is another way dogs often act out when bored. Again, plenty of exercise helps along with toys to keep them busy. Because Gerberian sheepskins are smart, you can use barking to your advantage by teaching them to "speak," but when you want them to. When they are barking, say "speak." Then say "quiet" when you don't want them barking. Reward them with praise or treats when they obey the commands and practice often. Photo by Rattasat from Pexels Gerberian Shepsky Aggression Any breed of dog can develop aggressive tendencies. Some dogs get a bad reputation for aggression and the German shepherd is one of those breeds, being one-half of the Gerberian shepsky. Siberian huskies on the other hand are rarely if ever aggressive. You may be wondering if the Gerberian shepsky is an aggressive dog. No one knows exactly what traits their Gerberian shepsky will acquire from their German shepherd and Siberian husky sides. A German shepherd is a protective breed and makes an excellent guard dog but is usually not aggressive unless trained to be. Siberian Huskies are not an aggressive breed and make terrible guard dogs because their friendly, happy, and fun-loving nature dominates. These two breeds, in fact, complement one another. There are no guarantees in life, just as you can't predict if your Gerberian shepsky will develop any behavioral problems. You can make your best effort with love and patience by using a reputable breeder, consistent training, and much socialization.
If you are looking for a fun-loving family dog who is playful, energetic, and loves children, look no further than the mysterious Gerberian shepsky. I say mysterious because this dog is a blending of two beloved, intelligent breeds, the German shepherd and the Siberian husky rolled into one gorgeous animal. The Gerberian shepsky is a cocktail of the best traits of these two breeds melding to create a "hybrid," being loyal, affectionate, active, happy-go-lucky, yet gentle. The mystery area of this breed is in their outward appearance can resemble a German shepherd, a Siberian husky, or a combo of both with beautiful coat hues and eyes, giving these breeds exotically stunning looks, that have people asking, "what kind of dog is that?" There is no way to predict exactly what puppies will look like. Known as the German husky or the Siberian shepherd, the Gerberian husky inherits traits, temperament, personality, and looks from both original breeds, but unfortunately, they can also inherit health problems. Often these "designer" or hybrids do sidestep health issues passed down from the original breeds and parents, but it is best to be aware of common health problems that can plague the breed. In this post I will give you some information on Gerberian shepsky common health problems and what to look out for as well as answer the question, "how long do Gerberian shepskies live?" image by pixabay.com For your dog’s vitamin supplement, food, toys, or other dogs product please visit the Sundays for dogs Common Gerberian Shepsky Health Problems When considering adding a Gerberian shepsky to your family you need to seek out a reputable breeder and also consider the health of your future puppy's parents. Again, hybrid breeds generally have fewer health issues than totally purebred dogs, but parents can still pass along congenital diseases if they aren't properly screened. Listed below are some Gerberian shepsky common health problems. These may never affect your shepsky but it's good to be informed of signs and symptoms. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia German shepherds have a very high risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia, while the Siberian husky has a relatively low risk. Ask your breeder to provide certification from the Orthopedic Foundation of America. Proper breeding is the only way to ensure that these two types of dysplasia don't become an issue. Causes for hip and elbow dysplasia besides being linked genetically are that it is more common in large breed dogs, dogs that grow rapidly, plus more common in dogs that have a diet too rich in calcium, fats, and high calories. These are other factors that exacerbate these conditions. Both hip and elbow dysplasia causes joints to abnormally develop and symptoms can begin at five to eighteen months, causing pain and leading to arthritis which can be debilitating. These are two of the Gerberian shepsky common health problems. To check your shepherds’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need. Image by Pixabay.com Symptoms of hip dysplasia are: Stiffness Reluctance from exercise and jumping Lameness or limping in hind legs Hopping Painful hips when touched Avoidance or difficulty with stairs Symptoms of elbow dysplasia are: Stiffness Lameness or limping in front legs Difficulty with stairs No interest in walks or play Elbow joints are swollen If hip or elbow dysplasia is suspected, your veterinarian will perform a complete examination. take x-rays and may even do blood tests to check for any underlying conditions that may mimic dysplasia. Dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia should never be bred. Treatment options can be one or more of the following: Weight loss (if overweight) Anti-inflammatories for pain relief Exercise, physical therapy, or physiotherapy Supplements to help joints (glucosamine/chondroitin) A comfortable, supportive bed Surgery (there are many new orthopedic surgical techniques) skin issues and allergies Skin issues and allergies can be dealt with through diet change, avoidance, and various medications. Siberian huskies suffer from more skin allergy problems than German shepherds however, any dog, including shepskies can suffer from serious skin problems if they should become infested with fleas. The saliva in fleas can cause allergic reactions, leading to itching, scratching, and rashes, and can lead to skin infections called pyoderma. Allergies from food or the environment can also trigger itching and scratching, and again pyoderma can develop. Common allergens are pollen, fleas, and foods, most notably grains and wheat. Food allergies can also cause gastrointestinal issues like stomach upset and diarrhea. Treatment for food allergies would be changing your pup's food. Skin issues can be dealt with by using topical steroid creams, oral steroids, oral or topical antibiotics, if infections occur, or medicated baths. The medication will depend on the cause. Environmental allergies like pollen can be treated with allergy medication. Huskies can suffer from canine discoid lupus, which can affect a shepsky. This condition affects the skin, typically the nose. Early treatment is necessary or it can spread to the lips, gums, or sinuses and can't be reversed once this happens. This type of lupus is primarily linked to just the skin and is an autoimmune condition. Treatment can be topical corticosteroids, oral prednisone, and sometimes antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline. Avoiding sunlight is also best as this worsens the condition. Image by Pixabay.com Eye conditions Three ocular diseases that are Gerberian shepsky health problems are PRA, canine glaucoma, and juvenile cataracts. These three conditions occur before the age of five and are inherited. If your pup reaches the milestone age of five with no signs, they are generally in the clear. Because these diseases are hereditary, your reputable breeder should have certificates from the CERF or Canine Eye Registry Foundation for your pup's pet parents. Listed below is information on these three eye diseases. PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is just that; the atrophy or dying away of the retina. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure, and blindness will occur over one to two years. Canine Glaucoma - This is a broad term for several canine eye diseases that can lead to loss of vision and eventual blindness by affecting the optic nerve. This can be surgically treated if detected in the early stages. Juvenile Cataracts - These cataracts are similar to senior cataracts, causing cloudy eyes and vision, although juvenile cataracts are found before your pup is one year old and most often leads to blindness. This is why it's imperative for the breeder you choose to have good records for their breeding dogs. Eye drops can be used if they develop slowly and sometimes surgery is suggested. Cushing's disease This disease occurs when the adrenal gland does not produce the necessary hormones. It is often caused by a tumor (non-cancerous) on the pituitary gland. A few symptoms are lethargy, increased thirst and hunger, and weight gain. There is no cure for Cushing's disease but it is manageable with medication and usually occurs in older dogs. Hypothyroidism This disease is also caused by an underproduction of hormones and in this case, is due to a lack of thyroid hormones. This causes lethargy, fatigue, dry dull brittle fur, sometimes loss of fur, and weight gain. Again, there is no cure, but replacing thyroid hormones with the drug levothyroxine relieves symptoms. Epilepsy Epilepsy, which causes seizures, is also found in some Gerberian sheepskins as it is evident in Siberian huskies and German shepherds. This can be frustrating because it can sometimes be hard to identify the exact cause. Siberian huskies do not absorb zinc properly and this can lead to a zinc deficiency. This type of deficiency has been linked to neurological issues and can lead to seizures. If your pup begins to have seizures, your veterinarian can run bloodwork to check. A zinc supplement may be needed or if the cause of seizures cannot be found, the medication phenobarbital is used to control epilepsy. Bloat Bloat is a leading cause of death, especially in deep-chested breeds like the Gerberian shepsky. The stomach becomes filled with air or fluid and dilates, often causing the stomach to flip resulting in a gastric torsion. The air or fluid must be released and many times this is a cause for emergency surgery. To avoid this scary condition, veterinarians usually suggest feeding two or three smaller meals during the day and limiting water after a meal. Also, waiting an hour or more after or before a meal for exercise is advised. How Long Does Gerberian Shepskies Live? The life span of the Gerberian shepsky is on average 10 to 15 years. Just as in humans, they may live a shorter or longer life, and also as in people, genetics plays an important role in length and quality of life as do proper diet and nutrition, and exercise. The first thing you must do if you have your heart set on the pretty awesome Gerberian shepsky is to find yourself an equally awesome breeder. Ask a veterinarian, groomer, or trainer for recommendations. Visit breeding facilities, view parents and ask to see records and then carefully make your decision. This is the biggest step in ensuring a happy, healthy, affectionate, and active Gerberian shepsky.
The Gerberian shepsky is a breed that originated from the melding of two purebred dogs, the German shepherd and the Siberian husky. Often known as the German husky or the Siberian shepherd, this breed has exotic, stunning looks that often leave strangers wondering just what this mystery dog is! These dogs can have a shepherd appearance, husky looks, a sprinkling of each, the colorings of one or both, and often have those intense cool blue eyes of the husky. They may even have brown eyes or display heterochromia, with each eye a different color; one brown and one blue. Both the German shepherd and the Siberian husky sport two coats that are thick and because the Gerberian shepsky is the result of these two beautiful dogs, this breed wears an equally double thick coat. The Gerberian shepsky's undercoat is a thick insulated one that keeps them warm in winter and cools in summer. Their outer coat can be longer, shorter, or straight with a medium dense thickness. Being that both the German shepherd and the Siberian husky do have quite an amount of fur, they are found to be moderate shedders and this is also true of the Gerberian shepsky, also known as being moderate when shedding. Don't necessarily assume that a shorter-haired dog would not leave fur all over your house. Both the Dalmatian and the Chihuahua are notorious for excessive shedding, in fact, the Dalmatian is listed as one of the breeds that shed the most. If your heart's desire is to own a Gerberian shepsky, but you are fearful of the fur "storm," look no further. In this post I will answer the question, "does a Gerberian shepsky shed a lot?' Also included will be tips to control shedding in dogs. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay For your dog’s vitamin supplement, food, toys, or other dogs product please visit the Sundays for dogs website. Do Gerberian Shepskys shed A Lot? Being that the Gerberian shepsky is the result of cross-breeding the German shepherd and the Siberian husky, they will inherit traits from each breed, both behavioral and physical. Some characteristics will be more dominant than others. The German shepherd and the husky both have those double-thick coats and so does the Gerberian shepsky. These two breeds tend to shed quite a bit and so will your shepsky. They are considered in the medium maintenance to high maintenance category. The Gerberian shepsky will shed somewhat all year long, so if you're a very neat and tidy housekeeper, this may not be the dog for you. Fur may be found on carpeting, furniture, and clothing and even at times, floating through the air! The shepsky also has two seasons when they will lose their entire undercoat, usually in spring and fall, shedding profusely. They lose their summer coat to make way for a much warmer winter coat and in spring, this occurs again to make way for a cooler summer "jacket." These seasons are known as "coat blowing" and loose fur can really accumulate enough to make another dog! This hybrid of a breed has been blessed with a thick, luxurious coat and this will be evident, especially during shedding season! To check your shepherds’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay How To Control Shedding In Dogs. Before you get stressed over the thought of your Gerberian shepsky's shedding cycles and believe that you will be surrounded by the fur on all fronts, there are a few steps you can take to ease and control shedding and make it more manageable so you don't pull your hair out! Below are some tips to help. Diet Make sure to feed your Gerberian shepsky a high-quality diet. Of course, the diet is good for their health but it will also help keep their hair soft and shiny if it contains all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need. A healthy coat is an indication of good health and with the proper nutrition, it will work from the inside making for a robust appearance on the outside. If a dog is not receiving proper nutrients, this can cause hair to fall out even more. Ask your veterinarian about fish oil supplements that contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are healthy for their heart as well as their coat. Some good pet foods contain these already. Frequent brushing Your Gerberian shepsky should be brushed at least two or three times a week and perhaps even every day during their shedding seasons. Yes, there will be a lot of furs, but frequent brushing cuts down the amount, so as not to end up with a trash bag full of hair all at one time. Keeping up with grooming actually saves time in the long run. Use an undercoat rake, especially during coat blow to remove that loose dead fur from their undercoat. De-matting combs are good if your pup has any mats that sometimes occur behind their ears and are painful to untangle. If you are diligent with brushing, however, mats should not be a problem. A slicker brush can be used for everyday brushing and to finish up after using the undercoat rake. The slicker brush removes any leftover loose fur. When finished with the brushing use pet wipes to remove any loose fur left behind, smooth the coat, and leave it shiny. There are also sprays that detangle and keep hair moist while brushing so it doesn't float all over. If possible, brush your pup outdoors so the fur stays outside. Bathing Bathing will help remove loose dead hair, especially during shedding season. You can give your pup a bath about every two months, but this depends on how dirty they get. No one wants a smelly dog in their house, but you also don't want to overdo the bathing as this will dry out their skin by removing essential oils and may create skin problems that could lead to more hair shedding and hair loss. Always use good quality shampoo, preferably with natural ingredients that are gentle and don't contain additives, dye, and chemicals. Swimming If your Gerberian shepsky loves to swim, this is a perfect way, especially during spring and fall, to get rid of loose fur. This would be accomplished in a pond or lake. Swimming in a chlorinated pool would not be good for your shepsky's skin or for your pool's filter by clogging it! Professional groomer If bathing your pup is just not your bag, you can opt for using a professional groomer. They have just the right equipment to handle this without leaving your bathroom looking like a war zone, wet, soggy, and hairy mess! You can also enlist the groomer to trim any areas on your pup that are out of control however, never, ever have your pup shaved thinking it will end the shedding problem. It will end the shedding, but your Gerberian shepsky needs that coat to regulate their temperature, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer and it also protects their skin. Without fur, they would be left bare and open to sunburn, bug bites, and possible skin infections. Image by GuillauxDesenderPeggy from Pixabay Allergies Keep an eye on your pup for any signs of allergies, environmental or food. Both can cause skin issues leading to itching, scratching, and more loss of fur. Also, along with brushing comes dander which is dry, dead skin that is the cause of human allergies. If anyone in your house suffers from allergies, brushing and removing dead fur should help to minimize symptoms, especially brushing outdoors. Vacuuming Vacuuming will be necessary, even daily during shedding season to keep hair at bay. This is especially crucial if anyone has allergies. If you vacuum frequently, this will help you keep up with any fur around your home and won't seem like an insurmountable task. Lint roller Even by using all of the tips above, you still can't eliminate all fur. Keep a lint roller or two handles. This may be one of your new best friends next to your Gerberian shepsky! As a natural process. all dogs shed, even your Gerberian shepsky. Owning any dog is a responsibility. You need to love and nurture your shepsky from puppyhood on up and make sure they are healthy, with wellness visits, a good diet, and proper exercise. Grooming is also a part of ensuring good health. Use the tips above to avoid frustration and skin issues with your pup. With diligence and consistency, the shedding will be no big deal, leaving you with extra time for play and adventure with your Gerberian shepsky.
