How long does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 6–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Mastiff (6–10 years).

Is a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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German Shepherd Mastiff Mix

A German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Mastiff. Most grow into giant dogs of 85–160 lb and live 6–10 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Mastiff, a purebred dog — MastiffPhoto: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight85–160 lbcan be 50–230 lb

Height25–28 inat the shoulder

Lifespan6–10 years

SizeGiant

How big does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix85–160 lb

Mastiff120–230 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Mastiff Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 25–28 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 27.5–30 in for the Mastiff.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low to high

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Mastiff moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Mastiff as courageous, dignified, good-natured. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Mastiff Mix	Mastiff
Weight	50–90 lb	85–160 lb	120–230 lb
Height	22–26 in	25–28 in	27.5–30 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	6–10 yr	6–10 yr
Shedding	high	low to high	low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix get?: Most grow to 85–160 pounds and 25–28 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–230 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 6–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Mastiff (6–10 years).
Does a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix shed?: Shedding is low to high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Mastiff Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Mastiff mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.