German Shepherd and Bloodhound – Breeding History compared
The German Shepherd and Bloodhound share a common ancestry. Both breeds are descendants of the ancient herding dogs of Europe.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the late 19th century in Germany.
They were bred for their herding and working ability. Known as a versatile breed, the GSD can be used for many different purposes, such as police work, guarding, and search and rescue.
On the contrary, the Bloodhound was bred for its tracking and hunting ability. It is an older breed with a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, back in England.
The Bloodhound was used by English royalty to track deer and other game. They were also used to track humans, such as fugitives and criminals.
Today, they are still used for tracking, but they are also popular pets.
The Bloodhound has an excellent sense of smell and can track a human scent for miles. This breed is still used today for law enforcement and search and rescue.
While the German Shepherd and Bloodhound share a common ancestry, they have been bred for different purposes and have different physical and personality traits.
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Why Mix a German Shepherd with a Bloodhound?
The main reason to mix a German Shepherd breed with a Bloodhound is to create a dog that has the best of both worlds.
A GSD- Bloodhound cross will inherit the tracking ability of the Bloodhound and the excellent working abilities of the German Shepherd.
This makes them an excellent choice for people who want a dog that can do it all.
They can be used for hunting, tracking, law enforcement, and even as a family pet.
German Shepherd Bloodhound Mix – Key Characteristics
Appearance
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix will inherit the physical traits of both parent breeds.
They will typically be large dogs with a strong, muscular build. They will have the long snout of the Bloodhound and the erect ears of the German Shepherd.
Size
The typical size of a German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder and they weigh anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds.
Males are typically larger than females, in both height and weight.
Males typically weigh between 80 and 100 pounds, while females usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
Their height will depend on which parent breed they take after more. If they take after the German Shepherd parent, they will likely be 22-26 inches tall. If they take after the Bloodhound parent, they will grow up to 24-28 inches tall.
Coat Type
This breed has a short, dense coat that is easy to groom. The coat is usually black and tan, but it can also be liver or red. They have a double coat, which means they will shed seasonally.
Colors
There are a variety of colors that your German Shepherd Bloodhound mix could inherit from their parents.
Some of the most common colors are black, brown, and tan. They can also be a mixture of these colors.
Behavior & Temperament
The GSD-Bloodhound Cross is loyal and protective of their family, but they can also be aloof with strangers. Socialization at an early age is important to help them become used to meeting new people.
To ensure this friendly breed maintains a stable temperament, they require a lot of exercise and stimulation. They make excellent family dogs, however, socialization and exercise will play an important role from an early age.
Protectiveness
This mix is an excellent choice for a family guard dog. They will protect their family from strangers and other animals.
While they are considered a friendly breed, they are also very alert and will make good watchdogs. An example of their protectiveness is their barking. They will bark to warn their family of anything suspicious.
Strength levels
The GSD-Bloodhound mix is a very strong breed. They are notorious for their strength and stamina.
This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you intend to use your dog. If you want a dog for hunting or tracking, their strength will come in handy.
An example of their strength is their ability to pull hard on a leash. If you are not used to walking a strong dog, this breed may not be the best choice for you.
However, if you are not an experienced dog owner, their strength can be a bit much to handle. They will also need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Speed levels
The GSD-Bloodhound mix is a fast breed. They can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. While not as fast as a greyhound or other racing dog, they are still very quick for their size.
This makes them excellent at running and playing. If you are looking for a dog to take on hikes or runs with you, this breed would be a good choice.
Exercise needs
The GSD-Bloodhound mix is a high-energy breed that needs a great deal of exercise. They need at least an hour of exercise every day.
Exercise sessions can be in the form of walks, runs, playing fetch, or even agility training. If their daily exercise requirements are not met, they can become bored and destructive.
Ideally, this breed of dog is best suited for active families due to its high energy level.
They would do best in a home with a large yard where they can run and play. They do not do well in apartments or small homes without a yard.
Training needs
The GSD-Bloodhound mix is an intelligent breed. They have incredible learning ability and respond well to training.
However, their independent nature can sometimes make training a challenge. They need a firm hand and patience when being trained.
This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train their dog properly.
Loyalty
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a very loyal breed. They will form a strong bond with their family and will be protective of them.
Intelligence Levels
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a very intelligent breed that is easy to train.
This is due to the fact that both parent breeds are highly intelligent. The German Shepherd is ranked as the 3rd most intelligent breed of dog and the Bloodhound is ranked as the 6th most intelligent breed.
This mix will inherit these high intelligence levels, making them easy to train for a variety of tasks.
Scent tracking levels
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix will inherit the strong sense of smell from their Bloodhound parent.
This keen sense of smell makes them excellent at scent tracking. They are often used in search and rescue operations due to their ability to follow a scent for long distances.
If you are looking for a dog that has a keen sense for track down missing people or animals, this breed would be a good choice.
Tendencies to Bark
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is known for its tendency to bark. This is due to the fact that they are very alert and protective of their family.
They will bark to warn their family of anything suspicious. If you are looking for a dog that will make a good watchdog, this breed would be a good choice.
Tendencies to Howl
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is also known for its tendency to howl. This is due to the fact that they are very vocal dogs.
They will howl to communicate with their family and to warn them of any danger. If you are looking for a dog that is very vocal, this breed would be a good choice.
Are They Good with Other Dogs?
The GSD-Bloodhound cross can get along with other dogs if they are properly socialized.
This means exposing them to as many different types of dogs as possible at an early age. This will help them to become used to being around other dogs and not be afraid of them.
It should be noted that this breed is typically more comfortable around certain breeds of dogs than others.
For example, they may get along better with another GSD-Bloodhound cross than they would with a Chihuahua. This is due to the fact that they share similar size, build, and energy levels.
Their occasional dominant traits could also make them incompatible with some dogs.
For example, they may not get along well with a dog that is submissive or shy. This is because the GSD-Bloodhound cross may try to assert its dominance over these types of dogs.
It is therefore important to properly socialize this breed early so that they can learn to get along with other dogs.
Are They Good with Children?
The GSD-Bloodhound cross is a great choice for a family with children.
This is because they are very loyal and protective of their family. They will bond with the children in the family and will do their best to protect them from harm. This is one of their most positive traits.
It should be noted, however, that this breed can be aloof with strangers. This means that they may not be as accepting of children that they do not know.
This is why socialization is so important for this breed. It will help them to become used to meeting new people, including children.
Nutrition needs
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a medium-to-large sized dog that will need a high-quality diet to maintain their health.
This diet should be packed with protein and fat to help them maintain their energy levels. It should also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to help them stay healthy.
Some of the best dog food brands for this mix are Acana, Orijen, and Taste of the Wild. These brands make high-quality dog food that will meet all of your dog’s needs.
Grooming needs
This breed will require weekly brushing to maintain its loose coat.
They shed moderately and may need more frequent brushing during shedding season. They should also be bathed as needed, typically every few weeks.
Their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis and their ears should be checked for dirt and debris.
Overall, the German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
Shedding levels
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a moderate shedder.
This means that they will lose a moderate amount of hair throughout the year. They may shed more during shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year.
Brushing them on a weekly basis will help to reduce the amount of hair that they shed around the house.
Drooling levels
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is known for its tendency to drool and slobber. This is due to the fact that they have loose skin around their jaws and mouth, which allows saliva to build up and drip out.
This can be a bit of a nuisance, especially if you do not like dogs that drool. However, it is something that you will have to get used to if you decide to own this breed.
Adaptability to Weather
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a relatively adaptable breed when it comes to weather.
They can handle both hot and cold weather, as long as they have access to shelter and water. They should not be left outside in extreme weather conditions, as they are not built for it.
Overall, this breed can adapt to most types of weather.
Health Issues
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are some health problems that they are more prone to than others.
While genetic health plays a factor, some of the most common health issues for this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and von Willebrand’s disease.
It is important to have your dog checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis to help catch any of these health conditions early.
Life Expectancy
The GSD-Bloodhound mix are great family companions with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
This is a relatively long life expectancy for a dog, especially considering the size of this breed.
The key to prolonging their life is to give them a high-quality diet and to take them for regular check-ups at the vet.
AKC Recognition
The German Shepherd Bloodhound mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
However, they are recognized by a number of other organizations, including the United All-Breed Registry and the International All-Breed Canine Association.
While they are not yet recognized by the AKC, this could change in the future.
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