Have you been looking for a new canine companion that is energetic, affectionate, and always up for an adventure? Then the German Shepherd Greyhound mix could be the perfect dog for you! This relatively new hybrid breed brings together the intelligence and trainability of the German Shepherd with the speed and athleticism of the Greyhound.
An Overview of the Breed
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is the product of crossing a purebred German Shepherd with a purebred Greyhound. They are medium to large dogs, ranging in height from 25-30 inches and weighing anywhere from 50-110 pounds. Their coat is medium in length and comes in a variety of colors like black, brown, brindle, blue, red, and fawn.
This hybrid breed has a friendly and outgoing personality. They form strong bonds with their human families and get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. German Shepherd Greyhound mixes are high energy and require at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy activities like running, hiking, playing fetch, and swimming.
Ideal Homes for This Breed
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix thrives in an active home. Their energy level and exercise requirements make them best suited for individuals, couples, and families who lead an active outdoor lifestyle. Homes with fenced backyards are ideal, as it allows them ample space to run around and play.
This breed bonds closely with their family so they do best in a home where they receive plenty of affection, attention, and playtime. Their loyal and protective nature means they can make excellent watchdogs, but early socialization and obedience training is key to prevent any unwarranted aggression or anxiety around strangers.
Experience with larger dog breeds is recommended for owners of the German Shepherd Greyhound mix, as they are strong, energetic, and highly intelligent dogs that require consistent training and leadership.
The Origin of German Shepherd Greyhound Mixes
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is one of many new crossbreed or “designer dog” hybrids that have become popular over the last 10-20 years. Crossbreeding purebred dogs of different breeds can result in a mix that combines the most desirable qualities of both parent breeds.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent, loyal working and herding dog that originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, revered for their speed, sight hunting skills, and athleticism. They have been primarily used in racing and coursing.
By crossing these two purebreds, breeders aimed to create a dog with the German Shepherd’s trainability and protective nature and the Greyhound’s speed and energy. The German Shepherd Greyhound mix first started gaining popularity in the early 2000s.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Temperament
The temperament of a German Shepherd Greyhound mix can vary, even within the same litter, but they generally take on a combination of traits from each parent breed. From the German Shepherd, they tend to be intelligent, eager to please, affectionate and loyal. From the Greyhound, they inherit a love of running and playing, independence, and a somewhat dignified manner.
Proper socialization and training is important for this hybrid to develop good manners and learn to get along well with people and other animals. When raised in a loving home environment and given adequate daily activity, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix makes a wonderful, fun-loving pet.
Here are some of the most notable personality traits of this crossbreed:
- Intelligent and easily trained
- Energetic – requires regular exercise
- Affectionate and loyal
- Athletic and agile
- Protective instincts
- Independent streak
- Sensitive – responds best to positive reinforcement training
- Gets along well with children and other pets when properly socialized
- Makes an excellent jogging or hiking companion
- Alert and attentive
- Some inclination to chase (early training recommended)
- Reserved with strangers
- Eager to please their family
Exercising Your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
With two athletic parent breeds, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix needs vigorous activity every day. Plan on providing a minimum of 30-60 minutes of exercise split into at least two sessions.
This breed thrives when given opportunities to really run and stretch their legs. Activities they enjoy include:
- Jogging or running alongside their owner
- Playing games of fetch
- Swimming
- Agility training
- Hiking and backpacking
- Flyball
- Frisbee
Mental stimulation is also important for this hybrid. Interactive toys and games of hide and seek will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Many German Shepherd Greyhound mixes excel in canine sports and activities that allow them to use their intelligence and athleticism.
This breed should not be left alone in the backyard all day. They crave companionship and interactive playtime with their family. Be sure to bring them indoors when playtime is over so they don’t bark excessively or try to escape out of boredom.
Training Your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is an intelligent breed that is eager to please their owner. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods using treats, praise, and play as rewards.
It’s important to start socialization and training early on in this hybrid breed. Exposure to a wide variety of people, places, animals, and situations will help ensure a confident, well-adjusted dog.
Obedience training is highly recommended. Their high energy level and size means they need to learn good leash manners and commands like “sit”, “stay”, and “come”. Crate training is also a good idea for when you cannot actively supervise them.
Some German Shepherd Greyhound mixes may have more of an independent streak inherited from the Greyhound side. Patience and consistency are key to training this crossbreed. Setting clear rules and boundaries combined with positive motivators like small food rewards will bring out their best behavior.
Grooming Requirements
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix has a short to medium length double coat that sheds seasonally. During spring and fall shedding seasons, expect lots of hair around your home that will need frequent vacuuming.
Weekly brushing is recommended year round to control loose hair and distribute skin oils. Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to penetrate their double coat. Bathe only when necessary using a mild dog shampoo.
Their nails grow quickly and should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to prevent cracking or splitting. Get your German Shepherd Greyhound mix accustomed to having their feet handled and nails clipped from a young age.
Brush their teeth 2-3 times per week and have their ears checked and cleaned regularly. Also be sure to inspect their skin for any irritation, hot spots, or signs of infection.
Feeding Your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
A high quality dry dog food formulated for large active breeds is recommended. Feed your German Shepherd Greyhound approximately 3-5 cups split into two meals per day. The exact amount will vary based on their age, activity level, and metabolism.
This crossbreed is prone to gastric torsion, or bloat, a life threatening condition where the stomach twists. To reduce risks:
- Don’t exercise for at least an hour before and after meals
- Feed 2-3 smaller meals rather than one large meal
- Use a slow feed bowl to prevent gulping their food
- Avoid raising food and water bowls
Monitor your German Shepherd Greyhound mix for any signs of bloat including restlessness, drooling, distended abdomen. Bloat requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.
Health Concerns
German Shepherd Greyhound mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock for any genetic diseases present in either parent breed.
Some health issues to be aware of include:
- Bloat (gastric torsion) – life threatening stomach condition
- Joint dysplasia – abnormal development of hips or elbows
- Osteosarcoma – bone cancer
- Degenerative myelopathy – spinal cord disease
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – heart muscle disease
- Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid
Maintaining a healthy weight, providing adequate exercise, and regular veterinary care can help prevent or minimize these potential problems. Discuss genetic screening with your breeder and have your vet examine your dog yearly.
Finding a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Puppy
There are very few breeders who specialize exclusively in German Shepherd Greyhound mix puppies. However, you may be able to find mix breed litters from breeders of either parent breed.
Be very selective in choosing a responsible breeder. Meet the puppies in person and ask to see genetic screening paperwork on the parents. You’ll likely pay $500-$1500 USD depending on pedigree and location.
Adopting an adult German Shepherd Greyhound mix is another option. Check local shelters, rescues, and breed specific rescue groups. Adoption fees are usually $50-$500.
Avoid pet stores or online ads selling these puppies, as they often come from irresponsible breeders or puppy mills. Be patient and find a healthy, temperament tested puppy or dog from a reputable source.
Is the German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Right for You?
If you love large active dogs and are looking for a loyal, fun-loving canine companion, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix could make an excellent pet. This crossbreed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Their energetic nature and size make them best suited for active singles, couples or families with older children. Homes with fenced yards are ideal. First time owners may find this hybrid challenging.
Proper socialization, training, and daily activity will allow the affectionate and intelligent German Shepherd Greyhound mix to thrive as a forever friend and family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do German Shepherd Greyhound mixes get?
This is a medium to large dog breed, ranging in height from 25-30 inches at the shoulder. Weight as an adult is typically between 50-110 pounds.
Do German Shepherd Greyhound mixes shed a lot?
Yes, they have a double coat that sheds moderately to heavily year round. Expect heavier shedding during spring and fall.
Are German Shepherd Greyhound mixes good family dogs?
When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherd Greyhound mixes can make very good family companions. They bond strongly with their owners and do well with children.
How long do German Shepherd Greyhound mixes live?
The average lifespan is 10-13 years. With proper care, exercise, and veterinary care, they can live into their early teens.
Do German Shepherd Greyhound mixes get along with other pets?
They can do well with other household pets, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Early socialization is important for this hybrid. Some individuals may have a stronger prey drive towards small pets.
Are German Shepherd Greyhound mixes easy to train?
They are intelligent dogs that respond very well to positive reinforcement training. Consistency and patience is required, especially if they exhibit any stubbornness.
How much exercise does a German Shepherd Greyhound mix need?
Plan on providing a minimum of 30-60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. A long daily walk plus active playtime and games. Access to a fenced yard is recommended.
What health problems do German Shepherd Greyhound mixes have?
They are at risk for several health conditions including bloat, bone cancer, joint dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, and allergies.
Are German Shepherd Greyhound mixes good guard dogs?
They tend to be protective of their family and reserved with strangers. Their size, bark, and loyal nature act as a deterrent. Early socialization is important to prevent unwarranted aggression.
Where can I adopt a German Shepherd Greyhound mix?
Check local shelters, breed specific rescues, and breeder rehoming networks. Be selective to ensure you get a healthy dog with a sound temperament.
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