Now here’s a breed that you don’t encounter every day. What has the intelligence of a wolf, yet friendliness and petite cuteness of a Spitz type pooch?
With mysterious origins (albeit rather recent), the German Shepherd mix is another addition to the trend of designer mixed breeds that looks like a pomeranian face on the body of a small German Shepherd!
If you’ve been hesitating on committing to a German Pomeranian mix or have been looking for a basic gathering of must-know information for caring for your mixed pet, then you’ve come to the right article.
Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is a medium-sized, compact version of its parents, with longer hair than its German Shepherd half and a curled tail that is medium long. Each mixed breed’s appearance will vary depending on what alleles it inherits from the parents.
They have a ruff around the neck, which may or may not extend to the shoulders. The size, conformation and especially color may vary, from black, black and tan, brown, solid black or red, bicolor, sable, lavender, cream, blue, orange, brindle, part-color, white, merle, and more.
The German Pomeranian mix may be from 30 to about 45 lbs at maturity, standing at about 13 to 15 inches at the shoulders. The overall appearance is slightly smaller yet still showcases the breed’s muscular potential and power.
The ears may be medium-sized prick shaped, large almond eyes, with a triangular skull more protruding and reminiscent of the German shepherd half, with a slightly domed brow and a tapered muzzle.
Depending on what features develop, you’ll get a dog that looks at you with the curiosity and loving loyalty of both a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian, which may resemble that of a coyote or fox depending on who you ask!
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the German shepherd Pomeranian mix is over a decade, between 10 to 15 years.
Please keep in mind that a dog’s lifespan will depend on the genetics inherited from its parents as well as quality of care, and that mixed breeds tend to live longer than purebreds due to genetic variety.
Grooming Needs
Every 6-8 weeks clip the nails of your pet, and consult your veterinarian for more extensive information on oral hygiene and the following provided information.
Both the parent breeds have a thick double coat that sheds abundantly and extensively. Understandably, this shared trait will be passed down to your mixed breed pet.
A German Shepherd Pomeranian mix will need to have her coat brushed at least three times a week, although ideally you as the owner ought to brush it every day, because the hybrid will likely have either medium-long to long hairs with a thick undercoat.
Dogs with hair length as described above usually are afflicted with fringes of hair cluttered on their body and limbs and ears. Regularly check and clean your dog’s ears for parasites, redness, discharge or other signs of illness at least weekly.
Beginner owners may be tempted to shave the coat completely, but you must avoid making this mistake! However inconveniencing your pet’s shedding poses for you, its coat serves valuable functions such as heat insulation and regulation and protecting it from UV rays during walks.
Be sure to bathe your pet every few months. This breed unfortunately does not have any hypoallergenic fur.
Temperament
Due to the nearly polar difference and variety of personality of a German Shepard and a Pomeranian, determining the temperament of a German Pomeranian is a feat that not even observing the parents’ extensively can accurately predict.
However, there are a few traits which both breeds possess. The Pomeranian surprisingly has similar confidence and courage, although they are still noticeably friendlier towards strangers and during the act of socializing with peer dogs.
Judging from the loyalty observed in both breeds, your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix will be a loyal pet which will be less inhibited than a pure German Shepherd, and will be beloved by everyone in the family.
The German Pomeranian mix should have no problems with children and socializing with other dogs, although it should be supervised near larger dogs to make sure it doesn’t overstep its own boundaries out of overconfidence or excitement.
Exercise Needs
Due to the high energy levels from both breeds (yes, even the Pomeranian despite its small size!), expect to devote at minimum 60 minutes to 120 minutes of exercise daily for your German Pomeranian mix.
Exercise should include hard running in order to completely satisfy the breed’s need to expend energy, so activities such as fetch, chasing a game of tag, roughhousing and agility are recommended. A walk may be a great cooldown or follow-up afterwards.
Remember that puppies will require less exercise, where training should be focused on socializing instead of physical feats and performances.
Health Risks
Any health risks from the parent breed will, of course, pass on to its offspring. The German Shepherd is known for its abundance of health risks, although hybridization has been noted to decrease the likelihood of such hereditary risks occurring again.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Collapsed Trachea
- Dental Disease
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Legges-Perthes Disease
- Skin allergies and disorders
Feeding
Due to the variety of dog feeds out there, it is best to consult your veterinarian regarding the best specific product or type of food for your German Pomeranian mix. In fact, consulting a vet is of utmost importance especially since this mixed tends to produce unique individuals with different requirements.
This mix tends to enjoy eating a variety of things, and thus will require the owner to experiment to see which foods it enjoys the most.
Because the German Pomeranian mix is vulnerable to problems involving their bones, it’s recommended to supplement their diet with fish oil and calcium-related supplements.
Also, since both parents have problems with obesity, you may have to feed only twice a day, possibly once at morning and the second time in the evening.
Are German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes Protective?
The German Pomeranian mix is unlikely to be aggressive towards strangers, and is also unlikely to show guarding instincts or be overly protective of the family. However, depending on which traits it’s been observed to inherit more from its parents, it may be more inclined towards a guard dog or not.
A German Pomeranian mix who is more German Shepherd will understandably be more wary of strangers and may even display territorial behavior and aggression.
However, they are not a quiet breed at all. On the contrary, they will bark plentily and quite loudly at the presence of unfamiliar strangers in the house, which can alert the family of intruders and trespassers when the moment counts.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Cost?
Due to the rarity of this hybrid in the United States, it may be accordingly more expensive to obtain one there. The first step to avoiding a high price, while also doing a great service to canines is to adopt one from a shelter.
The adoption price should be under 300 USD, which may entail spaying/neutering and vaccines in the pricing package. If adoption isn’t an option, please be sure to obtain your puppy from a reputable breeder, as designer breeds are often exploited by unethical puppy mills.
Do not be surprised to see a German Pomeranian mix shooting for 3,000 USD and more at breeders.
Is a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Right for Me?
If you are looking for a friendly, yet intelligent, alert and at times wary, and athletic companion, then perhaps a German Pomeranian mix is the breed you were looking for in a dog.
Best Climate for a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
While the Pomeranian is noted for thriving more in colder climates due to its thick coating, the length is balanced out by its German Shepherd counterpart, and thus the German Pomeranian mix should thrive in most climates, provided the owner regularly keeps up with grooming duty.
As warned above, please do not shave the German Shepherd Pomeranian’s coat, as it protects it from all sorts of UV rays to cold and hot weather elements.
The Attention a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Needs
While the German Shepherd may have a reputation for being okay with being solitary for extended periods of time, the Pomeranian half of this hybrid breed loves socializing. Of course, in truth, all dogs love the presence of their owners and shouldn’t be away from their family for more than a day.
Your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix should never be chained outside alone, and should instead be around family members at all times in order to feel included and loved among the pack.
Compatibility with Kids
German Shepherd Poermanian mixes are excellent with children, inheriting patience and a love of fun from both its parents, yet also being just slightly larger than its Pomeranian half to make avoiding injury from overexcited kids a little easier.
However, it’s best to supervise play between younger, wilder children and your pet, and it’s absolutely necessary to be present while unfamiliar children are around your dog.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix should have no problem coexisting with the other animals in your house, as long as it was socialized properly and introduced to them slowly.
Be wary of pairing your German Pomeranian mix with a larger breed as it may rarely overstep its bounds, irritating the larger animal and figuratively bite off more than it could chew. Boundaries and rules are something it shouldn’t take long to learn!
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