A shepherd mix has no breed standard, so the German Shepherd is only the starting point. We board by weight, coat and temperament, and we ask you to tell us all three.
Using the German Shepherd as the yardstick
The American Kennel Club lists a German Shepherd Dog at 24 to 26 inches and 65 to 90 pounds for males, 22 to 24 inches and 50 to 70 pounds for females. A mix with a Lab or a Pit type may land in the same range or well under it. Over 50 pounds, one dog usually belongs in Business Class at $59 a night on the 2026 rates, and a tall, heavy mix can use a First Class kennel at $72 for extra room. Under 50 pounds, Economy at $52 does the job.
Two coats, two bath cells
Shepherds carry a double coat, but a mix may have a short or a medium one. The bath chart effective January 1, 2024 uses Shepherd as its example of a medium coat. A 51 to 75 pound dog in that column is $50 and a 76 to 100 pound dog is $55. A double-coated mix is $65 and $75 in the last column. Heavy shedding is the usual surprise, especially in spring, and a bath at the end of a stay takes a lot of loose undercoat with it. Please ask to confirm the price.
Working-dog energy
The shepherd side of a mix was bred to patrol and herd, and many mixes keep a watchful eye and a need for a job. Walks are part of every stay, and the large fenced play areas and grass field give a mix room to burn energy. A shepherd mix may bark at foot traffic along the fence. That is normal, and each dog has its own run with its own space.
Matching the kennel to the dog
Tell us how the dog behaves around new dogs and new people. Some shepherd mixes are shy at drop-off, and the staff would rather hear it than guess. Two mixes from one home can share a Business Class kennel for $59 plus $50, which suits a bonded pair.
Getting a Shepherd Mix ready to board
Upload the vaccine records ahead of time and write any behavior notes on the boarding agreement. Remove any metal pinch (prong) collar before check-in.