Full Grown German Shepherd Husky Mix: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The German Shepherd Husky mix, also known as a Gerberian Shepsky, is a large crossbreed dog resulting from breeding a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
While mixed breed dogs can vary in appearance, this article will explore what owners can expect from their German Shepherd Husky as it reaches full maturity.
About the German Shepherd Husky Mix
The German Shepherd Husky mix is a hybrid canine combining the traits, temperaments and looks of both parent breeds.
Gerberian Shepskys tend to inherit the loyalty, intelligence and protective instincts of the German Shepherd alongside the playful, mischievous spirit and thick coat of the Siberian Husky.
This hybrid breed makes for an energetic, social companion but also requires plenty of early socialization and ongoing exercise and mental stimulation.
Size at Full Growth
On average, a full grown German Shepherd Husky mix will stand 20-24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 50-80 pounds. However, size can vary significantly depending on which parent breed dominance the individual puppy takes after. Male Gerberian Shepskys will usually be on the larger end of this range while females tend to fall on the smaller side.
Appearance at Full Growth
Coatwise, most full grown German Shepherd Husky mixes will have a thick double coat like their Husky parent. Colors can include black & tan, black & gray, red & white, sable and lighter shades like cream. Striking blue, brown or heterochromatic eyes are common.
Physically, their overall form tends to be lean and athletic with pointed ears, a plumed tail curled over the back and an alert, expressive face.
Personality at Full Growth
By the time they are fully matured at 2-3 years old, German Shepherd Husky mixes have well-established personalities. They are highly intelligent, active, extroverted and tend to bond very closely to their favorite people.
Gerberian Shepskys also retain the independent-thinking, high-energy, playful spirit of Huskies.
With mental and physical challenges on a daily basis, these dogs thrive as working companions for activities like hiking, jogging, agility or search and rescue.
Health at Full Growth
With no major health issues inherent to either parent breed, German Shepherd Husky mixes tend to be quite hardy once fully grown. However, they remain susceptible to common dog ailments like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye diseases and some cancers if not carefully bred.
Regular veterinary care including genetic screening of parents, a balanced diet and preventative healthcare can help these hybrids enjoy long, healthy lifespans of 12-15+ years.
Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Growth
By adulthood, German Shepherd Husky mixes have relatively low grooming demands aside from occasional brushing to remove loose hair from their double coat.
Their exercise requirements also plateau - a minimum of 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity per day either through walks, runs, hikes, play or canine sports is ideal to keep them content and out of trouble!
High quality ‘large breed’ kibble formulated for their lifestyle along with plenty of fresh, clean water should see these hybrids through to a ripe old age when provided from puppyhood.
Costs of Owning a Full Grown Gerberian Shepsky
Major costs of having a fully grown German Shepherd Husky mix center around daily needs like premium dog food (budget $50-80 monthly), preventative healthcare including annual exams, tests and vaccines (budget $300-500 annually), heartworm/flea prevention (budget $50-100 annually), grooming supplies ($30-50 every 4-6 months) as well as potential emergency expenses. Overall estimated annual costs per dog are $1000-1500 but well worth it for the rewards of companionship!
Possible Behavioural Changes as an Adult
While German Shepherd Husky mixes are usually steadfast in personality by adulthood, there are some behavioral nuances owners may notice at full growth: defiance may lessen as training cements; bonds with family deepen; shyness of strangers could increase; need for vigorous activity becomes paramount; risk of roaming/wandering if bored decreases with familiar routines set.
Notable Characteristics at Maturity
Some defining hallmarks of the fully grown German Shepherd Husky mix include its incredible stamina, thick double coat, extraordinary intelligence shining through eagerness to learn, intense devotion to loved ones, high prey drive and skill at various canine sports, and rare ability to thrive in cold weather climates normal dogs couldn't tolerate.
When is a Gerberian Shepsky "Fully Grown"?
To be considered fully mature physically and mentally, most German Shepherd Husky mixes reach their plateau between 2-3 years of age. However, growth plates may not fully fuse until 18-24 months so intense exercise should still be moderated until then to avoid skeletal stress. Between 1-3 years is also when predictable temperament tends to stabilize in this hybrid breed.
Suitability as a Family Pet
If provided with the early socialization, training and enrichment they need, German Shepherd Husky mixes often make wonderful family pets and companions. Their abundance of energy and high intellect do demand owners capable of meeting advanced physical and mental stimulation needs on a daily basis, however. This breed is not suitable for sedentary lifestyles, small living spaces, first-time dog guardians or homes without securely fenced yards.
Final Thoughts
With proper care from puppyhood onward, most German Shepherd Husky mixes will delight their pet parents for many years once reaching full maturity between 2-3 years old. Their outgoing yet loyal personalities, hardy health and versatility in activities make them an excellent hybrid breed for the right active household ready to provide patient leadership and enrichment to a large working canine companion.
