The German Shepherd lab mix is a mixed-breed dog that is a hybrid between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. Although the German Shepherd lab mix dog breed may have evolved organically over time, designer breeders in North America began purposely crossing German Shepherds and Labradors in the 1990s.

Breeders hoped to combine the two parent breeds to reduce the health issues that plague many purebred dogs while also creating the ideal family companion and watchdog. As demand for mixed breed puppies grew, they continued to breed German Shepherd lab mix. These dogs are known for being the smartest, hardest working, and most energetic canines, thus merging the two genes is a surprise.

German shepherd lab mix standing on the ground at the backyard
credit:dogtime.com

Body Characteristics

  • Because German Shepherds and Labradors are both medium- to large-sized dogs, their mixed pups will be similar.
  • They could have German Shepherd-style pointy ears or Labrador-style floppy ears. Between 22 and 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds, the German Shepherd Lab Mix should be.
  • By looking at the parents’ sizes, you can narrow down the range a little.
  • When it comes to coat length, you can expect your Lab German Shepherd Mix to have a shorter coat in most circumstances.
  • This appears to be a dominant gene, as this coat type is seen in the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes.
  • The dog will most probably have a double coat, as both breeds have it.
  • The undercoat will be fluffy and velvety, while the guard coat will be harsh.
  • This does imply that they shed quite a bit. If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies, this is not the dog for you.
  • The color of these stunning mixed-breed dogs varies a lot, so you might get a dog with solid coat color, like Labs, or a dog with striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds.
  • Much of this is determined by the Labrador parent’s color, whether yellow, black or chocolate.

Behavior

German Shepherd lab mix is a wonderful watchdog and family companion. They are naturally protective and will alarm you if strangers approach. When it comes to those who aren’t relatives, they can seem aloof. Once they befriend you, though, you have a lifelong friend. While temperament is unpredictable in mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so expect their offspring to share these characteristics.

German shepherd lab mix being tied with leash during training
credit:allthingsdogs.com

Because both breeds are intelligent and trainable, you can anticipate a Sheprador to have these features. However, you’ll have to wait and see whether they’ll be a guard dog who can be aggressive with strangers or a pleaser who is fantastic with kids. Their ability also implies that they are easily bored, and when they are bored, they have a proclivity for destructive activities, such as digging and chewing. You should not leave Sheprador alone at home for long periods of time.

Training

They are easily trained and flourish when given good reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for an extended amount of time. They can easily feel irritable, unhappy, and frustrated, leading to undesirable actions. Your Sheprador should get two hours of exercise per day at the very least.

It’s possible that this will be more than simply a long walk, as their high energy levels will make them want to run as well. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are generally clever, making them easy to train but also making them easily bored.

Focus on socialization when training a German Shepherd Lab Mix, as they may have inherited the German Shepherd’s predisposition to be aggressive to strangers. Deal with this behavior as soon as possible, with specialized training in dealing with children and strangers.

Caring

German shepherd lab mix dog breed
credit:loveyourdog.com

Because of its rich double coat, a German Shepherd Lab mix requires weekly grooming. If it has inherited its German Shepherd’s somewhat long or shaggy coat, it should be groomed several times a week to remove knots, increase shine, and promote coat health. If your dog gets home from a swim, give him a bath to remove any chlorine or dirt.  Brush them at least twice a week, and up to once a day during shedding seasons (fall and spring). Three times a week, you should brush your teeth.

Health

German Shepherd Lab Mix pets are susceptible to the health issues that plague both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Diabetes
  • Cataracts
  • Degenerative Disc Diseases (DDD)
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), is sometimes known as blindness.
  • Infections in the ears
  • Panosteitis
  • Allergies
  •  Underactive Thyroid

The life expectancy of German Shepherd Mix dogs is 10 to 14 years.

 

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Author

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.

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