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The German Shepherd breed originates from Germany and is actually a German Shepherd mix right from the beginning. There are three types of dogs that have been mixed and they come from three different regions of Germany. This cross breeding happened in the 19th century and it was between the long-haired, short-haired and the wire-haired shepherd dogs. With a very good temperament these dogs were ideal for guarding and guiding. The police and army used the breed for search and rescue purposes. Only at the end of that century, the German Shepherd mix was refined and in the early 20th century it got recognition from the American Kennel Club.

Now the German Shepherd is further cross bred with other dogs and a common cross is with the Standard Poodle. The cross breed is called a Shepadoodle. The best way by which you can determine the temperament of a breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and you can then know which combination of the characteristics is found in either breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the hybrid cross of the Shepadoodle. Of course not all such designer hybrid dogs which are being bred are even 50% pure bred. Breeders often breed multi-generation crosses.

It is generally believed that mixed breeds have a longer and healthier life than their purebred parents. This example has also been proved in the case of the German Shepherd mix. The German Shepherd has a genetic disease called hip dysplasia and when it is cross bred with another purebred, there is a remote chance that the hybrid dog will be prone to the disease.

On the other hand, if both the parents have the same genetic disease, then it becomes a genetic disease of the German Shepherd mix as well.

The German Shepherd or the Alsatian is a popular working dog, because it is intelligent, alert and confident and can be trained very well. It is known for its obedience and above all its loyalty to its family and especially to its master. It is extremely alert and is therefore a very good watchdog and has a natural aversion to strangers.

Unfortunately some German Shepherd mixed breeds can show the worst characteristics of both parents. The common breeds crossed with the German Shepherd are Chow Chows, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. These guard dogs, which are the products of the German Shepherd mix, can be dominant and aggressive. This can prove difficult in families where there are small children, or there is an adult man or woman, who does not have a commanding voice and cannot control the dog. Also the German Shepherd mix could have either a very good or a very bad temperament for life as a family pet.

Also cross breeding 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. The hybrid dogs may turn out to be too shy or too aggressive. The Alaskan Malamute is an independent, stubborn and aggressive dog.

When it is crossbred with the German Shepherd Dog, the German Shepherd mix can actually become a dangerous animal, and become difficult to handle.

Tags: Dogs

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