Shepherd Husky vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

What a beautiful dog the Shepherd Husky is. He is a mix between the Husky and the German Shepherd. Other names for him include Gerberian Shepsky, German Husky and Siberian Shepherd.

The German Shepherd originated in Germany and the Husky is from Siberia. We assume this mixed breed dog was bred in the USA. The true origin of the German Shepherd Husky dog is unclear but both the parent breeds have long histories.

The dog is recognized as a Hybrid by both the Dog Registry of America as well as the American canine hybrid Club.

The rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

Solid and strong, the German Shepherd Husky mix is attractive. He is a fairly large dog standing at 51 to 64cm in height and weighing between 20 to 40kg.

They’re powerful dogs these as they have a long history of being working dogs. The eyes of this beautiful dog can be brown, green or blue or a mix of these. The thick double coat protects them from the cold and in the warmer months, he sheds quite a bit.

The coat can be brown, black and tan or it can have creamy shades and be mixed with grey and white too.

Temperament:

The Shepherd Husky is a friendly, amicable dog who wants to please his owner. Training and socialization make him even more well adjusted. He is a dog that will get on well with children in the home as well as other dogs.

He is such an all rounder this dog – loyal, intelligent, social and loving - being great for accompanying you on walks and hikes but being willing to sit with you indoors too.

While he is adaptable and good natured and will happily live with his owner in the city or the countryside, he is better suited to life in the countryside. He also makes a great guard-dog.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

The German Shepherd Husky mix is such an ideal dog for single people, couples and families. This wolf-like breed is intelligent, loving,social and protective – the ideal family dog.

For those looking for an active dog that can be their jogging, walking and camping partner, this dog is for you. He loves to be busy, but he also loves being made a fuss of indoors too.

He has so many excellent qualities and is one dog breed that ticks all the right boxes for being such an all-round splendid pet and companion.

Your Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

This is such a robust dog that you an scarcely think of him being sickly and yet there are some illnesses that are common to all dogs and which your German Shepherd Husky mix might get as well.

Hip dysplasia is common in German Shepherd dogs as well as arthritis and thyroid dysfunction. Bloat and cancer are other diseases to watch for.

Hip Dysplasia:

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease characterised as a disease of the hip. The malformation can lead to arthritis and pain and ultimately lead to the loss of hip function, crippling your dog.

You will need to get your pet to the vet for treatment to make his life more comfortable.

Your pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

◆Brush the coat of your Shepherd Husky twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs. This dog’s hair sheds quite heavily as the weather warms and he may require brushing more often.

◆When you brush him, check the ears and eyes for infection. The eyes must be bright and clear.

◆Feel for unusual lumps on your pet’s body.

◆Provide your beautiful pet with a comfortable dry place to sleep.

◆Never neglect his exercise needs.

◆Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

◆Feed your Shepherd Husky the best food there is as he is an energetic, working breed. The commercially manufactured foods can be a good, convenient choice but you need to make sure it is one of the better brands.

Some of the cheaper brands are full of bad ingredients that can make a dog sick.Try and give him some home-made foods that are healthy and nutritious. This food can be added to his dry kibble twice a week.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a tasty healthy choice for your pet. Try and include some raw meat into the diet as well.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

The Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.