German Shepherds are some of the most popular dogs in the world for a reason. They’re intensely loyal, athletic, highly intelligent and loving – all the best qualities of a dog. As a result, these qualities make the GSD a top choice for crossbreeding.
There are tons of exotic and stunning German Shepherd mixes that you’ve probably never seen or heard of. We’ve searched the internet for the best German Shepherd mixes that you really need to know about. Let us know which you like best!
RECOMMENDED: 21 Most Interesting Dog Mixes
Best German Shepherd Mixes
We’ve seen German Shepherds mixed with both large and small dog breeds. They’re more common than you think. Though there are so many crosses with the German Shepherds, these are the most popular.
1. Golden Shepherd
Parents: Golden Retriever x GSD mix
The Golden Shepherd combines the playful attitude of a Golden Retriever with the devotion and the athleticism of a German Shepherd. Physically, they look like a typical shepherd, though with the Golden’s signature gold coat.
Given how intelligent the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are, you can expect this hybrid to be just as intelligent – if not more! The parents are the 3rd and 4th smartest dog breeds, respectively.
They’re likely to be very energetic and lively dogs without the intense work ethic of a German Shepherd. They’re perfect dogs that’ll keep up with the rowdy kids at home!
RECOMMENDED: 35 Best Golden Retriever Mixes
2. Shug
Parents: Pug x German Shepherd mix
The Shug is a cross between the goofy Pug and the courageous German Shepherd. It’s perhaps the least obvious German Shepherd mixes you’ve ever heard of. But, the Shug does exist.
One owner tells us his Shug has the best characteristics of both parent breeds. Specifically, he’s highly intelligent, has a ton of energy and is perfect with kids (cats and other dogs too!).
According to the owner, his Pug is incredibly affectionate and inherited the intense loyalty from the German Shepherd side.
RECOMMENDED: 31 Most Precious Pug Mixes
3. Chow Shepherd
Parents: Chow x German Shepherd mix
The combination of the Chinese Chow Chow and the German Shepherd gives you the exotic Chow Shepherd. These mixes are playful by nature, but have strong instincts to protect.
They’re big fluffy dogs you’ll want to hug, but they come with a lot of responsibilities. Because they’re such heavy shedders, you’ll need to spend quite some time grooming your Chow Shepherd.
These dogs can be independent minded (thanks to the Chow side), will thrive with firm and consistent positive reinforcement. Furthermore, they’re best suited for a large home with large yard.
4. Labrashepherd
Parents: Lab x German Shepherd mix
The Labrashepherd combines America’s two most popular dog breeds: the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. There’s no way you can go wrong with a pairing like this.
Labrashepherds are patient and affectionate dogs. Not only do they tend to inherit the German Shepherd’s vigilance, but also the Labrador’s outgoing personality.
They can be an amazing companion with a calm demeanor when needed. They’re perfect for all types of people and family.
RECOMMENDED: 40 Loving Lab Mixes
5. Gerberian Shepsky
Parents: Husky x German Shepherd mix
The Gerberian Shepsky is one of the most popular large mixed dog breeds in the world. They have the playful and energetic nature of the Siberian Husky, but also the obedience of a German Shepherd.
Because of their fluffy coats and lively temperaments, they aren’t the most adaptable designer dogs. They don’t do well in warm climate and they’re not great for small spaces.
Given the proper necessities, the Gerberian Shepsky will thrive as a family dog in the right environment. They’re everything you’d want in a companion.
RECOMMENDED: 20 Stunning Siberian Husky Mixes
6. Corman Shepherd
Parents: Corgi x German Shepherd mix
The Corman Shepherd combines the dwarf Welsh Corgi with the German Shepherd. Both dog breeds share a lot of similar characteristics, but are quite different in size and body shape (obviously).
Corman Shepherds are known to have high levels of energy, as both parents are from the herding dog group. These dogs can be a little skittish, but will become excellent companions with socialization.
Corman Shepherds are incredibly smart and generally do well with obedience training. Put them to work and they’ll be happy dogs. Oh, and they have the short, stubby legs too!
RECOMMENDED: 27 Most Adorable Corgi Mixes
7. Shepweiler
Parents: Rottweiler x German Shepherd mix
The Shepweiler is a cross of two iconic German dog breeds: the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Both are known to be excellent guard dogs, ensuring the Shepweilers are too.
These dogs are powerful and intelligent, as you would expect from the parent breeds. With the proper obedience training, they’re quite versatile dogs.
Just make sure you use firm and consistent positive reinforcement when training your Shepweiler.
RECOMMENDED: 29 interesting Rottweiler Mixes
8. Shepadoodle
Parents: Poodle x German Shepherd mix
Combining the second and third most intelligent dog breed gives you a very smart mixed dog. And, that’s exactly what this Poodle German Shepherd mix is.
Because of the Poodle genes, most Shepadoodles are hypoallergenic dogs. They’ll have long shaggy hair, but a build closer to the German Shepherd. Plus, they’ll have floppy ears and a long tail.
These hybrids are as loyal as they come, well mannered and extremely affectionate. Like the Poodle, the Shepadoodle is an outgoing dog that wants nothing more than to be with the family.
RECOMMENDED: 31 Adorable Poodle Mixes
9. Shepkita
Parents: Akita x German Shepherd mix
The Shepkita (also known as the Akita Shepherd) is truly a special dog, crossbreeding the pride of Japan and Germany. As a matter of fact, the Akita Inu is the official dog breed of Japan.
The two parent breeds are known for their independent personalities and immense devotion. They’re protective by nature and the Shepkita is too.
Shepkitas will develop a strong bond with the family, so expect to invest a lot of time into raising these wonderful German Shepherd mixes.
10. Alaskan Shepherd
Parents: Malamute x German Shepherd mix
Both the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd are dogs with tenacious work ethics. Physically, they can range a lot – having anywhere from a wolf dog to a Malamute look.
According to one owner, her Alaskan Shepherd has a lot of energy, but is still well mannered. Despite their lively temperaments, they still know how to behave around children.
One owner says that her Alaskan Shepherd, Champ, is quite calm. He tells us that couldn’t have asked for a better puppy.
11. Euro Mountain Sheparnese
Parents: Bernese Mountain Dog x GSD mix
The Euro Mountain Sheparnese doesn’t have the most obvious name. But because the Bernese Mountain Dog is from the Swiss Alps, we call the mix “euro.”
Think of the Sheparnese as a fluffier version of the German Shepherd. They can also have floppy ears and color combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog, but retain the sharper snout of the shepherd.
There aren’t many owners with a Sheparnese, but given the parents, you can expect a friendly and loving companion.
12. German Sheppit
Parents: Pitbull x German Shepherd mix
Keep in mind, Pit Bull is not one specific breed, but rather refers to a group of bully dogs. This can be the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and so on.
Both the German Shepherd and Pit Bull top the list of most aggressive and “dangerous” dog breeds. Though with proper socialization the parent breeds (including the Sheppit) can become gentle family dogs.
These dogs are powerful and dominant. So, you’ll need plenty of socialization, positive reinforcement training and to establish dominance early on.
RECOMMENDED: 29 Pawesome Pit Bull Mixes
13. New Shep
Parents: Newfoundland x GSD mix
The New Shep is the amazing cross between the Newfoundland and German Shepherd. Both dogs answer to a higher calling, participating in police forces all over the world.
New Sheps are quite intelligent and sweet tempered mixed dogs. Because of the Newfoundland side, they get along great with children and other dogs – even smaller ones!
Though they’re officially recognized by the Designer Breed Registry, they aren’t as popular as you may think. If you really want to get your hands on one, it may take a while.
14. Saint Shepherd
Parents: St Bernard x German Shepherd mix
The Saint Shepherd is a hybrid of the German Shepherd and Saint Bernard. Similar to the New Shep, these mutt dogs are friendly and great to have around children.
Thanks to the Saint Bernard, these dogs have a very laid back personality and are generally quite easy to train. Because they’re such big dogs, socialization training is essential early on.
They make excellent guard dogs, but even better family dogs. Give the Saint Shepherd a try and you’ll see why people love them so much.
RECOMMENDED: 23 Best Quiet Apartment Dogs
15. German Ridgeback
Parents: Rhodesian Ridgeback x GSD mix