The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd is a large and striking blend between the German Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. This is a powerful and dignified mixed dog that, despite having an intimidating appearance, makes a great companion.
The German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. This is going to be a great dog that will make a good watchdog.
They will also do well being around livestock, mainly sheep and goats. While we recommend that you get one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go for a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Great Pyrenees puppy.
That is if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible. If intentionally bred, typically, it is a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix.
You may mistake this dog for a lion on your first sight of him and a gentle lion. Being a mix between mighty dogs, it is no surprise that the offsprings ended up being this powerful. But there is more to this dog than just power and strength, and that is what we are going to cover in this dog breed guide.
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Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Overview
He is known for his work drive and dedication to what he is doing. The Shepnees is a dog better suited for the farmland than for the city lifestyle. So, if you were a city dweller, this adorable pooch may be too much for you.
These dogs are confident and strong-willed with high intelligence that makes them very trainable. They are not extreme barkers, but they will express their feeling from time to time.
The Shepnees may also bark when he sees a stranger in the homestead, and you should, therefore, make sure that he is consistently socialized and trained.
The German Shepherd Pyrenees mix has a beautiful look with one of the most beautiful coats. This also means that he is a high maintenance dog that will need to be groomed frequently.
German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix History
Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. Meaning that this is a mixed-breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in-depth to the history of both breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century originally by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work.
The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence, and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning reputation because the dogs were associated with the enemy.
German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines, and tanks to provide German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities.
After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. The American public loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed that heralds from the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the area in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain (specifically Aragon and Navarre).
They have been used for hundreds of years by shepherds. In 37 BC, Varro, a Roman author wrote in his treatise of the rural economy “De re Rustica” “The dog is essential for those who raise animals for wool.
It is the guardian of livestock in general but is the natural defender of the sheep and goats. The wolf lurks constantly, and we oppose it with the dogs”… “As for its appearance, choose those who are well-trained, large size, with black or red eyes, the nose of the same color, red lips pulling to black, not too collected, nor to pendants.
It is equally essential that the dogs have a strong head, long, floppy ears, full and short neck. Thighs and rights more inwardly turned than out, wide legs, fingers apart, hard nails and bent, spine nor projection nor convex, bushy tail, resonant voice, good match muzzle and preferably with white hair so that it can be easily distinguished from wild animals at night.
A book called Libro de Los Secretos de la Agricultura, casa de campo y pastor, gives one of the first descriptions of the breed in 1407 by Fray Miguel Agustín.
It provides the reasons why shepherds prefer white puppies, excluding those born with spots of dark color. Here is what he said, “The wool cattle dogs should not be so big or so heavy as those of the guard of the house, but strong and sturdy, lightweight and ready to combat and fight and for a run, because they have to make saves and guard against wolves and hunt them down if those take a cattle”.
These should be white so that the Shepherd can easily see when these run after the wolf and know them in the dusk and the morning.” The breed was known to be a favorite of the French gentry.
By the early 19th century, there was a thriving market for the dogs in mountain towns, from which they would be taken to other parts of France. The dog was developed to be agile to guard sheep on steep, mountainous slopes.
The Great Pyrenees Brief History
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient dog breed believed to have originated from either Siberia or Central Asia. And just like the German Shepherds, these dogs were bred to be herders at around 3000 B.C. shepherd migrated with these dogs to the Pyrenees mountains in Southwest Europe.
This is where the breed’s moniker comes from. These dogs would soon gain popularity with the royalty of both France and Britain. This would not last as they almost lost their reputation was recovered in the U.S. in the 1930s.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd is a popular purebred that was bred to be a protector and to herd livestock. We have Mr. Max Von Stephanitz to thank for making this dog a hit and improving the breed.
Mr. Stephanitz believed that the GSD would be a great worker after he saw this dog in a dog show in the late 1800s. As time went by, this dog’s roles slowly changed from herding livestock, and he was used more by the military and the police.
This has been mainly due to his intelligence and trainability. They are also great companions and family dogs.
Interesting Facts About German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
- They are better suited for cold climate regions and can overheat quickly in warm weather.
- These dogs may look severe and intimidating, but they are endearing a love to play, especially in the snow.
- If this mixed doggie inherits the Great Pyrenees coat, he will be water-resistant.
- This crossbreed dog also goes by other names that include Shep Py and Germanees.
- These dogs are known for wandering off and eventually returning home. But you should make sure your home is fenced correctly for ease of mind.
Characteristics and Appearance of the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix
| Features | Detail |
| Height | 22 to 32 inches |
| Weight | 80 to 120 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Breed type | Mixes |
| Purpose | Working and companion dog |
| Best for | Active families and experienced dog owners |
| Grooming needs | Moderate to high grooming |
| Color variation | Black, White, Tan |
| Temperament | Loyal, Loving, Protective, Intelligent |
| Other names | Germanees, Shep Py, German Pyrenees |
| Health issues | Hip and elbow dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cataracts |
Height and weight of This GSD Mix Breed
The German Shepherd Pyrenees mix is a large dog that can weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. This dog can also have a height of between 22 and 23 inches.
German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Personality
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is intelligent, brave, and rather severe. In nature, they are very confident and are going to be a confident, strong-willed dog.
They are a healthy, quiet, dominant dog that is always alert. They are an excellent watchdog with a strong instinct to defend their home and family and are also useful as working dogs.
Their exercise needs will vary based on which parent breed they take after. If it is the Shepherd, expect a higher energy dog. Either way, this will not be a good dog for a couch potato.
Due to their coat and their arctic background, they will do best in cold weather. Although they can live in the heat, this guy will get hot fast.
The physical appearance of Shep Py
The Shep Py can look more like a German Shepherd or Great Pyrenees, depending on the parent he inherits most of his genes from. He can also be a perfect blend of the two parents planning an extremely adorable dog. The sight of this dog could probably take your breath away.
These pooches are muscular and strong with well-proportioned bodies and wedge-shaped heads. The ears can be perky or drop like those of GSDs. They also have dark-brown almond-shaped eyes and possibly black lips, noses, and eye rims.
Shedding and Coat Appearance of Germanees
One of the most adorable features of this dog is his long flowing coat with a ruff around the neck that makes him look like a lion. The coat can be medium to long and, in other cases, water-resistant like that of a Great Pyrenees. Coat texture can also vary from wavy to curly.
However, this canine friend is heavy shedder, especially during spring and autumn. He is also not hypoallergenic and, therefore, not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Temperament and Personality of The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
This pooch is dedicated, loyal, gentle, and kind, which is a blend of characteristics from both parents to create a genuinely majestic mix. These mixed canines are smart, which makes them very trainable.
And when it comes to performing tasks, this pooch will show confidence and seriousness like never seen before. However, the Shepnees is not just about devotion to tasks given as he also has an amicable and playful side.
He can go from a herding dog to a couch potato as there is nothing he loves more than spending time with friends and family members. They can also be mischievous when they get bored opting to examine and wander off in the process.
You must give this dog as much attention and exercise him as much as possible to keep him stimulated. The Germanees is also a very protective dog that should never be destructive unless he is provoked. You must make sure that you are continually socializing this dog for him to be trusting.
German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Care Instructions
- This is going to be a dog that sheds a lot, so be prepared to brush them a couple of times a week and have a good space at your disposal to clean up the floors.
- Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
Is The Shepnees a Great Family Dog?
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a gentle and loyal family dog. He goes along with children and loves to play with them, but you should always supervise any interactions between the two.
This dog also gets along well with other family pets. However, from time to time, he may try to herd them, particularly the smaller pets like cats and rabbits. This is why early and consistent training and socialization is essential.
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix Puppies
The Germanees litter size can have puppies ranging from 4 to 8 puppies. These pups take around 18 to 24 months to reach their full size, but some are known to take as much as 2.5 years for full maturity.
How Much Does a Shepnees Cost?
A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix puppy will cost you anywhere between $500 and $1000 depending on your breeder. The position and pedigree of the parents will also affect the final price of the Shepnees puppy.
You must get your puppy from a responsible and reputable breeder and wait until he is about 8 weeks old for you to take him home Ensure that both parents are healthy and avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders like a plague.
Grooming Needs of German Pyrenees Mix
The German Shepherd Pyrenees mix coat may be beautiful, but it will require a lot of grooming. Brushing is one of the most critical grooming requirements. Brush the coat at least three times a weak to minimize shedding and remove coat tangles.
It is also recommended that you invest in a high-quality de-shedding tool to remove dead hair from the undercoat of the pooch. You may also need to visit the groomer twice every year for the dog to get a delicate trim depending non how fast his fur grows.
Only bath this dog when it is necessary. Bathing this dog too often will strip the coat of essential oils, causing the skin to dry and become irritable. Also, check and clean the ears regularly as it is notorious for trapping dirt. The nails should be trimmed, and dental care is also critical.
Shepnees Exercise Requirements
This is a high energy dog that will need to be mentally and physically stimulated often. They will need upwards of 60 exercise minutes per day. You can achieve this by two daily walks, which should be coupled with play sessions.
When walking this dog, make sure that he always leashed as he loves to explore, and he may find something more interesting than you and wander off. This canine friend is not suitable for apartment living because of his high exercise needs and herding instincts.
Having a well-fenced backyard will be great for this dog to use some of his abilities to explore.
How much does the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix Eat?
A lot of times, diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can increase health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
The Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a large dog that will need a lot of food to meet his energy needs. Make sure that you do not overfeed your Pyrenees mix as he is prone to obesity.
Monitor everyone in your home to ensure that no one is sneaking in some snacks and those tasty training treats for this dog. The Shepnees will do great on a raw diet that has meat-based proteins as the main ingredient. This diet should also contain chondroitin, fatty acids, and glucosamine for bone development.
High-quality dry food will also be great for this canine friend. The meals should be divided into 2 or 3 portions to reduce any risks of bloat. If your dog shows any signs of any stomach discomfort, visit your vet.
How to Train a Shepnees?
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is easy to train. However, he can have an independent site, which may make him more challenging to train. His eagerness to please his owner and capacity makes teaching this pooch new tricks and commands easier.
You should come up with a training schedule and use positive reinforcement and reward-based training for the best results. Constantly praise and reward this dog for good behaviors and never use punishment and a training method. Start training early to get rid of any stubborn streak that this dog may have later on.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Health Issues
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health difficulties as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible.
.A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t think that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur.
Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and realized of a particular condition. The Great Pyrenees mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the origins were cleared of health problems that affect the breed.
A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the kind itself, screen their breeding dogs for a genetic disorder, and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your ability.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia where the joints fail to fit snugly into the sockets.
- Von Willebrand’s disease is also common in these dogs. This is a health complication that is characterized by the failure of blood to clot.
- Bloat is the build-up of gases in the stomach and can be lethal to this dog.
- Epilepsy
- Eye problems, such as Cataracts.
How long does a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix live?
The Germanees has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years.
Final Words
The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a loyal, gentle, and loveable dog that may immediately get a wrong rep for his intimidating appearance. He is not a dog suitable for every dog lover but will need an experienced and active owner.
This dog will need a lot of exercise to keep him stimulated and prevent him from getting bored. If you take good care like this Pyrenees mixed dog, he will shower you with love like never seen before.
