The American Kennel Club has registered the German shepherd in its club since 1908. Actually, in the 19th century, it was bred for herding, due to its strength, intelligence, and excellent temperament. At that time it was already a German Shepherd mix because it was a cross between three types of herding dogs found in three different regions of Germany. They were the long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired herding dogs. Used extensively by the police and military, they made excellent guard dogs and guide dogs. They were also used for search and rescue purposes.
The Shepadoodle is a new hybrid dog, which is a cross breed between a German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. He is one of the hybrid dog crosses recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. There are other crossbreeding combinations with German Shepherds, but unfortunately not all purebred dogs are 100% purebred and therefore it often becomes a multi-generation cross.
Another name for the German Shepherd is the Alsatian. This dog is known for its obedience and loyalty, and due to these characteristics it is often used as a working dog. He learns extremely fast due to his intelligence. He can be trained very well and is always eager and alert to learn. But he is primarily a bold and confident dog, who can be direct and courageous. He is pretty much a family dog, sometimes even a one man dog and doesn’t like strangers.
The German Shepherd mix could, like any other mixed breed, be free from some of the genetic diseases that are typical of the German Shepherd breed. One such disease is hip dysplasia and often in the German Shepherd mix the genetic disease might be absent due to mixed breeding. Mixed breed dogs typically live healthier and longer lives than purebreds. Of course, if both parents have the same genetic disease, there is a strong chance that the disease will automatically be passed on to the German Shepherd mix.
The cross between the German Shepherd and the Great Dane is often talked about. The resulting German Shepherd mix also makes a very good watchdog, but is also affectionate. The combination gives them the trait of being hyperactive and yet cute and well-liked for a popular family dog.
However, some mixes may not be too ideal for families with young children, because the German Shepherd hybrid mix can come across as aggressive and dominant. Such problems can occur with crosses with purebreds such as Chow Chows, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.
Also the crossing with the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever or the Collie can be unsuccessful, because the neurotic characteristics of the German Shepherd totally overshadow the sweet temperament of the others. Hybrid dogs can be too shy or too aggressive. The Alaskan Malamute is an independent, stubborn and aggressive dog. When crossed with the German Shepherd, the German Shepherd mix can become a dangerous and difficult animal to handle.
