Gerberian Shepsky -- German Shepherd Dog X Siberian Husky

		Gerberian Shepsky
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Siberia -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Gerberian Shepsky

The German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky are two of the most popular companion dogs, and certainly two breeds with a lot going for them. So it should come as no surprise that they've been bred together, resulting in a brand-new crossbreed called the Gerberian Shepsky. Owners and breeders alike have been blown away by this incredibly attractive, energetic and mischievous new breed of dog. While some will take more after their German Shepherd ancestors and others will be more Husky, as this new breed becomes more established, we're sure to see a more solid personality and appearance develop in the near future. For the time being, it may be difficult to predict both the appearance and character of this new dog, although certain trends are already emerging.

History of the Gerberian Shepsky

The Gerberian Shepsky is a relatively new hybrid breed derived from a cross between the German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky. Both breeds are extremely popular, both in North America and internationally. It was therefore almost inevitable that they should join forces and form their own breed. It's not known exactly when these two remarkable breeds were crossed to form one, and it's likely that their owners have been independently mixing German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies around the world over the last few decades. Recently, the new breed has been recognized as such and is gaining in popularity at a rapid pace.

	A little of the German Shepherd Dog
	The German Shepherd originated in Germany and became established in the late 19th century. Initially used as sheepdogs, they were soon employed in a variety of industries, including police, military and search and rescue operations. They have always been recognized for their high intelligence, strong work ethic and wolf-like good looks.

	Standard of the German Shepherd Dog
	A little of the Siberian Husky
	The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is a truly ancient breed of dog that originated thousands of years ago in the Arctic. They were an integral part of society, providing transport and messenger service by sled, herding reindeer, acting as watchdogs and also scavenging for their owners' livelihoods. Over time, they spread to Canada and America, where their popularity grew and they established themselves as pets.

	Standard of the Siberian Husky

Appearance of the Gerberian Shepsky

In a word, the Gerberian Shepsky is beautiful. Having acquired the best physical attributes from both parents, this is a truly stunning-looking dog. Well-muscled and powerful, agile and athletic, the Gerberian Shepsky has a long, lean body. These dogs have relatively large heads with pointed muzzles and strong jaws. Their black noses are broad, with large nostrils. Their ears are particularly large and erect. While their alert eyes can be blue or brown, or one of each, breeders and owners have a preference for light blue eyes that contrast nicely with their dark faces. They can have a Husky-type tail that curls over the back, or a lower tail like that of the German Shepherd. Their soft fur is thick and offers ample protection from the outside environment. Although most dogs are a mixture of brown and black, their coats can be composed of several colors, including black, white, brown, blue, red and cream. Most dogs measure 50 to 61 cm at the withers. Their weight varies enormously from one individual to another, with dogs weighing between 22 and 40 kg.

Temperament of the Gerberian Shepsky

With parents that include a larger-than-life German Shepherd and a fiery, enthusiastic Siberian Husky, the Gerberian Shepsky will never lack for personality issues. Until this breed is better established, some individuals will resemble German Shepherds more, and others, the Siberian Husky temperament. Even in litters, there will be a variety of characters and traits. Until the dog is fully mature, it can be difficult to predict its nature, especially if it's a first-generation cross. The Gerberian Shepsky tends to be very energetic and always eager to live life to the full. Incredibly intelligent and aware, they also love to play and are loyal to their families. Dogs that draw more of their genetics from the German Shepherd side of the family will often be focused and disciplined, while those that inherit more of the Siberian Husky genes will be a little less obedient and more exuberant and clumsy. Most Gerberian Shepsky dogs greet new people suspiciously at home. However, some will be more reserved and stay away from newcomers. The majority of this breed is very sociable with the whole family, including children, and will form close bonds with those they spend the most time with. With the right socialization and as long as introductions are made early in life, most Gerberian Shepsky dogs will do well with other pets. Caution is advised, however, when prey, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, may be pursued and harassed.

Needs and activities of the Gerberian Shepsky

The Gerberian Shepsky loves action, and thrives on being busy. A bored dog will start to have behavioral problems, such as barking incessantly in your absence, which will drive your neighbors crazy, or chewing anything they please. They're ideal dogs to take for a run, or when you're out cycling, they can sneak alongside. They love to play ball chase, tug-of-war or any workout if it's interesting. If the activity is boring, your dog will lose interest and become a chore. Because of their activity level and tendency to bark, they are not suitable for apartment living.

Maintenance of the Gerberian Shepsky

The Gerberian Shepsky's beautiful coat needs brushing twice a week to keep it looking its best. Spend some of your time pleasantly combing through the coat and the soft inner layer. Only bathe him when he needs it, as you could strip the coat of its natural oils, which are both protective and give the coat its shine. Praise your dog for standing still and letting you examine his ears and eyes, trim his nails and let you brush his teeth. With this hybrid breed, it's essential to keep things interesting. They can get bored easily, so don't overdo the grooming, keep it as brief as possible and inject as much fun as praise and you'll get a beautiful, content dog.