| The modern day German Shepherd breed is actually a cross between three types of shepherd dogs found in three different regions of Germany, and so could also be called a German Shepherd mix. They are the long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired shepherd dogs. They were initially bred for herding because they were strong, intelligent and had an excellent temperament. Later this cross breed called the German Shepherd became popular as guard dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs and military dogs. At the end of the 19th century the German Shepherd breed was refined and in 1908 it was recognized by the American Kennel Club. The American Canine Hybrid Club has officially recognized some hybrid crosses of purebred dogs. The cross breed called the Shepadoodle is a cross between the German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. Unfortunately, not all breeds are pure bred today, so the new designer breed could become a product of a multi generation cross, having the characteristics of more than two breeds. 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. Yet some combinations may not prove to be too ideal for families with small children, because the hybrid German Shepherd mix may turn out to be aggressive and dominant. Such problems can occur with cross breeding with purebreds like the Chow Chow, Akita, Rottweiler and the Doberman Pinscher. 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. It is even worse to combine the German Shepherd with the Alaskan Malamute, because the latter has a tendency towards animal aggression, independence and stubbornness. So the German Shepherd mixed breed then becomes more than a handful and potentially dangerous. |
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