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Shepherd Pit Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Shepherd Pit so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1961
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Shepherd Pit? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier mix

Shepherd Pit Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Shepherd Pit? Learn how big the Shepherd Pit breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Shepherd Pit weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Shepherd Pit breed.
22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Shepherd Pit?
50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Shepherd Pit? Shepherd Pit height:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Shepherd Pit?
19 inches (47.5 cm)

Shepherd Pit Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Shepherd Pit puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Shepherd Pit costs.
$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Shepherd Pit, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shepherd Pit for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shepherd Pit gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Shepherd Pit? How many Shepherd Pit are there in the world?
Frequent: The Shepherd Pit is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Shepherd Pit Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Shepherd Pit? Discover the Shepherd Pit's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Shepherd Pit dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Shepherd Pit is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Shepherd Pit? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's trainability and response to training methods.
Shepherd Pit dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Shepherd Pit as a watchdog? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's alertness and guarding instincts.
Shepherd Pit dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Shepherd Pit dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Shepherd Pit protective of its territory? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's guarding instincts and behavior.
Shepherd Pit dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Shepherd Pit Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Shepherd Pit have? Learn about characteristic Shepherd Pit temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousStubbornClownishAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyAffectionateObedientLoyalStrongWilledAggressiveWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Shepherd Pit sensitivity:
Sensitive: Shepherd Pit dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Shepherd Pit a good family dog?
High: Shepherd Pit dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Shepherd Pit need? Shepherd Pit social needs:
Shepherd Pit dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Shepherd Pit to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Shepherd Pit roam?
Shepherd Pit dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Shepherd Pit have high prey drive?
Shepherd Pit dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Shepherd Pit dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Shepherd Pit Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Shepherd Pit bark a lot? Learn about typical Shepherd Pit vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Shepherd Pit barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Shepherd Pit? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Shepherd Pit breed.
The Shepherd Pit is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Shepherd Pit live in an apartment? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Shepherd Pit indoors.

Shepherd Pit Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Shepherd Pit to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's flexibility to new situations.
Shepherd Pit dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Shepherd Pit be left alone? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's tolerance to solitude.
Shepherd Pit dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shepherd Pit Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Shepherd Pit biting potential? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's bite risk factors.

High 🔼

The Shepherd Pit has a high chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Shepherd Pit mouthy? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's tendency to use mouth during play.
Shepherd Pit dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shepherd Pit dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Shepherd Pit bite? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shepherd Pit bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Shepherd Pit measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Shepherd Pit is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Shepherd Pit bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Shepherd Pit bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Shepherd Pit puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Shepherd Pit, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Shepherd Pit bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Shepherd Pit can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Shepherd Pit Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Shepherd Pit live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Shepherd Pit breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Shepherd Pit: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Shepherd Pit handle different weather? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Shepherd Pit? Discover typical conditions affecting the Shepherd Pit breed.
The Shepherd Pit is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Shepherd Pit need vet visits? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Shepherd Pit should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Shepherd Pit breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Shepherd Pit breed? Most common health risks of Shepherd Pit:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeSkin AllergiesDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Shepherd Pit Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Shepherd Pit? Understand daily activity needs of the Shepherd Pit breed.
Shepherd Pit dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Shepherd Pit need? How much exercise do Shepherd Pit dogs require per day?

Do Shepherd Pit dogs need a lot of exercises?

Shepherd Pit dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Shepherd Pit breed need?
Shepherd Pit dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Shepherd Pit Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Shepherd Pit prone to weight gain? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's obesity risks.
Average: The Shepherd Pit has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shepherd Pit weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Shepherd Pit need daily? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shepherd Pit Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Shepherd Pit hypoallergenic? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Shepherd Pit dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Shepherd Pit come in? Discover all possible Shepherd Pit color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red Blue White SilverBrownYellow
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Shepherd Pit need? Learn about Shepherd Pit coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Shepherd Pit doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Shepherd Pit is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Shepherd Pit drool a lot? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's drooling habits.
The Shepherd Pit is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shepherd Pit could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Shepherd Pit.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Shepherd Pit smell bad? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Shepherd Pit has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Shepherd Pit have? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's fur characteristics.
FineFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Shepherd Pit need baths? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Shepherd Pit dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Shepherd Pit? Do Shepherd Pit dogs shed a lot?
Shepherd Pit dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Shepherd Pit breed.

Shepherd Pit Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Shepherd Pit good with children? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's behavior around kids of different ages.
Shepherd Pit dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Shepherd Pit get along with other pets? Discover the Shepherd Pit's compatibility with other animals.
Shepherd Pit dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Shepherd Pit temperament with other people:
Shepherd Pit dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Shepherd Pit dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Shepherd Pit breed live with a cat?
Shepherd Pit dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Shepherd Pit good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Shepherd Pit dogs get along with other dogs?
Shepherd Pit dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shepherd Pit is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Shepherd Pit breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Shepherd Pit breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Shepherd Pit dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Shepherd Pit dogs good office canines? Do Shepherd Pit dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Shepherd Pit is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Shepherd Pit dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Shepherd Pit temperament with senior people? Are Shepherd Pit dogs good for elderly owners?
Shepherd Pits are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shepherd Pit As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Shepherd Pit be a service dog? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shepherd Pit breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Shepherd Pit good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shepherd Pit breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Shepherd Pit good at detection work? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shepherd Pit breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Shepherd Pit do search and rescue? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Shepherd Pit breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Shepherd Pit good on boats? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Shepherd Pit breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Shepherd Pit pull carts? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shepherd Pit is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Shepherd Pit used in military service? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shepherd Pit Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Shepherd Pit usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Shepherd Pit pregnant? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Shepherd Pit: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Shepherd Pit have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Shepherd Pit Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Shepherd Pit in? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Shepherd Pit in? Learn about the Shepherd Pit's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Shepherd Pit Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Shepherd Pit dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Shepherd Pit dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Shepherd Pit doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Shepherd Pit is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Shepherd Pit dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Shepherd Pit dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Shepherd Pit dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shepherd Pits are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Shepherd Pit dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Shepherd Pit dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Shepherd Pit dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Shepherd Pit dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Shepherd Pit dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Shepherd Pit dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Shepherd Pit dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Shepherd Pit is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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