German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Information & Facts

The German Shepherd Pitbull is a mixed breed between the German Shepherd and the Pitbull, two very popular breeds of dogs around the world.

What Do I Need To Know About Designer Dogs?

A designer dog is a cross breed between two popular purebred dogs. Unlike purebreds which retain the same characteristics over several generations, a designer dog will display traits of its two parent breeds.

The advantage of buying a purebred is that its characteristics are very predictable. For example, you will know how it will look like, what kind of exercise it will need and so on. On the other hand a cross breed may have a few characteristics from its father and some characteristics from its mother. Hence, you will not be sure of what you will get in a dog that has been crossbred.

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How Big Will My Puppy Get?

It is been found that most German Shepherd Pitbull mixes attain a size of 18 to 22 inches at the highest point of the dog's shoulder. The weight may vary according to the height of the dog but usually remains between 65 to 85 pounds.

What Will The Coat Be Like? 

While the German Shepherd has a heavy coat originating in the extreme winters of Germany the Pitbull has a short coat. A cross breed will have a coat that will of be medium length and can have a variety of colors including black and tan.

Are There Any Specific Coat Concerns Should Be Aware Of?

As far as grooming goes, it will be very moderate and your pet will need to be brushed thoroughly with a wide toothed comb, at least a few times a week. This will get rid of stray hairs and will make the coat smooth and shining. The coat sheds more in spring and early summer and hence you will have to brush more during this period.

What Will My Dog's Personality Be Like?

The German Shepherd Pitis very friendly with people but may get a bit aggressive with other dogs. When it interacts with dogs it takes on a personality that it inherits from Pitbulls. It can be a very affectionate pet but needs to be trained well in the beginning to make it sociable. With good training you will get friendly dog which will also be very intelligent. If you need a good watchdog the Shepherd Pitbull is ideal. It is also very agile with good muscles.

How Much Exercise Will My Dog Need?

These dogs tend to have short legs and you can take them out for short walks when they are small. Once they grow older you must take them for longer walks at least twice a day. They can learn good tricks and games with which you can keep them occupied and active.

What Are Common Health Concerns?

Any health problem in German Shepherd Pitbull is related to grooming. They are sometimes resistant to grooming and you have train it well. Most of these dogs accumulate wax in the ears and hence the ears should be checked and if needed treated by a good vet. If you do not do this the dog can get an ear infection.

How Do I Know If These Dogs Are Right for Me?

These dogs like the company of people and seek a lot of attention. You cannot leave it alone for too long since it will get into bad habits like barking and chewing. If you have a small apartment this dog may not be suitable for you since it needs it to move around. You also have to take it for long walks everyday otherwise it will gain a lot of weight and cause health issues. 

You need to train the German Shepherd Pitbull early so that the dog remains friendly and sociable. If it is socialized well, it can be very good company for your kids. When you go out with the dog, make sure that you stay away from other dogs since it will get very aggressive towards other dogs. In fact you may need to keep it isolated from other dogs or have another German Shepherd Pitbull to give company.