German Shepherd Pitbull Mix (German Pit) Dog Breed Information

Posted on Jun 26, 2019, Modified : Dec 6, 2019 Zina

Breeds

Country of Origin	United States
Nicknames and Other Names	German Sheppit
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Crossbred
Group	Guard Dogs Companion Group
Bred For	Family companion
Size	Large-sized
Recognized By	DRA
Life Span	10-12 years
Ideal Weight	65-85 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height	18-24 inches (male and female)
Fur Type	Short to medium length, soft outer coat, rough undercoat
Common Colors	Black, Gray, Brown, Tan, White, Fawn
Markings	None
Availability	Moderately available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	No
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	German Shepherd Pitbull

The German Pit is the blend of the two most powerful, fierce yet loyal, devoted, and kind breeds German Shepherd and Pitbull Terrier. It is also known by the names Shepherd Pit, German Sheppit.

Both its parent breeds, German Shepherd and Pitbull are from Europe but German Pit is believed to be developed in the United States.

The appearance of the German Pit is not easy to predict as it may resemble its Pitbull parent with a short muzzle, slightly bend ears. If German Shepherd, it will have a long muzzle and erect ears.

German Pit Sitting on the ground.
Image Source: Animalso

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the German Pit is protective, loyal, and very active like both of its parent breeds: German Shepherd and Pitbull. Although both German Pit’s parents have the reputation of dangerous breeds, its temperament and behavior completely depend on the way you raise them. German Pits are protective and at the same time loving and kind towards its people.

Behavior: The German Pit can be quite aggressive towards strangers and other dogs like its parent breeds. Therefore, proper socialization and training are needed at an early age to avoid any kind of danger from them.

Personality: The personality of the German Pit is very affectionate, intelligent, and fearless. They are very loving and crave for the affection of their people if raised properly. They are fiercely protective of their people but are very gentle and kind towards them.

Is German Pit Child-Friendly?

German Pit is good with children in the house and they adore them. They can be taken as the nanny for small kids as they are by their side protecting them and also tolerating their rough behavior.

Although, unfamiliar kids can be little risky around German Pit, so early socialization is necessary to make them gentle with unfamiliar kids too. whenever taking them out, always keep them on the leash.

A girl sitting with German Pit on the couch.
Image Source: Instagram-@boogrr

Trainability

Training German Pit is not hard as long as you are an experienced dog owner, who can establish a firm and consistent leadership on them. Train them with gentleness and never use force hand on them as it will only make them an aggressive dog while growing up.

Reward them with delicious treats and lots of vocal praises as a source of motivation. Once basic training is completed, enroll them in advance training that includes agility.

Facts

Although German Shepherd and Pit Bull are both popular breeds, German Pit is quite infamous due to Pitbull ban in many countries.
Pitbull is not registered in the American Kennel Club but the United Kennel Club has recognized it in 1898.

Health Issues

German Pit is a hybrid so it can inherit some health problem from its parent breeds: German Shepherd and Pitbull Terrier and some can be common canine diseases.

Hip Dysplasia: German Pit can inherit the hip dysplasia condition from its parent breeds. It is a condition where the hip bones of your dog are either dislocated or underdeveloped. It causes a sharp pain on the back of your dog making it hard for them to move from one place to another.
Atopic Dermatitis: It is a condition which causes the inflammation of your dog’s skin. It is caused by the number of environmental factors like grass, mud which causes an allergic reaction to your dog. To prevent it, keep the environment clean and also use a good quality shampoo for them to bathe.