The panda German shepherd is a newer hybrid dog breed that combines the German shepherd with another breed that carries the panda coat coloring. This unique mixed breed has become quite popular in recent years due to their stunning black and white markings resembling that of a panda bear.
Appearance and Coat
The most distinctive feature of the panda German shepherd is its coat. This breed has a black and white coat reminiscent of a panda bear. The majority of the body, head, and legs are black, while the chest, stomach, neck, and portions of the face are white.
The panda coat pattern is also referred to as piebald. This striking coloration is the result of a recessive gene. For a German shepherd to have this pattern, it must inherit the gene from both parents. When bred intentionally, panda German shepherd puppies have a higher chance of inheriting the piebald genes from their parents.
The panda German shepherd has a medium-length double coat like a standard German shepherd. The outercoat is straight, dense, and harsh while the undercoat is thick and soft to keep the dog protected from weather and insulated from temperature extremes. Unlike solid black German shepherds that can become very hot in the sun, the light colored areas on panda shepherds allow them to stay cooler on hot days.
This breed sheds a moderate amount year-round and will blow their coats once or twice per year. During shedding seasons, daily brushing is imperative to keep loose hair under control. Outside of shedding season, they should be brushed once or twice per week to remove dead hair and prevent matting.
Size
The panda German shepherd is a large dog, similar in size to a standard German shepherd. Height ranges for this breed are:
- Males: 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder
- Females: 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder
Males typically weigh between 65-90 pounds when fully grown while females weigh in at around 50-75 pounds as adults. They are a sturdy, well-muscled working breed.
Personality and Temperament
Since one parent is a German shepherd, the panda shepherd inherits much of the breed’s personality traits and temperament. Properly socialized panda German shepherds are loyal, intelligent, brave, and eager to please. They form strong bonds with their family and crave being active parts of their family’s lives.
This hybrid tends to be energetic, playful, friendly, and affectionate. Their active nature makes them better suited for families that can give them adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without proper activity levels, panda shepherds may become bored and engage in destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, etc.
They tend to be slightly more social than regular German shepherds when introduced to new people. Early socialization and obedience training is still very important for panda shepherds. This helps sets boundaries and prevents behavioral problems from developing.
When properly trained, the panda German shepherd is an intelligent, obedient, and protective dog. Their guarding instincts make them alert watchdogs who will let their owners know of anything suspicious. They can be aloof with strangers but should not show aggression if socialized.
Grooming
The panda German shepherd has high grooming needs, especially during shedding season. Daily brushing is needed when they are blowing their coat to remove all the loose hair. A slicker brush and undercoat rake are ideal for penetrating their thick fur down to the skin.
Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary to avoid stripping their coat of essential oils. Their nails need regular trimming, usually every 2-3 weeks. Teeth should be brushed 2-3 times per week and ears checked weekly for debris and signs of infection.
Living Requirements
This energetic breed thrives in an active home able to provide adequate daily exercise and enrichment. Panda shepherds enjoy having a job to do and lots of quality time with their families. They make great adventure buddies and running partners.
A securely fenced yard is ideal so they can play and run around safely. However, they should not be left in the yard alone for extended periods of time. Panda shepherds crave being with their people and can become anxious or bored if isolated for too long.
This hybrid adapts well to any climate but does not tolerate heat as well as all-black German shepherds. Access to shade and fresh water is important on hot days. They can live in apartments with dedicated owners who provide enough daily activity, but a house with a yard is ideal.
Training
Intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable, panda German shepherds excel at obedience training, agility, tracking, or canine good citizen programs. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this sensitive hybrid.
Early socialization and training are imperative. Without proper training and setting boundaries, these energetic, powerful dogs may push the boundaries and try to assume the alpha role. Establishing yourself as the consistent pack leader will lead to a well-adjusted, happy pup.
Crate training assists with potty training and prevents destruction when left alone. Thanks to their German shepherd heritage, panda shepherds often pick up on training quickly and are highly motivated by praise and food rewards.
Exercise
Panda shepherds have high exercise demands, needing 90-120 minutes of activity daily. They thrive when given jobs to do and enjoy training activities, challenging games that stimulate their minds, and active outdoor adventures.
A long brisk walk or jog combined with play time in the yard sufficiently tires them out. Hiking, running beside a bike, swimming, or playing fetch are some of their favorite activities. Off leash exercise in a safely fenced area is ideal so they can get their zoomies out.
Without adequate physical and mental stimulation each day, panda German shepherds may engage in destructive or hyperactive behavior. Be sure to meet their needs with interactive games, puzzle toys, training exercises, and quality time with their family.
Health
Hybrid vigor typically allows panda German shepherds to enjoy good health, having a life expectancy of 10-14 years. However, they may be prone to some of the same medical conditions as their German shepherd parent, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Ear infections
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Reputable breeders screen breeding stock for inherited conditions and only breed the healthiest dogs. Early health screening and preventing obesity maximize your panda shepherd’s chances of a long, healthy life.
Panda German Shepherd Mixes
In addition to purebred German shepherds, panda shepherds may be mixed with other breeds that carry the piebald gene, such as:
Panda Labrador Retriever
Mixing a piebald Lab with a German shepherd results in a friendly, playful pup with tons of energy. Their devotion to their family may make them prone to separation anxiety.
Panda Corgi
This mix blends the boldness of a German shepherd with the spunk of a Corgi. Their affectionate, devoted nature makes them a great family companion.
Panda Australian Shepherd
A panda Aussie German shepherd has very high exercise needs but is extremely smart. Their high intellect means training is a must to prevent mischief.
Panda Border Collie
This mix brings together two of the smartest dog breeds. They excel at canine sports and jobs but need constant stimulation.
Finding a Panda German Shepherd Puppy
Due to the growing popularity of panda German shepherds, there are some breeders starting to specialize in producing litters of these uniquely colored pups. Prices often range from $800-$2000 per puppy.
However, specialized breeders are still uncommon for this newer designer hybrid dog. Most panda shepherds are born by chance when two piebald gene carrying dogs are bred.
No matter where you get your panda German shepherd, always be sure to use responsible breeders who health test their breeding dogs, offer health guarantees on puppies, and raise puppies in a clean, nurturing environment.
Another option to obtain one of these amazing dogs is through adoption and rescue organizations. You may have to be patient and keep checking frequently to find a panda shepherd in need of a forever home.
Should I Get a Panda German Shepherd?
Before seeking out a panda German shepherd puppy, be sure you can meet the needs of this active, intelligent hybrid. Their exercise, grooming, training and socialization requirements demand an owner committed to providing proper care.
If you seek a loyal companion to be by your side, have plenty of time and energy to devote to training and activity, and you find their unique colors endearing, then the panda shepherd may be the perfect dog for you!
Conclusion
With their black and white panda-like markings, panda German shepherds capture attention wherever they go. Beneath their distinctive piebald coats lies a devoted, energetic dog eager to bond with its family.
Their mix of German shepherd traits with a less common coat pattern produces a dog suited for active owners able to provide proper care. When raised with compassionate training methods, the panda shepherd’s natural intelligence and obedience make them a pleasure to own.
| Age | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 15-30 lbs |
| 6 months | 30-50 lbs |
| 1 year | 50-75 lbs |
| 1.5 years | 65-90 lbs |
If you seek a unique looking dog to be your energetic companion, a panda German shepherd may be the perfect addition to your family! Be sure you can meet their needs for training, socialization, exercise, and quality time together.