Do you want a near “perfect” dog breed? Well, these do not exist. What can you do then about it? It is pretty easy, simply do cross breed mixing. In this way, you combine the finest qualities of two dog breeds that you desire the most.
A German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a classic example of a successfully bred hybrid dog. This resultant mix breed between a German shepherd and a Mastiff has very many admirable features of a good dog.
The breed possesses courage, bravery and profound loyalty to us that is derived from the parents. Keep reading and learn more about this powerful breed.
Origin of the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix
The purebred German Shepherd has its roots in Germany, just as the name suggests. This mastiff shepherd breed was used mainly in military and police duties where they supplied food and other supplies to the German soldiers.
Furthermore, this breed grew in prominence and became so popular worldwide. The Mastiff’s roots can be traced from Central Asia a couple of years ago. They were used to patrol the streets at night to keep away poachers and intruders.
Later, the need for a braver, less tempered, stronger and more loyal friend became more common. This was when the two dog breeds were crossbred to produce the desired traits. Some pet parents in the 1800s used them for herding sheep.
Features of the German Shepherds and Mastiff Mix
This dog mix, let us refer to him as a Metis, grows to an approximate height of 60-70 centimeters. The females may grow shorter though. The Metis will be notable for their large bodies, big snout as well as pendent ears.
The metis has distinct colors that may range from red and black spots to lighter hues, i.e., sandy or silver. The GSD’s coloration will be more prominent though. Furthermore, the lifespan of the Metis is between 10 and 13 years. Their life expectancy will depend on various prevailing factors.
Since the parents are considerably huge dogs, this mix can grow up to about 80 pounds. The weight is dependent on their upbringing and the type of nutrition you subject the large breed too.
The concern with this large dog mix is the length of its fur. Also, the Metis hair ranges from medium to short lengths. The coating is dense though. The German Shepherd is known for their seasonal and sometimes constant shedding.
Plus, the Mastiff parent does not shed often. The amount of fur you have to deal with varies depending on the dominant genes in the mix. Constant grooming will, therefore, be necessary.
The German Shepherd Mastiff mix can perform some of the heavy haulings that their Mastiff parent is capable of; this should not be misunderstood to mean that all of them would. As the owner, you need to find on which side the mix is inclined to.
He could be more of the GSD or more of the Mastiff. The GSD version could be well suited for intelligent works such as hunting and herding; the Mastiff inclined one could, on the other hand, prefer cargo hauling to just sitting idle in the house.
Personality Traits of the German Mastiff Shepherd Mix
Purebred German shepherds are known to be very intelligent, loyal, and protective. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement and search and rescue.
German Shepherd Mastiff mixes inherit these traits along with the calm and gentle nature of the Mastiff breed. This mix tends to be affectionate towards their owners while also being wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs.
Purebred mastiff breeds are more known for their laid-back and easygoing temperament, which helps balance out the German Shepherd’s high energy levels. This mix is often described as being calm and patient, making them great companions for families with children or other pets.
Known to be guard dogs
Most German Shepherd dog owners appreciate their loyalty and protective nature. As a dog enthusiast, I personally love the versatility of the German Shepherd breed. They are also highly trainable and excel in various tasks, such as search and rescue, police work, and agility competitions.
Great physical appearance
Having German Shepherd parent breeds can contribute to their great physical appearance. They enjoy walks in the dog park with you or the dog sitter. and are always eager to explore new environments.
Considered high-energy dogs
Mastiff dogs are big dogs with a strong and muscular build. They require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Despite their size, mastiffs are known for their gentle and calm temperament, making them great family pets.
However, their size and strength can be intimidating to some, so proper training and socialization are important from an early age. Dogs with Mastiff parent genes may inherit these traits, so potential owners should be prepared for a dog that requires consistent training and socialization throughout its life.
A social mixed breed
The mastiff breed is known to be socialized properly and can be friendly and outgoing with other people. However, without proper socialization, they may become wary or aggressive towards strangers.
It is important for owners to expose their mastiff to various environments, people, and animals from a young age to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and social dogs. Socialization is crucial for these large dogs, as it helps prevent behavioral issues later in life.
Training and Temperament of the Mastiff Shepherd Cross
A Metis is the result of a cross breed between two very active breeds. The German Shepherd is known to be aggressive and protective. It is very easy to provoke this mastiff shepherd breed and can easily attack you if you infringe on their territory.
The Mastiff is also a high energy dog and can be used to carry some lightweight cargo. This means that the mix between the two would most likely be a high energy dog too. A lot of play time is, therefore, a must to tame all that excitement.
You should prioritize training the dog at a tender age so that she can grow up to be well behaved and social. Proper training ensures that your puppy will be controllable and calm when she grows up. You should make provisions to take out your puppy so he can socialize with other dogs.
Keeping her in the apartment the whole day will not be welcomed very much and may lead to aggression towards you and family members. These huge breeds, like the English mastiff or the Tibetan mastiff, are known for their need for exercise and mental stimulation.
Health Concerns of the German Shepherd Mastiffs
The German shepherd mastiff mix has the same probability of developing health problems just like any other breed. Some could be genetic, while others could just be acquired from its environs. However, susceptibility is different in various dogs.
To avoid all these health issues, insist on adopting a puppy or getting one from a recognized certified breeder. The adoption center or breeder has to give you a guarantee on the health of the puppies.
A health clarification certificate should be provided not just for health conditions but also for the parent’s temperament. If they won’t give you any, then do not give them any considerations.
The mastiff shepherd breeds have some common health conditions such as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. This is due to their immense weight that is supported at the hip. With proper health care, this can be controlled.
The right amount and type of nutrition help in controlling the dog’s weight as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Besides this health concern, watch out for obesity in your canine friend. Avoiding it lies squarely with you. Other health concerns include urinary tract infections, heart disease, dental problems, and allergies.
Mastiff Shepherds Mix Dog Care
The metis hybrid breed is from a parent who sheds a lot, while the other parent sheds moderately. Prepare yourself with all the necessary grooming equipment. Vacuums for pet hair should top this list.
You will have to brush her regularly and also bathe her with dog shampoos after a couple of weeks. Normal dog care routines like nail clipping, cleaning of ears, and others should also be carried out regularly. Despite your affection, maintaining the smoothness and sheen of your canine friend should not be that difficult.
The mastiff shepherd’s coat can resist harsh weather conditions and is relatively low-maintenance. Using a slicker brush or an undercoat rake will help you remove loose fur and properly groom thick coats to keep your mastiff shepherd looking their best.
Metis Feeding
Every dog breed relies on specific diets. Even mixes between different breeds will need nutrients that may not be the same as the parents. The proper diet can help prevent health issues with your mastiff shepherd mix.
Since the German Shepherd and Mastiff mix is prone to elbow and dysplasia, their meals should comprise of mostly fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine supplements as regularly as possible.
If you love your puppy as much as you say, do not overfeed her. You can even prepare the delicious homemade dog foods that she likes. Do not forget about the protein needs also.
Is a German Shepherd mastiff mix a good dog?
The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is considered a gentle giant and is known for its loyalty and protective nature. This mix often inherits the trainability of the German Shepherd, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a loving and obedient companion.
As protective breeds, they tend to create a special bond with their dog owners and are known to be very loyal and devoted. However, it is important to note that this mix may require early socialization and training to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and friendly dogs.
How much does a German Mastiff cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere between US$350 – $1100 for a German Mastiff mix. The price can vary depending on factors such as age, pedigree, and location. Other breeds, like the boxer shepherd mix, can be priced similarly or lower, ranging from $500 to $1500 on average.
What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Mastiff?
According to the American Kennel Club, the lifespan of a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is around 6–10 years. However, it is important to note that the life expectancy can vary depending on various factors, such as genetics, overall health, and the proper care provided to your canine friend. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and a loving environment can contribute to a longer and healthier life for a German Shepherd Mastiff mix.
How to train German Shepherd Mastiff mixes?
Most puppies are easy to train using obedience training methods, and German Shepherd Mastiff mixes are no exception. Start by establishing yourself as the pack leader through consistent rules and boundaries.
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior. Additionally, socialize your pup from an early age by exposing them to different people, animals, and environments to ensure they grow up well-rounded and confident.
Sometimes these mixed dogs will have destructive behaviors that will require additional training and patience. It is important to address these behaviors promptly and consistently. You can teach your Mastiff German Shepherd mix some basic commands
Consider enrolling your German Shepherd Mastiff mix in a structured obedience class or working with a professional dog trainer who specializes in large breeds.
This will help you address any specific challenges that may arise and ensure that your pup receives the proper guidance they need to become a well-behaved and balanced adult dog. Using a professional trainer can help you achieve your goals more efficiently and effectively.
It is crucial to start to train them at 1 year for proper character development. Introducing family members and those who will need protection from the canine is critical. The Metis would otherwise attack those that she should be protected if they are unknown to her.
A well-trained Metis will make an adorable companion to you and kids as well. She will be protective of the family just as the German Shepherd and Mastiff parents. Intelligence would depend on the dominant gene. If she leans towards the GSD parent, then expect high intelligence just as the parent.
That’s All About These Large Breed Dogs
From all these, we can conclusively agree that a German Shepherd Mastiff mix would be a great pet to own. She can be much fun and protective when properly trained. She combines all the immaculate features of both parents hence making her intelligent, hardworking and loyal.
All that will be expected from you is to be a loving friend. Give her the play time she needs, feed her on the right types of nutrients, groom her regularly, train her in obedience and give her foods once in a while for good behavior. Make this possible, and you will have the most amazing friend.
Last Updated on 16/03/2025 by Karen Snow
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!
Hi we own a Mastiff crossed with what we think is a German Shepard, she is 14mths old and weighs about 40 kegs she tends to pump and looks really tired when she comes from walking. Here in Gibraltar it is very hot, could I have some tips please? Thanks
walk in the morning and right before sunset when it is cooler