Crossbreed dogs are the new rising phenomenon in the world of dogs. Nowadays, dog owners are preferring crossbreed dogs over traditional and purebred dogs as a crossbred dog will inherit the best and desirable qualities of both its parents.
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix is one of the most underrated crossbreeds out there. They are the result of a purebred German Shepherd and a Great Pyrenees. Commonly known as “Shepnees”, they can be excellent companions because of their intelligence, bravery and loyalty.
| Name | The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd |
| Parents | German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees |
| Size | Large |
| Temperament | Loyal, devoted and affectionate towards family members, suspicious and wary of strangers |
| Fur Shedding | Excessive |
| Exercise Requirements | High, at least 60 minutes per day |
| Space Required | Prefers large and open spaces to run around |
| Medical Requirement | Requires Regular Checkup and visit to the vet when showing symptoms |
Origin, History and Common Names of the Breed
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix is the result of crossing a purebred German Shepherd with a purebred Great Pyrenees. The appearance of the resulting dog is often unpredictable, as it can either take the traits of both parents equally, or it can take more traits from a certain parent. Regardless of their outward appearance, they are fantastic breeds and ideal companions.
The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds of dogs. Traditionally, they were dogs that were bred with the purpose of herding livestock. Given their loyalty and intelligence, strength and courage, they ended up being beloved breeds that were tasked with protecting their masters and their families. They are also often used in the military as K-9 units due to their speed, intelligence and loyalty.
The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, while not as well known as the German Shepherd, have a long history that is believed to have originated in Central Asia around 1800-1000 B.C. They are named after the Pyrenees Mountain range. They are hardworking dogs that traditionally were used to guard livestock from predators and alert their masters of any dangers to the flock. With their family though, they have a calm and sweet disposition and are often described as sweet and gentle giants.
Their breed name can be quite a mouthful, which is why they are commonly called Shepnees, Germanees or Shep Py.
Facts About the Breed
- They absolutely love snow! When introduced to snow, they turn into playful pups and are adorable!
- Their coats are water resistant and act like raincoats for them.
- They are not afraid to go off on their own. They are highly independent and are very intelligent, which is why they also return home eventually.
- They are serious and determined dogs and are very devoted to their jobs. However, they also have an adorable playful side to them as well.
- They are confident and always walk with their heads held high, never appearing timid.
Size, Weight and Appearance of the Breed
The Shepnees are large dogs that typically weigh anywhere between 75-120 lbs and grow as tall as 23-32 inches in height. As for its appearance, this breed often inherits the beautiful coat of the Great Pyrenees and has thick and luscious fur.
As for the other attributes, it depends on which side the dog takes after. For example, some dogs may have the perked up ears of their German Shepherd parents, while others might end up with the droopy ears of the Great Pyrenees. Their heads might take after the smooth and noble look of the German Shepherd or may have the wedge-like appearance of the Pyr.
Their eyes though are usually almond-shaped and medium in size, as both the parents have the same type of eyes. They also have a long tail and have a black nose, like that of their parents.
Regardless of who they take after, the resulting dog looks stunning and leaves everyone mesmerized.
Their Coat and it’s Colors
The dogs inherit the fur of the Great Pyrenees parent, which is known for its thick, dense and beautiful fur. Their fur is usually straight and of medium length, except for the fur on its neck, which is where they are likely to have some excess fur which has a curly or wavy texture, giving it an appearance that is not unlike that of a lion.
As for their color, they usually inherit the color of their fur from their Great Pyrenees, who usually have black, tan or white colored fur. While the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix usually has coats that are of a solid color, sometimes, their coats end up taking after the German Shepherd parent, ending up with multiple colors.
Also Read: shiba inu german shepherd mix
Training the Breed
These dogs are fiercely protective of their masters and their immediate family. This is a great quality in any dog, but with large dogs like these, it can become a problem, which is why they must be socialized when young. Failing to do so might result in the dog becoming too overprotective and harming anyone that he or she considers to be a stranger. Exposure to all shapes and sizes of animals and unfamiliar humans, inside and outside of their home, is important.
Since both the parents have the qualities of great watchdogs, the resulting dog is also prone to barking quite a lot. They can also be quick to anger (towards unfamiliar people and animals, to their own family, they are quite loyal and loving) given their parents’ tendency towards aggression.
They are intelligent dogs though, and are very easy to train. While training them, it is essential to note that they learn quickly if they are given positive reinforcement. For example, instead of punishing them when they bark too much, rewarding them for being silent would yield more results. Sometimes, the dog may be a bit stubborn, which can be difficult to handle for the novice dog owner. In that case, one might consider enrolling the dog in an obedience and training class in its adolescence. It is very important to instill pack hierarchy and discipline in the early years.
Caring for the Breed
The Shepnees can make great companions, but they also have their fair share of requirements. But if you can provide or meet these requirements, it can be quite rewarding to have this dog.
Climate and Space Requirements
This breed thrives in cold climates. Due to the large and dense fur coat that they inherit from the Great Pyrenees, they are quite prone to overheating in warm climates and must be provided with adequate amounts of shade if they are living in a warmer climate. At the same time, they are also very spirited, their big bodies containing boundless energy and excitement, which is why they need lots of space. Ideally, these dogs would love a spacious backyard to run around.
Exercise and Activity Requirements
Like mentioned above, they are quite energetic and they need regular walks and exercise daily for 60 minutes per day at least. Ideally, one should schedule the exercise timings to coincide with the cooler parts of the day in order to avoid overheating the dog. Shepnees are also very intelligent, requiring lots of stimulation. This can be done by taking your dog to dog parks and socializing with others. Make sure that the dog doesn’t get bored.
Grooming, Maintenance and Shedding
Depending on how much they take from their Great Pyrenees parent, they might have thick and dense fur. If they do, you will have to regularly check their fur for dirt, especially their ears as too much fur tends to block the air flow there. Moisture and Dirt are a deadly combination as they often result in infections for dogs, which is why it is essential to brush the dog daily.
They also tend to shed a lot. A de-shedding tool is advisable in such cases. The excess fur around their eyes, ears and legs also need to be trimmed regularly in order to keep them comfortable.
Due to their temperament, their nails need to be checked regularly for any signs of breakage. They will also need their nails to be trimmed regularly. They will also need to get their teeth brushed every once in a while.
Nature and Temperament towards Family and Strangers
The dog of such a breed is a courageous and loyal dog that will protect its master, their family and their property, which is why they need training at an early age to make sure that the dog doesn’t grow too overprotective of its family and space. They tend to be very suspicious of strangers and will always keep them in their sights. They also tend to bark a lot in case someone is around.
However, when with their families without any strangers around, they can become very affectionate and playful. They may also suffer from separation anxiety if they take after their German Shepherd parents. If they take after the Pyrenees parent, they can be very independent and won’t mind at all if left alone for a while.
Reasons to get a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
- They are highly intelligent. If trained at a young age, you can end up with a well mannered dog who has no problems learning new things.
- They make excellent guard dogs. They are loyal and are very protective, with sharp instincts.
- They are great with family. Kids love to play with them and they like it too. If it has been trained to be around people, they can be great companions. They are affectionate and devoted, making them excellent family dogs.
Common Health Issues to Look Out For
Due to being a mixed breed, these dogs inherit qualities from both parents, and while it does make hereditary diseases rarer, they are still susceptible to developing certain health issues. With these dogs, it is always a good idea to go to the vet at the earliest sign of trouble and make sure they get regular checkups.
Here are some common problems that you should always be on the lookout for with a dog like this:
- Bloat: Large dogs with deep chests are often prone to stomach distension or bloating.
- Elbow Dysplasia and Hip Dysplasia: This is caused by the abnormal formation of the joints in the hips and the elbow. Overtime, it may result in arthritis or paralysis.
Heart Murmur: A Heart Murum is an abnormal heart sound caused by abnormal blood flow. Heart murmurs can also be indicators of underlying conditions.
Also Check: The German Shepherd Dalmation Mix- Everything That You Need To Know
Lifespan of the Breed
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix typically has a lifespan of around 10 years to 12 years, making them companions who will be with you for a long time.
Cost of the breed
A dog of this breed may cost about $350-$500, depending on the kind of breeder it is purchased from. However, if one can find them in a dog shelter, they can be quite cheaper.
Other German Shepherd Mixes
There are many other mixes that can result from a German Shepherd. We have mentioned some of the common ones below.
- German Shepherd Wolf Mix
- German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
- German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
- Corgi German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Lab Mix
- Golden Shepherd Mix
- Border Collie German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Beagle Mix
FAQs
Absolutely! They are an excellent addition to your family because of their loyalty, courage and intelligence. They can be very affectionate towards family members. With the right training at a young age, these dogs can end up being an integral part of your family.
We don’t recommend people with allergies to dog hair to get this breed. The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix inherits the fur of the Great Pyrenees parent, which gives them thick and dense fur. They tend to shed a lot of hair, which might end up triggering your allergies.
The Shepnees are large dogs who love to run around. They love open spaces and like to run and play in large, open spaces. They need quite a bit of space. Large open backyards or gardens are most suitable for them.
Yes, this breed requires a lot of care and attention. Their dense fur can attract a lot of dirt, dust, moisture and other undesirable elements, which is why their owners need to brush their fur 2-3 times a week. They might also need frequent vet visits as they are prone to a few diseases.
That depends on which parent the dogs take after. German Shepherds can get very attached to their owners and have separation anxiety, while the Great Pyrenees are very independent, don’t mind being left alone and can even wander off on their own if given the opportunity. If you have to leave your dog alone, no matter which parent it takes after, provide it with lots of mental stimulation so that the dog doesn’t get bored. Also, do not leave the dog around children by themselves. While they are very loyal and affectionate and will not harm your children, their sheer size does present a risk to them.
Since both of its parents are excellent watchdogs, it isn’t surprising that the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix can be very noisy. They tend to bark a lot, especially if someone is around. Sudden disturbances in their environment, like the doorbell ringing, can also trigger a series of barks. If noisy dogs are an issue for you, you may want to reconsider your choice.
The Shepnees are large dogs that typically weigh anywhere between 75-120 lbs and grow as tall as 23-32 inches in height.
They can live up to 10 to 12 years.
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