German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Dog Breed

A Shepnees, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about the specific origin of the Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd mix; while a Great Pyrenees mixed with German Shepherd may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The German Shepherd-Great Pyrenees mix likely gained popularity during the mixed-breed "explosion" in the late 20th century. These big, confident, intelligent hybrids are great pets for active families, especially those in need of protection.

A few facts about the Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd mix: they're giant-sized, averaging 26 inches at the shoulders in height and 110 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that shed a lot; and they're loyal and protective and make great watch- and guard dogs.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Shepnees:

A Shepnees is the offspring of two breeds that are courageous, smart, and people-oriented. The GSD and the Pyrenees both originated as livestock guardians, but have since been utilized for other purposes--though they still retain their protective instincts. A German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mix, then, will be devoted to and watchful over its family members.

The Shepnees's size, too, will probably deter most people! This is a big dog, weighing 110 pounds on average; the Shepnees has a thick coat that comes in a variety of colors, usually a darker color mixed with white. The Shepnees is best suited to life in homes (preferably in rural areas) with large, fenced yards that'll give these hybrids room to roam. And while they can live outside comfortably enough, Shepnees mixes will be happier if they're allowed to live inside with their people. They will, however, need a good bit of training and socialization (starting during puppyhood, if possible) to help them learn respectable, calm behavior.

These hybrids are very strong, and they usually have a good bit of energy--so they'll need at least one period of dedicated exercise on a daily basis.

Protective, intelligent, affectionate, task-oriented, and often stubborn, the Great Pyrenees-German Shepherd mix temperament is one of both of loyalty and confidence. These hybrids are friendly and loving with their family members, and will protect them without question--but they do have independent streaks, so they might need some coaxing in order to follow directions. Shepnees dogs usually make great playmates for kids, and they can get along with most other pets; they may, however, try to challenge other dogs (particularly those of the same sex). In any case, it's best if your Shepnees grows up alongside any children or other household pets, so they'll be accustomed to one another's company.

In regards to training: these hybrids are very smart, and might take well to it--but their potential stubbornness means they may need some repetition when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any dog, firm (but never harsh!), consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And the Shepnees has fantastic watch- and guard dog skills. These hybrids are alert, confident, and protective, and are likely to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds--and odds are, they'll be able to neutralize most potential threats.

The Shepnees, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, large-breed dogs naturally suffer more health problems than smaller dogs do; in the Shepnees, potential ailments common to the parent breeds include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, various allergies, and gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Shepnees is 10-13 years.