Why Should You Consider Adopting a German Shepherd Pit Bull as a New Pet?
Although there is much to say about this crossbreed, let’s start with the fundamentals. The German Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a result of a cross between a German Shepherd and an American Pit Bull Terrier.
This hybrid, also sometimes called Shepherd Pit, German Pit, and German Sheppit is not just powerful and ferocious but also brave.
It might be that you found it to be one of the boldest dogs you’ll ever meet, the German Pit is also a devoted and loving friend.
Let’s try to dig up more information about the German Shepherd!
The Origin Story
The German Shepherd Pit Bull reportedly was first developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, namely around 1899 (Wiki). This variety of dogs was first developed in Germany to guard and herd sheep.
Created by a Captain named Max Von Stephanitz, a German cavalry commander for military purposes, eventually found their way to our homes. Originally the Captain approached and worked with the government and army over the idea of a canine with a wolf-like appearance and a commitment to excellence.
How Does a German Shepherd Pit Bull look?
They possess a physique big and muscular. A male German Shepherd Pit Bull stands between 17.5 and 26.5 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 94 pounds when fully mature.
On the other hand, a fully developed female German Shepherd Pit Bull would be between 16.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weigh between 34 and 72 pounds.
It is not unexpected that this hybrid breed has a powerful body, given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd dogs. You must have her under control since these dogs are enormous when fully grown. You may accomplish this by socializing and training them appropriately.
The German Shepherd Pit Bull is more likely to resemble Pitbulls than German Shepherds in appearance. The typical facial features of this breed are a big head, a short snout, and folded-over ears.
Depending on whose parent is the most dominant, they could also have a longer nose like a German Shepherd.
| Origin[Country]: | Britain, Germany |
| Parents: | German shepherd and American pit bull terrier |
| Breed type: | Hybrid |
| Size: | Large |
| Height: | 16.5–26.5 inches |
| Weight: | 34–94 pounds |
| Colors: | Brown, grey, tan, white, black |
| Coat: | Straight, smooth, double-coat, or single-coat |
| Life expectancy: | 9 – 12 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, affectionate, loyal, aggressive, protective |
| Shedding: | Straight, smooth, double-coat, or single coat |
| Barking tendency: | Moderate |
| Total Cost[Pup]: | $800–$1,100 |
Behavioral Patterns and Temperament of a German Pit
A Shepherd PitBull mix is a devoted, sharp-witted, brave, and protective dog who enjoys being around his family. Although this dog is calm and affectionate with its owner, it also tends to draw attention.
This breed’s reputation for aggression is widespread. How properly your dog’s training works will ultimately affect his temperament and disposition.
Just be careful how you introduce your German Pitbull mix dog to young children. The fundamental dos and don’ts of treating your pet as a family member are always needed to teach young ones.
How much Exercise does a German Shepherd Pit Bull Require?
These hybrids need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to function at their peak. He will require at least 90 minutes of daily activity.
You may walk or jog with your dog for 30 minutes after dinner and an hour in the morning. He could engage in disruptive and harmful habits like excessive barking, digging holes, or chewing on your slippers if you don’t give him enough Exercise.
Keep in mind that a German Shepherd Pit Bull puppy’s legs are shorter, so go slowly. Once he reaches that age, you can accelerate as long as he can keep up. He can also play, perhaps running around at the dog park. Play some fetch or let him catch a frisbee to exercise both his body and mind.
How to Train Your German Shepherd Pit Bull?
Unfortunately, this combination is difficult to train and inappropriate for novice dog owners. He will try to control you if you aren’t strong and assured alpha. Keep your composure and try not to cave.
He will undoubtedly learn more rapidly with food and praise than with punishment, and positive reinforcement is one of the greatest reported methods.
Early socialization improves the dog’s ability to engage with other animals and fosters a greater capacity for flexibility. Additionally, socialization reduces hesitant and frightened behavior and helps your cat get along with your family.
You’ll need patience since socializing takes time. To desensitize your dog to unfamiliar faces and surroundings, you’ll need to introduce your puppy to many people and take it to locations you usually visit.
Despite his intelligence, this breed may be quite uncooperative and may also show resistance to training. Sticking to your training schedule, so your German Pit puppy learns appropriate behavior is vital.
You might want to incorporate a regimen to assist you in managing excessive barking because this mix tends to bark quite a bit. Consider including leash and crate training in your workouts.
The easiest method to teach a German Shepherd Pit Bull is to start them out young. Seven weeks of age would be the ideal starting point. Even though it will be more challenging, training an adult dog is still possible.
Common Health Issues in German Shepherd Pit Bulls
The most typical health issues to look out for in your German Shepherd Pit Bull include these:
- Dysplastic hips
- Intolerances or skin rashes
- Heart condition
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
- A disease of the Megaesophagus
- Lumping of the patella
- Dermatitis
- Lipofuscinosis of the Neuronal Ceroids
- Urinary stones
Grooming Tips for Your German Shepherd Pit Bull
From an early age, you must set a regular grooming schedule for your dog, which can include the following:
- To maintain your pet’s coat healthy and lustrous, brush his coat once a week with a strong bristle brush to eliminate loose hair.
- To avoid irritation, bathe your puppy at least once a month or once a week when it is shedding. Use a gentle dog shampoo, and be sure to thoroughly rinse the coat to remove any shampoo residue.
- To avoid dental issues, he brushes his teeth three times every week.
- Once a week, check for infections and clean his ears. If you’re not used to doing it yourself, have your nails cut by a groomer.
- Don’t forget to take your dog to the veterinarian for monthly checkups.
Shedding Patterns in German Pits
They can have a coat ranging from medium to dense and ranges in length from short to medium. This crossbreed will shed somewhat, so get your cleaning equipment prepared. (Be ready to use the vacuum more frequently.)
The majority of German Shepherd Pit Bull will be available in shades of dark colors like black, tan, and grey, and you may also find some in white. Some have stunning coats with many colors, while others have the brindle coats of their Pittie parents.
The German Shepherd Pit Bull is not the best dog for persons with dander allergies due to its mild shedding.
What to feed to your German Pit Bull
All breeds need a balanced diet, but an energetic dog like the German Shepherd needs it more. German Pit bulls require 1,200 to 2,700 calories per day for males and 900 to 2,100 calories per day for females.
Depending on their age, degree of activity, and size, this may require some tweaks.
This combination requires 3 to 4 cups of premium dry dog food daily. To lessen the bloat, divide your dog’s food into two or three meals daily.
You should give your dog dry food made for big, energetic breeds. Since many human foods are unsafe for dogs, one should avoid feeding human food items.
How much does it cost to afford a German Shepherd Pit Bull?
Once you’ve decided to purchase a German Shepherd/Pitbull mix puppy, pick a reliable breeder who has given their puppies a health checkup.
They would also urge that you meet the puppy to better understand its unique qualities.
A German Sheppit puppy costs between $200 to $600, plus additional charges of $450 to $500 for a cage, neutering, chipping, collar, leash, and blood testing.
A reputable breeder of the German Pit may be difficult to discover because the breed isn’t very common. Greenfield Puppies, Lancaster Puppies, Puppy Find, Next Day Pets, and Mittelwest Puppies all have puppies for sale.
Instead, you may go to Adopt-A-Pet, East TN Pitbull Rescue, Petfinder, and the ASPCA Adoption Centre to adopt an adult GSD-Pittie mix.
Should You Buy a German Pit or Not?
- German Shepherd/pit bull hybrids show great devotion and obedience.
- A German Pit will get along with any family member with the correct socialization.
- This magnificent hybrid is a great addition to any home because of its versatility, whether you live in an apartment or a house with a fenced yard.
- However, when left alone for extended periods, these hybrids frequently experience separation anxiety. Due to the obstinate nature of these dogs, they also require a self-assured owner who is adept at acting as an alpha leader who is both kind and tough.
