First A Note About Mix Breed Dogs
The reality with a mix breed dog is that you dont get to pick and choose the characteristics and features that you get from each individual breed.
Although some traits from either parent may be more dominant than others and some breeders may breed for certain traits and characteristics in particular, offspring can possess different breed traits in different balances.
Additionally to breed traits, offspring may also show individual traits from either parent that are dog specific and not breed specific e.g. personality traits.
So, if you want to be sure of what youre getting, its important to not only have done some research on the breeds, but also:
go check out the individual parents, breeder, other litter mates
or, go see the dog at an adoption, rescue or foster home
Feeding A Golden Shepherd
You should pay careful attention to the ingredients in your Golden Shepherds food. Cheap dog food can lead to health problems. Look for food with whole meat as the first ingredient. Avoid by-products and artificial colors and preservatives.
A healthier diet may help prevent your Golden Shepherd from getting cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Golden Retrievers. Feed your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix the best dog food you can.
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The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Dog May Need Some Obedience Training To Become A Responsible Pet
Although this breed of dog is not as destructive as many other breeds, they can get bored and destructive when left alone so its best to socialize with children, other dogs, and other people in the house.
The German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix will make an excellent family pet and have been known to make great companions for those with disabilities and other health problems. If your Golden Retriever or German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix shows aggression towards other animals and children, or if your Golden Retriever or German Shepherd mix puppy has behavioral problems, then its a good idea to get this breed out of the house.
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German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Health Problems
The major illness and difficulties that are to be given concern in this mix breed:
Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is caused by a deformity in the hip joint that affects one or both of the hips.
Elbow dysplasia Irregular and developmental deformity of the elbow joint. This causes severe harm to the cartilages present in the elbow joint to end up in osteochondrosis or OCD.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy This hereditary disease of the retina comprises of various genetic diseases that lead to the degeneration of the retina.
Atopic dermatitis Airborne pollens, animal dander, Food Allergies, Dust mites, Flea, and tick bites
Pulmonic stenosis The third most common canine congenital heart defect in which the pulmonary artery is poorly developed, leading to a narrowing of the arterial region through where blood enters the lungs.
The severity of the disease varies with heredity of the dogs. Some may die very young while will others remain symptom-free for their whole lives.
Minor concerns
Cataracts This typically affects older canines above six to seven years of age.
Hypothyroidism This is the most commonly diagnosed hormone disorder in dogs and it is a congenital disorder of thyroid gland, causing slow physical and mental development.
Von Willebrands Disease a most common congenital disorder of hemostasis in dogs. The dogs undergo excessive bleeding due to a defect in platelet function to form clots to seal broken blood vessels.
Coat: Do German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes Shed
Both GSDs and Goldens are double-coated dogs, so that means we can expect the same with their hybrid offspring. With that said, this designer breed moderately sheds throughout the year and becomes heavy shedders during the shedding season .
They generally have a medium-length coat that is fairly dense and waterproof, which helps them when doing outdoor tasks, just like its parents.
For their coat color, it can vary quite a bit, but typically, they come in tan, red, cream, or black. Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes can either have solid colors or a blend that makes them look unique.
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It Is Important To Remember That German Shepherd Mix Dogs Are Not Purebred
They may come from two different German Shepherd mother dogs but they are still a mix. The more times you get a Golden Retriever mix, the more times you will have to get him or she checked out to make sure the mix is okay. You dont want a sickly dog that can get adopted and then end up being put back into the shelter because he or she was diagnosed with some kind of disease.
German Shepherd mix dogs are a great option if you are looking for a larger dog that will get along with other dogs. They are energetic and happy dogs and you can take them everywhere with you without worry. They are good with kids and other animals and you dont have to worry about being bitten or having an aggressive dog.
A Bit Of The Golden Retriever
The development of the Golden Retriever as a breed is attributed to the Scottish Lord Tweedmouth. He worked diligently between about 1835 and 1890 to develop a golden dog gifted for waterfowl retrieval.
He achieved this by selecting golden puppies from litters produced by mating Tweed Water Dogs, Flat-haired Retrievers and Irish Setters, now extinct. Officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1911, they were then described as yellow or golden, and it was in the 1920s that the golden nickname was officially adopted.
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Meet Copper Awesome German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Dog Rehomed In Hemet California
With his gorgeous deep red coat and big brown eyes, Copper is sunshine on 4 legs! This healthy, 7 year old male dog is a nice mix of Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. He is fixed and up to date on his shots, and a big dog at 140 pounds.
Copper has a personality that is so loving. He is good with children and enjoys the company of cats. He has not been around other dogs much, but would probably be fine, given his very congenial temperament. He is such a laid back dog. He enjoys going for a daily walk, but is otherwise agreeable with anything you are doing.
Coppers owner is a single mom with three kids facing the loss of her home. She is devastated to have to find a new home for Copper, but is simply not able to take him with her, as she will be renting, and finding accomodations that allow large dogs like Copper is next to impossible.
She hopes to find Copper a great home where he will be cherished as much as he is now. Ideally, the new owners will be homeowners with a securely fenced yard. Having time to spend with Copper and the mobility to be able to take him for his daily walk would also make for a great home.
If you have been looking for a dog that combines sheer devotion with good manners and a sociable, friendly nature, Copper may be your perfect match. If you would like to meet him and find out, please fill out our online meeting request form. Once received, Coppers owner will call you to answer any questions and arrange a meet up.
Caring For A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
This dog requires someone to be with them for most of the day due to separation anxiety. They are an active breed and need an active household. They do well with other dogs and they love children.
You should be prepared to exercise them for at least an hour every day.
They dont mind how they exercise and are happy to be your running pal or do agility classes with you. Everyday brushing is need and they will probably need to go to the groomers on a reasonably regular basis. Lets look closer at their care requirements.
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Golden German Shepherd Characteristics
Theres no guarantee that a Golden German Shepherd will inherit specific traits from each parent.
WagWalking state on their website that the hybrid will usually have a rough coat like a German Shepherd or a smooth and soft coat like the Golden Retriever.
The Golden Shepherd can have a variety of different coat colors, including light to dark gold, black with tan trim, black, black and cream, blue, gray, liver, white, and sable.
These mix dogs will have brown eyes and a black nose.
Their ears can either be alert and upright like a German Shepherd or large and folded over like a Golden Retriever.
Its safe to say that a Golden German Shepherd should have an athletic and muscular appearance given both breeds are sporting dogs.
Feeding A Golden Retriever And German Shepherd Mix
Diet plays a huge part in the life of any dog, and its very important for their overall health and well-being. Being large dogs, Golden Shepherds require a diet packed with proteins and fats that will fuel their muscles and keep them on their toes.
Opt for large breed dog foods to meet your Golden Shepherds nutritional needs and feed him two times a day to prevent bloating. When it comes to puppies, stick with the same brand of food the breeder was using to prevent an upset stomach and feed your pup four meals a day. Once your pooch is one-year-old, you can slowly transition him to adult food and two meals a day.
When it comes to feeding, read the labels and stick with the recommended amounts based on your dogs age and activity level. Obesity is a huge problem for both German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, so do your best and dont overfeed your pooch.
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Requires A Ton Of Care
These dogs lose all the time because of the thick and waterproof coat of both parental breeds. Golden Retrievers are known to get their hair tangled, so it is necessary to have them trimmed and brushed regularly. Also, because they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax faster than other dogs.
Shepherd Retriever Mix Grooming & Care
Due to their thick and long double-coat, every Golden Shepherd is bound to be a heavy shedder and has to be brushed daily, otherwise, your home will be full of dog hair! Shedding is even more pronounced during spring and fall, and you may end up brushing your dog several times a day just to stay on top of all the loose hair.
As their coat is likely to mat, taking your pooch to a professional groomer for an occasional trim and bath can be a good idea. Or you can invest in a variety of dog brushes and grooming tools and take care of everything at home.
The rest is basic care and involves daily teeth brushing, regular nail clipping, and ear cleaning. They are prone to wax build-up, so make sure to check your dogs ears once a week and clean them when they are dirty.
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The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Can Be Prone To A Number Of Serious Health Issues
Like all dogs, the German shepherd golden retriever mix can be prone to a number of the same genetic health issues as his parent breeds. These health issues include but are not limited to:
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- And Dental Issues
The German shepherd golden retriever is also susceptible to suffering from a condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus or bloat for short.
Bloat is when gas fills the dogs stomach and the stomach then twists. Bloat is a serious and life threatening condition that can be caused by a number of factors including stress, eating too quickly, eating too much, over exertion, or eating too quickly after exercise.
Watch for symptoms and signs of bloat in your German shepherd golden retriever mix including a distended stomach, pacing, unproductive vomiting, restlessness, distress, signs of pain, and shallow breathing.
If you see symptoms of bloat in your dog, get to your nearest emergency vet as quickly as possible.
German Shepherd Mixed With Golden Retriever
German Shepherd crossed with Golden Retriever dogs are lively dogs that love activities which can help them stay healthy. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs.
Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. Protein in a dogs diet is necessary for building and repairing tissues. It is also the building block of their muscles. Veterinarians recommend 22% of the protein in a dogs daily diet including pure protein like eggs, fish, and meat.
Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems.
Now, lets talk about water as it makes up 70-80 percent of a dogs lean body mass. Water also helps in regulating a dogs body temperature and in digesting fats and carbohydrates. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Dont forget to give your German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dog plenty of water after playing and exercising.
Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size.
- Soy
- Flour
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Top Five Products For German Shepherd Golden Retriever Dogs And Their Owners
All dogs are different, and its important to be prepared for the unique needs of your dog before becoming a dog parent. Are you considering getting a German shepherd golden retriever to call your own?
If so, there are some products we recommend you get in order to ensure you can be the best dog parent for your new dog as possible. Take a look.
The German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog and is renowned for its intelligence and loyalty.
Originating from Germany, the German Shepherd is a tough, intelligent working dog originally bred for herding livestock.
Over the years, the German shepherds muscular build, tenacity, loyal disposition, and overall beauty made them an excellent K9 dog for officers of the law and military.
During World War ll, the German Shepherd was feared and even revered as a negative symbol of German loyalty, but today this smart and loving dog is one of the worlds most famous breeds.
The German Shepherd consistently ranks in the top three out of 196 on the American Kennel Clubs list of most popular dog breeds.
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German Shepherds Mix With English Bulldogs Dobermans And Potbelly Pigs
and they have the potential to produce horrible breeding pairs. You also have the problems of inbreeding, which is common in Germany. The quality of the German Shepherd breed is very high but the price is extremely high because of the high demand. This demand has driven the prices down and you can often get a great German Shepherd pup for a fraction of the cost of regular German Shepherd puppies.
German Shepherd mix dogs are very intelligent dogs that can be trained easily if you use the right training methods. They are loyal to a fault and can become destructive when bored or lonely. They make very good watchdogs and are very good with children. You dont have to leave your German Shepherd with children as they are very protective dogs.
Characteristics Of The Golden Shepherd
Due to the fact that these dogs are not a purebred breed, it can be a little difficult to predict their characteristics. This is especially true for the Golden Shepherds that are first generation. However, we can make predictions based on past Golden Shepherd litters.
A Golden Shepherd puppy will normally cost you anywhere between $500 $800 depending on the breeder. Always buy from a reputable breeder and never from puppy mills.
Appearance
A Golden Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 35 and 55 lbs and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. Males are normally bigger than females and it will, of course, depend on which parent your Golden Shepherd pup takes after more.
These dogs are medium to large size and normally have a German Shepherd body and a Golden Retriever head. However, German Shepherd puppies often have floppy ears when they are born, eventually becoming erect as they grow, so there is a chance your puppy will have these ears too.
The best thing to do when buying your Golden Shepherd is to take a look at the parent breeds, because this will give you the best indication as to what your Golden Shepherd pup may look like when theyre fully grown.
Coat
The Golden Shepherd coat is normally long, because both the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd have long coats. However, German Shepherds can also have short coats, so there is a chance your Golden Shepherd will inherit this coat too.
Color
Temperament
Lifespan
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There Are Many German Shepherd Puppies For Sale That Are From Germany And Others Are From Other Countries
Most of the dogs that come from Germany are full-bred dogs and some are only a few months old. They are usually bred to show traits from both parents. Many owners who do buy these mixed German Shepherd dogs are doing it to create a show dog for their dog shows. Show dogs are very expensive and the breeder usually wants to get their best dog to show instead of creating a show dog.
German Shepherd mix dogs for sale come from puppy mills or pet shops. These dogs often have been abused and have poor health when they arrive at the shelter. If you are going to get a German Shepherd you need to be very careful before buying one.