The mating between the steadfast German Shepherd and the ever-diligent Labrador Retriever produces a mixed-breed dog known as the German Sheprador.
He is a jovial canine companion to have around, but ready to stand his ground for his family when a threat is near.
In this article, we will look into the ideal traits of the German Shepherd Cross Labrador and find out what type of household he fits well into.
When Was the German Shepherd Cross Labrador Developed?
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador commonly goes by the name German Sheprador. But pet lovers also call him Labrashep and Lab Shepherd.
Numerous mixed-breed dogs have unknown origins because no proper record was kept about their inception.
It is believed that the Labrador German Shepherd Mix was first spotted in the 1980s and gained fame during the 2000s, the era of designer dog popularity.
In comparison, the German Sheprador’s parent breeds have a well-documented history.
The Labrador Retriever is a sporting dog breed native to Newfoundland. He was a trusty canine companion of fishermen. His main job was to help haul the fishing lines and retrieve any fish that fell off the hook.
In the early 1800s, Labs were introduced to England and developed to become hunting dogs. Today, apart from being wonderful family pets, they are reliable choices for canine work like search and rescue and law enforcement because of their strong work ethics.
The German Shepherd was first developed in Germany during the late 1800s. The breeding programme was initiated to save wolf-like sheepdogs in the countryside from becoming obsolete.
German Shepherds served as herding dogs for livestock but were later used for police work and assistance for the disabled because they thrive best when given something to do.
Unlike his parent breed, the German Shepherd Cross Labrador is yet to be officially acknowledged by major kennel clubs. However, he has been accepted in other dog organisations like the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
What Does the German Shepherd Cross Labrador Look Like?
German Shepherd Cross Labradors vary in appearance. Depending on the genetic lottery, they may look closely similar to either of their parents or have balanced traits of both.
Most German Shepherd Labrador Mixes have a lean and toned body with a long back and sinewy straight legs. Their medium-thick tail is long.
The expressive diamond-shaped eyes of German Shepradors are typically dark brown. These mixed-breed dogs have black noses attached to their long muzzles. Their ears stand slightly arched on their head like their German Shepherd parent.
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador is a double-coated dog similar to his parents. His fur is straight but dense and can grow around medium to long.
The most common coat colours of the breed include:
- Black
- Blue
- Cream
- Grey
- Red
- White
Some Labrador Retriever Mixed German Shepherd puppies will have solid coats whilst others may possess markings on their fur.
How Much Brushing Does the German Shepherd Cross Labrador Need?
The Labrador German Shepherd mix is a moderate- to heavy-shedding dog. He will require frequent brushing, ideally 3 to 5 times a week, to avoid loose hairs from building up in your home.
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador moults twice a year, which commonly occurs during spring and summer. It causes them to shed more than usual, so daily brushing is recommended around this time.
We also advise having a vacuum cleaner ready during brushing sessions to easily clean up shed hairs on the floor.
The German Sheprador might inherit the sensitive skin of the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Thus, bathing him frequently is unwise as it can cause skin problems. Only wash him once a month or whenever his dirtiness and pungency become overpowering.
How Big Does a Full-Grown German Shepherd Cross Labrador Get?
German Shepherd Cross Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs. On average, They can grow between 22 and 26 inches (55 to 66 centimetres) tall and weigh around 40 to 80 pounds (18 to 36 kilos).
Male German Shepradors are mostly larger than females. They stand approximately 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 centimetres) and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds (23 to 36 kilos).
Female German Shepherd Cross Labradors measure about 22 to 25 inches (55 to 58 centimetres) in height and 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 31 kilos) in weight.
Having a spacious home is crucial for a Labrador German Shepherd mix to live comfortably. Keeping him contained in a small house or apartment can lead to issues since he is not only a fairly large canine but also full of energy.
The most ideal home for the German Sheprador is a home with a large fenced-in back garden.
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What Makes the German Shepherd Cross Labrador a Good Pet?
The German Sheprador reserves most of his love and attention for his human companions. His Labrador Retriever lineage prompts him to stay close to them and be involved with their daily lives.
Since both of his parent breeds have grown up working with humans for countless years, they are prone to separation anxiety when left on their own for long periods.
The German Sheprador may exhibit this behavioural problem too. The most ideal human companions for him are people who can spend plenty of time giving him affection and enjoyment. Canine separation anxiety training can help in preventing this undesirable behaviour from manifesting.
The German Shepherd’s influence makes him naturally wary of strangers and protective of his territory. Whilst not an aggressive dog, he will remain alert and cautious of suspicious intentions.
If the Labrador German Shepherd mixes regard someone as a threat, they will let out a series of barks to warn their owners. With early and consistent training and socialisation, they can be delegated as highly dependable guard dogs.
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Can You House the German Shepherd Cross Labrador With Children and Pets?
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador bonds well with children because of his playfulness.
However, as he is quite a big canine companion, do not leave him unsupervised with children as he might accidentally knock them down whilst playing.
Labrador German Shepherd mixes are friendly towards other dogs too, provided that both parties are well-socialised and gradually introduced to each other.
However, smaller pets might trigger their herding instinct, which is inherited from their German Shepherd parent. Thus, avoid keeping German Shepradors and small animals in the same room without supervision.
How Much Exercise Does the German Shepherd Cross Labrador Have?
The German Sheprador is born from two high-energy working dog breeds. Hence, he is an active canine much like his parents. He will require around 45 to 60 minutes of physical and mental stimulation daily to keep boredom at bay.
Mixing intensive exercise with brain games is an important component of satisfying his need for a thorough workout. Consider signing him up for dog sports such as obedience trials, agility, fly ball, and herding trials.
If you have more time on your hands, train the German Shepherd Cross Labrador to become a therapy dog or guide dog for people with disabilities. This breed finds it fulfilling when they are given a sense of purpose.
Is the German Shepherd Cross Labrador Easy to Train?
German Shepherd Cross Labrador is a clever and brilliant breed with a slight independent streak. Whilst he can be headstrong, his people-pleasing personality makes him easier to train.
Rewards-based training is a good way to make the activity fun and engaging for the German Sheprador. It also encourages him to become more motivated whilst simultaneously boosting his confidence.
When training your German Shepherd Lab Mix Dog, be consistent, firm, and patient. Although stubbornness should not be tolerated, avoid using harsh punishments to acquire his obedience as it will have the opposite effect.
What Are the Potential Health Problems in the German Shepherd Cross Labrador?
Mixed-breed dogs tend to be less susceptible to developing illnesses than purebred ones. However, there are still chances that they might inherit breed-specific health issues from their parents.
Here are some ailments the German Shepherd Cross Labrador may receive from their predecessors:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is used to describe a group of ocular disorders that cause progressive vision loss in dogs. This eye problem is common in many breeds, including the Lab and the German Shepherd.
Unfortunately, a cure is yet to be found for PRA. Hence, the only viable option left is to make changes to the affected dog’s lifestyle for his safety.
For instance, pet owners may need to make certain parts of their homes like the staircase inaccessible to their pooch to prevent accidents. Placing additional lighting inside the house is also a good idea to provide better visibility.
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Orthopaedic problems have been prevalent in working dogs like the Lab and German Shepherd. Hip and elbow dysplasia happens when the ball and socket of the joint fail to develop normally.
It causes them to fit loosely with each other, resulting in laxity of the joints. These types of conditions often lead to painful and restricted movements.
German Shepherd Cross Labradors affected with dysplasia are at risk of eventually developing lameness. Minor conditions can be successfully treated with physical therapy, medications, and weight management. Severe hip and elbow dysplasia may call for corrective surgery.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
It is a progressive spinal cord degenerative disease that largely affects German Shepherds. DM is passed down to their offspring via a gene mutation.
Although not a painful condition, it can cause plenty of hardships to affected dogs over time. They will lose the function of their hindlimbs and cannot move around unassisted. Incontinence is also another accompanying issue they need to deal with.
Sadly, there is no effective cure for DM and prognosis is usually poor. However, treatment methods like physical therapy and weight management can help slow down its development.
Hereditary diseases in the German Shepherd Cross Labrador breed can be effectively minimised through responsible breeding.
Potential choices for breeding stocks should undergo health tests, which will gauge their likelihood of developing illnesses. Reputable breeders must choose the healthiest dogs for breeding.
Note that some people in the dog breeding business do not take the time to carry out this vital process. If a breeder cannot procure health testing documents of their breeding stock and puppies, do not acquire your furry pal from them.
FAQs About the German Shepherd Cross Labrador
1. What Is the Temperament of a German Shepherd Cross Labrador?
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador displays a laid-back and docile temperament when around his owners. Being a sociable dog, he does not enjoy a time without them.
Labrador German Shepherd Mix may develop unwanted behaviours like separation anxiety if not given enough love and attention. He fits best in a household where family members frequently keep him in company.
2. Are German Shepherd Cross Labradors Aggressive?
German Shepherd Cross Labradors are not aggressive dogs, but they can be distrustful towards strangers.
For this reason, proper training and socialisation must be done at an early age to prevent them from becoming indiscriminately suspicious of anyone they meet.
If pet lovers allow the Labrador German Shepherd mix to grow without going through both processes, he may develop an extreme fear of the world. This facilitates the development of aggressive behaviours.
3. Is a German Shepherd Cross Labrador a Good Dog for Children?
German Shepherd Cross Labrador is a good dog for children. Since he is a child at heart, this pooch will not pass off the chance to play. However, his size can be a problem.
The German Sheprador might tackle the children whilst roughhousing, which may result in injuries. To avoid this unsavoury outcome, make sure to keep an eye whenever he is around them.
4. What Is the Life Expectancy of a German Shepherd Cross Labrador?
The life expectancy of the German Shepherd Cross Labrador can range between 10 and 14 years. With proper care and attention, German Shepradors may manage to live longer.
With this in mind, make sure to give your dog enough exercise, attention, training, and socialisation as they help prolong his life. Regular trips to the vet are also essential to keep yourself up to date with your canine companion’s health.
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Conclusion
The German Shepherd Cross Labrador is a loving breed that yearns for companionship. Whilst they shower their family with affection, they are suspicious of strangers. Hence, they can be trained for guard dog duty.
The German Sheprador is no couch potato dog. He loves to keep himself busy and engage his mind and body with something purposeful. Thus, his ideal home should be composed of people with an active lifestyle.
The eager-to-please personality of German Shepherd Cross Labrador makes them an easy dog to train. Their high intelligence makes them capable of learning valuable canine work such as being a reliable assistance dog.
