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It can be hard to know what kind of dog you want if you’ve never had one before. There are already many wonderful dog breeds out there, but the combination of the German Shepherd and the Terrier makes a one-of-a-kind breed.
It may look like a lovable teddy bear, but the German Shepherd Terrier Mix is no cuddly pup. In fact, they are known to be some of the most athletic dogs in the world! With various dog sports and activities becoming more mainstream, the German Shepherd Terrier Mix has also become very sought after.
From the moment they are born, they’re full of energy, alert, and willing to please. Because of this, they make excellent working and canine entertainment companions. Their desire to please makes them excellently trained protection dogs, but they need proper socialization to prevent aggression.
Whether you’re training for a competition or just participating in fun activities with your lovely companion, here’s everything you need to know about the German Shepherd Terrier Mix.
German Shepherd Terrier Mix: An Overview
- German Shepherd Terrier Mix, also known as a GSH and German Shepherd Terrier Mix, is a cross between the German Shepherd Dog and the Terrier. It was developed in Germany during the early 1900s. The breed was originally called the Shepherd Dog and Terrier but was renamed to its current name of GSD-Terrier (or ‘GST’) in 1993.
- German Shepherd Terrier mixes are a rare breed, because of this, it is challenging for a German Shepherd to find a terrier to breed with. This mixed breed is hence not very popular.
- The German Shepherd Terrier Mix can have different coat colors and textures including solid black, blue, fawn, wheaten, red, sable, and brindle. There are two sizes of this dog: small and medium.
- The average height at the withers is 20 to 25 inches (51 to 64 cm) for males and 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) for females.
- The weight is between 45 and 70 pounds (20 to 31 kg) for males and 30 to 55 pounds (14 to 25 kg) for females.
It has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. - The German Shepherd Terrier Mix comes in two sizes: small and medium.
- The German Shepherd Terrier Mix is energetic, alert, and eager to please. This means that they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to be happy. They also need extensive socialization and training to prevent behavior problems like aggression and fear.
- These dogs can be very affectionate, but if they don’t get enough attention from their human family, they may try to get it by dominating their owners.
- The German Shepherd Terrier Mix is an intelligent breed, so training should be very easy for them. This, combined with their desire to please and eagerness to learn makes them excellent candidates for dog obedience and training in general.
The Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Terrier Mix
The German Shepherds Terriers Mixes have a strong herding instinct and were used as guard dogs or working dogs. They are eager to please and have a great desire to establish a close relationship with their family. Because of their exceptional intelligence, these dogs are incredibly easy to train and have everlasting loyalty.
The German Shepherd Terrier Mix breed has a well-known history of attacking trespassers, particularly those who represent a danger to the family. However, if they don’t have enough mental and physical stimulation, they may turn aggressive. Therefore, in order to avoid behavioral issues like aggression and to maintain their happiness and health, they require considerable socializing and training.
What are the Health Issues Associated with a German Shepherd Terrier Mix?
German Shepherd Terriers Mixes are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and tenacity. But they’re also prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and skin conditions. The following are some of the most common health issues that German Shepherd Terriers Mix face and how to prevent them:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joint. It is an overgrowth of the ball portion of the hip socket and may eventually cause pain, lameness, and inability to walk. Hip dysplasia is caused by abnormal development of the cartilage at the hip joint. The most common types of dysplasia are congenital (present at birth) and acquired (develops later in life). German Shepherd Terriers are prone to developing both kinds of dysplasia.
Eye Disorders: German Shepherd Terriers are prone to developing a variety of eye disorders, including congenital disorder of refraction (CDR), corneal ulceration, squint, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and inherited retinal degeneration (IRD).
Craniofacial abnormalities: Craniofacial abnormalities are fairly common in this breed. They may be born with a deformed head, or they may develop from a genetic condition that their parents were carriers of. The most common condition is slipped vertebrae. This causes a deformation of the spinal column, which may cause the head to tilt to one side or the other. In some cases, it can even be malformed and restrict movement of the neck.
Skin and coat conditions: With their thick, double coats, this breed is more prone to developing various skin and coat conditions. They are more susceptible to these conditions than other breeds because of their dense coat. Some of the more common conditions include hair loss, skin disorders, ear infections, and allergies.
What are the Nutrition Requirements for a German Shepherd Terrier Mix?
The nutritional needs of a German Shepherd Terrier Mix should be considered in light of a few factors. First and foremost, because of this breed’s tendency for weight gain, it’s essential to monitor their calorie intake. Furthermore, they require a lot of protein to keep their muscle mass. Last but not least, they need a reasonable quantity of fat in their diet to maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
While feeding your dog a specific brand of food is not required, there are several meals that will improve their general health. These include:
Beef or lamb: These are the best meats for this breed because they provide the most protein and fat.
Cooked bones: This will provide them with a steady stream of calcium, which is important for healthy bones.
Eukanuba dog food: This food has a high concentration of meat, which is essential for this breed.
How much should I feed my German Shepherd Terrier?
The amount of food you give your dog depends on their age, size, and degree of activity. As a general guideline, you should provide them food that contains between third and fifty percent of their daily caloric needs.
How often should I feed my German Shepherd Terrier?
Dog breeds vary considerably in this regard. As a general guideline, aim to give your dog two meals every day. Depending on your dog’s preferences, divide these into two smaller meals or one larger meal.
How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Terrier Mix Need?
A German Shepherd Terrier Mix needs a moderate amount of exercise. They are an active breed and need a good amount of daily activity to stay healthy and fit. A walk or run around the block once or twice a day should suffice, along with some playtime.
Jogging, hiking, and swimming are just a few of the incredibly energizing activities that German Shepherd Terrier Mix loves to do. GSH will be your ideal companion if you have an active lifestyle. It must be amazing to have a cute dog who can keep up with your elite athletic endeavors!
However, if you tend to spend more time on the couch, GSH will undoubtedly feel at its lowest and may engage in destructive behaviors since they need to be out socializing and exercising.
How to Train Your German Shepherd Terrier Mix
German Shepherd Terriers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength. They are often used as police and military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and more. These qualities make them a great choice for families with children, but they also have unique training requirements.
German Shepherd Terriers can be stubborn and strong-willed, so it’s important to understand how to train them. The following are some tips to get you started:
Positive Reinforcement: The most effective training method for this breed is positive reinforcement. When training your dog, always give them praise when they behave properly and ignore them when they don’t. Positive reinforcement training doesn’t need any special human abilities or knowledge. It does, however, call for persistence, time, patience, and a consistent owner.
Things that might be considered incorrect in a given situation include:
- Excessive barking
- Digging
- Separation anxiety
- Destructiveness
Commands: Some helpful commands to teach your dog would be “sit,” “down,” “come,” “lay down,” “sit up,” “heel,” “fetch,” “place,” “out,” “stay,” “wait,” “leave it,” and “let’s go.”
Clicker Training: This training method uses a clicking sound paired with a treat. When your pup responds correctly, the clicker and treat are used to reinforce the behavior.
How to Groom and Care for a German Shepherd Terrier Mix
Grooming and caring for your adorable and unique German Shepherd Terrier mix can be extremely enjoyable if you keep in mind the following tips:
- Start by brushing your German Shepherd Terrier mix’s fur with a soft brush. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in their fur.
- Next, you will need to bathe your German Shepherd Terrier mix. Use a mild shampoo and be sure to rinse them thoroughly.
- After bathing, you will need to dry your German Shepherd Terrier mix. A good way to do this is to use a hairdryer on low heat.
- Finally, you will need to trim your dog’s nails. You can use clippers that have rounded tips or scissors. It is important to remember that this breed has a higher chance of injuring its paws so be sure to keep an eye on them during their walks.
What is the Best Living Environment for a German Shepherd Terrier Mix?
German Shepherd Terriers thrive in environments with lots of open space where they can run around and play. They are also highly bright dogs who require a lot of interesting activities to prevent boredom.
Are These Dogs Good For Families?
German Shepherd Terrier Mixes can make excellent family dogs. They are sociable, loving, and playful, which makes them an ideal choice for a household with children.
In fact, did you know that German Shepherd Terrier Mixes are so great with kids that they have even been used in educational dog programs!
How wonderful to expand your family by getting an athletic adorable dog! What a great life partner, just make sure to keep your ball of energy busy and entertained.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a loyal, protective, and loving dog, the German Shepherd Terrier mix is the perfect breed for you. With their strong sense of smell and obedient nature, these dogs make excellent guard dogs and are always willing to please their owners. If you’re interested in adopting a German Shepherd Terrier mix, be sure to check with your local shelters or rescue organizations.
