adopting a mix breed, any info?

**Asiel** · 05-23-2011, 01:50 PM

While a Dane/Shepherd might be cute as a pup the end result is nearly always the same. The mix is a recipe for disaster. I''ve seen 4 people adopting these mixes and it never ends well. If you research the two breeds both have the same issues with the backs so putting the two together is asking for huge vet bills and losing your dog at a very early age. Canine Myeolopathy is one of the issures that will wreck havoc with both breeds to only name one. Degenerative disk disease is another issue that will pop up. I have a friend who works for a Dane rescue and he has seen quite a few of these mixes, others also but these are the most common, don't know why.

**BdaBoss** · 05-23-2011, 02:43 PM

He is a light tan coloring, with dark shepherd features in the face.
the humane society we are adopting has recommended some local one on one trainers, they also urged positive reinforcement. sounds like a plan to me!

I've been looking for prevenitive measures but so far no such luck, any suggestions?

**Freedom** · 05-23-2011, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by BdaBoss

He is a light tan coloring, with dark shepherd features in the face.
the humane society we are adopting has recommended some local one on one trainers, they also urged positive reinforcement. sounds like a plan to me!

I've been looking for prevenitive measures but so far no such luck, any suggestions?

Thanks for the photo! Aw, big Dane look with GDS ears, ha ha haaa. Handsome!

Why are they sending you to a one on one trainer? Does he already have behavior issues?

One on one training costs much more than group classes. In a group setting, your dog is learning to work with you when other dogs and other people are around. You do the same 1 on 1 home work, with no distractions, between sessions. Unless the dog has issues, I encourage group sessions.

**BdaBoss** · 05-23-2011, 07:41 PM

they arn't "sending" us to a trainer, just suggested it. he is still a pup and we are new owners, so they felt it would help with the training for him as well as us. the one on one trainer is what we talked about because theirs a guy that trains animals from this shelter for $70ish for a month.

and his name is Duke!
thank you for all the comments! you guys are very friendly

**luvofallhorses** · 05-23-2011, 08:40 PM

Honestly I don't see any GSD in that dog. Mainly Great Dane and he could possibly be a Malinois mix which are A LOT A LOT of dog and not for the faint of heart.

Will he be your first dog? Behavior issues can come up in any dog, regardless of breed. Just get him into obdience classes right away, he probably has a lot of energy and you just have to be prepared to meet his needs.

Information on Malinois.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian..._Dog_(Malinois)

**BdaBoss** · 05-24-2011, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by luvofallhorses

Honestly I don't see any GSD in that dog. Mainly Great Dane and he could possibly be a Malinois mix which are A LOT A LOT of dog and not for the faint of heart.

Will he be your first dog? Behavior issues can come up in any dog, regardless of breed. Just get him into obdience classes right away, he probably has a lot of energy and you just have to be prepared to meet his needs.

Information on Malinois.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian..._Dog_(Malinois)

This is my first dog on my own, but have had 2 growing up. I know there is a big difference though, when it comes to taking care of them.

his behavior is defintely german shepherd, I've had 2 of them. but as far as physical looks, his GSD is all in the face, very distinguished gsd marks. I'll try to post better pics soon

**BdaBoss** · 05-24-2011, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by Freedom

Thanks for the photo! Aw, big Dane look with GDS ears, ha ha haaa. Handsome!

Why are they sending you to a one on one trainer? Does he already have behavior issues?

One on one training costs much more than group classes. In a group setting, your dog is learning to work with you when other dogs and other people are around. You do the same 1 on 1 home work, with no distractions, between sessions. Unless the dog has issues, I encourage group sessions.

all around he is a pretty good dog. behavior isn't too much of a problem at this point. but he is a pup and I'm a new owner. thats why we discussed trainers with the shelter. I thought one on one would be better. but what you said makes alot of sense....definitely considering class training instead of one on one.

**Freedom** · 05-24-2011, 09:29 AM

As a first time "all by myself" owner,

I suggest you read Patricia McConnell's book, The Other End of the Leash. I found it at my library, liked it so much I bought a copy on amazon.com

Any word from your landlord yet? Do you have a "Coming Home" date yet? Oh you must be so excited!!!

**luvofallhorses** · 05-24-2011, 06:41 PM

Sorry but I am not seeing the GSD personally. Enjoy your pup, he will be a lot of work but worth it.

**BdaBoss** · 05-25-2011, 12:32 PM

we brought him home on monday, told my landlord yesterday. she wasn't too fond of his size but okay'd us having him.

took him too the dog park yesterday. there were all sorts of dogs there and he got along with them all. he wanted too run a nd play with them but he isnt ready to be off his leash yet

**BdaBoss** · 05-25-2011, 12:33 PM

Thank you Freedom

**dab_20** · 05-23-2011, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Asiel

While a Dane/Shepherd might be cute as a pup the end result is nearly always the same. The mix is a recipe for disaster. I''ve seen 4 people adopting these mixes and it never ends well. If you research the two breeds both have the same issues with the backs so putting the two together is asking for huge vet bills and losing your dog at a very early age. Canine Myeolopathy is one of the issures that will wreck havoc with both breeds to only name one. Degenerative disk disease is another issue that will pop up. I have a friend who works for a Dane rescue and he has seen quite a few of these mixes, others also but these are the most common, don't know why.

This is not necessarily true. While certain diseases are common among breeds, they don't happen to every dog. I also do not believe two breeds that have the same common diseases put together makes them much more of a risk then the two separate breeds alone. Although, I am not incredibly educated on genetic diseases and how they effect mix breeds.

He is absolutely beautiful! Did you end up adopting him? Any name yet?

**Karen** · 05-23-2011, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Asiel

While a Dane/Shepherd might be cute as a pup the end result is nearly always the same. The mix is a recipe for disaster.

As dab_20 said, this is not true for every dog, some will be perfectly fine. As long as the owner is aware of issues like paying attention to back and hips, making sure not to let him run or play a lot right after eating to guard against bloat, and getting a good relationship with a vet at the beginning of your time with the pup, many issues can be forestalled and in some cases prevented.