If you are looking for a furry friend that is both hardworking and brave, the German Anatolian Shepherd mix should be at the top of your list. This designer dog can be intimidating at first, but it’s not without its charms.
Further, being a crossbreed, a German Anatolian Shepherd mix exhibits most of the noteworthy traits of its parent breeds. These include their high energy levels, devotion, and a strong sense of protection.
However, there is more to this cross than meets the eye. So keep reading to find out more about these unique canines, such as their physical attributes, possible health issues, how much they usually cost, and more. Let’s begin!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 22 – 29 inches |
| Weight: | 65 – 150 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7 – 13 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, white, gray, fawn, blue, liver, sable, isabella, brindle, blue fawn, red fawn, grey fawn, white & biscuit, black & red, black & cream, black & silver, black & tan, black & white |
| Temperament: | Headstrong, loving, loyal, fearless, assertive, clever, aloof |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children; individuals with active lifestyles; being a farm dog; being a watchdog |
What Is a German Anatolian Shepherd?
A German Anatolian Shepherd is a large mixed breed resulting from crossbreeding an Anatolian Shepherd with a German Shepherd. This relatively new hybrid, developed in the United States, has become increasingly popular as a family pet because of its high intellect, loyalty, and protective nature.
As with other Anatolian Shepherd and German Shepherd mixes, the Anatolian German Shepherd mix combines the best qualities of two purebred canines.
Hence, you can anticipate that this particular designer pup often retains all of the strength and commitment of a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) alongside the energy and endurance of an Anatolian Shepherd.
But because this is a crossbreed, it is vital to emphasize that there are no guarantees when it comes to their appearance or personality. In addition, they are not recognized by any major kennel club as an official breed.
Fortunately, though, the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR) accept these pups as legitimate and recognized crossbreeds.
German Anatolian Shepherd Origin and History
Despite its increasing popularity, the German Anatolian Shepherd mix is not a breed that is well-known outside the world of dog enthusiasts.
In fact, even within the community, it is hard to find many people who have heard of this mix before.
Nonetheless, the history and origin of their parent breeds are interesting enough to warrant a closer look. This will also help us learn more about the German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd mix’s background.
To begin with, the Anatolian Shepherd has been around for thousands of years. It originated in Turkey as an ancient sheepdog that was used to protect livestock from wolves and other predators.
The German Shepherd, on the other hand, was initially developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the 18th century.
He wanted to create a dog that would be capable of performing multiple tasks, such as herding, police work, and watchdog duties.
Given that both the Anatolian Shepherd and GSD are originally bred for working purposes, specifically herding, there is little wonder why their offspring turned out to be such outstanding companions!
German Anatolian Shepherd Appearance
As a mixed breed, the exact appearance of the German Anatolian Shepherd is hard to pin down and will vary between dogs.
However, they’re often described as gigantic and brawny, especially if they have a DDR German Shepherd parent.
You should also pay attention to their heads; they tend to be large and well-built, with broad skulls and powerful jaws.
Furthermore, this hybrid dog’s coat can be short or medium length and, in some cases, comes with an undercoat that gives it a fuzzy texture.
It’s worth mentioning that German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherds can be found in various fur shades as well, including black, liver, sable, blue, isabella, and even a combination of black and white.
But similar to their German Shepherd Dog parent, the actual coat colors on these dogs can change over time as they grow.
Watch the following clip to see what a German Anatolian Shepherd mix looks like in action:
German Anatolian Shepherd Size and Weight
A full-grown German Anatolian Shepherd mix can weigh between 65 and 150 pounds, with a height of around 22 to 29 inches at the shoulder.
However, if it has a dwarf or giant GSD parent, you can expect your puppy’s weight and height to be outside these ranges.
Additionally, factors such as nutrition, living conditions, genetics, and gender can all influence how big or small your fur baby will be as an adult.
But even though German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd mixes can vary in size, it is worth noting that they usually stop growing at approximately 18 to 24 months old.
German Anatolian Shepherd Temperament and Personality
By and large, German Anatolian Shepherds are prized for their strong work ethic, intelligence, and playful nature. They’re also very affectionate with their owners and are naturally protective of their family and home.
So with these personality traits in mind, it’s no surprise that this cross is one of the most sought-after hybrids in the United States today.
But keep in mind that if you opt to add a German Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd mix to your household, its high energy level can sometimes make training challenging.
Anatolian German Shepherd mixes are also usually known for being nervous and wary around strangers — so make sure your pup gets lots of socialization time with other dogs as well as people.
German Anatolian Shepherd Lifespan and Health Issues
On average, the German Anatolian Shepherd mix brags a life expectancy of 7 to 13 years. Though not as impressively lengthy as with other dogs, this is still quite remarkable for a large-sized crossbreed.
However, several aspects, including poor breeding practices, genetic mutations, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, can contribute to the early death of Anatolian German Shepherds.
Refer to the list below to learn more about some of the health issues that may affect your German Anatolian Shepherd mix:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: When an Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix suffers from degenerative disc disease, the bones in its spine have likely started to wear down and break apart. Warning signs of this condition include heavy breathing while sleeping, neck and back pain, limping, and shivering.
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV): Also referred to as bloat, GDV is a condition that requires prompt vet treatment. It occurs when the German Anatolian Shepherd’s stomach twists on itself, preventing food from moving through the digestive tract.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): DM is another disorder that affects the Anatolian Shepherd and German Shepherd mix’s spinal cord. This condition will cause symptoms such as weakness, loss of coordination, and problems with urination and defecation.
Apart from these health issues, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the lifespan of its GSD parent as well. This way, you can better prepare for what lies ahead in your Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix’s life.
Looking into pet insurance companies is also an excellent idea, as you’ll save money on vet bills and give your dog the best possible care should the need arise.
How to Take Care of Your Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix
If you really want to purchase an Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix, you need to know what kind of care they require. Note that this is a huge commitment, so preparing for the long haul is essential.
To give you a better understanding, below are some practical tips on how to take care of your Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix:
Food and Diet
German Anatolian Shepherds are generally big canines, so owners should ensure they’re getting enough food. To do this, you should invest in high-quality dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients.
Measuring the amount of food is also crucial, as these hybrid canines tend to overeat. However, 2 to 4 cups of dog food per day should be more than enough for a healthy weight gain.
One thing to note, though, is that your Anatolian German Shepherd mix’s weight, age, and activity level will still influence how much it needs to eat. This is also the case with its German Shepherd parent’s diet.
For example, if you have an older or less active dog, it’ll likely require fewer servings. Meanwhile, more active dogs with higher metabolisms may need more meals throughout the day.
In addition to getting nutrients and vitamins from food, it’s important to consider adding supplements to your four-legged friend’s diet as well.
Cleaning and Grooming
In terms of grooming, the German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd mix is not that different from other breeds. While they only shed moderately all year round, they still need weekly brushing to keep shedding under control.
On the other hand, the bathing frequency depends on the daily activities and lifestyle of the dog. If your German Anatolian Shepherd is used for hunting or working on a farm, washing once every two weeks is sufficient.
However, if your pet spends most of its time indoors, then monthly bathing will be ideal.
It’s also crucial to regularly check your Anatolian German Shepherd’s ears, skin, teeth, and nails for any signs of disease or infection that may require veterinary attention.
Training and Exercise
Regarding training, the Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix should be taught obedience, housebreaking, and socialization skills. Luckily, these are all relatively fun and easy to do if you start early.
You can begin by teaching your German Anatolian Shepherd basic commands with the help of positive reinforcement techniques. Specifically, when you train your pet, be sure to reward them with treats, toys, or praise.
Remember that the more positive feedback they receive during training, the easier it will be for your dog to learn.
Once they have mastered these initial commands, you can then move on to teaching more advanced ones, including leash, crate, and even agility training.
As for exercise needs, the Anatolian German Shepherd mix needs a good 1 to 2 hours of moderate to heavy exercise per day.
How Much Does a German Anatolian Shepherd Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
On average, the price of a German Anatolian Shepherd puppy ranges from $800 to $3,000. However, the final cost will still rely on the breeder’s reputation, as well as the color, sex, and overall health status of the pup.
Fortunately, adopting an Anatolian German Shepherd mix is also an option for pet lovers. For a price range of $100 to $600, you could find an already socialized, trained dog that just needs a loving family to take care of it.
In reality, though, ownership comes with various expenses that are not included in the price of the puppy itself. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food, beds, toys, initial vet visits, and more.
The following table outlines the initial expenses of owning an Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
Note, however, that these fees are not fixed amounts; they’ll vary depending on what kind of lifestyle you want for your German Anatolian Shepherd. Therefore, plan accordingly before deciding to bring one home with you.
Places to Find German Anatolian Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Since German Anatolian Shepherd puppies are somewhat rare in the canine community, it can be challenging to find them for sale or adoption. However, there are still some reliable places where you can locate these pooches.
To help you start, the following are some puppy advertising sites where you may be able to find German Anatolian Shepherd puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – If you want to guarantee that your German Anatolian Shepherd puppy comes from a reputable breeder, you’ll want to look for a breeder registered with the AKC. This organization maintains strict standards and will only register those who have gone through rigorous training and inspections.
- Greenfield Puppies – For the best selection of Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd puppies, the Greenfield Puppies website is a good place to look. They offer a searchable database for finding specific breeds by color, price range, location, activity level, registration status, and more.
- Lancaster Puppies – Another online pet advertising site where you can locate an Anatolian German Shepherd mix puppy is Lancaster Puppies. This site’s operators verify that all the dogs they promote meet specific health, vaccination, and breeding requirements.
In addition to buying from a breeder or kennel, you may also want to consider adopting an Anatolian German Shepherd mix.
Here are some sources where you can find a German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd mix for adoption:
- German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions (GSRA) – If you’re residing in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, GSRA may be the right place to go. This rescue was established in 1992 and has offered microchipped, vet-checked, and spayed or neutered German Anatolian Shepherds since then.
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) – GSROC is a rescue organization specializing in pure and mixed German Shepherds, including German Anatolian Shepherds. All these canines have been given any necessary medical treatment, are up-to-date on shots, and are trained for basic obedience.
- Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet lists adoptable Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes from all over the United States. So with the help of their search filters, you might be lucky enough to find one near your home.
Other than these rescues, you may also want to check Facebook and other social networking sites. You might find an Anatolian German Shepherd mix owner in your area that wants to rehome their dog.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Anatolian German Shepherd Mix
With its gentle and fluffy appearance, it’s hard to imagine that the Anatolian German Shepherd mix could have any drawbacks. However, like owning any other pet, owning this cross has its ups and downs.
Here are some of the pros of owning an Anatolian German Shepherd mix:
- Make excellent family companions: Due to their friendly nature and a strong desire to please, Anatolian German Shepherd mixes make great family pets. However, they are especially suitable for families with older children.
- Boasts high energy and durability: The Anatolian Shepherd German Shepherd mix is a dog that can take on any task. Thanks to the combination of its big size and mixed ancestry, this designer pooch has a lot of energy to burn and is incredibly strong.
- Great herd defenders: If you have a farm or a small backyard with livestock, you may want to consider owning a German Anatolian Shepherd mix. This hybrid has a strong herding instinct and will make sure that your cows, sheep, and other animals are safe.
Meanwhile, the following are the cons of bringing a German Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd mix into your home:
- Can be destructive if left alone for long periods: The Anatolian German Shepherd mix is an energetic, sharp-witted pooch that is happiest when given a wide variety of mental and physical activities. Hence, if left alone for too long, it will bark excessively and chew on furniture in an attempt to entertain itself.
- Not ideal for apartment living: Anatolian German Shepherd mixes are large and muscular canines, so they need a lot of space. Therefore, an apartment is not recommended as an appropriate living arrangement for them.
- Has high maintenance requirements: A German Shepherd Anatolian Shepherd mix is a designer dog that requires extensive care. Therefore, aspiring owners should be prepared to provide these pups with ample exercise, training, grooming, and socialization opportunities.
Having read about the advantages and disadvantages of the Anatolian German Shepherd, you can now decide whether or not this mix is suitable for you and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are German Anatolian Shepherd Mixes Good Dogs?
Yes, German Anatolian Shepherd mixes are typically good dogs. In fact, with just the proper training and early socialization, they can be exceptional.
However, due to their energetic disposition and constant need for exercise, they should be matched with fur parents who have the time and resources to meet those needs.
Families with young kids should also be careful about bringing home a German Anatolian Shepherd mix, as this hybrid breed is known for its large size and strength.
Do German Anatolian Shepherds Shed?
Both the German Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd are large dog breeds that shed hair all year long, so expect that German Anatolian Shepherds will shed a lot.
As a result, you should brush your pet’s coat regularly to prevent too much shedding. Just remember, though, that a good-quality comb or brush will help you achieve this task more efficiently than a cheap one.
Are German Anatolian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, German Anatolian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic.
These pooches shed like any other breed, and the hair and dander they leave behind can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to animal allergens.
What’s the Bite Force of the German Anatolian Shepherd?
Generally speaking, the bite force of the German Anatolian Shepherd mix falls between 238 and 700 pounds per square inch (psi).
This is because they have an incredibly impressive jaw structure, allowing them to exert a lot of force with their bite.
Further, they also have a relatively high percentage of lean muscle mass compared to fat, which adds to their overall bite force.
Final Thoughts
Anatolian German Shepherd mixes are generally loving, faithful companions. They have a strong sense of loyalty and will protect their family members from harm.
In fact, these designer canines can even be trained to be watchdogs if needed.
However, because they are so large, you’ll need to make sure that your yard is secure enough to contain them. You’ll also want to guarantee that your home has plenty of space for them to roam freely inside.
So, what do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts about the German Anatolian Shepherd in the comments below!
