Germanees -- German Shepherd X Pyrenean Mountain Dog

		Germanees
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> France -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Shepnese Shep Py

A brief presentation of the Germanees

Germanees are the offspring of a German Shepherd and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Because both parents are purebred, the Germanees is considered a specific cross-breed. Your Germanees will be a large to giant dog. His coat will be dense and of medium to long length. With solid breeding experience, this hybrid dog breed is always ready to work and is curious and intelligent. It is a good watchdog and very agile in its movements. A protector at heart, this gentle, independent dog is a joy to own.

History of the Germanees

Germanees are not a common crossbreed, and their true origins are a mystery. However, both parent breeds are working breeds that have passed on this drive. So we know that this mix was designed to be a working breed or a sheepdog. Their names and variants are combinations of the parent breeds. As they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the best way to understand them better is to get to know their parents, so let's meet the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the German Shepherd.

	A little of the German Shepherd
	German Shepherds originated in Germany in the 1800s and were originally bred as sheepdogs. They were protective and vigilant over the herd. The German Shepherd would not only bring back a lost sheep, they would also fight off predators. In 1891, the Phylax Society was formed to create established standards for the breed. Unfortunately, they could not agree whether the German Shepherd should be bred to be solely a working dog, or whether breeding should also focus on its appearance. The Phylax Society disbanded after three years. In 1899, an ex-member of the Phylax Society, Captain Max von Stephanitz, attended a dog show. He became very impressed by a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. Captain Max von Stephanitz firmly believed that the German Shepherd should be bred to work. Hektor Linksrhein was a magnificent dog, very intelligent and very strong. Hektor Linksrhein is the result of selective breeding. He bought Hektor and renamed him Horand von Grafrath. Mr. Stephanitz then founded the German Shepherd Dog Society. His dog Horand was the first German Shepherd entered in the society's breed register. Horand was then bred with other German Shepherds with appropriate traits. The first German Shepherd registered in the USA was the Swiss Queen. In 1993, the German Shepherd became the 3rd most popular breed in the USA. In 2017, the German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular dog in the USA. Etzel von Oeringen, a male German Shepherd who had served as a police dog in the German Red Cross during the First World War, was sent to the USA to be sold. He was then bought by screenwriter Jane Murfin. His new name became Strongheart. He was trained and directed in films such as The Silent Call, Brawn of the North and White Fang. Strongheart became the first big star of dog movies.

	Standard of the German Shepherd
	A little of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
	Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are thought to be an ancient breed originating in Central Asia or Siberia. They migrated with their shepherds and flocks to the Pyrenees around 3000 B.C. They are named after the mountain range. Hard-working, courageous dogs that gallantly protected sheep from predators, they barked to alert the shepherd of danger to the flock. Brought to North America in 1824, the breed entered a kennel in Massachusetts, where continued breeding strengthened this majestic breed. They were registered with the American Kennel Club in 1933 as part of the working group.

	Standard of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Appearance of the Germanees

The Germanees is a long dog with a dense medium to long coat that may be water-resistant like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog parent. There may be a mane-like ruff around the neck and the texture will vary from wavy to curly with colors of black, white or beige. Germanees will be strong, muscular dogs that can be quite long in the body as both parents have this tendency. Ears can be erect or floppy. The head will be wedge-shaped and well proportioned to the body. It may have a long, strong muzzle with almond-shaped, dark-brown eyes. The eye rims, nose and lips may be black. The tail may be bushy, variegated and carried low. His expression shows his intelligence and desire to learn.

Temperament of the Germanees

German Shepherds are energetic, playful and highly intelligent. They tend to be protective, fearless, wary of strangers and can be territorial with other dogs. The breed likes to please its owners and trains easily. German Shepherds are barkers and can be aggressive. Most German Shepherds are good with children. Early training and socialization are recommended. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is gentle, intelligent and loyal. It is generally not an aggressive dog and is known for raising other animals. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs can be a little stubborn and not so easy to train. The breed is generally good with children. They too are protective of their families and are known to be barkers. Both breeds can be a little slow to mature. Therefore, regular and consistent training and patience are required. Your Germanees will love having a job to do, whether it's guarding or protecting, or helping to look after the family cat.

Needs and activities of the Germanees

Your Germanees will be an ideal candidate for obedience and agility trials. Although he can be stubborn at times, his eagerness to try new things will outweigh the trait. Enrolling him in a class or activity of some kind will help satisfy his desire to work. In addition to training, a chance to socialize at the dog park is always welcome. Make sure you work with your dog at all times, using consistency with training to enable him to be the best he can be. Daily walks with the dogs are a must. Cool weather is best for exercising this hybrid; in hot weather, keep walks to the coolest times of the day. A backyard is a good environment to play in, so make sure there's plenty of shade and keep your dog company while outside.

Maintenance of the Germanees

If your Germanees has a thick coat, its ears need to be checked regularly, as the fur can block airflow into the ears. Too much moisture or an accumulation of dirt can lead to infection. Germanees can shed a lot, so daily brushing with a pin brush is ideal to keep the coat free of tangles and clumps of loose fur. A detangling tool can come in handy when the shed is heavy. Trimming excess hair around eyes, ears and on legs and feet will keep your hybrid more comfortable. He may need a bath from time to time, but care should be taken with the skin, as the German Shepherd parent can have skin problems. Germanees' nails will be hard and strong, but their length should be checked regularly, and as this is an active working breed, nails should also be checked for breakage. Teeth should be brushed several times a week.