Have you been looking at German Shepherd Pit Bull puppies in your quest for a new companion? As it sounds, this is a cross between the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier, and they can be truly excellent dogs.
However, as with any dog, you should do your research before committing. Here’s all you need to know.
Where To Get German Shepherd Pit Bull Puppies
Because they’re a mixed breed dog, they might be easier to find in shelters than a purebred dog, which is good news for those committed to adopting. Pit Bulls are also often given up to shelters because of breed restrictions in housing and bad stereotypes. However, most likely you’ll still have to settle for an older dog or a puppy that has a lot of other breeds mixed in. There’s no real way for a shelter to verify the exact mix of a dog. Luckylin…
It’s also possible to find a German Shepherd Pit Bull breeder, but breeders who breed mixed dogs can be unethical. You can narrow down your search for a reputable purebred dog by making sure the breeder has AKC papers to prove they’re legitimate. Mixed breeds like these don’t have AKC papers. They’re also not a designer breed, so the breeders mixing them often don’t know what they’re doing.
The last thing you want is your new dog to have health issues because the breeder wasn’t selective enough in their process, or temperament problems because they didn’t get the best start in life.
If you do decide to go the breeder route, vet them carefully. Make sure you see where the puppy is being raised, get health and shot records, and meet the parents at the very least.
The Cost
The price of these dogs can be anything, but are usually around $800. While this sounds steep, remember you’re paying this for a puppy that’s been appropriately socialized and protected against viruses. Alis…
Appearance
A German Shepherd Pit Bull mix will likely have a short coat and could be any color, depending on what they get from the parents. What you can count on is this being a medium-sized to large dog, though it’s hard to predict which traits they’ll take on.
Temperament
Because these two breeds have different personalities, much like appearance, it’s hard to predict an exact personality. That’s why you should socialize and train them well from an early age to ensure you get the dog you want. Make sure you only use positive reinforcement for training, as aversive methods can damage your relationship with the dog and make them fearful or even aggressive.
Likely, your dog will take on the affectionate and often clownish nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier. These dogs love to be with their people and are intelligent, though they can have a stubborn streak. If your dog inherits this, it might require some patience!
German Shepherds can be very reserved with strangers, which is another reason socialization is important. Make sure every experience with a stranger is a good one and have them meet plenty of people when they’re young so their friendliness doesn’t change when they’re older. Petsplusca…
German Shepherd Pit Bull Puppies – Veterinary Needs
Like any dog, German Shepherd Pit Bull puppies need a series of shots when they’re young. These will usually start at six to eight weeks old and will be a series of three or four shots. This is important, as it protects them from distemper, parvovirus, and other nasty and often fatal diseases. After these, they’ll get their mandatory rabies shot as well as bordetella, which protects from kennel cough.
After that, they’ll need check-ups once a year. Your vet will keep an eye out for health conditions, run a fecal test, and give them their booster shots to keep them protected.
It’s imperative to keep them up to date with flea and heartworm medication too. Usually, this is a pill given monthly.
You should also be aware that hip dysplasia is common in German Shepherds, so this and other health conditions may rear their heads. Willow…
Diet
When it comes to diet, dog owners certainly have some strong opinions on the options. The main two are raw food and kibble.
Some owners love raw food, but it’s important to do it right. Dogs need more than just meat — they need grains, fiber, etc. Some subscription services can prepare meals for you and deliver them to your door, but they can get expensive.
Otherwise, you can feed them kibble. Dry food is perfectly healthy if you choose the right brand, but you should ask your vet’s advice to ensure you do. Some food isn’t actually good for dogs because it has more fillers than nutrients. Never feed them grain-free food either unless they’re actually allergic to grains, as this has been linked to heart disease in dogs. Arryurrua…
Grooming
If you’re looking for a dog with low-maintenance grooming needs, you’re in luck. Chances are, this dog will have a short coat — though that isn’t guaranteed, since it may take on the German Shepherd side!
However, it’s important to keep up with nail, teeth, and ear care.
If your dog struggles with any of this, provide lots of high-value treats until they’re comfortable.
German Shepherd Pit Bull Puppies – Photos
