How long does a German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Pit Bull (12–16 years).

Is a German Shepherd Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull Mix

A German Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Pit Bull. Most grow into large dogs of 45–80 lb and live 10–13 years.

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

Pit Bull, a purebred dog — Pit BullPhoto: Kpo!:D, Public domain, source

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

Weight45–80 lbcan be 40–90 lb

Height20–22 inat the shoulder

Lifespan10–13 years

SizeLarge

How big does a German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix45–80 lb

Pit Bull40–70 lb

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

Height runs 20–22 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 17–19 in for the Pit Bull.

Pit bull is a type, not one AKC breed. Size figures use the American Staffordshire Terrier standard.

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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull as confident, smart, 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 Pit Bull vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix	Pit Bull
Weight	50–90 lb	45–80 lb	40–70 lb
Height	22–26 in	20–22 in	17–19 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	10–13 yr	12–16 yr
Shedding	high	low to high	low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Terrier

Questions about the German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix get?: Most grow to 45–80 pounds and 20–22 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Pit Bull Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 10–13 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Pit Bull (12–16 years).
Does a German Shepherd Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull 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 Pit Bull mixes

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