How long does a German Shepherd Papillon Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Papillon (14–16 years).

Is a German Shepherd Papillon Mix easy to train?

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

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German Shepherd Papillon Mix

A German Shepherd Papillon mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Papillon. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–50 lb and live 10–13 years.

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

Papillon, a purebred dog — PapillonPhoto: Gvdmoort, 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.

Weight30–50 lbcan be 5–90 lb

Height15–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–13 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Papillon Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix30–50 lb

Papillon5–10 lb

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

Height runs 15–18 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 8–11 in for the Papillon. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

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

Very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Papillon very high; 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 Papillon as friendly, alert, happy. 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 Papillon vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Papillon Mix	Papillon
Weight	50–90 lb	30–50 lb	5–10 lb
Height	22–26 in	15–18 in	8–11 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–13 yr	14–16 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Toy

Questions about the German Shepherd Papillon Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Papillon Mix get?: Most grow to 30–50 pounds and 15–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 5–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Papillon Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Papillon (14–16 years).
Does a German Shepherd Papillon Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Papillon Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Papillon mixes

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