Do you want to own a dog that is affectionate and protective? A Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Mix can be a good choice. Here’s everything you need to know about this mixed breed.
Labrashepherd and German Sheprador are the names of Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Mix.
Labraodor Retriever and German Shepherd are the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Have you wondered what would be the resultant outcome when both these popular breeds are crossed?
This post contains everything you need to know about this mixed breed, starting from temperaments to its cost.
About Labrador Retrievers
When choosing a dog breed important aspects we seek are affection, obedience, and friendliness. Labrador Retrievers is an active and affectionate dog breed. That’s the reason why it is the most popular dog breed in the United States. It holds the number 1 spot since 1991.
From the name, it may seem that the Labrador Retriever breed originated in Labrador, Canada. However, it originated in Newfoundland.
Originally, Labrador was bred as a sporting and hunting dog. With time, it gained popularity as a friendly and playful dog, among families. In 1917, AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized this breed.
About German Shepherd
German Shepherd is also one of the most popular dog breeds. If protectiveness and loyalty traits are crucial to you, consider owning a German Shepherd. Besides being very protective, a higher intelligence level also makes it one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
As this is a highly intelligent breed, training won’t be stressful. Teaching new commands is a lot easier. In Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs book, the German Shepherd ranks number 3 (after Border Collie and Poodle).
In the book, Stanley ranked all the dog breeds based on three types of intelligence – instinctive, adaptive, and working & obedience.
The breed’s ability to easily learn new commands makes it a good addition to guide & assistance work, police & military service, and search & rescue operations.
Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Mix
On one hand, we have a playful and affectionate breed i.e., Labrador Retriever. On the other hand, we have a German Shepherd, which is highly intelligent, protective, and loyal.
One is a lovable breed (perfect for families), while another one is a protective and smart breed.
Personality traits can differ from one mixed breed dog to another, depending on which parent’s side the dog has taken the most.
Activeness, loyalty, and intelligence are some common traits between both breeds. Therefore, you can expect these traits in all German Shepradors.
If it takes most from the Labrador parent’s side, you can expect your pup to be more fun-loving and playful. But, if it takes most from the German Shepherd parent’s side, you can expect your pup to be more protective, intelligent, and a bit aggressive.
Let’s check out the history, physical appearance, nutrition, temperaments, grooming needs, exercise needs, price, and health of this mixed breed.
History
German Shepradors have been around for decades. But, it is said that breeders started mixing both breeds intentionally in the 1990s. The purpose was to get a dog that is friendly as well as watchful.
Another motive was to minimize the health conditions purebred dogs often face. Because of amazing temperaments, the demand for German Shepradors increased.
Physical appearance
The physical appearance of a Labrador Retriever German Shepherd mix would be based on which parent’s side the dog takes the most. The pup might have floppy ears like a Labrador or pointed ears like a German Shepherd.
In terms of overall look, the doggy may take both parents’ characteristics. Or, it may take after only one parent.
Talking about coat color, three recognized colors (by AKC) of Labradors are black, yellow, and chocolate. And, most common color variations of German Shepherds are black, gray, sable, blue, brown, black & silver, black & tan, and red & black.
The color of a German Sheprador pup varies depending on the coat colors of the parents. As we have seen, Labs and Germans are of different color variations, Sheprador’s color is really unpredictable.
Talking about the size, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, both are medium-to-large-sized dogs. Therefore, you can expect the same from the hybrid. The height and weight of Shepradors can range from 20 to 27 inches and 60 to 95 pounds respectively.
Nutrition
What you feed affects the overall health and lifestyle of your dog. German Shepradors are large dogs with high energy levels. If you own a German Sheprador, make sure you feed protein, fat, and other nutrients from quality sources.
The crossbreed is prone to obesity. Lack of enough nutrition can result in this health problem.
You will come across dog foods with a high amount of protein. Well, it’s not just about how much protein proportion your pup gets, it’s also about protein source.
Dog food with real meat is a good source, while meat byproduct isn’t. Food containing a high amount of chicken or poultry byproducts costs less money, but it isn’t the best source.
I recommend Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein dog food. This dry dog food is made with real beef. With a crude protein proportion of 30%, crude fat of 15%, and other important nutrients, your pup will get essential vitamins & minerals from this food.
Real beef is the first ingredient and the food contains no chicken by-products, corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors.
Temperaments
Just like physical appearance, the German Sheprador’s temperaments are also unpredictable. On one hand, we have Labrador with affectionate and pleasing nature. On the flip side, we have a German Shepherd with protective and aggressive nature.
Both breeds are intelligent, active, and great companions. You can expect all these characteristics in a German Shephrador.
Due to the higher intelligence level, training this hybrid dog would be hassle-free. You would be able to teach new commands without spending so much time.
Another thing is that German Shepradors are highly active. In order to keep them happy and healthy, it’s important to provide exercise on a regular basis.
Labrador Retrievers are friendly with everyone, be it kids, other dogs, or even strangers. But, that’s not the case with German Shepradors. This mixed breed is cautious with strangers.
Grooming needs
Proper grooming and care are the prerequisites for any dog. Some dogs need more focus on grooming than other dogs, because of their coat type.
If we talk about Germans and Labs, both are heavy shedders. So, you can expect high shedding from this crossbreed as well.
German Shepherd Labrador Retriever mixes shed all year round. During the fall and spring seasons, they shed even more. The best way to deal with excess shedding is by brushing regularly. You should be brushing at least 2-3 times a week.
Apart from brushing, other grooming needs are nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning. You should also take your pup to a professional groomer periodically.
Exercise needs
GSDs and Labs both are highly energetic. Therefore, the mixed breed is also very active and demands more physical activities.
Higher energy means the dog would require regular exercise. For physical and mental stimulation, you will have to involve your Shephrador in activities like long walks, fetch games, mind-stimulating games, etc.
When an energetic dog like German Sheprador does not get sufficient exercise, it can build boredom. This can result in destructive behavior. Besides this, it can also lead to health problems like obesity.
Health
Some health problems Labradors are prone to are hip & elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and obesity. Germans are prone to hip & elbow dysplasia, chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, gastric dilatation-volvulus, and panosteitis.
If we talk specifically about the German Shepherd Lab mix, they face health problems that are common in their parents. They are prone to hip & elbow dysplasia, obesity, progressive retinal atrophy, chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, panosteitis, and allergies.
What you can do is ask for the medical history and health screening of the mixed breed parents from your breeder. You should also take your pup to the vet from time to time.
In general, mixed breed dogs are healthier as compared to purebred dogs due to genetic diversity.
Price
The cost of a German Sheprador pup will be based on whether you are going with a rescue or a breeder.
It is advisable to go with a popular breeder. You may have to pay some extra bucks, but you will get to know about the pup’s parents, medical history, and so much more.
On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 to $2000 for a German Shepherd Lab mix pup.
Final Thoughts
Labrashepherd / German Sheprador can be a good companion for families. The breed is fun-loving, affectionate, and protective. The exact temperaments cannot be predicted. After all, it is a designer dog breed. The pup’s temperaments are based on which parent side it takes the most.
You will get some idea about the temperaments by meeting with the pup’s parents. When it comes to getting a new pup, you have two options – go with the rescue or the breeder. If you are going with the breeder, you can meet with the puppy’s parents (and get the idea of what personality & temperaments your Labrashepherd may develop in the future).
You should also ask for the medical records of the parents. From the medical history, you will get to know about health problems your pup may face in the future.
You May Also Like:
Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever Mix – Malador
15 Best Companion Dog Breeds For Labradors
Do German Shepherds Get Along With Golden Retrievers?
TRAIN YOUR CANINE! ⬇️
[adinserter block="1"]
