Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 2nd February 2026

Shepherd Pit

Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 2nd February 2026

The Shepherd Pit is a big-sized designer breed, developed in combination of two of the most aggressive dogs, the German Shepherd and Pitbull. These muscular and robust dogs might either inherit the Pitbull’s short muzzle, half bent ears and whipped tail or the German Shepherd’s long muzzle, straight ears and bushy tail. Having two fierce-tempered dogs as its ancestors, the Shepherd Pit may have a dominant disposition.

Shepherd Pit Pictures

Quick Information

Other names	German Pit, German Sheppit
Coat	Short-medium sized double coat (Undercoat: Soft; Topcoat: Rough)
Color	Black, white, fawn, grey, brown, tan
Breed type	Crossbreed
Group	Designer
Lifespan/ Life Expectancy	10-12 years
Height (Size)	Large; 18-24 inches
Weight	65-85 pounds
Behavioral Characteristics/ Personality	Calm, loyal, strong-willed
Good with children	No unless socialized
Shedding (Does it shed)	Relatively high
Hypoallergenic	No
Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information	DRA
Country	U.S.A

German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Video

Other Similar Breeds

Temperament

They have a calm nature and somewhat affectionate nature that can be enhanced with proper training. The German Pit is loyal to its family, enjoying spending time with them. Though they may not need your attention always, contented enough to spent some time on their own, leaving them alone for prolonged periods might make them destructive. Since they take on the genes of the German Shepherd and Pitbull, the Pit-German Shepherd mix may inherit their guarding instincts to a certain extent, being protective towards its family and exhibiting wariness towards strangers. It could even be territorial with other dogs and get into a chasing mode on encountering smaller pets. While allowing them to interact with children ensure there is proper parental supervision and the dog has been well socialized.

Care

Exercise

It has a high exercise need, requiring two brisk walks a day, along with sufficient playtime. Keeping its excessive energy levels in mind it is not recommended to keep it in an apartment or enclosed space as it might get restless. Remember to leash it while taking it out.

Grooming

Though it does not need excessive grooming, brushing your Shepherd Pit with a brush having hard bristles on a weekly basis would be sufficient enough. It might resent grooming in the beginning, so you need to handle it gently and use positive reinforcements if needed, to help it get accustomed. Bathe it when it gets dirty and also check its ears and eyes once a week to keep any infections at bay. Brushing its teeth and trimming its nails are also essential.

Health Problems

Though healthy, the German Pit might inherit some of the conditions suffered by its parents like bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and heart problems.

Training

Training the German Shepherd mixed with Pitbull since its puppy days is mandatory, though an experienced master is preferred over a novice trainer.

Socialization: Having the genes of German Shepherd and Pitbull, it might exhibit aggression and biting instinct, for which early socialization is a must. Teach it to differentiate between a threat and a pleasant situation so that your pet understands that a crying baby or playful kids playing in the yard is not bad.

Obedience: Teaching it to follow commands like “stop” and “no”, is of great importance so that if your German Pit is up to anything destructive, it might calm down a little on hearing your voice.

Feeding

Feeding it 3-4 cups good quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient.

FAQ

What is the typical temperament of a Shepherd Pit?

Shepherd Pits are known for being loyal, intelligent, and protective. They often combine the herding instincts of a Shepherd with the strong, confident nature of a Pit Bull. Early socialization helps ensure they are friendly and well-behaved around people and other animals.

How big do Shepherd Pit dogs usually get?

Shepherd Pits typically weigh between 50 to 80 pounds and stand about 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size can vary depending on the specific mix of Shepherd and Pit Bull traits inherited from their parents.

Do Shepherd Pit dogs shed a lot and how should they be groomed?

Shepherd Pits generally have short to medium coats that shed moderately throughout the year. Regular brushing once or twice a week helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy. Bathing should be done as needed, usually every few months.

Are Shepherd Pits easy to train?

Shepherd Pits are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with consistent, positive reinforcement methods. Early training and socialization are important to manage their energy and strong-willed nature effectively.

What health concerns should I watch for in a Shepherd Pit?

Shepherd Pits may be prone to common health issues found in both Shepherds and Pit Bulls, such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet help maintain their health. Always consult a vet if you notice any unusual symptoms.

One response to “Shepherd Pit”

Johnathon Cardenas says:

November 15, 2020 at 10:23 am

What city is that dog in? That looks like my old Dog that I lost

Reply