Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix

You never know what you’ll get when you breed a German Shepherd (sometimes called as a Germanees) with a Great Pyrenees. Any attribute from either parent may be inherited by a mixed-breed puppy. As a result, they could resemble a Great Pyrenees or a German Shepherd rather closely; often, they fall somewhere in the center. Even between littermates, there might be significant variances. These dogs are often larger than the typical German Shepherd. However, there is a wide range in how large.
Due to the guarding nature of both the Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd breeds, they are likely to have strong protective instincts. Through instruction and socialization, these inclinations must be restrained. These canines are only advised for individuals with prior dog ownership experience. These dogs just require For the majority of new owners, it requires too much care and training. When it comes to their disposition, they are also rather demanding.

Great Pyrenees & German Shepherd Mix Puppies

Some mixed breeds are quite popular, and some breeders have made it their exclusive focus to produce them. The Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd cross, on the other hand, do not fit within this group. They are a more uncommon mixed breed with a small market. Breeders frequently don’t generate them since most consumers don’t take them into account while seeking for a new puppy. Even when you take into account the fact that those who do breed only seldom, there are now relatively few breeders in the United States who raise these puppies. These canines will primarily be rescues and offspring of unintentional litters. The puppies are often of inferior quality as a result. Their parents did not obtain the required medical attention or go through any health screenings.

great pyrenees/german shepherd

3 Little-Known Facts About the Great Pyrenees & German Shepherd Mix

This Breed Is Extremely Protective

Strong protective instincts are present in both parent breeds, thus it is quite likely that their offspring will be as well! This quality will probably be a blessing if you’re seeking for a canine guard dog. These dogs are quite wary of strangers, though. Family dogs may not always benefit from this characteristic.

They Require Significant Amounts of Training

This dog has to be trained to control its protective impulses. Although you would want them to shield your family from possible threats, if they lack training, they can end up trying to defend you against the wrong things. You need to practise if you want to use those instincts. Otherwise, these dogs may develop strong aversions to strangers and even become hostile. They are also intelligent creatures that, without the stimulus that training offers, will rapidly get bored.

Finding Them is Difficult

Since these dogs are not recognised as a breed, there is no official record of available puppies. Finding breeders may be challenging, particularly in the absence of a searchable database. These dogs are frequently the offspring of unintentional litters or backyard breeders who just so happened to own both parent breeds. In the end, this frequently results in puppies of poorer quality.

Full grown great pyrenees german shepherd mix

German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees characteristics, personality, and appearance. The Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd crossbreed can weigh 75 to 120 pounds and reach a height of up to 32 inches from the ground to the tips of their ears.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Great Pyrenees & German Shepherd Mix

These dogs will prioritise protecting their owners and families above everything else. This hybrid breed will probably acquire the protective instinct that both of the parent breeds were originally bred for. These canines’ level of protection varies. You can’t predict which parent will give them which instincts. Unlike purebred dogs, they won’t behave as predictably. Simply said, that’s not how mixed breeds function!
They are frequently referred to be fearless, which implies that they can effectively repel the majority of dangers. However, this could also make them more erratic and challenging to manage. For instance, they aren’t always afraid of the road. They require extensive training, but fortunately, it is not too difficult to train them. Starting puppy courses early on is something we advise.Ideally, you should socialise and train your puppy in these group lessons. Starting early usually eliminates the need for your dog to take special lessons. However, it’s unlikely that this dog will be as trainable as German Shepherds are. After all, The Great Pyrenees is a little obstinate.
These dogs are frequently noted for their barking. They frequently sound the alarm on anything they perceive to be strange, including the mailman and bystanders outside. They may be more prone to separation anxiety since they are a little bit more sensitive than other dogs. This mixed breed is likely to be very animated and lively. They like to play together and establish bonds, so they could bring you a toy rather than snuggling on the sofa. However, they often won’t require as much activity as a German Shepherd. The precise quantity of energy they possess varies, though. Some individuals could be couch potatoes who prefer to lounge about. Some people are incredibly lively their entire lives.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Yes, provided that they receive proper training.
They are a wonderful choice for little children due to their enormous size. Small dogs are frequently incorrectly seen as the ideal choice for kids. This is not the case, though. Smaller kids may readily hurt tiny dogs, which makes them respond by biting. Children may also rapidly frighten them, especially if they are hurt. As you may understand, a young child should not be around a fearful, easily injured dog. Large dogs are not affected by either of these issues. An 80-pound dog is unlikely to be hurt by a 20-pound youngster. Larger dogs are also more at ease with young children since they are aware that they cannot harm them. Overall, this crossbreed appears to tolerate a lot from little children! Even though they might be a little distant with outsiders, they are quite kind to their family members.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

They are able to. Unless they are properly socialised, they may be hostile to other pets. These dogs have a propensity for becoming possessive with unfamiliar dogs, just like people. However, they often do not experience issues with dogs in their home. Socialisation is crucial if you want this mixed breed to get along with strange canines. We strongly advise enrolling them in puppy lessons with a variety of canines and making use of dog parks. They will become less aggressive and territorial if you expose them to other dogs more. By regularly interacting with new canines, your dog won’t feel the need to guard their area from “trespassers.” It’s unpredictable whether or not this breed gets along with other animals. German Shepherds usually have possess a powerful prey drive, causing them to hunt cats and other similar creatures. The Great Pyrenees, however, do not. Therefore, it is uncertain whether or not this mixed breed will succeed. If socialised with other pets from an early age, this breed will often get along great. As a puppy, you should introduce your dog to cats and other small animals. So they won’t assume they are prey when they encounter them as adults.

Things to Know When Owning a Great Pyrenees & German Shepherd Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

This breed won’t typically need to follow any special dietary guidelines. They are permitted to consume the same commercial dog diets as other breeds. We do advise feeding them premium food, though. Additionally, they will consume a lot of food, so before you decide to adopt one, be sure you can afford to feed them. The price of their meals might easily reach $200 each month. When these dogs are young and growing, we advise feeding them large-breed puppy food. When puppies, larger dogs have distinct needs than smaller breed dogs. They may subsequently suffer health issues if improperly nourished.
For instance, higher calcium content in smaller-breed dog food has been associated with a greater risk of hip dysplasia in large dogs breeds. As a result, be sure you feed your dog a large-breed puppy food and continue feeding it to them until they are fully grown, which might take many years. These dogs may still benefit from large-breed diet after they reach adulthood. These frequently contain vitamins and minerals like glucosamine and omega fatty acids, which can be especially advantageous for bigger breeds. We do advise picking a diet formulated to address certain health issues if your dog experiences them. Through food, many conditions may be partly regulated.

Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix Exercise

German Shepherds have a lot of energy. They require many hours of daily activity. They were bred to be working dogs, and as such, spend the majority of their time in the field. For good reason, we exclusively suggest purebred German Shepherds to active owners. The Great Pyrenees, though, is far more relaxed. They don’t move around all that much, like the majority of bigger dogs. Instead, they spend a lot of time lounging around, but they are capable of producing bursts of energy when necessary.

Their usual method of guarding consists of waiting until something happens

Both extremes of this hybrid breed are possible. They could be quite energetic or they might be much less active. It simply relies on the characteristics they inherit. If you can’t commit to a couple of hours of daily workouts, we don’t advise acquiring one of these pups. Don’t be shocked if your dog truly needs considerably less, though. If your dog needs more exercise, follow their lead. Your dog may exhibit some clear indicators of needing more activity, such as excessive leaping and rushing about the house. Destructive tendencies in general, but, may also indicate that your dog isn’t receiving enough exercise.
Never push your dog to exercise, especially when they are young. These dogs will require some exercise, but you shouldn’t make them go a set distance every day. Their joints and legs might be harmed by this practice. Dogs have a far higher chance of If they were pushed to move too much, they could subsequently encounter issues. Overtraining is particularly dangerous for puppies. Since their joints are still growing, excessive movement might be harmful. Puppy energy levels can be fairly high, but their endurance is often relatively low. A puppy cannot be expected to walk for an extended period of time. But you can count on them to go for a couple 15-minute walks each day. Always go where your dog leads. It’s time to call it a day if they are laying down and panting heavily.

Training

This breed requires substantial training, so prepare to do so far into their adult years. You won’t be able to quit training at any point. For the duration of the dog’s life, make sure you can dedicate at least 30 minutes daily. The earliest feasible start to training is advised. As soon as your puppy has completed all of its vaccinations, we advise enrolling them in group puppy courses. The majority of facilities won’t allow you sign up before then, and you shouldn’t want to risk your puppy becoming sick just to start training a little bit early! Before your puppy has all of its vaccines, you may start teaching him at home. It is possible to educate a puppy as young as a few weeks old, however sessions should be kept brief and simple.
Even if you have prior dog training experience, we do not advise skipping puppy sessions. Puppy courses are a simple approach to complete the substantial socialisation that is required for this mixed breed. Of course, you should also use other socialisation techniques, including taking your dog to dog-friendly establishments and going for walks in parks. Start with simple methods. Your Germanees ought to be able to learn things rapidly because they are a smarter breed. Make careful to practise with distractions in a variety of settings. A dog that can sit on command in your living room may not always be able to do so when on a stroll. Even once your dog masters these simpler commands, you should still work with them.
German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix extraordinarily clever. They require regular mental exercise to remain healthy and content. If not, they may quickly turn destructive and make an effort to amuse themselves (which frequently entails chewing through your wall or figuring out how to open all of your cupboards). Training is a simple method to exercise their brain. The issue of running out of instructions to teach will definitely become quite important. At some point, you’ll probably need to advance to “tricks” like “playing dead” and leaping through hoops. Other methods of mental stimulation for your dog are also available. Training is only one of the simplest techniques.

Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix Grooming

You might need to brush your dog every day if their coat is longer and thicker. These canines frequently shed a lot. Even though their coats are shorter, we strongly advise vigorous brushing. Their shedding might soon get out of control. Additionally, dogs get more receptive of the grooming procedure as you give them more attention. When shedding is really heavy, a de-shedding tool might be useful. However, a pin brush works just as well, especially if your dog’s fur is shorter.
Your dog won’t require a complete body trim. Even in warm areas, you should maintain their fur for a longer period. Trimming may interfere with their capacity to control their body temperature, particularly if they do so on a regular basis. However, you must trim the area on the soles of their feet, around their eyes, and inside of their ears. Longer fur should be cut from these areas since it may cause problems. You may simply perform this task at home or have your dog go to a groomer. Like with any dog, you should frequently clip their nails. Additionally, they must brush their teeth a couple times every week. Otherwise, periodontal issues could develop.

Health and Conditions

These dogs are often healthier than most others since they are mixed breeds. Since they inherit from a bigger gene pool, genetic disorders are substantially less common. They are still vulnerable to a few problems, though.

Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix

 Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is the most dangerous and prevalent of them. Puppies with this disease experience slower hip development. The ball and socket get out of alignment for whatever reason when they cease expanding at the same pace. This eventually leads to wear and tear, which is akin to arthritis. There is a hereditary component to this illness. Dogs are significantly more likely to have severe hip dysplasia if one of their parents does. Environmental aspects, however, also matter. For instance, overfed or improperly fed dogs are more prone to develop hip dysplasia. Overtraining is another potential contributing factor.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This disease is a clotting-related hereditary disorder. A dog with this condition typically has improper blood clotting. As you may anticipate, this might result in significant bleeding issues! This hereditary disorder has no known treatment. It is crucial to diagnose it, though. A dog that can’t clot shouldn’t be put under anaesthesia for surgery secretly! Even if you are unable to completely heal the ailment, knowledge is still power in this scenario. This issue is typically discovered when the dog is hurt or has minor surgery. Simply because the bleeding is discovered during the procedure, dogs who have been spayed or neutered frequently get diagnosed earlier than dogs who have not. Breeders frequently genetically screen both parents to help avoid this illness Avoid mating two dogs carrying the gene together to avoid this disease. However, since breeders don’t frequently produce this mixed breed, they frequently skip this kind of testing.

Male vs. Female

In this breed, there is no distinction between the sexes. When you combine them, the size disparity that can be noticeable between both of their parents vanishes. just put, there are just too many size differences among puppies for a gender differentiation to form. Gender doesn’t seem to have an impact on temperament either. Females will obviously go into heat if they aren’t fixed, which will temporarily alter their behaviour. Even if they merely detect a female’s smell on a nearby tree, males may behave differently if they discover a female nearby who is in heat. There aren’t many significant differences between these genders, on the whole.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherd Mixed-breed Great Pyrenees can be difficult. They might be hostile towards outsiders because they are very protective of their family and possessions. Training and socialisation, however, can assist avoid this. All you need for this important socialisation is the time and patience. Otherwise, they can start acting violently towards strangers. This dog is fantastic for kids and families. Even socialisation can help them get along with other animals. But the owner will have to put in some effort on their end. Only individuals with plenty of free time should consider getting this breed. Additionally, it helps if you’re more physically active because this mixed breed may need a lot of exercise.

Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is a breed of dog that was developed to keep an eye on sheep and other livestock for extended periods of time. The ones I see are fairly stoic, Neabore observes. They will largely permit you to act as you choose. Unlike some other breeds, they are not overly theatrical.
Their innate desire for independence can manifest as stubbornness or aloofness toward outsiders. It’s crucial to train and socialize Great Pyrenees puppies when they’re young due to this tendency and their size. This breed, in general, is kind and devoted, and he may make a wonderful family dog as well as a guardian, keeping an eye on his owners, their kids, and other pets.

How big will a German Shepherd Pyrenees mix get?

The Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd crossbreed can weigh 75 to 120 pounds and reach a height of up to 32 inches from the ground to the tips of their ears. The height of the male and female Germanees hardly differs from one another. Due to the tendency of both of its parent breeds to be large and long dogs, this breed is also muscular and strong in size.

Are Great Pyrenees powerful dogs?

The Great Pyrenees was developed to deter wolves and other predators from cold mountaintops where they would steal sheep. It is a large, heavy-coated, and highly powerful working dog. Today’s pyrs are tolerant companions and vigilant defenders of the home and family.