German Shepherd Mastiff Mix, a hybrid that may not be as popular as other mixes out there, but still has some truly great qualities.
As the name suggests, The German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes are a hybrid mix of standard German Shepherds and Mastiffs.
Image credit: hunterthemastiffmutt
They have a calm and gentle nature and are truly devoted to their owners.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the breed, and see if you should consider one of them.
German Shepherd Mastiff Breed Overview
A German Shepherd Mastiff is a unique mix of German Shepherds and Mastiffs.
Their physical appearance can vary depending on the type of Mastiff used in the development process.
The most common Mastiff Shepherds are hybrid of German Shepherds and Tibetan Mastiffs.
These dogs generally have a loyal and devoted nature and are mostly great at qualities that make up a perfect pet companion.
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Breed History
Since the breed is a hybrid of German Shepherds and Mastiff dogs, there is not much history to them.
Image credit: paw_shack
That being said, we still can summarize the history of both breeds and the origin of the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix.
German Shepherd, as the name, suggests belongs to Germany.
They were created in the eighteenth century to be used primarily as guards and watchdogs.
Thereafter, it didn’t take them long to impress people with their intelligent and smart personalities.
However, it was during the days of World War I the breed received the popularity it deserved and proved itself as a capable dog breed.
As of today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular and talked-about dog breeds out there. Mastiffs, on the other hand, belong to the mountains of Central Asia and have been here for centuries. They were (and still are) being used as guardians and police dogs.
At that time, creating a hybrid between German Shepherds and Mastiffs must have been a compelling idea.
And turns out it was as the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix has been widely recognized around the world.
German Shepherd Mastiff Size & Appearance
A German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is a bulkier and heavier variation of the standard German Shepherd.
It also shares some appearance traits with Tibetan Mastiff.
Tibetan Mastiff
Its coat color varies between shades of red, brown, and black.
Whereas eyes are mostly black with a spark of playfulness.
Overall, what you get is exactly what a hybrid mix of a German Shepherd and Mastiff should look like, and the result is eye-catching.
German Shepherd Mastiff Size Statistics
| Gender | Male | Female |
| Height | 24-26 inches | 22-24 inches |
| Weight | 80-100 pounds | 60-85 pounds |
German Shepherd Mastiff Breed Traits & Characteristics
Here are some characteristics of The German Shepherd Mastiff based on different categories. (Note: The following ratings are given on a scale of 5 stars/☆☆☆☆☆)
Family Life & Adaptability
- Adapts Well With Family – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Adapts Well With Kids – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Suited For Novice Owners – ☆☆
- Adapts Well With Other Dogs – ☆☆☆
Physical Needs
- Sensitivity Level – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Shedding Level – ☆☆☆☆
- Energy Level – ☆☆☆
- Exercise Needs – ☆☆☆☆
Friendliness & Socialism
- Allover Adaptability Level – ☆☆☆☆1/2
- Friendliness With Strangers – ☆☆☆
- Protective Nature – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Playfulness Level – ☆☆☆☆
German Shepherd Mastiff Personality
A German Shepherd Mastiff Mix has a lot in common with both German Shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff.
In simple words, they offer the best of both worlds.
Mastiff Shepherds have a very gentle, sweet, and down-to-earth personality.
They’re devoted and loyal like German Shepherds, and proactive and playful like Mastiffs.
They can play with kids, go on a walk with you, and even help in some little everyday tasks.
And if trained and socialized properly, they can be great guardians as well.
All of this combined makes them a great option for families.
Personality Traits & Characteristics
- Easy To Train – ☆☆☆
- Intelligence Level – ☆☆☆☆
- Barking Level – ☆☆☆
- Mental Stimulation/Arousal Needs – ☆☆☆
German Shepherd Mastiff Healthy & Care
German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes can suffer from a variety of problems due to their large size.
The most common problem seen with them is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia.
These are joint-related conditions and can cause problems in their movement.
Another one is the risk of diabetes, considering how common it is in standard German Shepherds.
Some other health problems Mastiff Shepherds can suffer from include:
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Epilepsy
- Heart Issues
- Urinary Tract Infections
Overall, you would need to take proper care of your Mastiff Shepherd for it to stay healthy.
The main thing to look out for is obesity, as it alone can lead to many other diseases.
However, a daily dose of intense exercise will make it much more unlikely.
Healthcare & Grooming Needs
- Overall Health – ☆☆☆
- Drooling Level – ☆☆
- Easy To Groom – ☆☆☆☆
- Potential For Weight Gain – ☆☆☆
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Information
- Bred For – Guarding
- Coat Information – Medium Sized, Black, Brown, Tan Color
- Color – Black, Fawn, Brindle, Tan
- Markings – Black Mask
- Average Life Expectancy – 9-12 Years
- Nicknames – ‘Mastiff Shepherd’, ‘German Mastiff’, ‘GSD Mastiff’, ‘English Mastiff Shepherd’
- Suited For Domestic Life – Yes
- Group Recognition – Herding Group
- Best Suited For – Active Families, Experienced Owners
Some Interesting Facts About German Shepherd Mastiff Mix
- German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes can become overweight if not exercised regularly. This obesity can also lead to some other health problems. Therefore, they need to exercise consistently.
- If left alone for too long, Mastiff Mixes can become bored. Then they may start barking, digging, or causing chaos. So, if don’t have sufficient time or don’t go out too often, then German Shepherd Mastiff isn’t the dog for you.
- German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes can get quite suspicious of strangers, and may even start barking at them. Now, the thing is that stranger can be anyone from your friend to a thief. Therefore, you must provide them with proper obedience training so that they can differentiate between a thief and your loving one.
- Puppy Mastiff Mixes love to relax and laze out instead of doing anything physical. You must encourage them to do anything or otherwise, they’ll prefer to sleep. Pretty understandable considering that it’s their puppy-hood.
- Just like German Shepherd, GSD Mastiff Mixes shed a lot. So much so that you would need a proper vacuum cleaner to clean their fur remnants or otherwise your whole house would become a mess within a few days.
- German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes are great watchdogs. They are incredibly devoted and protective. Owning one of them will make your home safe from thieves and robbers.
- German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes have a very gentle and compliant nature. For a breed of their size and shape, they’re relatively quiet dogs. They can also be safely left with children. All of this makes them a really good family companion.