The German Shepherd Greyhound Mix is a relatively new crossbreed so if this is your first time hearing about this mixed dog, you’re not alone. Whether you call them German Greyhound or Greyhound shepherd Mix, this large dog can come in various coat colors and patterns.
If you’re looking for an affectionate, friendly, and loyal dog, could the Greyhound German Shepherd Mix dog be the right canine companion for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you figure out if this crossbreed is the best dog for you and your family. We’ll discuss their health issues, temperament, exercise and grooming requirements, dietary needs, and living conditions. If you’re still interested after reading this, we’ve provided a list of breeders you can get in touch with.
Let’s first start with a brief overview of the German Shepherd Greyhound Mix.
Table of Contents
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix: Breed overview
| German Shepherd Greyhound Mix info | |
| Other Names this mixed dog breed goes by: | Shephound, German Greyhound, Shep-a-Grey, Greyhound Shepherd Mix, Shepherd Greyhound Mix, |
| Purity | Hybrid dog |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 50-80 pounds |
| Height | 22-31 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, Brown, Red, Blue, Fawn, Sable, Brindle |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 7-13 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,000-$10,000 |
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What is a German Shepherd cross Greyhound?
The German Shepherd and Greyhound Mix is a hybrid of the German Shepherd and the Greyhound. Greyhound Shepherd Mix dogs are large dogs with great athleticism and intelligence.
The Greyhound mix with German Shepherd is a fairly new mix with some giving it nicknames, such as Shep-a-Grey or Shephound.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix: Parent breeds
Since the German Shepherd and Greyhound Mix is a designer breed, its traits and characteristics would be a combination of its parent breeds. There is no standard physical appearance or temperament for Greyhound Shepherd Mix because the dominance of oneās parent genes is the determining factor.
To know more about the Greyhound mixed with German Shepherd, it is useful to learn about its individual parentās characteristics.
German Shepherd history
The German Shepherd was developed by Max von Stephanitz, a German captain and dog breeder, in the late 19th century. He crossbred traditional herding dogs from rural Germany with a dog he called Horand von Grafrath, which he bought in a dog show, to create a perfect working dog for herding sheep.
Through countless crossbreeding and inbreeding, a standard was developed that eventually became what we know as the German Shepherd. Today, German Shepherds are popular around the world and are used as companion dogs, therapy dogs, and working dogs.
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History of the Greyhound
The Greyhounds date back as far as the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt. They were revered as gods and mostly the aristocracy are permitted to own them.
During the Middle Ages, priests were said to have saved them from extinction due to disease and famine. They are admired for their speed and agility and were mainly used as racing dogs nowadays.
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German Shepherd Greyhound Mix physical appearance
The German Shepherd and Greyhound Mix can have a combination of looks from both its parents. Since the Greyhound has a slender look, the German Shepherd Grayhound Mix could have a slimmer body than a German Shepherd but slightly bulkier than the Greyhound.
Greyhound Shepherd Mix dogs are athletic with a deep chest and long legs with a long tail that is long and possibly bushy.
The head can be proportional to the body or it may be long and narrow. Eyes are medium and almond-shaped, ears could either be slightly pointed or floppy, and nose is dark or black-colored.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix size, height, and weight
German Shepherd and Greyhound Mix are large dogs. German Shepherd Grayhound Mix can reach their full height at around 14 to 15 months and can continue to fill out until 18 months.
The height and weight of an adult Greyhound Shepherd Mix depend largely on which genes are more dominant and it can also be an average between the two purebreds with the males being slightly larger than the females.
| Weight | Height | |
| Male | 60-80 pounds | 23-30 inches |
| Female | 55-70 pounds | 21-28 inches |
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German Shepherd Greyhound Mix coat colors and types
German Shepherd and Greyhound Mix dogs mostly have a medium-length coat but they can also have short furs like the Greyhound. Similarly, they can be double-coated or single-coated with an outer coat that is either smooth or wiry.
The coat colors of the German Shepherd Grayhound Mix come in different shades from black to tan and from red to liver. Their coat can also be in varying shades of brindle.
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Brindle Greyhound German Shepherd Mix
Both the German Shepherd and the Greyhound carry the brindle pattern in their genes and it is no different with the Greyhound German Shepherd Mix. A brindled coat is characterized by a marbled or tiger-striped coat with a base color of black, tan, or sable.
White German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
A Greyhound German Shepherd Mix that is entirely white is an offspring of a German Shepherd that carries the recessive white-furred gene and a white Greyhound.
There can also be some spotting of colored spots visible on their coats. It is very rare to get this white color since it is difficult to produce a white German Shepherd and only 20% of Greyhounds are white.
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Black German Shepherd Greyhound Mix
While black is a common color among Greyhounds, only a small percentage of German Shepherds would come out black making an entirely black German Shepherd mixed with Greyhound quite rare.
Did you know? German Shepherds also come in Sable coat color? Check out Sable German Shepherd (Complete Guide) to see what they look like.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix temperament and personality
The Greyhound and German Shepherd Mix dogs are loyal and affectionate. They love being with their owners and have the potential to have separation anxiety. Leaving them alone for an extended period of time may lead to destructive behaviors inside the house due to boredom and anxiety.
The German Shepherd Grayhound Mix’s parents are a mixture of playfulness and laziness, so expect a temperament that falls somewhere in between.
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Do German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound make great family pets?
Yes, Greyhound and German Shepherd Mix dogs are great as family pets and work well as watchdogs. They are suitable for families with active children but, of course, adult supervision is always recommended when there are young or small children around since these are large dogs that may knock over playing kids.
They can also get along well with other animals as long as they are trained and socialized early. Both its parents have high prey instincts and may chase after smaller animals if left to their own devices.
Are Greyhound German Shepherd Mix aggressive?
The Greyhound and German Shepherd Mix can have aggressive behavior if they get the temperament of their German Shepherd parent. But since Greyhounds are known to be docile and calm, the resulting offspring could have a moderate aggressive behavior.
Aggressive behaviors are usually the result of poor socialization and training, so if you want to have a well-tempered dog, then exposing them early to other people and animals is crucial.
German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound training
Greyhound and German Shepherd Mix dogs are easy to train because of their intelligence. But, some patience may be needed since both parent breeds are herding dogs and may have a tendency to be independent if not given firm training.
Positive reinforcements are always recommended and avoid giving harsh commands since it will only lead to anxiety and aggressive behaviors later on.
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German Shepherd Greyhound Mix exercise requirement
Greyhound and German Shepherd Mix dogs are energetic, so they need at least an hour of exercise every day.
The Greyhound side of this mix may make them seem lazy, but they are that way because they need to rest as a way of conserving energy for that quick sprint later.
Overall, giving Greyhound German a space to run and stretch their legs is recommended plus a handful of mental exercises will do the trick of keeping them happy and content.
If you have a backyard, it’s a good idea to play tug of war or a game of fetch or catch with your canine companions. You’ll want to get indestructible dog toys (whether it be fetch balls, frisbees, or romp-n-roll) that are both durable and safe for your furry friends.
Some dog owners allow their four-legged friends to roam freely in their backyard during the day so that they can catch some sun and fresh air. If you allow your furbabies to leave or enter your house on their own, it’s a good idea to install an electronic dog door (or two).
Electronic dog doors allow dog owners to program and set curfew times. This way, your fur babies could get some sun and fresh air during the day while staying safe inside your house at night.
Whether you work from home or in an office, you’ll no longer need to open or close the door every time your canine friends need to head outside.
Many pet owners love the automatic dog door because they no longer need to get up from their couch or stop whatever they’re doing to open the door for their dogs. You can say that the electronic dog door is a life saver and a time saver. Say good-bye to frequent interruptions and hello to concentration and focus.
Before you install the electronic dog door, you’ll want to make sure your backyard (or front yard) is fenced to keep your furry friends safe. If your town or county does not allow physical fences as part of its zoning law, consider using wireless dog fences instead. This way, your dogs can still roam freely in your backyard while staying safe and sound.
German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound living conditions
German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound does not need a large space to live in as long as their daily needs are met.
Short-haired Greyhound German Shepherd Mixes may not tolerate extreme heat or cold. It is important to keep your Greyhound German’s body cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months to prevent frostbite.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix grooming and cleaning
German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound needs daily brushing since they can be heavy shedders. Using a slicker brush to remove excess undercoats is recommended. Brushing also helps to evenly distribute natural oils throughout the body which promotes healthier skin and fur.
Regularly checking their nails, ears, and teeth are also a must to keep your Greyhound German healthy and in tip-top shape.
If your fur babies hate nail trimming sessions because they are sensitive to the clipping sound or have had a bad previous experience, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precision diamond drum bit grinder.
Owners who trim their dogs’ nails with a nail grinder report an overall positive experience since they are able to precisely trim their pups’ nails without clipping the quick. Some of their pups even fell asleep during the nail trimming process.
Ideally, you’ll want to brush your canine friends’ teeth daily, however, we know how busy dog owners can be. Thus, brushing your dogs’ teeth 2 to 3 times a week is fine as well to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Be sure to use a dog toothpaste that contains an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent. This will help to remove plaque, control tartar formation, clean the teeth, and freshen your dog’s breath.
Lastly, bathing your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix once a month or as needed is crucial. You don’t want to bathe your pooch too often because doing so could cause both dry skin and coat.
When bathing your pup, it’s best to use dog shampoos that will keep your dog’s skin and coat clean, healthy, and moisturized without stripping off their natural oil.
| Grooming Needs | Frequency |
| Brushing | Daily. |
| Bathing | Once a month. |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly. |
| Nail trimming | As needed. |
| Teeth brushing | 2-3 times a week. |
Is German Shepherd Greyhound Mix hypoallergenic?
No, German Shepherd Greyhound Mix is not hypoallergenic. Greyhound German mixed dogs are moderate to heavy shedders making them not ideal for sensitive individuals.
German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound food and diet
Aside from vet wellness check-ups, the best way to keep a German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound dog happy and healthy is to give him a well-balanced and properly proportioned diet.
By this, it means that a great percentage of his food should contain protein. This is followed by carbohydrates and a little bit of fat.
On average, a German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound should eat 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry kibble dog food, split into 2 servings.
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For a lot of fur parents, selecting the right food can be confusing considering the available choices in the market today. To be sure that you are buying the best dog food, the label should indicate that the dog food meets the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Dog treats are acceptable for as long as you give them in moderation. Fresh fruits like persimmons and mangoes are good dog treats. For veggies, Brussel Sprouts, carrots, and broccoli are healthy choices.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix common health issues
A German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound is generally a healthy dog. Still, he can inherit some of the common health issues from his parents.
Anytime you notice something unusual in your dogās temperament like lethargy or a change in behavior, donāt take chances. Instead, bring your dog to the nearest vet for a physical examination.
If you’d like to find out the exact breed of your K9 friends or any health issue they may be most susceptible to, we recommend the Embark dog DNA test that you can use from the comfort of your own home.
Here are nine health problems common to a German Shepherd Mix Greyhound:
1. Cherry eye
Unlike us humans, our dogs have 3 instead of 2 eyelids and under that third eyelid is the nictitans gland. This gland helps lubricate our dogsā eyes but in some cases, this gland pops out looking like a cherryās pit.
Though this condition does not require an emergency trip to the vet, if not addressed, a prolapsed nictitans gland reduces tear production and dry eyes. Severe cases can cause blindness.
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2. Epilepsy
This is a neurological problem wherein the exact cause is hard to identify. There is no cure, instead, medications and a change to a vet-prescribed diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures.
3. Skin infections
Skin problems arising from ticks, fleas, food, or a sudden change in temperature may cause some dogs to suffer from skin allergies. The symptoms are itching, reddening of the skin, or hair loss.
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4. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition that results from a hip deformity. Blame it on genetics, big dogs such as a German Shepherd is susceptible to this condition.
5. Gastric torsion
In laymanās terms, this condition is referred to as bloat. One of the causes is playing around after eating a large amount of food. This requires an emergency trip to the vet. If not, a dog can die from a bloated stomach.
6. Canine degenerative myelopathy
Canine degenerative myelopathy is a disease that is caused by the breaking down of white matter in the spinal cord. This results in weakness and eventually paralysis. It commonly affects older dogs. The first few symptoms are wobbling and pain while getting up.
7. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma in dogs is a very painful bone tumor in dogs. It is more commonly found among larger dog breeds rather than small dog breeds.
8. Elbow dysplasia
This disease is also a developmental abnormality where the three bones in the elbow joint fail to fit together. This is more common among larger dog breeds.
9. Cataract
Aside from age, canine cataracts can also be caused by an eye lens disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiency.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix lifespan
If you provide your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix with proper nutrition, exercise, and regular trips to the vet for wellness exams, you can enjoy their company and companionship for an average of 9 to 14 years.
German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound breeders
The first task is to search for reputable German Shepherd Mix with Greyhound breeders. When searching online, take your time to read the reviews of the breederās past clients.
You may also want to attend dog shows because in almost all cases, dog handlers can introduce you to other German Shepherd Mix breeders.Ā
Keep in mind that when you are dealing with German Shepherd Greyhound Mix breeders, always expect the breeder to show you the mother with her puppies. You should also expect the breeders to give you an insurance document.
This way, in case the puppy gets sick within a certain timeframe, you will get a puppy replacement or the breeder will be the one to shoulder the treatment expenses.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppies
Before buying a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppy, decide if you want to care for a male or a female puppy. Generally speaking, male puppies are more active, playful, and territorial. Plus, male dogs tend to urine mark more often than female dogs.
On the one hand, a female Greyhound German Shepherd Mix puppy will begin to go into heat by around 6 months of age. This equates to more work because of bloodstains around the house. If you have a female dog, you’ll need to safeguard her because there could be a possibility of unwanted pregnancy if there are male dogs around.
Regardless of your choice, your German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppy should have received two vaccinations, been dewormed, and microchipped before you bring him or her home.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix price
A German Shepherd Mix Greyhound is not yet an in-demand mixed dog breed, thus, it is difficult to find breeders. That said, due to a limited supply, the price is quite steep at an average of $10,000 per puppy.
If you donāt have the budget to buy such an expensive mixed dog breed, you can try your luck in the adoption and rescue centers for either German Shepherd or Greyhound. There may be crossbred puppies that are sold at a more affordable price range.
German Shepherd Greyhound Mix puppies for sale
As mentioned earlier, it is not easy to look for Greyhound Shepherd puppies. Instead, we will provide you with a list of trusted breeders of German Shepherds and Greyhounds. These breeders may offer you referrals to those who crossbreed these two purebred dogs.
Greyhound Friends for Life (greyhoundfriendsforlife.org) is looking for families who want to adopt retired Greyhound racers. They were able to find a loving home for a 5-month-old Greyhound Shepherd puppy. You can get in touch with them and find out if they still have Greyhound mixed-dog breeds up for adoption.
Lancaster Puppies (lancasterpuppies.com) currently have German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale. We do not guarantee you that there is a German Shepherd Greyhound Mix but you can check their website from time to time.
KraftwerkK9 (kraftwerkk9.com) are breeders of purebred German Shepherds. Having been in the business for a long period, they might give you referrals to where you can find rare Greyhound Shepherd puppies for sale.
Finding a healthy Greyhound German Shepherd Mix for sale
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue (bayareagsr.org) is one of the places to find adult mixed German Shepherds. They have a list of available mixed dogs for adoption. If itās your lucky day, you may find an adult German Shepherd Greyhound Mix for sale.
To adopt, fill out the adoption form and in three days, an adoption counselor will get in touch with you. The adoption fee is set at $400 for puppies and adult dogs.
You can also visit the Petfinder (petfinder.com) website where they currently have an adult female rescue German Shepherd Mix up for adoption.
Greyhound Pets, Inc (greyhoundpetsinc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to find loving families for Greyhounds and mixed Greyhounds. If your application is approved, a staff member will schedule a home visit to check if you are qualified to adopt a dog. Contact them and see if they have available German Shepherd Greyhound Mix up for adoption.
German Shepherd Mixed with Greyhound: Pros and Cons
To help you decide if you want to get a German Shepherd Grayhound Mix, hereās a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of having a Greyhound Shepherd Mix dog:
| Pros | Cons |
| Good with kids. | Higher food expenses. |
| Friendly with visitors. | Has a strong prey drive. |
| Intelligent. | Can be very vocal. |
| Playful. | Not suitable for first-time dog owners. |
| Not aggressive. | Requires an average of 60 minutes of daily exercise. |
| Relatively easy to train. | Depending on which gene is dominant has a tendency to shed moderately. |
Is the German Shepherd Greyhound Mix right for me?
If what you are looking for is a guard dog, the Greyhound Shepherd is not for you. This mixed dog breed may look intimidating, but generally, he is friendly, and to some extent, even to strangers.
And, if you are an apartment-dweller, you may want to think twice about getting this dog because he tends to bark and howl frequently. Do you have an allergy to dog fur? If yes, you are better off with a hypoallergenic dog breed.
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Resources:
https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/28-07-17
https://www.agcouncil.com/greyhound-research/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
