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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix – A Complete Guide to this Unusual Cross

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German Shepherd Pitbull Mix - A Complete Guide to this Unusual Cross
The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is sometimes known as the “Shepherd Pitt”. This hybrid is a German Shepherd crossed with an American Pitbull Terrier — debatably, two of the most commonly misunderstood dog breeds out there.

In this article, we’ll learn about the Pitbull and German Shepherd breeds as individuals.

Then, we’ll look at what you can expect from this mix in terms of appearance, personality, and traits.

We’ll also address the Pitbull’s notoriety as an aggressive breed commonly associated with dog attacks.

What’s In This Guide

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix FAQs

Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about this mixed breed.

Here are the main facts you’ll need to know if you are considering a German Shepherd Pitbull mix.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix: Breed At A Glance

  • Popularity: Declining as a result of bans on Pitbulls
  • Purpose: Guard dogs, companionship
  • Weight: 30 – 90 lbs.
  • Temperament: Energetic, loyal, can be aggressive

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the defining characteristics of this cross breed.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Breed Review: Contents

A German Shepherd Pitbull mix is a hybrid dog breed with one purebred German Shepherd parent and one purebred American Pitbull Terrier. German Shepherd and Pitbull puppies

Like many hybrids, the origin of the Shepherd Pitt isn’t known for certain.

It’s possible that these purebreds were crossed to combine the German Shepherd’s extreme loyalty and intelligence with the Pitbull’s powerful build to create the ultimate working dog.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix - A Complete Guide to this Unusual Cross
Let’s take a closer look at the history of this interesting mixed breed.

History and Original Purpose

The parent breeds of this cross have interesting origins.

A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog.

Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions.

The German Shepherd was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work.

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They continue to thrive in these sectors today.

Another native of Europe, the Pitbull hails from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog. They were primarily used for hunting.

Specifically, these early “Pitties” were used for bull baiting, until it was banned in 1835. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Their powerful jaws were developed to grip, as opposed to dart.

Once Pitbulls made their way to the United States, they were commonly used by farmers and ranchers to round up livestock, to hunt, and as pets.

Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix - A Complete Guide to this Unusual Cross
They’re also still popular gaming dogs, though they’ve unfortunately also been associated with dog fighting rings.

Fun Facts About the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Despite the popularity of this mix’s German Shepherd parent dog (everyone from Tom Hanks to Reese Witherspoon has been spotted with this adorable breed!), the German Shepherd Pitbull mix is not a common dog.

This is partly because Pitbulls are outlawed in certain countries or states. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Pitbull is a banned breed.

The AKC does not recognize the Pitbull in its registry, but the United Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 1898.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Appearance

Height and Weight

The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog.

If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds.

German Shepherds and Pitbull

When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds.

You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17–24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Coat and Coloring

With mixed-breed puppies, you can’t know for certain what their coat length or color will be. You can, however, make an educated guess based on their parents’ characteristics as well as the general appearance of the parent breeds.

Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. It’s really a roll of the dice!

For example, if Shepherd Pitt puppies inherit their German Shepherd parent’s genes more so than the Pitbull’s, then they may have the Shepherd’s solid coat and black points.

Alternatively, if the puppies look more like a Pitbull, then they may come out in virtually any color or color combination possible!

Similarly, a German Shepherd Pitbull mix may inherit the German Shepherd’s medium-length double coat (a soft undercoat below a rough top coat).
On the other hand, they may inherit the Pitbull’s short and somewhat stiff coat.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Temperament

Unfortunately, both the German Shepherd and Pitbull come with negative stereotypes.

Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs.

Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different.

In this instance, a major concern is how much of the Pitbull’s temperament the offspring will inherit.

So, let’s first take a look at these purebred parent dogs individually to understand the temperament that your dog might inherit.

Pitbull Temperament

The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect.

Pitbull and German Shepherd

This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws.

Because of this, it’s possible that a German Shepherd Pitbull mix can inherit the Pitbull parent’s urge to chase or attack other animals. They can also be territorial.

Interestingly, according to a 2008 study of canine aggression, the most common human-directed attacks were actually attributed to Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers.

However, more than 20% of Pitbulls, Akitas, and Jack Russell Terriers in the study were more likely to show increased levels of aggression toward strange dogs.

Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past.

While these findings do not guarantee that every dog with Pitbull blood will display aggressive behavior, they do mean that proper socialization with other dogs and humans is imperative if you plan to own a Pitbull or a Pitbull hybrid, preferably from a young age.

Now let’s talk about the aggression stigma commonly attached to German Shepherds.

German Shepherd Temperament

Firstly, German Shepherd Dogs are often used as police and service dogs. This sometimes gives people the impression that German Shepherds must be vicious.

However, the assumption that all German Shepherds are aggressive, all the time, simply isn’t true, nor is it a fair statement regarding the breed.

Rather, dogs that are used in the police force are highly intelligent and highly trained.

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They can also be conditioned to respond to a command given by their handler to attack. But this does not mean that they are generally vicious.

Secondly, German Shepherd’s are stereotyped as being territorial and aggressive towards strangers in their home.

It is true that German Shepherds were bred to be herding and guard dogs. This made them extremely devoted and loyal to their owners and home.

In summary, a territorial dog may show aggression toward strange people and animals if they feel that their home is in danger.

Mixed Breed Dog Temperament

As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life.

As with any hybrid puppy, Shepherd Pitt puppies may be more or less like one or both of their parent breeds. For this reason, it is imperative to meet both parents and ensure they are friendly and relaxed examples of their breeds.

Any German Shepherd or Pitbull mix will potentially display more aggression than other breeds.

Training and Exercising your German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Since Shepherd Pitts are especially prone to hip dysplasia, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure that your dog doesn’t become obese. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes.

Shepherd Pitt

You’ll need to plan for daily walks, play time, and off-leash exercise.

Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. It’s therefore best to keep them where they can play and run in a yard.

They won’t be happy living in a small apartment or spending long periods in a dog crate.

As mentioned earlier, your puppy will need to be thoroughly socialized from the day you bring him home.

You can find more information and guides on training here.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Health and Care

Grooming and Shedding

If your mixed pup inherits the German Shepherd’s double coat, they will need weekly brushing and a bit more during shedding season.

However, the Pitbull’s short and smooth coat could just use an occasional brushing.

Health

Inherited health conditions can impact mixed breed dogs as well as purebred ones. Common examples are hip or elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, dental disease, allergies and skin irritations.

Depending on the parent breeds, some mixed dogs may be especially prone to the aforementioned conditions in addition to breed-specific afflictions.

Germand Shepherd Health

It is recommended that your puppy’s German Shepherd parent is tested for hip and elbow dysplasia. You can read more about German Shepherd health here.

Pitbull Health

Pitbulls, in particular, are commonly afflicted with the following health issues:

  • Allergies – Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears.
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation – When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion.
  • Hypothyroidism and subsequent dry skin – When the thyroid doesn’t function properly, causing a lack of the thyroid hormone resulting in dry skin and coat, hair loss, obesity, and sometimes behavioral changes.
  • Zinc-responsive dermatitis – Dry, hairless, oozing skin on the face, nose, and/or foot pads due to lack of zinc absorption or lack of zinc in the diet.
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis – Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness.
  • Bladder stones –Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones (depending on where they form).
  • Parvo – A viral infection that causes vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea.

Based on their lineage, Shepherd Pitt dogs are especially prone to develop hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin conditions.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a breeder to obtain a German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppy, then you should find one who uses genetic testing.

Be sure that the breeding stock have good hip scores.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years.

Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years.

This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age.

Do German Shepherd Pitbull Mixes Make Good Family Pets?

If you’re considering a Shepherd Pitt dog, you’ll want to consider the following tips before making the decision to purchase one.

A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. With the German Shepherd’s intelligence and desire to work, they may also be a bit mischievous.

They’ll need a yard or large space to self-exercise in as well as multiple walks and play time throughout the day.

In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia.

   

This mixed breed may not require a lot of grooming if it inherits the Pitty’s short coat. But if their coat is longer like the Shepherd’s, then they’ll need weekly brushing and more when shedding.

As mentioned, we do recommend socializing young puppies to strange people, children, and dogs, considering the Pitbull and German Shepherd’s predisposition to territorial aggression.

As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs.

Rescuing a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

Since many breeders are in the business of raising and refining purebred dogs, you may be more likely to find a German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppy or dog at a local animal shelter or humane society.

This is the least expensive option.

However, if you don’t mind shelling out for a speciality hybrid dog, then you’ll want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable breeder.

Finding a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppy

If you come across a breeder of hybrid dogs, then you can expect the cost to go up with the value that the breeder places on their parent stock.

A Shepherd Pitt from a breeder may range in price from about $450-$600 on up to $800 or more.

Importantly, genetic testing of parent stock will help you identify if a puppy could be especially at risk of developing certain diseases.

For this reason, make sure you thoroughly vet your breeder and request proof of testing before making a purchase.

Raising a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy? Then you’ll need the perfect name! Check out these awesome ideas:

We’ve also got lots of free guides to help you along the way.

Also, Choosing The Perfect Puppy is a great new book packed full of tips including detailed reviews of the most popular breeds.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Products and Accessories

Your new puppy experience wouldn’t be complete without the perfect accessories! So, here’s our list of recommended supplies and accessories for your new pup.

Still not sure if this is the breed for you? Take a look at our list of pros and cons.

Pros And Cons of Getting a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

There are ups and downs to every breed. Here’s a quick summary of what you should be aware of if considering a German Shepherd Pitbull mix.

Cons

  • Parent breeds are prone to be territorial or aggressive
  • Not friendly with unfamiliar dogs
  • Need lots of training and socialization
  • Prone to health problems

Pros

  • Energetic and fun
  • Very loyal
  • Great guard dogs
  • Not as expensive as other specialty hybrid dogs

It can often help to compare with similar breeds when deciding if this is the dog for you.

Comparing the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix with Other Breeds

This mixed breed’s parent dogs might be a better match for your family.

Similar Breeds

Alternatively, these similar mixed breeds are also great options.

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Breed Rescues

USA Rescues

UK Rescues

Australia Rescues

Canada Rescues

Do you have a story to share about your German Shepherd Pitbull mix? Then leave us a comment below to tell us all about it.

References And Resources

 

Comments

  1. Bob says

    I’ve had a Pitt Shepard mix (Staffordshire) for 10.5 years, he will be 11 soon. I will tell all new owners that while the beginning will be alot of training and reenforcement, once this breed mix learns something it will never forget. Also, due to the mixture of intelligence and curiosity from either breed, they are always willing to learn new things. This is the smartest dog I’ve ever had. They will maintain their energetic personality their entire life. Even though mine is an old man now he still finds the energy between naps to go absolutely crazy playing around. Also a word to the wise at around seven or eight years be mindful of how much you let your dog run around unchecked, the strength of the spirit starts to outweigh the strength of the body in that regard and they can end up blowing out a knee or a hip. If you’re very lucky when looking for your mix pup, you’ll find a mixture of features that almost looks like its own breed. In the case of mine he has the body of a German Shepherd and the coat of one as well but has a pitbull face muscular structure and fur color. (Solid Auburn from head to toe and golden brown eyes.) And one thing I would like to add is the dogs seemingly natural paternal instinct, once well socialized, this dog makes an excellent older sibling / foster parent. A fun quirk mine had in this way was, whenever we would Foster a dog and when I got my other dog, whenever I would teach a dog commands he knew he would sit in front of them and mimed the action I wanted them to complete until they copied him. 11/10 Would find again.

    Reply

  2. Shawn Farrell says

    I have a pitbull German shepherd mix that is 60 pounds and 4 months old. Took him to the vet they said he had murder paws,sorry I’m bothering you with my puppy just don’t know how or what to say..sorry.cause I have a year old german shepherd, I free feed him and I don’t feel like I’m feeding him enough. Anyways who do I contact about my dog , 3 to 4 ribs show still?

    Reply

    • Patrick Lyons says

      Your dog possibly has worms. They live inside the dog and grow bigger by consuming the food the dog eats leaving little for the dog. They sell dewormer that kills the worm and the dog finally will absorb the nutrients from his food. research worms in dogs, good luck

      Reply

  3. Amanda Rivas says

    I’ll be picking a rescued male pitt/shepherd puppy in 2 weeks. I met the momma and she was super sweet- definitely had more of the pitt in her. However, she herself was also mixed.

    Can anyone provide some training tips, advice, and experience that they had when socializing their pup? How do I properly socialize him to not be fearful of another human or dog invading his space? I want him to be social but I’m also afraid of overwhelming him.

    Reply

  4. mel says

    There is a deep confusion between a Pit and a American Staffordshire Terrier. There is NO SUCH THING as a Purebred Pit. There is, however, a purebred American Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by the American Kennel Club. There can be American Staffordshire Terrier in a Pit, but there CANNOT be Pit in an American Staffordshire Terrier.

    Reply

  5. Glenda Jacobs says

    My daughter rescued a Shep/Pitt mix at 7 weeks old (she’s now 11 months). Incredibly smart , was house broken in a matter of hours with not one accident indoors. She was very sick with parasites and worms when she got her, she spent $$$ on meds … we almost lost her with the 3rd round of worm meds but she made it. We are all loving to her, but she definitely bonded with my daughter as her owner. We have 2 other dogs, she plays well with them, but at least once a day will take them down with her huge neck and strong body for domination I guess, she doesn’t bite them but she scares the heck out of us all when she does that. When we brought them home from the groomer the first time she didn’t recognize their scent, she gut-growled and took the smallest one (a Bichon Frieze) down to the floor, the other (a Golden-Doodle) ran for cover. Now the groomer only uses non scented products on them. She is extremely territorial, we buy each dog a variation of color of the same toy and she will literally collect them all for herself. She doesn’t like us to share affection with the other dogs (we’re working on that with her) but she runs and plays with the other dogs outside great. She will play tug of war with the toys with the others. For the most part she is sweet and friendly with her dog mates and our family members, but she is always testing her boundaries. My daughter is an excellent master and keeps her in line. Although she continues to rip and tear up all her cushion-filled bedding, tearing out all the stuffing, we can’t seem to break her of that … so now she’s earned a hard floor surface in her crate, we’re done with trying out beds. Hee hee !

    Reply

  6. Larry Gladney says

    Well we have shepherd/pit mix and she is very bossy and always wants to lay under me, she also very protective of me. But she is very smart like opening doors and knows when it’s time to eat

    Reply

    • Shawn Farrell says

      I have a male that is 60 pounds and 4 months old,do u have that problem? Not been mean,I just cant find it

      Reply

  7. Brittney says

    I have a German Pit. He’s 2 in February 85 pounds and the biggest baby ever. He has the long coat of the German and the brindle color or the pit. The sweetest dog ever. Just don’t get between him and my 4 year old son. They are inseparable.

    Reply

    • Shawn Farrell says

      So I have a pit German shepherd mix he is 60 pounds and 4 months old.is this unheard of? His ribs still show.3 of them anyways he’s a big old boy,I took him to the vet,they stayed he had murder paws,what ever that means.anyways do you know how I can talk about th his with?if not have a good day anyway

      Reply

  9. Laura Flint says

    We have a shep/mix. We named him Khal Drogo lol. And I must say I was shocked that he is considered a Hybrid. But regardless the findings we love him to pieces. He will for sure take after the shepherd looks and size but he has the pitty attitude. Always huffing and puffing, plopping down and being lazy lol. And I love it! He’s going to be a great dog aka member of the family.

    Reply

  10. Mike says

    I have a shep pit, and she is the sweetest, most loyal. Loves to cuddle. She definitely inherited the pit attributes. Very short hair, built like a pit…complete with the hypothyroid, and allergies. She does have the pointed ears of a shepherd. Remie is her name, and she is the best.

    Reply

  12. Diana says

    Oct. 17th I was given 7 am old Belgian Malinois puppy. He is the sable color with a black mask and to my surprise he listens very well at 7 wks old. I live alone in an R.V. Park so the reason I got him was to train for protection because you never know who is going to be pulling in. I named him Jaxx. I hope he turns out to be exactly how I want him to be. He stayed alone last night while i worked I got here and he was so excited. I bought him a bed and he just loves it. He’s too cute!

    Reply

  13. mommiedearest says

    have a shep-pit with puncture infected injury. surgery performed. recovering now with hood to prevent licking and further infection…suggestions for idle recovery and wound ease.

    Reply

    • Shepmum says

      By now you are probably over the worst and the wound closed, swimming is always good for recovery from injuries especially in the sea if available, kongs and puzzel toys can help with boredom but the best thing is training…mental stimulation wears them out and gives them something to think over later and the time spent with you is your dog’s greatest pleasure see how many new commands your dog can master by the time recovery is complete my experience as a dog rescue foster carer is that pitties are loyal and love you so so much and are excellent at language comprehension learning and shepherds are really intelligent like to work things out for themselves a bit liable to think they know better than you when it comes to keeping you safe so a cross of the two is definitely going to appreciate lots of mental work and lots of time with you. Grooming can be pleasurable for them too if you get pleasant assosiations going eg nap time cuddles as for pain though by now you should be pretty right, heat packs and cold packs just as for humans can be helpful a hot water bottle in cookie-tin armour wrapped in a crocheted blanket works well (tape it tightly shut, crocheted is good because it doesn’t rip easily ) ice in an old (tearable) towel is good too but obviously don’t use ice packs that can’t be eaten

      Reply

  14. Jame Madison says

    Mine is HUGE!!
    Rescued as a pup. Saw his mom, fullblooded smallish Pitbull
    VERY obvious dad was shepherd. Long snout, big ears, etc.

    He is 1 1/2 and is 120lbs

    Sweet boy. Loves people and children. Not so much other dogs.

    Reply

      • Brittney D Wells says

        I have a German Pit. He’ll be 2 in February 85 lbs and he’s the biggest baby ever. Has the long coat or the GSD but the brindle of a pit. Him and my 4 year old son are insepridable and Partners in crime lol.

        Reply

  15. Christian grey says

    I want a pup of german shepherd . His age will between 5 months . Does any one want to sell me a pup .

    Reply

    • Howie says

      I have pups that are half shepard and half pit available next week after they get there first shot.

      Reply

    • Amanda says

      Hello, My American pit bull terrier just had 9 Puppies a week ago from a beautiful k9 German shepherd. If still interested let me know they will be ready the first week of Nov. 2018

      Reply

  16. Lissette Gomez says

    Mine is the same way she is a puppy she is 4 months she is wonderful good with the kids love the kids she protects them.

    Reply

    • Maria Orantes says

      Is there a place you recommend to leave your pup? I just got mine shes 3 months and is great I just want to make sure she doesn’t learn to get aggressive.
      Any suggestions?

      Reply

      • Rebecca Whiteman says

        Same! We got a puppy in november 2017. He looked to be full pitbull as did his siblings, was later told the father was 1/4 german shepherd.and a bit crazy. First thing i noticed was a thick wave of hair down the middle of his back.Stubburn, smart and extremely playful.
        Heat bothers him and its still winter.
        Expecting allergies cuz he scratches a lot now. And trying to get him used to car rides so i can take him to the lake this summer, no fear of water,loves his shower/ baths.
        Really hates the car tho.

        Reply

    • Kristen Turcios says

      I have w shepherd pit. Shes awesome just very energetic. And she is getting bbigand doesnt realize that she cant jump n play with the kids. Great breed tho. Very loyal and loving

      Reply

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