Mixed dog breeds allow owners to get the best of both worlds.
Among them, one of the most striking and interesting breeds is the Carolina Shepherd dog.
This breed is a mixture between the Carolina dog and German Shepherd.
So if you ever dreamed of having a German Shepherd but were worried about their size, this is your right choice.
Here’s everything you need to know before owning this fascinating dog mix.
Carolina Dog – German Shepherd Mix
- Physical Appearance
- Personality
- Daily Care
- Health Issues
- Feeding Habits
Physical Appearance
Height: | 20 – 22 inches |
Weight: | 40 – 60 pounds |
Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
Colors: | Brown, sable, gray, black, tan, golden, or yellow shades |
Suitable for: | Families or singles with adequate space for training and exercise |
Temperament: | Intelligent, easy to train, loyal, energetic, gets along with other pets |
The Carolina Shepherd has a unique appearance.
The Carolina dog is also called Native American, Indian dog, or “yaller dog” across the internet.
So, don’t be surprised when you read those names during your research.
While they have the spots and colors of a Carolina Dog, they also have the long fur of a German Shepherd.
This can give them a very distinctive and striking appearance.
It should be noted that they might not always be simple to groom. [1]
Carolina Dog’s markings and the German Shepherd’s fur are challenging to maintain clean.
If you’re thinking about mixing these breeds, be sure to ask a groomer how to take the best care of their coat.
The Carolina Shepherd combination makes for a distinctive and wonderful family pet.
The Carolina Dog Shepherd mix is a well-liked option for mixed breeds.
Carolina Dogs are wise, devoted, and wonderful family companions. [2]
They are renowned for making excellent security dogs.
German Shepherds are admired for their devotion, dependability, and obedience.
Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes are the ideal size for most households.
They often weigh between 40 and 75 pounds.
They’re also comparatively simple to train and typically excellent with kids.
They are 20-22 inches tall, which makes them shorter than the Great Shepherd.
Their fur colors can vary from brown, sable, gray, black, tan, golden, and even yellow shades.
The puppy may have features like tiny feet and golden or yellow colorings.
Mainly due to the genes of the Carolina Dog, as this is unusual for German Shepherds. [3]
Personality
The German Shepherd Dog and the Carolina Dog are two potentially lively breeds.
Keep an eye out for that conduct because they can be curious little fellas.
Every dog wants to be petted and needs company.
So, make an effort to socialize it because it will be beneficial in the long term.
Although they have their own opinions, you should train them with positive reinforcement.
As they can get moody and mad for not letting them do what they want. [4]
Daily Care
Exercise
To stay healthy, the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix requires regular exercise.
Two hours per day is an excellent starting point.
If your pet is more energetic, you may find that they need additional time to burn off its fuel.
Walks, fetching, and trips to the dog park are good for this breed.
Open spaces where running is permitted are all excellent examples of suitable exercises.
This dog breed is easy to train, but it does require a confident trainer at this time.
If not properly trained, this dog can assume the role of pack leader.
If this occurs, training can become extremely difficult.
The intellectual ability of this breed will make things simple.
This goes especially if you’ve trained dogs before.
One advantage of owning a Shepherd Mix is that they’re extremely easy to train.
However, it is critical to start early and be continuous in your training methods. [5]
Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, so reward-based training is generally the most effective.
When your Carolina Shepherd does something good, reward them with a treat or toy.
If your dog is misbehaving, you must correct them right away.
Begin by giving them a time-out for a moment or two, then resume your training regimen.
Fun fact is that there is even a Carolina German Shepherd Working Club for this mixture breed.
Also please consider to get a dog from a rescue, instead of getting a dog from a breeder.
Grooming
Carolina Dog sheds due to the German Shepherd’s hereditary thinning.
Grooming is required regularly to keep German Shepherd mixes looking their best.
Brushing and using an undercoat rake at least twice a week is recommended.
Baths with deshedding conditioner and shampoo regularly will also help.
Carolina German shepherd mix’s coat should get brushed once a week.
This will help remove dead hair and help spread natural oils.
Unless they get dirty, they only need to be showered every few months.
Its owners should also trim their dog’s nails once or twice a month to prevent them from becoming too long. [6]
To help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, owners should brush their dog’s teeth at least once a week.
Puppies should get used to being groomed from an early age.
Keeping your dog’s nails at an appropriate length is helpful.
Providing routine dental cleanings will also benefit him.
Dental problems can be excruciatingly painful.
So, they should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Health Issues
To consider the health issues of this breed, you should know the genetics of both breeds.
The Carolina Dog is regarded as one of the healthiest dog breeds available.
They are immune to many of the genetic disorders that other overbred dogs suffer from.
This is because they have lived in the wild for so long.
The German Shepherd, on the other hand, has a few medical issues.
So the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix may be prone to the problems that the German Shepherd is prone to. [7]
Minor Conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Skin Allergies
Severe Conditions:
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Pannus
- Epilepsy
- Volvulus
A reputable breeder should be honest about health issues and their frequency.
Health certifications demonstrate that a dog was cleared of a specific condition.
The German Shepherd Dog may be susceptible to ivermectin, among other things. [8]
Feeding Habits
Diet is frequently done on a per-dog basis.
Each one is distinct and has distinct dietary requirements.
The majority of dogs in the United States are overweight.
A combination like this is which is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
So they should start taking fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements promptly.
A raw food diet is beneficial for lowering the risk of major health conditions.
Overfeeding any dog isn’t a good idea.
It can aggravate health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia. [9]
Wiener Dog – German Shepherd Mix
Height: | 8 – 26 inches |
Weight: | 16 – 19 pounds |
Lifespan: | 10 – 14 years |
Colors: | black, creme, sable, marble, tan, silver |
Fur Type: | short to medium length; smooth or wavy |
Temperament: | Intelligent, easy to train, loyal, energetic, gets along with other pets |
The Dachshund Shepherd is an unexpected designer dog, but one that appears to work well.
It comes from a Wiener dog mixed with a German Shepherd.
Its German parents are different in terms of trainability and temperament.
His size is an interesting cross between two breeds.
The Dachshund is the smaller variety.
And the GSD is a type that ranges in size from medium to enormous.
The German Shepherd Wiener dog mix varies in its size, temperament, and activity level. [10]
Collie – German Shepherd Dog Mix
Height: | 65-80 pounds |
Weight: | male: 21-29 inches; female: 18-24 inches |
Lifespan: | 10-17 years |
Colors: | black, brown, fawn, white, sable |
Fur Type: | medium to long; straight; dense |
Temperament: | Intelligent, easy to train, loyal, energetic, gets along with other pets |
This dog is a cross between the guarding German Shepherd Dog and the herding Border Collie.
They stand about 25 inches tall, weigh about 70 pounds, and live into their twenties.
Collies are intelligent working dogs with athletic and agile personalities.
They require a lot of attention and exercise.
Adult German Shepherd Border Collie mix dogs are protective towards their families.
However, they are always wary of strangers. [11]
Chow – German Shepherd Mix Dogs
Height: | 19-26 inches |
Weight: | 60-95 pounds |
Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
Colors: | red, tan, dark brown, black, white |
Fur Type: | long, thick and fluffy |
The Chow Shepherd is a cross between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd dog breeds.
They are medium to large in size, defensive, and fun-loving.
These pups retained some of their parents’ best qualities.
Sheprachow is another name for the Chow Shepherd.
German Shepherd Chow mix dogs are not suitable for inexperienced dog owners.
But if you’re searching for a watchdog and all-around companion, this pup could be for you.
Larger homes with yards are ideal, but they are not required.
This goes as long as they get plenty of exercise.
While Chow Shepherds do not bark excessively, they do alert when outsiders approach. [12]
Is It a Good Family Dog?
Yes, it is a good family dog.
The Carolina Dog is a herding animal.
They need to be shown devotion and proper care by their own families.
They will accept that family as a member of their pack.
This means that caring for these dogs will reward you with loyalty, affection, and love.
The German Shepherd is very similar.
This dog breed is known for protecting and saving children, making it ideal for the home.
Their protective essence makes them excellent guard dogs.
But their love for their family ensures they are always by your side. [13]
Families can feel comfortable and secure by combining these two wonderful breeds.
Children will be able to reap the benefits of growing up with a well-mannered dog breed.
Most Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mixes will get along well with children.
But, it is critical to remember that each dog is unique and should be treated as such.
So you should do your research and find a reputable breeder.
This will help you get a dog that is compatible with children. [14]
A responsible breeder will be willing to provide you with details, giving you an idea of what to expect.
Does It Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, it gets along with other pets very well.
The Carolina Shepherd mix can usually be trained to live with other animals inside the house.
Keep in mind that the Carolina Dog is a prey-driven animal with a docile personality.
Introduce these dogs, or their mixes, into a household with cats or other small pets with caution and at a young age.
This will enable you to avoid any undesired issues.
Studies have shown that this crossbreed is very trainable. [15]
Sometimes, you cannot introduce them very easily.
So you should try a step-by-step introduction.
You should let them meet for 5-10 minutes in a calm environment where they both feel safe and comfortable.
You should give them the same amounts of food at the same time and pet them both at the same time.
If the Carolina Shepherd tries to attack the other pet, leave the room and show them you’re mad.
This will let them realize that they will be treated with love only
If they accept the other pet in the house. [16]
Final Verdict
The Carolina Shepherd is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Carolina Dog.
Physically, it is smaller than the German Shepherd, and its fur varies in many colors.
It is ideal for families, gets along well with children, and can be easily trained.
Consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder for detailed information.
References