10 Energetic German Shepherd Mixes Your Active Family Will Adore

Noble, confident, loyal, and gentle are just a few ways to describe wonderful German shepherds. Whether they're courageous K-9s or making unlikely friendships with other creatures, German shepherds continue to be one of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

In fact, they consistently rank in the top five favorite breeds, and there are many reasons why. Individuals and families alike appreciate qualities such as:

• Calm dispositions matched with high intelligence
• Ease of early socializing and positive reinforcement training
• Abundant energy, which makes them perfect canine companions for active people

These characteristics also make them top choices for crossbreeding. But before you set your pet-loving sights on a particular German shepherd mix, keep a few key things in mind.

Choose a German Shepherd Mixed Breed Carefully

Patrick Singletary, DVM, owns Good Dog Veterinary Care in Marietta, Ga. He says it should take months to research and vet a breeder. "This is especially true for hybrid breeds because they're in such high demand," he says. "High consumer demand leads to more breeders getting into the game or higher prices."

Singletary adds that responsible dog owners doing quality research into their new furry family members also help reduce the prevalence of puppy mills, which are unfortunately where many hybrid breeds originate.

Make sure to keep the health of both pup's parents in mind, too. For example, the American Kennel Club indicates German shepherds usually live 12–14 years and while relatively healthy, still might have issues with elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat.

Although there's no guarantee a mixed breed puppy will have all the most desirable traits from both dog parents (we only need to look into our own family trees for that confirmation!) choosing one of the pooches below still gives you an opportunity to love a special creature. Who you callin' mutt, mister?

Shepadoodle (German Shepherd Poodle Mix)

Standard poodles are terrific hybrid buddies with German shepherds because they're relatively hypoallergenic (as much as any dog can be, anyway!), often have equally calm personalities, and can match an active pet parent step for step! What type of fur your shepadoodle might have is a total toss-up, though—curly, shaggy, wiry, who knows?

Golden Shepherd (German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix)

Since there are three types of golden retrievers, a German shepherd and golden retriever mix might have a wide range of attractive color and fur textures. However, the golden retriever's consistently sweet nature and ability to get along with just about everyone means your golden shepherd will likely be a smart, devoted, and energetic family dog.

Gerberian Shepsky (German Shepherd Husky Mix)

With an unusual name and funky ears, a Geberian shepsky pup often shares the outgoing and talkative traits of his Siberian husky parent, with a little 'velcro dog' thrown in for extra furry, persistent snuggles! Keep in mind both breeds also have double coats, so the chance for 'blowing coat' is 100 percent! Stock up on grooming supplies!

Sheprador (German Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix)

A German shepherd and Lab mix puppy is guaranteed to be one smart cookie! Labrador retrievers are eager to have jobs to do, just like German shepherds, and love being outdoors, so you'll be able to train your sheprador to do just about anything! Good-natured, easy-going, and lovable, this pup is bound to be a special companion.

Australian German Shepherd (German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix)

Without a doubt, a German shepherd and Australian shepherd mix will probably be one of the most intelligent dogs you've ever met! Affectionate, quick-footed, able to learn cues in an instant, plus a double-dose of inherited herding skills? This means you'll have a trusted and dedicated mixed breed guardian for family and livestock alike.

Shollie (German Shepherd Collie Mix)

Looks aren't everything, but wow, shollies are sure Instagram-worthy! Collies also have gorgeous coats that need regular brushing, so your shollie might, too. More often than not, the attentive and faithful characteristics of the collie and the German shepherd shine in their offspring, so if you're hoping for a beloved children's pet pal, she might be it.

Corman Shepherd (German Shepherd Corgi Mix)

For a doggo who responds well to enrichment activities, looooves to play, and is an instant charmer, you can't go wrong with a corman shepherd! But which corgi will you choose: the Cardigan Welsh (with a long tail!) or the Pembroke Welsh (with a bobbed tail!)? When paired with a shepherd, both breeds are lively and bright.

Border Collie German Shepherd Mix

With this particular mix, you'll have a beautiful, high-energy, and instinctive pup to enjoy! Working group border collies frequently earn top marks in agility and trick-performing competitions, so with a few shepherd genes sprinkled in, you'll be astounded at how much your new dog wants to do and learn! He's a great running and hiking buddy, too.

German Shepherd Beagle Mix

Awwww! Here's a bundle of cuddliness for sure! Beagles are prized for being terrific with kids, so this loving addition to your family might share a few German shepherd traits, too, such as steadfastness, an eagerness to run and play, and the ability to respond well to consistent training. Try scent work with them—they're a natural at it!

Shepkita (German Shepherd Akita Mix)

Fiercely loyal, Akitas share this characteristic with German shepherds, so while they might not take to strangers well at first, they'll always stand right by their pet parents. If you want just one beloved pet (with deep brown eyes!) to focus your attention on, the quiet, independent, and often fluffy-coated shepkita will appreciate all the training and love you have.