By Macy Gen Veterinary AssistantMacy Gen Last updated: 18th October 2022

Alaskan Shepherd

By

Macy Gen Veterinary Assistant Macy Gen
Last updated: 18th October 2022

The Alaskan Shepherd is a result of crossing the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd dog. These dogs have a wolf-like appearance similar to its parent, the Alaskan Malamute. They also have a well-muscled, strong body and attractive eyes. This athletic breed is well-suited as a pet because of its friendly and sociable nature.

Alaskan Shepherd Pictures

Quick Information

CoatOuter coat: Thick and rough; Undercoat: Soft and dense
ColorShades of gray, black, brown, red, liver and gold
Breed TypeCrossbreed
Group (of Breed)Designer
Lifespan10 to 13 years
SizeBig
Weight64 to 130 pounds
Height21 inches to 28 inches
TemperamentSmart, Friendly, Affectionate
BarkingBarks when necessary
HypoallergenicNo
Good with childrenYes
OriginatedUnited States Of America
Competitive RegistrationIDCR, DBR


History

The intention of designing this breed was to create a sled dog that would pull heavy goods, just like the Alaskan Malamute, an active working dog. In the year 2009 they gained recognition by the International Designer Canine Association.

Temperament and Personality

This German Shepherd-Alaskan Malamute mix are affectionate and amicable, also being highly attached to their family. They also get along well with the children of the family, though an adult must supervise when they are interacting with the little ones because of their large size. This alert breed is highly protective towards its family, forming ideal watchdogs, a quality that they may have inherited from the German Shepherd. They keep a close vigilance on people they find strange or suspicious also passing out a warning before any attack.

Care

Exercise

These large-sized dogs need regular exercise in the form of a walk or a jog to be kept healthy and hearty. Lack of activities can bore them, making them aggressive and destructive.

Grooming

Their thick, rough coat should be brushed using a firm bristled brush on a regular basis to be kept clean. Cleaning their eyes and ears and brushing their teeth regularly will prevent infection.

Health Problems

Some of the health problems this breed may have are cartilaginous exostosis (a disorder of the bone because of excessive formation of calcium) and chondrodysplasia in which there is a malfunctioning of several body parts.

Training

These smart-natured, headstrong dogs sometimes go on to act independently, in a stubborn way not willing to listen to the master. Therefore, the owners should handle this assertive breed in a firm way to keep them disciplined so that they do not show their authority over him. They should be given proper socialization and obedience training since their puppy days to help them interact well with other pets, as well as unfamiliar people. Use positive training methods rather than being harsh and rough.

Feeding

Keeping in mind their large size, feed them with healthy dog food divided into two equal meals. Add healthy vegetables in their diet to keep them healthy. Overfeeding these dogs will make them obese, also increasing the chance of being prone to a lot of ailments.

Interesting Facts

  • These dogs bark or howl for a reason when they see something strange or unfamiliar.

40 responses to “Alaskan Shepherd”

  1. Vicki Roberts says:

    Where in BC can I find an Alaskan Shepherd puppy…and what is the pricing range for a male puppy

  2. Melanie says:

    I love my 11 month old Alaskan Shepherd named Moka. He is extremely friendly and has such a great demeanour. He can get a bit aggressive when he hasn’t had exercise, however he is tolerant and sweet. He’s about 70 lbs, and 24 inches at the withers (top of the back). Me and my family absolutely adore him, and wouldn’t trade Him for anything. Though he has a hard time excepting me (an eleven year old girl) as the alpha to our pack. I really am looking into getting another puppy for Moka since he has separation anxiety and gets destructive if he doesn’t have something to do. He was my first dog, and is a pain in the rear at times. He’s extremely intelligent, but uses it to find ways to be dumb! ???? I wouldn’t recommend this breed as a first dog, only because of how stubborn he is at times. I love him so much, but he isn’t that affectionate towards me or my family, though I know he loves us. He needs consistent, strict training for he needs a ton of direction, and correction. Though I love him so much, and he is getting better day by day. I know in the end, he will be completely worth all the training and pain! Quick tip, get a shock collar which is completely harmless if you use it correctly.

  3. Joseph Costa says:

    I have a 5 year old and she is best dog ever. Very loving, very protective , and very smart. The best temperament. She loves to mother the other dog , and when we had a cat rescues as a kitten she mothered the kitten. she carried the kitten as if it was a puppy. She is protective of her other animals in house. I have a large fenced in yard she is let out and can run for hours a day to exercise. She will chase any unwelcome animal in the yard as if protecting her property from anything that does not belong.

  4. Kelsie Scott says:

    My Alaskan Shep was found in a ditch here in Canada up north. I can say he is the best dog in the world. At only 3.5 yrs old he is loyal and affectionate. And loves the dog park. We go from -40f – 95f. Between the snow and dog beaches it’s great. So if you’re looking for an Alaskan Shep, they are amazing dogs. Beware: they are massive shedders so make sure to keep on top of the fluff ????

  5. Brandon says:

    Where can I find this dog in California ???? i want one so bad. Weathers about 60-70 all year round where im from

    • Brooke Blanke says:

      I have a 3 year old available for adoption in the Las Vegas Area, I have been training him and he is smart needs a good home. please go to Farmanity Projects Facebook or email me at 4pawsvegas@gmail.com

  6. Grace M. says:

    We have a 9 year old Alaskan Shepherd who is the best dog in the world. We would love to find a puppy sometime fairly soon so he can help with the training and stability. We would prefer to be able to drive to come see a litter and pick one. Any breeders in or close to MT?

  7. JayDog says:

    I need breeders in Providence Rhode Island , or breeder period that get me this dog at a set price !!

  8. Jordan Bever says:

    Looking for a breeder! I live in WI

    • NICOLE says:

      I have one male left he’s 13 weeks now and he’s more then ready for a home parents on site I life in South Carolina though

    • jim says:

      Mine use to be good with all domestic animals including ferrets. Until one day my daughter adopted a pitbull. My Rhonad got attacked 4 times in the same day by that dog. Not good around other dogs now.

    • Christie Jones says:

      I may be having a litter early October. This is an experimental litter 1st time. Dam is a long haired solid black working line GSD and father is an Alaskan Malamute with a wooley coat. I’m In ND.

  9. Mary Truby says:

    Does anyone have any experience of Al Sheps with other pets? I have two cats and one other dog (Boston Terrier – v submissive). I have three children still living at home (ages 18-21) and two of these are men, so I would also like to know how I can teach a dog to accept me as the alpha (me being female).

    • Lucy says:

      My one year old Al Shep is ruled by my 2 cats, he’s male and fully accepts that I am the alpha (I’m female). Be firm but loving, and now a firm loud NO is all that’s required to rein him in! They are stubborn but beautiful dogs and as Logan as they’re socialised properly as a pup you should have no problems! Hope this helps!

  10. Madison McDaniel says:

    My Alaskan shepherd is Amazing she’s 4 months old and very protective

    • Greg W. says:

      Hi. How did the litter turn out? I would love to have a friend like that breed
      Have pics please? Email. Bigoldog50@ yahoo.com

  11. Kelly Connor says:

    I am looking for an alskan malamute shepard mix as a companion for my 7 year old malamute
    whose partner died last year

    Are there any breeders in ontario?

  12. Brooklyn Ramey says:

    Gwinnett georgia

  13. Lisa says:

    My Alaskan shepherd is the most wonderful sweet dog . He is also my service dog and does a wonderful job. He is 4 years old and he gets along with all kinds of other dogs . I take him to a dog park all the time and I have never had a problem. He can at times be a little headstrong so I would not recommend this breed for a fist time dog owner.

  14. Cristina says:

    I am going to have 7 Alaskan Shepherd puppy’s in a week or less we live in Alaska and she’s having seven of them just got x-ray of all the babies in her it was so cool to see them after feeling them move I can’t wait we have a full bred Alaskan Malamute and a full bred German Shepherd and the German Shepherd is the pregnant one I wish I could post pictures on here they are both great dogs the loves people and the German Shepherd does too but she is more protective if you put her on a leash she’s very protective just never been nobody but she tells you she’s there I do not know at this point how much to charge for the puppies I was told to start at $1,000. You can messenger me or PM me at Facebook cristina cristler vandort. I want to get their dew claws removed let me know your opinion on that. I feel that they hook up on things and are just in the way of the dog.

  15. LeeAnn Mumford says:

    I can’t find any breeders to look into, so if anyone can help me with that I’d be grateful.

  16. Ilya Anderson says:

    Please help me train my 6 month old Alaskan Shepherd! She won’t listen to me and chews everything in and out of the house!

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hello,
      Your dog may chew because of various reasons like separation anxiety especially when you are away from home, insecurity, hunger or even while teething, which definitely may not be the cause for your dog since he is already six months of age. Whenever you find him chewing do not show your anger or grab away what he is chewing, as it may trigger the behavior further. Instead, try distracting him by possibly making a noise or even stroking him on his neck or hindquarters. If he is still keen on chewing, get him a treat or perhaps a chewy toy that would be safe for him.

      • Mary says:

        My dog is about 5 years and still loves to chew. I keep plenty of large Nylabone toys which she loves and they really help keep her teeth clean, I think that might take care of your problem.

  17. Guylaine says:

    Can I know where there’s breeder in Quebec, Canada ?

  18. Andrew says:

    Looking for one of these. Please call me with info of where I can get one in the New England area 6179216763

  19. Shawn Fauntleroy says:

    How much do they shed

    • Phil Emmerson says:

      Not as much as our GSD. We have both?

      • James L Beauregard says:

        Not to bad, lol. In one hour I filled up 3 of them small plastic bags that you get at the checkout three days in a row. Then went down to one another week for awhile. But I wouldn’t trade or sell my girl.

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