The modern day German Shepherd breed is actually a cross between three types of shepherd dogs found in three different regions of Germany, and so could also be called a German Shepherd mix. They are the long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired shepherd dogs. They were initially bred for herding because they were strong, intelligent and had an excellent temperament. Later this cross breed called the German Shepherd became popular as guard dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs and military dogs. At the end of the 19th century the German Shepherd breed was refined and in 1908 it was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Shepadoodle is a new hybrid dog, which is a cross breed between a German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. It is one of the recognized crosses of hybrid dogs by the American Canine Hybrid Club. There are other combinations of cross breeding with German Shepherds, but unfortunately not all purebred dogs are 100% purebred, and hence it often becomes a multi generation cross.

It is generally believed that mixed breeds have a longer and healthier life than their purebred parents. This example has also been proved in the case of the German Shepherd mix. The German Shepherd has a genetic disease called hip dysplasia and when it is cross bred with another purebred, there is a remote chance that the hybrid dog will be prone to the disease.

The German Shepherd mix could, like any other mixed breed, be freed from some of the genetic diseases which are typical of the German Shepherd breed. Such a disease is hip dysplasia and often in the German Shepherd Mix the genetic disease could be absent because of the mixed breeding. Normally mixed breed dogs live a healthier and longer life than the purebred ones. Of course if both the parents have the same genetic disease, there is a great possibility that the disease will be automatically transmitted to the German Shepherd mix.

The German Shepherd or the Alsatian is a popular working dog, because it is intelligent, alert and confident and can be trained very well. It is known for its obedience and above all its loyalty to its family and especially to its master. It is extremely alert and is therefore a very good watchdog and has a natural aversion to strangers.

Unfortunately some German Shepherd mixed breeds can show the worst characteristics of both parents. The common breeds crossed with the German Shepherd are Chow Chows, Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. These guard dogs, which are the products of the German Shepherd mix, can be dominant and aggressive. This can prove difficult in families where there are small children, or there is an adult man or woman, who does not have a commanding voice and cannot control the dog. Also the German Shepherd mix could have either a very good or a very bad temperament for life as a family pet.

Also when it is bred with a Golden Retriever, a Labrador Retriever, a Collie or other mild-mannered dog, it totally overpowers the sweet temperament of these dogs. Some neurotic characteristics of the German Shepherd come to the forefront and the cross breed turns shy, but aggressive.

It is even worse to combine the German Shepherd with the Alaskan Malamute, because the latter has a tendency towards animal aggression, independence and stubbornness. So the German Shepherd mixed breed then becomes more than a handful and potentially dangerous.