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Are German Shepherd Lab Mix Good Dogs

Rescuing A German Shepherd Pitbull Mix

GERMAN SHEPHERD LAB MIX/DOG TRAINING

Since many breeders are in the business of raising and refining purebred dogs, you may be more likely to find a German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppy or dog at a local animal shelter or humane society.

This is the least expensive option.

However, if you dont mind shelling out for a speciality hybrid dog, then youll want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable breeder.

The Biggest German Shepherd Health Problems Are:

  • Degenerative Radiculomyopathy
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
  • Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
  • Its a general rule that mixed breeds live longer and have fewer health problems than pure breeds, which is only good news for your mixed dog. But this doesnt mean that your dog is free from these health problems. They still may be a problem.

    Responsible dog breeders always screen puppies for inherited medical problems so you should know once you get a puppy how worried you should be about these health issues or not. If you just adopted your German Shepherd Lab mix, make sure that you visit the veterinarian as soon as possible. After all, better safe than sorry.

    German Shepherd Lab Mix Size:

    The German shepherds are the large dog breeds regarding height and weight. The mix breed can be of considerable size or small depending upon the parents. German shepherds are famous for their muscular body while Labradors have some other features prominent. You cannot predict the exact size for German shepherd lab mix.

    Also Check: German Shepherd Growth Chart Height

    Shepradors Are Suitable For:

    Shepradors are suitable for families, as they have a nurturing disposition and love being around children. If you have a large backyard or are prepared to take them on plenty of long walks, they could be very happy with you. Make sure to set proper boundaries, and they should respond to your every command.

    Finding A German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Puppy

    Loving German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies

    If you come across a breeder of hybrid dogs, then you can expect the cost to go up with the value that the breeder places on their parent stock.

    A Shepherd Pitt from a breeder may range in price from about $450-$600 on up to $800 or more.

    Importantly, genetic testing of parent stock will help you identify if a puppy could be especially at risk of developing certain diseases.

    For this reason, make sure you thoroughly vet your breeder and request proof of testing before making a purchase.

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    What Does This Mean For A German Shepherd Lab Mix

    Whilst you cant know for sure, the expected temperament of a Labrashepherd is:

    • Intelligent
    • Active
    • Friendly with humans

    Both of its parent breeds are eager to please, quick learners, and prone to boredom if under-exercised you should expect similar from your Sheprador.

    However, like any dog breed mix, they can inherit a wide variety of traits from their parents. This is why you should meet both parents before buying your Lab Shepherd puppy .

    As it matures you will be able to see their main characteristics develop and get a better idea of their personality. Regardless of their temperament, Shepradors need to be properly socialized and extensively trained from a puppy to properly integrate them into your family.

    Everything You Need To Know About German Shepherd Lab Mix Dogs

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    German Shepherds and Labradors are both intelligent and lovable dogs, and two of the most popular breeds in the United States.

    It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog.

    Contents & Quick Navigation

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    Temperament & Intelligence Of The German Shepherd Lab Mix

    It does help to understand the temperament of the parent breeds to gain some insight into what kind of personality the German Shepherd Lab might have. German Shepherds are very devoted, loving, and protective dogs famous for being great family pets as well as for their work as police and guard dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their sweet and loveable natures as well as for being friendly and energetic.

    Both breeds are also intelligent dogs, so you can expect the German Shepherd Lab to be smart, sweet, affectionate, and devoted.

    Questions Answered About The German Shepherd Lab Mix

    GERMAN SHEPHERD/LAB MIX/DOG TRAINING

    What do you get when you breed two of the worlds most popular family dogs: the German Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever?

    The result is the German Shepherd Lab mix or Sheprador, to be concise.

    This is a hybrid that combines some outstanding doggie genes. Care to learn more? Well answer every question you have about this fascinating canine in our detailed guide!

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    German Shepherd Breed History

    The German Shepherd ancestry of this mix originated in Germany in the late 1800s and gained its recognition by a man by the name of Captain Max Von Stephanitz. The breed was introduced to America for the first time in 1907. They were originally used as herders of animals such as sheep and cattle, hunters of game animals, and guard dogs which are a few of the many skills this breed has today. The German Shepherd Lab Mix inherited these traits. Many police forces and military units train German Shepherds to aid them in rescue and retrieval missions.

    Petsafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

    Exercise is going to be a big part of your Sheprador parenthood, and the correct harness will make this experience much easier for both you and your dog.

    Our favorite harness for larger, more energetic dogs like the German Shepherd Lab Mix is the Easy Walk front clip dog harness by PetSafe. This harness helps reduce pulling during walks by redirecting your dog back to your side safely.

    It does not put pressure on your dogs neck or sensitive trachea either, which makes it much safer.

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    Lab German Shepherd Mix Facts Alpha Paw

    Lab German Shepherd Mix Training Regular dominance-based training wont work. You must be creative and think of ways to stimulate this mixed Lab German Shepherd Mix Facts > >

    Keep your Shepherd Lab Mix busy, or shell mess up your house The lifespan of this mixed breed is around 10 to 14 years. This hybrid has 7 Things to Know Before Buying a German Shepherd & Lab

    Finding A German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy

    Loving German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies

    German Shepherd Lab puppies are advertised widely for sale across the country, and luckily dont command the same price premium as other more fashionable cross breeds. That said, its expensive to breed healthy pups, so be wary of improbably low prices. Besides the usual puppy matching websites, the increasing number of designer breed registries often keep directories of breeders specializing in German shepherd and lab mix matings.

    If you have a particular coloring for your pet in mind, for example a chocolate Lab German Shepherd mix, then be prepared to wait a little longer for the right pup to come along. If rescuing is not for you, make sure you do your homework so that you are only buying a puppy from a reputable breeder.

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    Is A Sherpador A Good Family Dog

    Both the German Shepherd and the Labrador are incredibly common family dogs so its no surprise that lots of people want to know if the Lab Shepherd mix is a good family dog.

    The first thing to say here is that they are large and active dogs and any person that gets a Sheprador needs to have an active lifestyle to meet the high exercise requirements they have. A person thathas an active outdoor lifestyle will be better suited.

    Also, as these dogs require lots of mental stimulation, having a large family is a bonus there will be more people to help train and exercise the dog.

    Without stimulation, they can get bored and this can lead to chewing and other unwanted behaviors.

    One thing to note is that they will have a thick double coat, so if a family member has any sort of dog allergy then the Sheprador isnt the right dog for your family.

    Finally, as with any dog, you should teach your children to respect your dogs boundaries and be able to understand certain body language.

    So to summarize, providing you meet their needs, Shepradors are great family dogs and will make a loving member of your family.

    What Are The Health Concerns Of Shepradors

    Unfortunately, German Shepherd Mixes are subject to the health concerns of both breeds instead of just one. Common issues that German Shepherd Lab Mixes face are, as stated above, hip and elbow dysplasia and digestive issues like bloat. A few other complications that are less frequently seen are hereditary myopathy, retinal atrophy, and obesity.

    In order to decrease the chances of these health issues, make sure to use only reputable breeders that perform testing on their breeding animals. You also need to feed a healthy diet, give them plenty of exercise and have regular checkups with a veterinarian.

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    How To Care For Your German Shepherd Lab Mix

    Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shepherds, so you can be sure that their Sheprador offspring will be too.

    This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They need to be brushed at least twice a week and even once a day during shedding season .

    In addition to brushing, invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with special features that allow you to pick up dog hair.

    These dogs also probably like to jump on the couch to snuggle and snooze. Invest in covers and make sure your fancy vacuum has an upholstery attachment.

    Their fur isnt the only part of their grooming they need to take care of. They need to clean their teeth three times a week with a brush or dental treatments. If you want to learn more about this, read our article on how to clean your dogs teeth and why this is important.

    It is also important to clean the ears regularly, about once a week, because bacteria, yeasts and parasites live inside their ears. Learn how to clean your dogs ears here.

    Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is for both their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a large dog like this, it may be a good idea to take them to the vet to have their nails trimmed. However, if youre confident about doing this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers.

    Lab German Shepherd Mix Training

    GERMAN SHEPHERD – LABRADOR MIX / DOG TRAINING

    The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time.

    1. The Clicker Technique

    Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. This is a small handheld device thats as big as a car button key. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement.

    Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online.

    2. Give Your Dog Positive Reinforcement Never offer treats every time your dog does something right. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement.

    3. Early Training For Puppies

    As soon as your German Shepherd Lab pup arrives home to teach him simple house proofing tricks. Show him where hell sleep, eat, drink and where he will poop. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient.

    4. Be Consistent

    5. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment

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    Where Does The Sheprador Come From

    The designer dog is a recent phenomenon, with creatively curious breeders shying away from purebred standards to experiment with new super breeds.

    The spike of crossbreeding in recent decades has produced a whole new wave of dog breeds with little background information.

    This is true for the German Shepherd and Lab mix. While we dont know who is credited with breeding the first litter or the country it hails from, we do know that it first debuted sometime in the 1980s.

    Are German Shepherd Lab Mix Good Family Dogs

    The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog a cross between the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever dog breeds. Large, energetic, and loyal, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. Theyre protective of their loved ones and friendly with people, children, and other dogs.

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    Labrador Temperament Skills And Appearance

    Today, Labradors are one of Americas favorite breeds. Theyre loyal and friendly and make an excellent family dog. Their life expectancy is about 10-13 years. They come in a variety of colors such as yellow, chocolate, black, and white. The Labradors coat can come in many styles such as smooth and wavy. Their coats are dense and are excellent for water activity. Labradors require a lot of grooming care as they are mainly outside dogs. They are a strong breed and are excellent swimmers. They love participating in outdoor activities such as swimming, running, and retrieving. Labradors, like German Shepherds are highly intelligent and have the capability of learning and remembering a large number of commands very quickly. This breed has a high energy level and requires a lot of exercise which makes it a great companion dog for someone who enjoys the outdoors.

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    Are They Good Family Dogs

    Loving German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies

    The German shepherd lab mix is a great family dog, provided that you make up for this breeds tendency to bark excessively by training them properly. However, they can be pretty jealous of their territory and toys, so proper socialization is essential. Also, they may nip at your heels if you are walking too slow for his liking. The key here is not to let their playfulness get out of hand through excessive teasing or child-like affection on your part.

    However, if trained well from an early age, the German shepherd lab mix will become an excellent guard dog and a faithful companion this combination pack dog requires structure and rules in his life to reach his full potential.

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    The German Shepherd Lab Mix Needs To Be Socialized At An Early Age And Consistently Trained To Prevent Anxiety

    Making sure your Sheprador dog is trained and socialized at an early age can help them grow up happy and healthy.

    All dogs require early socialization and positive reinforcement training to grow up happy and healthy, and the Sheprador is no exception. In fact, it is especially crucial that this mixed breed is socialized and trained at an early age considering his high level of intelligence and propensity for suffering from anxiety.

    Socializing your dog at an early age means introducing your Shepherd to as many new experiences as possible. This includes introducing him to children, strangers, loud sounds and different sights.

    It is very important to make sure these first impressions are positive for your dog, so use lots of treats and praise, and refrain from forcing your dog into situations that frighten him.

    Along with socializing your German Shepherd Lab mix, its also important to begin training at an early age. We suggest beginning with a solid recall, and other basic ques like sit, stay, lay down, etc.

    Sheprador dogs are very trainable and eager to please, and as they grow they will enjoy learning new tricks. A working dog at heart, the German Shepherd Lab mix can even learn to be a help around the house with common household chores.

    Keeping A Sheprador Is Expensive But You Wont File For Bankruptcy

    Generally, hybrid puppies tend to have higher prices than purebreds , but theres always the possibility of adoption, which reduces your initial costs considerably. However, this is just a small part of what youre going to spend over the years.

    From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs.

    In this case, though, youre planning to have a large dog with serious health issues in her genealogy, so youll have to provide her with the best food for large breeds, which can considerably increase your estimated costs.

    And dont forget about her chewing habit -youll need to buy costly chew-resistant toys to keep her busy otherwise, youll have to invest periodically in new shoes and furniture.

    Taking care of a sick pet is not only heartbreaking but also expensive, so dont underestimate the importance of medical insurance for this dog. Pet insurance will add between $200 and $700 to your annual costs, depending on the cover you choose.

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    How Is The German Shepherd Mix Temperament

    Whenever we discuss the German shepherd cross Labrador, then it is in comparison to the temperaments of the parent breed. One cannot separate the German shepherd lab mix characteristics from their parents. The German shepherd and the Labrador are two different dog breeds. Some people refer to the German shepherd dogs as the aggressive and violent because they are the police dogs. These can be protective dogs at the same time. So if the puppy has the characteristics of the German shepherd parent, then you must train and socialize it from a tender age. However, if the temperament of mix breed puppy is that of the Labrador parent, then the character will be of excellent and friendly nature.

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