The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is a new and unusual designer hybrid. Known for their athletic and muscular build, these large dogs make wonderful companions in active homes.
Is German Shepherd Greyhound mixes good dogs? Shephounds are fantastic pets and loving companions. The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is a loyal, affectionate, and gentle dog that forms strong bonds with its family. While a gentle giant at heart, this designer hybrid has a lot of energy and might be too hipper for families with small kids.
Whether you are looking to adopt a Shephound or are just curious to learn more about this unusual mixed breed, we got you covered! Keep on reading to find out more about the Shephound’s temperament, health, training, and diet.
What Is a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix?
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is a designer breed that goes by several names, including the Shephound, Shep-A-Grey, and Greyhound Shepherd.
This unusual hybrid was created by mixing the German Shepherd and the Greyhound dog breeds. While both parent breeds are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Shephound isn’t acknowledged by major kennel clubs.
Brief History
No one knows when the first Shephound was created and why designer breeders decided to cross German Shepherds and Greyhounds. Though the history of this mix is murky, we know a lot about its parent breeds – the German Shepherd and the Greyhound.
German Shepherd
Originating in Germany, the German Shepherd started off as a herding dog breed. Over the years, they’ve evolved into all-purpose working dogs known for their obedience, loyalty, and high intelligence.
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a sighthound and one of the ancient dog breeds. Lithe, athletic, and lightning-fast Greyhounds can run at speed of 45 miles per hour and are commonly used as racing dogs (source).
German Shepherd x Greyhound
When you mix these two very different dog breeds, you get a Shephound – a large dog with extraordinary athletic abilities. Strong and powerfully built, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix is best suited for active people and large homes with fenced backyards.
Characteristics of German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
Greyhounds and German Shepherds are nothing alike, and their offspring greatly vary in appearance. Shephounds are typically large dogs with well-muscled and athletically built bodies.
Shephound Highlights:
| Size | Large-sized dog |
| Weight | 50-85 pounds |
| Height | 24-30 inches |
| Coat Type | Thick and short coat |
| Shedding | Moderate shedding |
| Energy Level | Moderately energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 9-12 years |
Height
Full-grown Shephounds are usually between 24 and 30 inches tall at the withers. Males tend to be larger than females.
Weight
The Greyhound German Shepherd mix usually weighs from 50 to 85 pounds.
Coat Color
Greyhounds and German Shepherds come in many different colors, and their mix can inherit any of those colors or a mix of colors. The most commonly seen coat colors in this mix are:
- Black
- Tan
- Red
- Brindle
- Brown
- Fawn
Shedding
Most Shephounds have thick short coats, though they can also have a medium-length coat if the GSD parent has long hair. Either way, this mix sheds moderately all year long and will shed a lot more during the shedding season.
Temperament
Shephounds inherit personality traits from both parents and are often described as gentle, loyal, and affectionate family dogs.
Unlike many other German Shepherd mixes, the Shephound isn’t a natural-born guard dog. However, they can become good watchdogs with proper training.
While affectionate and devoted to their families, the German Shepherd Greyhound mix can be wary of strangers. Give them a tasty treat, though, and they will likely befriend you for life!
Shephounds are sensitive and gentle dogs that form strong bonds with their people. If left alone for long hours, this mix can develop separation anxiety and turn destructive.
Pet Friendly
Shephounds get along nicely with other dogs, especially if they were raised together from puppyhood. However, they have a high prey drive and will likely try to chase smaller dogs, cats, and other small pets.
While the instinct to give chase can be curbed with training, you should still supervise your mix around smaller animals.
Child Friendly
Both German Shepherds and Greyhounds are patient and gentle with children, so expect your mix to be the same. Having said that, their large size and high energy can make them a hazard around small kids, which is why Shephounds aren’t recommended for families with toddlers.
This mix is a far better choice for families with older kids who know how to act around a dog.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Care
A German Shepherd Greyhound mix needs a dedicated and loving dog owner who’ll know how to care for their dog properly. When it comes to caring, here’s everything you need to know:
Health Risks
The Shephound is a generally healthy designer hybrid. But some may develop health problems that affect purebred German Shepherds and purebred Greyhounds.
The most commonly seen health problems in this mix are:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (Bloat)
- Osteosarcoma
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Allergies
Shephounds have an average lifespan of nine to 12 years, though some may live longer.
Grooming
Shephounds have lower grooming needs than their German Shepherd parents. These pooches usually have short thick coats that are easy to groom and maintain with regular brushing.
Brush your mix three to four times a week to remove loose hair, dead skin cells, and to distribute skin oils throughout the length of fur. During spring and fall, when your Shephound starts to shed more, brush them every day to remove loose hair and dander.
These dogs don’t have to be bathed often, once every three to four months will suffice. Of course, you can always bathe your dog sooner if necessary, using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
As a part of your regular grooming routine, you’ll also need to trim your dog’s nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly.
Food or Diet
An ideal diet for a German Shepherd Greyhound mix should be formulated for a large breed dog with moderate energy. The best dog food for this mix will contain high levels of protein, moderate fat, and fiber, and also contain all essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Avoid free-feeding your mix and stick to a regular feeding schedule of two meals for adult dogs and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Slow your Shephound’s eating using slow feed dog bowls to minimize the risk of bloat, and don’t exercise your pooch at least an hour before or after a meal (source).
Training and Exercise
Shephounds are moderately active dogs that need around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. Needless to say, these dogs will love to run, hike, or jog and these are great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in good shape.
These dogs also have a playful side and love to spend time playing with their owners. Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, hide and seek, flyball, or Frisbee will be an instant hit with your dog!
Training a Shephound can go either way! German Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train, but Greyhounds can be stubborn and uncooperative.
Use positive reinforcement and tasty treats to get your mix in the mood for training! Start housebreaking your Shephound puppy as soon as you bring them home and slowly progress to obedience training and commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down.
As soon as you start training you should also start socializing your mix to help them grow into a friendly and well-mannered dog. Introduce your puppy to different people, children, other dogs and animals, places, sounds, and smells to build up their confidence.
Housing
Shephounds aren’t ideal apartment dwellers due to their large size and tendency to get zoomies. These large dogs are better off living in a spacious house that has access to a fenced backyard where they can run and release pent-up energy.
Where to Get a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix?
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is a fairly new designer hybrid, so be prepared to spend some time searching for a perfect puppy for your home.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Breeders
As mentioned previously, the Shephound is a newer mixed-breed and there aren’t many reputable breeders that make puppies available. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder be prepared to do some digging and even be placed on a waiting list.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix Price
German Shepherd Greyhound mix puppies on average cost from $1000 to $2500 from a reputable breeder. Keep in mind that prices can vary a lot and depend on many factors, including the breeder, location, pedigree, and health certificates.
Adoption
Though they are designer dogs, some Shephounds end up abandoned and in the care of rescue organizations and shelters across the country. Contact your local shelter and rescue groups to see if they have any Shephounds for adoption if you think that this mix will make a great addition to your family.
You can also reach out to German Shepherd and Greyhound breed-specific rescue groups as they often take in their mixes too.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd Greyhound mix is a loyal, affectionate, and playful dog that gets along with children and other dogs. Though they are wonderful family companions, these pooches aren’t good apartment dwellers and should live in a large home that has access to a fenced backyard.
Whether you are looking for an unusual designer breed, or a loving and playful canine companion the Shephound is a fantastic choice!
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