• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Sheptese Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1965
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Sheptese With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Sheptese dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Sheptese? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed German Shepherd and Maltese mix

Sheptese Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Sheptese? Learn how big the Sheptese breed typically grows.
SmallLargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Sheptese weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Sheptese breed.
15-60 pounds (7-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Sheptese?
32.5 pounds (14.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Sheptese? Sheptese height:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Sheptese?
19 inches (47.5 cm)

Sheptese Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Sheptese puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Sheptese costs.
$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Sheptese, 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 Sheptese for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Sheptese gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Sheptese? How many Sheptese are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Sheptese is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Sheptese Trainability and Intelligence

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

The Sheptese is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Sheptese? Learn about the Sheptese's trainability and response to training methods.
Sheptese dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Sheptese as a watchdog? Learn about the Sheptese's alertness and guarding instincts.
Sheptese 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 Sheptese dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Sheptese protective of its territory? Learn about the Sheptese's guarding instincts and behavior.
Sheptese dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Sheptese can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Sheptese will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Sheptese Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Sheptese have? Learn about characteristic Sheptese temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveCuriousPlayfulAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentResponsiveDocileObedientLoyalGentleTemperedSweetWatchfulEasygoing
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Sheptese sensitivity:
Sensitive: Sheptese 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 Sheptese a good family dog?
High: Sheptese 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 Sheptese need? Sheptese social needs:
Sheptese 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 Sheptese to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Sheptese roam?
Sheptese dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Sheptese have high prey drive?
Sheptese 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 Sheptese dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Sheptese Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Sheptese bark a lot? Learn about typical Sheptese vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Sheptese is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. 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 Sheptese? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Sheptese breed.
Average: Shepteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Sheptese live in an apartment? Learn about the Sheptese's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Sheptese breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Sheptese Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Sheptese to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Sheptese's flexibility to new situations.
Sheptese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Sheptese be left alone? Learn about the Sheptese's tolerance to solitude.
Sheptese 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.

Sheptese Bite Characteristics

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

Low 🔽

The Sheptese has a low 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 Sheptese mouthy? Learn about the Sheptese's tendency to use mouth during play.
Sheptese dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Sheptese dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Sheptese bite? Learn about the Sheptese's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Sheptese bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Sheptese measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Sheptese is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Sheptese bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Sheptese 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 Sheptese puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Sheptese, 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 Sheptese 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 Sheptese can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Sheptese Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Sheptese live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Sheptese breed.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Sheptese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Sheptese handle different weather? Learn about the Sheptese'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 Sheptese? Discover typical conditions affecting the Sheptese breed.
Shepteses are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Sheptese need vet visits? Learn about the Sheptese's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Sheptese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Sheptese breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Sheptese breed? Most common health risks of Sheptese:
CataractsCollapsed Trachea Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisPortosystemic Liver ShuntHemophilia BMegaesophagusReverse SneezingCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationHypoglycemiaExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligoWhite Dog Shaker Syndrome

Sheptese Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Sheptese? Understand daily activity needs of the Sheptese breed.
Sheptese dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Sheptese need? How much exercise do Sheptese dogs require per day?

Do Sheptese dogs need a lot of exercises?

Sheptese dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Sheptese breed need?
Sheptese 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.

Sheptese Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Sheptese prone to weight gain? Learn about the Sheptese's obesity risks.
Average: The Sheptese 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 Sheptese weight regularly.

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

Sheptese Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Sheptese hypoallergenic? Learn about the Sheptese's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Sheptese 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 Sheptese come in? Discover all possible Sheptese color variations.
BlackTan Red White Silver
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Sheptese need? Learn about Sheptese coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Sheptese requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Sheptese, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Sheptese drool a lot? Learn about the Sheptese's drooling habits.
The Sheptese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Sheptese 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 Sheptese.

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

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

Medium

The Sheptese 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 Sheptese have? Learn about the Sheptese's fur characteristics.
FeatheredFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Sheptese need baths? Learn about the Sheptese'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 Sheptese dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Sheptese? Do Sheptese dogs shed a lot?
Sheptese dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Sheptese Good With

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

Sheptese As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Sheptese be a service dog? Learn about the Sheptese'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).

Sheptese breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Sheptese good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Sheptese'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.

Sheptese breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Sheptese good at detection work? Learn about the Sheptese'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.

Sheptese breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Sheptese do search and rescue? Learn about the Sheptese'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 Sheptese breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

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

Not really

Sheptese 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 Sheptese pull carts? Learn about the Sheptese'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.

Sheptese is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

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

Not really

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

Sheptese Reproducibility

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

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Sheptese: 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 Sheptese 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.

Sheptese Recognition

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

Sheptese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Sheptese dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Sheptese dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Shepteses are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Sheptese breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Sheptese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Sheptese dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Sheptese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Sheptese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Sheptese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Sheptese dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Sheptese dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Shepteses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Sheptese 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: Sheptese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Sheptese dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Sheptese 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.
  • Office Friendly: Sheptese is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Sheptese Breed

Sheptese Comments, Reviews and Questions