The Temperament Of The Black Labrador
These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer, with a healthy diet with the right exercise regime.
The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting.
Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. In the USA these are known as English Labs, and in the UK they are called Show Labs. This type tends to weigh more and be a lot chunkier in appearance than those bred for hunting and retrieving duties.
Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show, certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter coloured Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate.
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What Is A German Shepherd Lab Mix
A German Shepherd Lab mix, or Sheprador, is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. The Sheprador stands at an average of 24 inches tall and can weigh up to 80 pounds when fully grown. While the German Shepherd dog is prone to some unfortunate health issues, it is thought that the general good health of the Labrador can balance out to create a healthy Sheprador puppy.
The German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever are the United States two most popular dog breeds. But what happens when you breed a Lab German Shepherd mix? Lets take a quick look at some of their defining characteristics.
- Popularity: High, but lower than other Lab mixes
- Purpose: Security, companionship
- Temperament: Loyal, energetic, obedient
Best Families And Owners For Shepradors
Are you thinking of welcoming a loyal, smart sheprador into your life? Here is a quick check to make sure these fantastic dogs are a good fit for your home.
Its clear that the sheprador is an amazing mixed breed with lots of love to give. These canine companions are always ready to join in on the action and are happiest alongside their beloved families.
Do you have a sweet sheprador? Whats your favorite thing about this unique mixed breed? Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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Getting To Know The Black Labrador Retriever
This friendly hound is recognized far and wide and is seriously well-liked. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds.
Did you know that up until the 1900s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black, and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions?
German Shepherd Lab Mix And Families
Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can.
These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games.
Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight.
The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior.
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Reasons Why You Should Get One
You will never be short of a laugh when there is a German Shepherd Lab mix about. This dog is just about as goofy, loving, and protective as any dog could be! They vie for your attention in all sorts of wacky and energetic ways like throwing their toys around, bounding around, or pushing their heads onto your lap.
Dont be surprised if a few of your socks go missing too.
Their retriever instinct means they cant help but always have something in their mouths. Dont worry you will soon find them in their hidden stash along with your shoes and hats behind the sofa!
German Shepherd Lab mixes are not just a blur of energy, they are affectionate and cuddly.
Their ideal Sunday morning is lying in bed with you while lapping up snuggles and belly rubs, followed by a long walk in the sunshine with plenty of treats. They are gentle and kind-hearted, making them perfect to have with children of any age.
The Lab Shepherd mix is tolerant of tail pulls and ear tugs so they get on well with young children.
Bear in mind, however, that they dont enjoy it if the pulling and tugging becomes too hard. Remember to supervise very young children and teach them how to properly interact with dogs as the German Shepherd Lab mix is so gentle that they wont be able to say no.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies
Even from a very young age, a German Shepherd Lab mix puppy needs careful attention paid to their coat. They have whats called a double coat, made up of two layers of fur. The undercoat is close to the skin while the overcoat is much longer and will shed regularly.
Brush your Sheprador every day to keep that double coat in glossy condition. You also want to make sure your Lab mix puppy is kept cool, as the coat doesnt do well in hot weather! Think of your German Shepherd Lab mix as a larger, friendlier Siberian Husky when it comes to warm climates.
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The German Shepherd Lab Mix Is An Energetic And Intelligent Dog Who Needs Plenty Of Exercise And Mental Stimulation
Exercise is key to keeping your German Shepherd Lab mix happy and healthy.
If youre looking for a dog who enjoys lounging around the house all day, then the German Shepherd Lab mix is not for you. This is a breed who needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
Two good walks a day should help curb some of this energy, but your Sheprador will also need plenty of play time in the backyard or dog park.
Puzzle toys can help keep your German Shepherd Lab Mix busy, but dont rely on them to completely distract him. Without the proper time, attention, training and mental stimulation, the German Shepherd Lab mix can have a tendency to become bored and destructive, so watch out!
Adopting A Dog From A German Shepherd Lab Mix Rescue Or Shelter
One way to get a Sheprador puppy is by adopting from a rescue or shelter. You are likely to find a German Shepherd Lab Mix that served as a police dog or rescue dog, which you can provide them with a new home. You can visit your local animal shelter or rescue group to find a puppy you can adopt.
The advantage of adopting a Sheprador from a local shelter is they usually conduct a complete medical check-up of the pet before they give it to you. With that, you can be sure of your new pets health before adoption.
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How Much Does A German Shepherd Lab Mix Cost Puppy Prices & Expenses
A German Sheprador puppy usually costs between $500 and $800. Its not difficult to find a breeder for this mix as both parent breeds are popular. Some puppies can even cost lower than this price range.
The GSD Lab mix puppy price can also be higher, but most likely, it will be cheaper than a purebred German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever.
It will also not be hard to spot a German Shepherd Lab mix in rescues to adopt at a significantly cheaper price.
Aside from the buying price, you also need to cover the expenses for your Labrashepherds needs. From its food and feeding items down to its medical bills, we prepared a list that will help you determine if this dog fits your budget.
Heres a table of the initial expenses of owning a German Shepherd Lab mix:
| Type of Expense |
Looking for a German Sheprador mix puppy isnt really that hard, but searching for a reputable breeder can be! Luckily, we provided a list of online platforms that have trusted breeders of German Shepherd Lab mix puppies.
Here are some sources where you can find Lab Shepherd mix puppies for sale:
For more options, you may check out our articles on the best German Shepherd and Labrador breeders and see if they offer German Shepherd Lab mix puppies.
Alternatively, if you want to adopt a GSD Lab mix puppy, here are some rescues you can reach out to:
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German Shepherds Became Popular In America Around The Early Twentieth Century
In 1907, the German Shepherd was notably present in America. It wasnt until 1913 that the German Shepherd got its first title grant.
Around the same time, Anne Tracy and Benjamin Throop established the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, drawing in 26 individuals and yet still another huge advance in German shepherd history.
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Comparing The German Shepherd Lab Mix With Other Breeds
Are you interested in the Shephrador, but still not entirely sold?
Take a look at some of these other breed options for comparison.
To learn more about the diseases and conditions that a GSD is prone to, refer to our article on German Shepherd Dogs. To learn more about the diseases and conditions that a Labrador Retriever is prone to, refer to our article on Labrador Retrievers. Find out all about raising a puppy when you work full time here.
Diet And Exercise Requirements
Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. Its important to give these dogs as many opportunities to expend their energy as possible.
Its recommended that they get between 90 and 120 minutes of exercise every single day! If you dont, your dog will be at a higher risk of health complications. German Shepherd Labrador mixes are prone to gaining weight when they dont get enough exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem.
If puppies arent given the chance to exercise daily, they can develop bad habits and become quite lazy as adults. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy.
When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. Finding something they like wont be an issue. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs.
We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat.
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Who Should Not Get A German Shepherd Lab Mix
German shepherd lab mixes have a lot of energy to burn so theyre not suitable for apartment living or inactive owners. The dogs are known to chew furniture and bark when left alone for long periods, so theyre not good pets for people who spend a lot of time away from home.
Labrashepherds are large dogs that require a lot of food, so people who cant afford to care for a large dog breed shouldnt own this breed mix.
Other German Shepherd & Lab Mixes
Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didnt do their research before choosing a dog that isnt a great for their lifestyle.
Not sure the Lab German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Lab mixes.
Alpha Paw has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:
| Lab German Shepherd Mix |
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The size of a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever will give you a clue as to the mature size of your dog. Considering that the two are medium to large-sized dogs, it is likely that your Lab mixed with a German Shepherd dog will also be medium to large-sized when mature.
Considering the weight of both parent breeds, it would be safe to estimate that your Lab German Shepherd mix will be around 88 pounds when mature. And when the adult size of this dog is considered, it can measure anywhere from 24 to 26 inches tall from the shoulder.
So noting all this information, it would be safe to estimate that a Lab German Shepherd will be a relatively large dog when mature.
The following dog organization and dog breed registry recognize the Lab mixed with German Shepherd dog breed:
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- International Designer Canine Registry
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Life Expectancy Of The Sheprador
Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years.
So its safe to bet that your Lab German Shepherd hound will live a long happy life to 11 or 12 years of age.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Grooming Needs
How you will groom your dogs coat will depend entirely on its density and length. Its always good to brush dogs regularly to avoid matting and tangling. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months.
German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. If your pup has a double coat, youll need to brush them every few days. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean.
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The German Sheprador Is A Relatively New Mixed Breed
In terms of canine breed history, German Shepradors have a short period of just over three decades. It is believed that breeders began crossing German Shepherds and Labradors during the 1990s.
This is why there is no existing breeding standard yet for the German Shepradors height. Nonetheless, breeders continue to produce German Shepradors as the demand for mixed breeds has increased over the years.
What Does A German Shepherd Lab Mix Look Like
With so many different combinations of Labrador colors and German Shepherd patterns almost every litter of German Shepherd Lab mix puppies is unpredictable.
For example, breeding a standard black and tan Shepherd with a black Lab can produce completely black, black and tan, or puppies somewhere in between who are mainly black but with a tan undercoat.
Each and every puppy is unique, and this adds to their adorableness!
The German Shepherd Lab mix comes in six main colors:
Some hybrids might be a solid color, or others can have a pattern like their German Shepherd parent. If they do have a pattern they will generally have a darker shade over their back and sides and the tips of their tail, ears, and muzzle, with a lighter shade everywhere else.
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Labrador Vs German Shepherd Weight
The German Shepherd is a heavy dog, so most German Shepherd mixes, like the German Shepherd Border Collie mix, weigh on the heavy side regardless of the other breed.
A Labrador fully grown will weigh between 25kg and 35kg.
A German Shepherd fully grown will weigh from 26kg to 40kg.
A German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anywhere from 30kg to 80kg.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Origin And History: Where Does The Labrashepherd Come From
The German Shepherd and Lab mix is considered a relatively new mixed breed believed to first exist during the 1990s. Its parent breeds are both beloved and popular for their intelligence, strength, and temperament.
The crossbreeding of German Shepherds and Labradors was intended to combine their best traits and create a genetically sound family dog with watchdog capabilities. From then on, the demand for Labrashepherds has been soaring.
To better understand this mixed breed, its best to look at the history of each parent breed. German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 1800s and are known as the most intelligent, obedient, and responsive shepherd dogs.
Meanwhile, Labrador Retrievers originated in the 1500s from Newfoundlands water dogs. These working dogs helped in waterfowl hunting. During the 19th century, the Labrador breed was standardized and refined.
As a result of two famous working dog breeds with respective worthwhile origins, it is not unusual to think and expect highly of the German Shepherd Lab mix.
Besides its history, theres so much more to know and love about this mix, so keep reading!
As a mixed-breed dog, the exact appearance of a German Sheprador is uncertain. It can take after either of its parent breeds. Although one things for sure, its size will usually be medium to large.
Generally, a German Shepherd Labrador mix has an athletic body, brawny legs, and a long back.
Heres what a black Lab German Shepherd mix looks like:
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