When you get a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix, you get a friend for life. This mixed dog breed might sound like an aggressive dog, but they are actually quite average when it comes to dog temperament. Other names they go by are German Sheppit, German Pit, and Shepherd Pit.

Breed Overview

They have short, thick coats that can handle most weather conditions. They are hardly ever a solid color but are often mixed with two colors they inherited from their parents. Because of their smarts and tough stature, German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are often trained to guard and work as police dogs.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Characteristics

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppies

Before you buy a puppy of this mixed breed, make sure you have enough time to get her familiar with lots of new people and situations. It is essential to the future of good behavior. You also will need lots of space for a German Shepherd Pitbull. They are not suitable for apartments or lots of indoor time.

Consider adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix from a Humane Society or shelter before you buy a puppy. Many Pitbull breeds end up in shelters because of the city or statewide bans on the dog breed. On top of that, designer dog breeds (like this mix) end up in shelters due to puppy mill rescues.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are very smart dogs. They respond well to training if done early enough. When they realize who is in the family, they are loving and loyal forever. These dogs lovingly protect those in their circle.

This mixed dog breed is very active. For that reason, you will need to make sure they get around 3 hours of exercise per day. You can take them on an hour-long walk, let them run around outside as they please, and play games of fetch or chase to get them running. Kids help this situation too by matching high energy for high energy!

German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are not good at being alone for very long. They crave lots of activity and company, and when they don’t get that, they will get bored and destroy things. When you see a dog of this breed with chewing or barking/howling problems, it is most likely because he’s been neglected for too long.

Although they have an incorrect reputation that they are an aggressive dog breed, German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are not aggressive. As long as they are socialized when they are young, they will not have a problem getting along with other people and other dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

German Shepherd Pitbull mixes are great for families. Just make sure they get exposed to kids at a young age and get good training when they are puppies. Because of their size, they may not be suitable for toddlers walking around for the first time, as these dogs can accidentally knock over little people.

Make sure to teach your children how to properly act around a dog. That means you should not try to approach a dog while they’re eating, when their tail is between their legs, or when they are showing any kind of aggressive behavior.

Usually, when it comes to these dogs, the bigger the family, the better. That’s because there’s more to love and more to do with more family members.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Just like most other dogs, German Shepherd Pitbulls do well with other pets they were raised around. So, if you get a puppy and have other pets, they should be okay. German Shepherd Pitbulls tend to get aggressive with other dogs if not socialized and trained well, however, so be on the alert when taking them to a dog park for the first time.

Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Feed a German Shepherd Pitbull mix a quality dog food diet made for medium to large dogs. The portions will depend on their life stage and what their vet recommends. Prevent weight gain by only feeding this dog the recommended amount of dog food, as excessive eating can lead to obesity. Do this by only feeding at regular times, not letting food sit out all of the time.

During the rapid growth stage of puppyhood, which is about 4 to 7 months of age, you need to carefully feed and exercise your German Shephard Pitbull mix the right amount of food. That’s because their bones can grow too quickly during this time, causing joint problems later in life.

Exercise 🐕

German Shepherd Pitbulls need around 3 hours of exercise a day, which is more than a lot of dogs need. Keep them out of trouble by making sure they go on one long walk every day and give them lots of time to play outside and run around. This dog also loves to go on hikes and does well in agility courses.

Training 🎾

A German Shepherd Pitbull will display dominant and aggressive behavior if not trained properly. Thankfully, this dog breed is smart and easy to please and will catch on quickly to training, even in adulthood. The perfect situation would be to train a German Shepherd Pitbull as a puppy but don’t let that discourage you from adopting an older dog.

Most dogs, including the German Shepherd Pitbull, benefit the most from positive reinforcement training techniques. That means you don’t use punishment to train your dog, and positive training helps build a good relationship between you and your dog.

Grooming ✂️

Even though their coats are short, German Shepherd Pitbulls shed their thick coats often. To prevent shedding all over your house, take your German Shepherd Pitbull outside and brush him at least twice a week. This will also help the oils in your dog’s hair spread out evenly, giving him a nice and shiny coat. Because they are part Pitbull, do not bathe them too often, as this will irritate their skin easily.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Because they are designer dogs, German Shepherd Pitbulls are generally pretty healthy, but they still inherit health problems from their parents. Keep on top of their health by taking them to the vet regularly.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

1. When Properly Socialized, They Are Not Aggressive

Even though they come from two known aggressive dog breeds, German Shepherd Pitbulls are not like this. When they are socialized well and early on as puppies, they are great dogs that are energetic but have a large capacity to be gentle.

2. German Shepherd Pitbull Mixes Don’t Like to Be Alone

German Shepherd Pitbulls love to be around people. So much so that when they are left alone for too long, they get bored and are prone to destructiveness. This mixed breed will need doggy daycare if you are going to be gone all day, or you will need to bring her with you wherever you go.

3. Their Beginnings Are Not Fully Known

The mixed dog breed may have existed for many years, but its origins have not been documented. Designer breeders intentionally started breeding them in North America in the 1990s.

Final Thoughts

You would think a German Shepherd Pitbull mix would be a difficult dog to raise and keep, but they are very good pets. They love their human family as much or more than they care for their own selves, protecting them and showing lots of affection. These dogs must be exercised properly, though, if they’re going to be a good dog for you. Otherwise, you might end up with lots of chewed-up items in your home!

See Also:

• Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Info & Care Guide
• German Shepherd Jindo Mix: Pictures, Care & More

Featured Image Credit: maxrlx, Shutterstock