Do you want to have a Pitbull German Shepherd? If you want to have this breed, you need to know the size, weight and also the price of it so that you can prepare the cost and also the right area at your home for them.
The Size and Weight of Pitbull German Shepherd Mix
Pitbull German Shepherd is a new breed. This dog is a mix between American Pitbull Terrier and German Shepherd. If you wonder about the size, there are a few standards. First, let's look at the size of the parents of this breed.
Pitbulls are characterized as a medium-sized canine. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are larger. So, the Pitbull German Shepherd mix is usually classified into a medium to large breed. Usually, the weight of this breed ranges from 30 pounds to 90 pounds and the height ranges from 17 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Male Pitbull German Shepherd can have 40 to 90 pounds of weight and female Pitbull German Shepherd can have 30 to 70 pounds of weight.
If you have a larger breed of dog like this, it means that you have to be ready for higher food and medical cost. Since they are mixed breeds, so their potential size is actually unpredictable. You have to be careful when you adopt a Pitbull German Shepherd because they may be able to reach the higher end of the weight and height that we mentioned above. So, you have to prepare for the possibility by making sure that you have room which is suitable for the size of your dog.
The Price of Pitbull German Shepherd Mix
How much does a Pitbull German Shepherd mix cost? The puppy of this breed cost around $200 to $600. In addition, you also have to think about the other expenses such as for chipping, crate, collar, neutering, leash and blood tests which can be totaled to about $450 to $500.
Besides thinking of the cost to buy it, you also have to think of the cost that you will need to spend for the medical expense and also non medical expense. Usually, the average annual medical expense is about $485 to $600. The average annual non medical expense is about $500 to 600.
After knowing the price of the puppy and also the expenses for their needs, are you ready to get this breed? If you are ready, it is important for you to know that there are not many breeders which breed Pitbull German Shepherd. So, it may be a little bit hard for you to find this breed. However, you are able to try to access some websites such as Lancaster Puppies, Greenfield Puppies, Puppy Find, Mittelwest, and Next Day Pets to find Pitbull German Shepherd.
If you decide to adopt an adult Pitbull German Shepherd, you are able to access Adopt-A-Pet, Petfinder, East TN Pitbull Rescue and ASPCA Adoption Center.
If you want to get a Pitbull German Shepherd puppy, you have to make sure that you buy it in a reputable breeder. Also, you have to make sure that the puppy that you buy has done health screening.
Training For Pitbull German Shepherd Mix
The fact about Pitbull German Shepherd is that this breed is not easy to train. If this is your first time to have a dog, then it may not be suitable for you. When you have this dog, you have to be a firm and confident alpha. If not, the dog will control you.
One of the training types that you are able to give to this breed is Positive Reinforcement. It can work well with the GSD-Pittie cross and he will learn more quickly with treats and praise than with punishment.
If you are able to socialize them at an early age, it will be able to help them to be able to interact better with the other animals. Also, it will encourage a better sense of adaptability in the dog. By socialization, it can also fix anxious and timid behaviour that they have. In addition, it will help them to be able to get along with your family members.
When you make them to socialize, it can consume a lot of time so that it requires you to be patient when you are doing it. You have to introduce your Pitbull German Shepherd puppy to a lot of people and then bring them to places that you often visit. By doing it, your dog will be able to be desensitized to new faces and environments.
This breed can be smart. However, they have a certain level of stubbornness when they are trained. So, it is recommended for you to follow a training plan consistently so that your Pitbull German Shepherd will be able to learn good behaviour.
Another thing that you need to know is that this breed likes to bark often. So, you need to be able to help them to control their excessive barking by giving them a certain routine. You are able to try including crate training and leash training.
When is the best time to train a Pitbull German Shepherd? You are able to start it when they are young. It can be around seven weeks old. If you train them when they are adults, it will be more difficult.
Feeding for Pitbull German Shepherd
When we talk about feeding for this breed, you have to formulate it for a medium to large size breed. It must contain high energy and exercise needs. As the first step, you are able to consult your vet or pet nutritionist to get some advice about the best feeding for your Pitbull German Shepherd and also the right portion for them. When your puppy Pitbull German Shepherd grows to be an adult, the dietary needs of them will change.
When they are still puppies, you have to take special care about their feeding. You can give them a high quality, low calorie diet which can keep them from growing too fast.
If they are not 2 years old yet, it is better for you not to allow them to run, jump or play on hard surfaces. However, you are able to allow them to play on grass or carpet.
What will happen if they are overfeeding? It can cause joint problems and also the other health problems. So, you have to limit treats but keep them active.
