Are you considering adding a new member to your family? If so, then you may have thought about bringing home a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix. Most people wouldn’t naturally think that these breeds can even be crossed. However, the demand for mixed breed dogs has resulted in the creation of this mix. But before taking on the responsibility of owning this breed, it is important to know all that comes with such a pup – from their personality traits and care requirements to training tips and potential health concerns. So let’s take an in-depth look at everything there is to know about the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix!
About Pomeranians
Pomeranians are among the most beloved breeds of dogs, known for their outgoing and friendly personalities. They are also considered to be one of the oldest existing dog breeds, with records of them existing in Germany as early as 1474. Pomeranians were initially bred in Pomerania, hence the name.
The breed gained a lot of popularity during the 1800s when they were brought to England. In 1888, Queen Victoria saw a Toy Spitz while on holiday in Florence and was instantly smitten by it. She brought some back home and began breeding them, which is what really skyrocketed their fame and popularity.
Today, Pomeranians are recognized around the world as one of the most popular toy breed dogs. They are small in size but have big personalities that often make them appear much bigger than they actually are! They tend to be active and outgoing, making them great companion animals for people of all ages.
About the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is among the most recognizable and beloved breeds in the world. Originating in Germany, they were initially bred to be working dogs; herding sheep, protecting flocks and properties, and serving as guard dogs to homes and families. As a result, they have a reputation for being loyal, courageous and intelligent.
In addition to their impressive physical strength and stature, German Shepherds are known for their willingness to learn new tricks quickly and love of playtime. They are highly obedient dogs that are easily trainable due to their intelligence level; making them great pets for first time dog owners. While they do need exercise on a regular basis to remain happy and healthy, they can adapt well to various environments including city living with enough daily walks or outdoor spaces with more room to roam around.
German Shepherds have also been popularly used as service dogs due to their protective nature and willingness to please their owners. With proper training, these lovable canines can become guide dogs for those who are visually impaired or deaf, therapy animals for those struggling with mental health issues, active duty police or military partners in search & rescue missions or drug detection work.
Appearance of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix combines the best of both breeds. Typically, these dogs are about 18 to 22 inches tall and can weigh between 35 to 60 pounds. They usually weigh more than the average Pomeranian but are surely smaller than their German Shepherd counterparts.
Coat of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is characterized by its thick and fluffy coat. Their fur can be straight or curly, depending on the parents. Commonly, their coats are white, black or brown in color, but depending on the parents, their coats can have a wide variety of colors and patterns.
A distinct feature of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix breed is their tail, which is curled in shape. It is also covered in the same fluffy fur, which gives these dogs a friendly and playful appearance.
A lot of the characteristics of how it’s fur will be will depend on the parents and which parent the offspring will take after.
Temperament of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Due to both of its parents being excellent watch dogs, the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is excellent at guarding and protecting. They are highly protective of their master and their family and are intensely loyal. They will bark at anything they consider to be a threat.
Keeping this in mind, it is imperative that one trains their German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix at an early age to make sure that they do not get overly aggressive. These dogs are also highly intelligent. They are easy to train and are eager to please. They will be able to pick up new tricks in no time.
Is the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Good for Families?
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a great breed for families. These dogs are loving and affectionate and tend to bond well with every member of the family. Due to their smaller size, they are also great with kids. Their playful nature is sure to amuse any family, regardless of the age of the members. This breed makes for an excellent family pet as long as it is trained well and exercised regularly.
Does the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Get Along With Other Pets?
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is actually quite peculiar in this regard. It will not chase or attack smaller pets. However, they might be a bit aggressive towards larger pets. However, with proper socialization, this can be avoided and your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix should be able to get along with every other pet.
Exercise
While these dogs are not very large, they certainly are quite active. They are highly energetic and require daily exercise. It is highly recommended that you provide your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix with an hour of exercise each day, and more so if your dog happens to require it. Without enough exercise, there is a chance that your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix might get destructive. However, make sure that you provide them with small breaks between the exercises that they get.
Food Requirements
Due to their energetic nature, they tend to require food that will provide them with the energy they require. The best diet for a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is dry dog food that is of good quality. Make sure that their meals have a lot of protein. Do keep in mind that this breed is prone to gaining weight, which is why you must monitor their diet regularly and exercise them daily. While it might be difficult to not give them too many treats when they are begging for one, remember that, in the long run, this is going to benefit them.
Training
These dogs are highly intelligent and are extremely trainable. They also love pleasing their owners, which makes it easier to train them. These dogs are a great choice for first time dog owners who have no experience with training dogs. In this regard, they are more like their German Shepherd parent, who are eager to work and eager to learn.
Grooming
When it comes to maintaining their fur, these dogs require some maintenance, which, while isn’t enough to be called high-maintenance, does require some work. While it will depend on which parent they take after, they will need to be brushed a few times a week as well as an occasional bath or so. If the offspring takes after the Pomeranian parent, they will need more maintenance. They also tend to shed quite a bit, so having a deshedding tool will help immensely.
Health Issues
While the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a relatively healthy breed, they are prone to a few conditions more than other breeds due to the genetics that are involved. You may want to be on the lookout for the following issues.
Collapsed Trachea: In this condition, the tracheal rings of the cartilage that supports the dog’s windpipe can get slack and collapse, which may cause breathing difficulties.
Congestive Heart Failure: Faulty heart valves, especially the mitral valves, can cause this disease among these dogs. If your dog coughs repeatedly, you may want to get it checked out.
Luxating Patella: This usually happens when a kneecap moves out of where it is supposed to be. If your dog limps, get it checked out.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: One of the most common conditions faced by dogs, this happens due to their bones forming incorrectly and not fitting properly in the sockets.
Dental Issues: Due to their high energy, they tend to eat things they are not supposed to. This may result in them getting infections in their mouth as well as damage to their teeth. It is highly recommended that you invest in some dental water based additives in order to prevent this.
Lifespan
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix tends to live between 13 to 15 years. Do remember that the lifespan of your dog highly depends on the exercise it gets as well as the food it eats.
AKC Recognition
This breed is not recognized by the AKC as they only maintain a registry for purebred dogs.
Popularity
This breed is quite new and uncommon as of now. Due to the difference in their size, they are not usually crossed intentionally. They are usually the result of these two breeds mating by accident. However, at times, this breed may be bred intentionally by a breeder. At such times, a male Pomeranian and a female German Shepherd is used, due to the size difference. A female Pomeranian will not be able to give birth to this mix without fatal consequences to herself.
Cost
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix can be quite pricey, due to the lack of their popularity. You may have to pay anywhere between $500 to $1500 to obtain this breed.
Final Thoughts
The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix can make for a great family pet. They are quite loving, affectionate, loyal and tend to be protective of their owners. However, do note that if you plan to own this breed, be prepared to exercise it thoroughly. They make for excellent family companions and are worth considering if you are planning to get a family pet.
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