German Shepherd Lab Mix Shedding & Grooming
With their dense double coat, your mixed breed pup will need at least weekly grooming.
Furthermore, if a German Shepherd Lab mix puppy has its Shepherd parents longer and shaggier coat, then its grooming requirements will increase to several times each week. Even more so during shedding season!
Both of these breeds can be prolific shedders. So as a Lab Shepherd mix owner you will need to invest in a good grooming tool as well as a good pet hair vacuum!
What Are The Common Diseases Of The German Shepherd Lab Mix
The health issues for most mixed breeds are slightly different than those associated with the pure breeds. But they definitely have some traits from the parent breeds which may be serious or some simple day-to-day issues.
It is a great thing that the designer breed is less prone to health issues than pure breeds. Yet, to get to know about what health problems exactly a Labrador mix German Shepherd can suffer from will be better determined by listing all the diseases that the parent breed is prone to.
Youll Say Goodbye To Your Cozy Couch At Least For A Few Hours Every Day
All dogs should exercise to stay healthy and fit, but this hybrid, in particular, is full of energy and needs a family with an active lifestyle.
Youll have to walk her for at least one hour, twice a day, then play with your dog to stimulate her both physically and mentally. The good news is shes a good companion if youre into running or hiking, and she can be trained for dog sports.
Lack of exercise can cause depression, destructive behavior, and medical issues, so if youre a sedentary person or youre already too busy, then you should consider other breeds with lower energy levels.
Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around.
However, I wouldnt just quit on the idea of such a great dog just because of a small house, as theres always an alternative when were ready to adapt our lifestyle to a dogs needs. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year.
Further Reading
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Youll Have To Hide Your Shoes Because These Dogs Love To Chew
Both of the Shepradors parent breeds have a passion for chewing, so youll need a serious dog toy supply to keep your furniture and your shoes safe. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents.
Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Generally, you should avoid:
- soft plush toys, especially if they have one layer of material only
- stuffed toys, because the stuffing will end up in your dogs stomach
- toys smaller than 3 inches , if you have an adult dog, as theres a high risk of choking.
Shepherd Mix Puppies Are Cute And Extra But Mostly Extra Cute
A German Shepherd mix puppy is so adorable! Just bear in mind that even with a full background history and details regarding the grandparents of the mix puppy on either side, its so difficult to predict adult height, weight, coat color etc. If you cant commit to energetic, fun-loving dogs, consider different breed dogs.
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Lab Shepherd Mix Size
A common deciding factor when it comes to purchasing a dog is the potential for full-grown size. A Lab Shepherd mix will always be medium- to large-sized dog.
A Labrador German Shepherd cross can weigh up to 90 pounds and measure up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder once fully grown. Most will be between 60-70 pounds and 21-23 inches tall. This is quite a sizable pet to accomodate in your home! And youll need to provide some space, plenty of food, and a large dog bed.
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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Reasons Why You Shouldnt Get A German Shepherd Lab Mix
1. This Mixed Breed Needs Specialized TrainingIf you are quite busy and you barely have time for yourself, your family and your home, then dont get a German Shepherd mixed with a Lab breed. This dog needs constant training and even highly-specialized training. Regular dominance-based training wont work. You must be creative and think of ways to stimulate this mixed breed.
2. This Mixed Breed Dog Has Very High Activity Levels
If you get tired quickly or you dont like physical activity then better look for another dog. The Lab combined with a German Shepherd needs A LOT of exercises. You need to take it out for long walks, play games with it and train it regularly. Overlooking any of these can lead to a bored and destructive dog.
3. This Dog Could Be In Your Face
One interesting characteristic of a Labrador Retriever is that it tends to be everywhere you are and do everything you do. This in your face behavior could be too much for some dog owners. If you cant tolerate this then this mixed breed dog may not be the kind for you.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament
On average a German Shepherd Lab mix is loyal, loving and devoted to their family. They will be a clever dog, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. But their watchdog and guard dog traits will vary from pup to pup.
Preparing to bring a dog into your home? One of the most important characteristics to look at is the dogs temperament. The Labrador and German Shepherd hybrid is a mix of two breeds. Therefore you can only guess what his temperament will be. This is true even when taking the general temperament of his parents into consideration.
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German Shepherd Labrador Mix Coat
A white, yellow, chocolate, or black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy may have its Labrador parents short coat. But it could also have its German Shepherd parents medium or long coat. Or something in between!
Additionally, both the Lab and Shepherd have double coats. A double coat means a soft undercoat is below the rough top coat. So their hybrid offspring will also exhibit a double coat.
Lab German Shepherd Mix Food Requirements
Feed your Lab German Shepherd puppy top-quality food suitable for its weight. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog.
If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love.
- Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Dog Food
The dog food for large breed dogs such as German Shepherds and Labs. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food.
- Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula
Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size.
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
The Purina Beyond is made from real beef, salmon and chicken. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. It comes with all-natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals for your dogs optimum health.
Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs.
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Lab German Shepherd Mix Personality And Temperament
Shepradors are loyal dogs who love being around humans. While they dont enjoy being alone, theyre also not prone to excessive barking or howling should you be away for an afternoon. They need a big backyard where they can run around, so they are not suitable for those living in an apartment.
Lab German shepherd mixes are incredibly affectionate and friendly and cope well with being around small children. They are also good with other dogs, so you can easily take them out to the dog park without much trouble.
Shepradors are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. This mixed breed has high activity needs, and requires at least an hour of exercise per day. Because German shepherd Lab mixes need to be taken on regular walks, getting one is a considerable commitment for new dog owners.
Lab German Shepherd Mix Facts
If you are thinking of getting this lovely mixed breed or you recently adopted one, then this guide will help you out. This will better understand what this mixed breed is, how to care for this dog and how to properly care for it daily. I am confident that you will raise a happy and healthy German Shepherd Lab mix dog.
- 1 Labrador German Shepherd Mix
- 2 3 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Get a German Shepherd Lab Mix
- 3 3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lab Mixed with German Shepherd
- 4 Other German Shepherd & Lab Mixes
- 5 Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Lab German Shepherd Mix
- 6 German Shepherd Mixed with Labrador Puppies for Sale
- 7 Grooming Your German Shepherd Crossed with Labrador
- 8 German Shepherd Lab Mix Health Problems
- 9 Lab German Shepherd Mix Food Requirements
- 10 German Shepherd Lab Exercise Requirements
- 11 Lab German Shepherd Mix Training
- 12 German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families
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Is German Shepherd Lab Mix An Excellent Family Dog
Before getting any new member in your home, it is crucial to get to know his behavior with humans and kids. Whether you are living alone or with a family, including kids, it is very prominent to check the dogs temperament, you are going to bring home.
Although, a well-trained German Shepherd mixed with a lab is never going to disappoint you with bad behavior. They are very well-behaved dogs, which exactly know what a family expects from them.
They are quite sensitive and get attached to their owners very quickly if you will provide him love and consider him your family member. Then, being very loyal, they can even give up their life for their family and master.
Sherprador is a very entertaining and adorable pet that one can have. Even if you have kids in your family, this dog will become their protector and their playtime partner. It believes in spreading love to those who take care of them.
Sheprador puppy is very social and is known as one of the least aggressive breeds ever. Thus, you can understand how important this dog is going to become for your family.
German Shepherd Lab Mixes Are Tough Dogs That Like To Work
Hailing from a lineage of two working dog breeds, German Shepradors generally love to work. They get happy and satisfied when they have jobs to do, no matter how big or small the job is.
German Shepradors get their toughness from their two parent breeds. German Shepherd dogs are known for being military, police, and guard dogs, while Labrador Retrievers are the top choice for guide, hunting, and rescue.
Moreover, Labrashepherds usually need a sense of purpose. They like to be physically busy and mentally stimulated. If a Labrashepherd gets bored, it tends to indulge in different forms of destructive behavior.
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Training A German Shepherd Lab Mix
German Shepherds and Labradors are both energetic, intelligent dogs. Without a doubt, to wear out a German Shepherd Lab mix so that they dont bounce off the walls back at home, theyre going to need at least two hours vigorous exercise every day. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored.
Labrador and German Shepherd dogs are both working dogs at heart. Theyre highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with this ultra smart German Shepherd Lab mix it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. However, its important to remember that this breed is prone to some health concerns that could inhibit or affect their exercise requirements and ability.
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.
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German Shepherd Lab Mix: The Two Most Popular Dogs In One
Have you ever owned or met a Labrador Retriever? Its likely, as theyre extremely popular. In fact, theyve been at number one on the American Kennel Clubs top 200 most popular dog breeds for some time now.
Its easy to see why, as Labs are just so loving and affectionate. Theyre great with young kids and they are friendly with everyone, even other dogs. Theyre easy to train, full of energy, enthusiastically playful, and pretty smart. In short, theyre brilliant!
So, whos at number two?
Well, that would be the equally brilliant German Shepherd dog, also called the GSD.
While theres not much difference in size, there are subtle differences in temperament. Just like the Lab, theyre loving and affectionate towards their families, but more guarded in their attitudes towards strangers and other dogs.
These two wonderful breeds have been around for a while and have earned their places in our hearts. Its not easy to choose between them, even though the Labrador has the coveted number one position in the top 200 most popular dogs.
But, now you dont have to choose, as there is a German Shepherd Lab mix!
Imagine that a mixed breed that combines the best bits of both dogs.
If youre wondering what this dog would be like, then wonder no longer. Were going to examine the German Shepherd Lab mix to let you know exactly what to expect.
First, we need to meet the parents
How Much Does It Cost To Raise A German Shepherd Mix
The main expense of raising a German shepherd mix is in the food costs. As they have a large appetite, they will eat about 3 cups of kibble each day, costing you roughly $50 $70 a month.
Shepradors do require regular brushing and bathing. However, you can do this yourself, so it doesnt have to cost a lot. Be aware that these dogs can quickly develop dental issues if you dont maintain their dental health. This could be expensive if they do develop problems.
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Lab German Shepherd Mix Character
While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits.
German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs.
Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans.
As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador.
However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see.
Observing the behavior of their parents can be a rough guide, but in most cases you will be looking at the German Shepherd parent to ensure they arent too diligent in their guarding duty.
While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose.