Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-mastiff-mix

While the German Shepherd Mastiff mix might not be as popular or roll off the tongue quite as nicely as other hybrid dog breeds (we’re looking at you, Goldendoodles!), that doesn’t mean that they don’t have some excellent qualities that make them fantastic family pups.

These pups combine the loyal, affectionate, and courageous qualities the parent breeds in a big, beautiful package. Read on to learn more about these massive dogs to decide if this is the right hybrid for you and your lifestyle.

Breed Overview

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The German Shepherd Mastiff combines the best characteristics of both parent breeds. These pups have the intelligence, energy, and guarding instincts of their German Shepherd parent and the affectionate, good-natured, and loyal personality of their Mastiff side.

German Shepherd Mastiff Characteristics

German Shepherd Mastiff Puppies

The German Shepherd Mastiff puppy is likely highly playful yet slightly clumsy as they grow into their large bodies. Like all puppies, they may test their boundaries with you to see what they’re allowed to get away with. Owners need to begin socialization and training as soon as possible to get a hold of their soon-to-be massive dogs.

Finding a German Shepherd Mastiff breeder might be challenging, if not impossible. We were unable to find any breeders specializing in this hybrid. That doesn’t mean that these mixed dogs don’t exist, however. Interested potential owners should search their local rescue and shelter’s websites and available dog databases to see if there are any German Shepherd Mastiff hybrids waiting for their forever homes.

German Shepherd Mastiff Breed Origin & History

Because this is a hybrid dog breed, its exact origin and history are unknown. However, the history of its parent breeds is well documented.

The German Shepherd was developed in the late 1800s by a German cavalry officer and dog breeder. The breeder wanted to create a utilitarian and intelligent dog while also fiercely loyal to its owners. Early German Shepherds were used for herding and guarding, and today, they can be found working as police and military dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Mastiffs are an ancient dog breed first discovered in Britain when Rome invaded in 55–54 BCE. These pups were initially developed with traits that made them excellent hunters and guardians, characteristics they carried over into modern life.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Mastiff

The German Shepherd Mastiff’s personality can vary from pup to pup. Even looking at the traits of the parent breeds can provide just a glimpse into the potential personality of these dogs, as a pup’s breed only accounts for 9% of a dog’s behavior.¹ However, to get an idea of what a German Shepherd Mastiff might be like, let’s take a closer look at the parents.

German Shepherds are loyal and watchful dogs. They’re highly protective and gentle with their family members and reserved with strangers. They’re highly curious and eager to learn and serve a purpose.

Mastiffs are also very loyal and courageous. They’re very friendly, patient, and lovable companions. Like German Shepherds, they have a wariness toward strangers, which can come in handy if you’re looking for a competent guard dog.

The German Shepherd Mastiff’s intelligence can vary from dog to dog. The German Shepherd is considered the third most intelligent dog breed, while the Mastiff did not make the top 20 breeds on the American Kennel Club’s list¹.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The German Shepherd Mastiff can be a fantastic family dog. They’re gentle and affectionate, though they will require training and socialization to ensure they stay that way.

Their courage and protective nature, coupled with their imposing size, means they can be excellent guard dogs.

However, it’s essential to consider the age, size, and maturity level of your children before bringing one of these big dogs into your home. Remember, they can weigh up to 200 pounds (or more), and I’m sure you can imagine what kind of damage these massive pups can do, even inadvertently, to small kids.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Some German Shepherd Mastiffs can get along well with other dogs, while others can be territorial or aggressive. The same applies to other household pets like cats. It comes down to the personality of the individual dog.

However, if the two animals are raised at the same time, they may be more likely to live harmoniously together.

Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Mastiff

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The German Shepherd Mastiff is a large or extra-large dog breed that requires a high-quality diet to support its nutritional requirements. As puppies, this hybrid should be fed puppy-specific food for large dog breeds to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients to help them grow. Once they hit the one-year mark, they can be transitioned to an adult diet for maintenance.

How much you feed your pup will depend entirely on their size and lifestyle. The food you’ve purchased for them should have feeding guidelines, but these should be used as a jumping-off point and not followed as a rule. Your pup may need more or less than recommended on the label. We recommend working with your veterinarian to determine the exact quantity your dog needs based on their health, weight, and lifestyle.

Since these dogs are prone to developing gastric dilation-volvulus, they should be fed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one big meal per day.

Exercise 🐕

The exercise requirements for a German Shepherd Mastiff can vary greatly depending on which parent your pup favors.

Mastiffs are notorious for their low exercise requirements. Despite their large size, their easy maintenance makes them suitable even for apartment life.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, are very active and athletic dogs. They require a lot of exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy. Those not receiving enough exercise or stimulation can become frustrated and may develop problematic behaviors.

With that in mind, owners should expect anywhere between one to two hours of moderate to vigorous activity daily. You’ll need to determine which parent your pup takes after more when figuring out just how much to exercise your dog.

Fun activities for your German Shepherd Mastiff can include activities that cater to the German Shepherd side, such as herding, agility, nose work, dock diving, and tracking. Fun activities for the Mastiff side include obedience, search and rescue, and lounging out on the couch.

Training 🦮

The German Shepherd Mastiff is an eager-to-please breed that responds well to positive reinforcement. If your pup takes after their German Shepherd parent, they’ll be brilliant. That’s not to say a Mastiff-dominant German Shepherd Mastiff will be dumb, but they’re just not as bright.

Training should be consistent and rewards-based. The reward you offer will depend on your dog’s interests. Most are very food-motivated, so if this is the case for your pup, you’ll need to find a high-value reward that you’ll only offer during training sessions. Some dogs prefer playing or receiving praise as their reward for a job well done.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming requirements for a German Shepherd Mastiff will vary depending on which parent the pup inherited their appearance from.

German Shepherds have medium-length double coats, while Mastiffs have short, dense coats. Both coat types will require a quick brush every few days to remove loose hairs. They shed year-round, though they will undergo two periods of heavy shedding throughout the year.

Pups that inherit the facial wrinkles from their Mastiff parent will require regular inspections and cleaning to prevent skin irritation and infections. Owners will need to wipe their pup’s facial folds daily with a dog-friendly wipe to prevent moisture and debris buildup.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The German Shepherd Mastiff can be prone to the same health issues that affect the parent breeds.

German Shepherds and Mastiffs can develop degenerative myelopathy, eye issues, elbow and hip dysplasia, cancer, gastric dilation-volvulus, allergies, and heart disease.

Additionally, Mastiffs may be prone to epilepsy.

Male vs Female

The only notable difference between male and female German Shepherd Mastiffs is their size; however, the exact discrepancy can vary from pup to pup as the parent breeds can differ vastly in size.

Male German Shepherds are between 24 and 26 inches and weigh 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 22 to 24 inches and 50 to 70 pounds.

Mastiffs have a much more significant size discrepancy between sexes. Males are, at minimum, 30 inches, and females 27.5 inches. Males weigh between 160 and 230 pounds, while females are much lighter at 120 to 170 pounds.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Mastiff

1. The German Shepherd Mastiff is prone to obesity.

These are large dogs by nature, but “large” doesn’t have to be synonymous with obese. These pups are prone to obesity, which can worsen joint problems and heart disease and decrease their lifespan.

2. The German Shepherd Mastiff is not suitable for first-time dog owners.

These large and in charge dogs will be just that—large and in charge—if they are not owned by someone who has experience with big dogs. They require very consistent and firm training and socialization to ensure they don’t use their size against their humans.

3. The German Shepherd Mastiff can be an excellent tracker.

Both the German Shepherd and the Mastiff can excel at tracking as they can detect, recognize, and follow specific scents. This activity encourages them to work alongside their handler to follow a trail through varying terrain and environments. It’s a great way to offer mental and physical stimulation for your pup.

Final Thoughts

The German Shepherd Mastiff is a massive dog breed with an imposing stature and a huge, loving heart. These affectionate and gentle pups can make a great family pet for homes with older children who an overexcited dog wouldn’t inadvertently hurt. These pups make courageous, loyal, and protective family dogs.

They are best suited for owners with some experience with large dog breeds, as training and socialization will be required to ensure these giant dogs grow into well-rounded and well-behaved adults.

If we’ve convinced you that this is the right hybrid dog breed for your lifestyle, know that it can be challenging to find one available for adoption. These designer pups aren’t officially recognized by any kennel club, which means breeders are few and far between. If you’re interested in adopting one, keep your eyes peeled on your local rescue’s available pet database to see if there’s one in your area waiting for their forever home.

Featured Image Credit: Left- anetapics, Shutterstock | Right – Monica Arauz, Shutterstock

Source: Dogster