German Sheperd Golden Retriever Mix

The Deluxe Easy Walk Harness

Walking is going to be a big part of your life as a German shepherd golden retriever dog owner. Because German shepherd golden retriever mix dogs have so much energy, they can have a tendency to pull on leash.

The above Easy Walk Harness is widely used by trainers and experts for larger dogs who tend to pull. Not only is this harness safer and more comfortable for your dog to wear, it also reduces pulling by redirecting the dog back to you and by not putting pressure on his chest, which can tap into his natural instincts to pull.

Is A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The Right Breed For Me

German Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes make quality family pets due to their friendly and loyal traits. This breed is curious and active. However, if you have small kids, you should wait for them to grow up a bit before introducing an energetic and big pup.

A large an energetic puppy can unintentionally cause harm to a young child through rough play, so it is wise to avoid this scenario. And always remember to never leave small children and any dog alone unsupervised.

Combining a German Shepherd with a Golden Retriever is like mixing two extreme behavior patterns you dont know what youre going to get. However, proper training will allow you to take control of the situation.

There are a few basic things you should know before adopting this breed, so lets take a closer look at these now. Read on to understand the basic requirements of you and your living environment before bringing one of these mixes home.

Origins Of The German Shepherd

The German shepherd is one of the most common and recognizable breeds that have been in existence for more than 100 years. These dogs began as sheepherders in Germany and were highly esteemed for their work ethics more than their appearance. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an effort was established to create a specific dog of Germany.

The first German shepherd breed club was started by Max Emil Frederick von Stephanitz, where he came up with a club to maintain and control the breed standards. He also purchased a stud that he perceived as the perfect German shepherd, which he then went ahead to breed. His continuous efforts led to a dramatic surge in the popularity of German Shepherds.

However, during WW1, there was a drastic decline in German shepherds popularity as a result of anti-German views. This breed later gained back its popularity with the public during the 1960s and has been used more by the police and the military.

Don’t Miss: Golden Retriever Puppies Bend Oregon

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.

Also Check: Why Do German Shepherds Shed So Much Hair

Fun Facts About German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

• The German shepherd is the second most popular dog breed in the United States, and the golden retriever is the third most popular.
• The Designer Breed Registry first recognized the golden shepherd in 2009.
• Both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, so its especially important to keep your golden shepherd at a healthy weight to avoid putting too much stress on the joints.
• Golden shepherds are the perfect dogs for agility training. With their combination of brains and energy, theyll love having an obstacle course to navigate.
• Golden retrievers are bred hunting dogs, so the instinct to play fetch runs deep in them. Not so much in the German shepherd! However, if you teach your golden shepherd to fetch when theyre young, theyll be hooked for life.

Recommended Reading: How Often Should You Bathe A Golden Retriever

Progressive Retinal Atrophy Or Pigmentary Uveitis

This is a group of diseases and conditions that essentially affect the eyes and may degenerate eyesight over time. In the case of PRA, night vision is the first to deteriorate, and the condition eventually gives the eyes a dirty or look slightly gray look. Generally, PRA is inherited.

Pigmentary uveitis primarily affects Golden Retrievers and can therefore also be passed down to the hybrid breed. Roughly 5-10% of Goldens are diagnosed with this disease and it can usually only be identified in dogs of 8 years or older. The eye is colored by pigment and cataracts and, in extreme cases, glaucoma. Early detection can slow the progress of the condition.

How Much Is A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

Expect to pay around $500 to $800 for a Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix puppy. That is just a general amount range for this breed. Still, it can be more expensive depending on the bloodline of the parent breeds, the popularity of the kennel, the breeders location, and even the availability of puppies.

Crossing Goldens and GSDs together can produce 6 to 10 pups in a litter.

You May Like: Best Vacuum For Golden Retriever Hair

The German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever Breed And Explain Why It Is A Perfect Breed

The German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever is a perfect dog for active families. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. They are excellent with children and make great family pets. German Shepherd Mix Golden Retrievers love to play fetch and go on walks, so they are perfect for people who enjoy being active. These dogs require a moderate amount of exercise and will do best in a home with a yard. The German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever is a medium-sized breed. They are usually between 32 and 48 pounds but can get up to 78 pounds. The German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever has a short, smooth coat with a soft undercoat.

Debate Of Health Difference Between Purebred And Mixed Breed

You might have heard before that a mix is healthier than a purebred. Many do debates whether this is true.

On the one hand, many think its easier to control against diseases when the kind of dogs used is limited. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog.

Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen.

Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. Remember to work together to ensure you grab a healthy German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix.

Read Also: Best Food For My Golden Retriever Puppy

How Big Will A Full Grown Golden Retriever & German Shepherd Mix Get

Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. But that doesnt mean that will stop them from wanting to be in your lap or by your side 24/7.

This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. So, lets check out those numbers first.

Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches . As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds .

The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Lets start with the females first this time. Females can grow as tall as 21.5-22.5 inches and weigh as much as 55-65 pounds . Males are 23-24 inches tall and 65-75 pounds heavy.

But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches tall and 60 to 85 pounds heavy.

But dont be surprised if your Golden Shepherd is taller or heavier like its parents before it. It really is just a guessing game with this breed.

The Best Of Both Dogs In The Golden Shepherds Temperament

Since German Shepherds are often used in police work, you can expect them to be brilliant and excellent at learning new tricks. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Because of their tendencies to pick favorites out of the family members, strangers arent their favorite.

Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills.

The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance.

Always striving to please their owners, it wont be long before the two of you become best buds. Their cleverness makes training easy. But well go into the specifics of this a bit later.

Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. However, if their bite is anything like the German Shepherds, youll need to always watch them around smaller family members.

The best way to bond with your German Shepherd & Golden Retriever Mix is through playtime. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Dont plan to leave your friend alone for long periods of time. The Golden Retriever genes love to be around people all the time, so if youre gone for too long, they can get .

Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing.

Also Check: Golden Retriever Puppies Nesr Me

Origin Of German Shepherd Golden Retriever

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a hybrid that has been popular for many years. This breed was originally bred in Germany by crossing German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers because the dogs were used to work on police and military duty. They were later exported to America in the 1940s but this did not stop them from becoming popular across the world.

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia is an inherited genetic disorder where parts of the hip and elbow no longer function properly. That leads to pain, inflammation, and osteoarthritis later in life.

Related: Is My German Shepherd Overweight? Heres How to Tell

Accidents can also increase the possibility of joint problems early in a large dogs life. If theyre climbing out of swimming pools, running down steep hills, or playing in the mud too frequently, make sure youre paying attention to their behavior.

Any sign of pain or discomfort should immediately raise a red flag that something might be wrong.

Hip dysplasia can occasionally be treated with metal implants. They could limit your dogs range of motion, but its better than the previously mentioned health concerns.

Recommended Reading: English Cream Golden Retriever Iowa

Feeding Your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix:

Depending on your Golden Shepherds sex, you can expect a full grown dog between 22 and 26 inches tall, with a weight of 55 to 85 pounds and a large appetite! The hybrid puppies should eat four small meals each day until they are fully grown. Feeding them kibble that is specifically formulated for large-breed puppies is best. That way, you can rest easy knowing that all their nutrition needs are met!

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes typically reach full maturity between 18 to 24 months old. At this time, you can reduce his number of meals to two per day instead of four. Feeding 1.5 cups of high-quality, protein rich kibble at each meal should meet his daily nutrition needs. Always consult with your vet to be sure!

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix: How To Take Care

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

Before mentioning the characteristics and care regimen for the Golden Shepherd, we would like to share some interesting information about the German Shepherd and the Golden.

• German Shepherd

German Shepherd is a medium to large German working dog breed. Max von Stephanitz developed it in 1899 from traditional German herding breeds.

They are usually red-black or brown-black with a domed forehead and a long square-cut muzzle. They are characterized by intelligence, loyalty, and protection of their owners.

• Golden Retriever

Users commonly know it as a medium-sized British retriever. Notably, this breed of dog is favored by some Western countries to keep as pets.

They are characterized by a docile, obedient nature with striking golden plumage. Besides, it also regularly appears in dog shows with obedience challenges, gundog, and more.

See More : Golden retriever gets along with GSD?

These two dog breeds have outstanding characteristics and abilities. Therefore, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix will have significant advantages, especially with purebred hybrids.

There is no detailed study on where and when they were first born, but some famous researchers believe them to be of American origin.

To know more details, continue reading and following the article because we will cover the complete information about this dog breed.

You May Like: Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppy Philippines

Temperament & Intelligence Of The Golden Shepherd

If youre looking for an intelligent, loveable companion for your family, look no further than the Golden Shepherd. These family-friendly dogs are the result of breeding two of the most intelligent dogs in the world: the German Shepherd and the Gold Retriever. Your canine companion will love playing games and learning new tricks and skills, which helps keep this active dog mentally stimulated. They are very affectionate with their families and get along with all ages, from children to adults.

Living Conditions: Living Conditions Are Best For A German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever

There is no definitive answer for what the best living condition is for a German Shepherd Mix Golden Retriever. However, some considerations that should be taken into account include the size of the space, whether or not the dog will have access to a yard or outdoor space, and how much exercise the dog will get. If the dog lives in an apartment, it is important to find a building with a large enough lobby or common area where the dog can play and run. If the dog has access to a yard, it is important to provide plenty of shade and water in the summer months. Dogs that do not get enough exercise are more likely to become destructive in their home environment.

Read Also: Golden Retriever Puppies Spartanburg Sc

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Characteristics

German Shepherds are known for their upright ears and black and tan coloring, but they can actually come in 11 different colors including black, white, and liver!

They have bushy tails and an intelligent expression.

Golden Retrievers are strictly golden, though the shade of gold can vary widely from pale cream to a dark golden red.

The medium length coat can be straight or more often have a slight wave, and Goldens have a characteristically friendly expression.

There are many possibilities for what a Golden Retriever x German Shepherd might look like.

Many will have the red/gold coat of the retriever and ears that are partially erect but tipped over at the top.

Feeding A Golden Retriever Mix Diet Requirements

Ensure the food you are feeding your dog is of a high quality and meets his daily nutritional requirements.

Being a large mix, you should aim to feed him four times per day as a puppy, this is usually reduced to 2 meals per day as an adult this will be after hes matured between 18-24 months.

Feeding your puppy four meals daily will help to avoid stretching their stomach whilst maturing.

Being highly trainable, you wont need to use many treats when training your German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix they learn quickly.

Obesity can be an issue in both breeds, so be mindful of what you are feeding your pooch and consider using low calorie dog treats if necessary.

You May Like: How To Keep Golden Retriever Hair Soft

The Coat Of The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

A golden shepherds fur may be any combination of colors from its parents, which include the following:

Additionally, golden retrievers have longer coats that may be straight or moderately wavy. German shepherds have double coats that consist of a top layer of longer, stiffer hairs and an under layer of shorter, softer hairs. Golden shepherds will almost invariably inherit this double coat, but the length and waviness may vary.

The Origin Of The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix began around 1840 when Dudley Marjoribanks sought to create an ideal guard dog that could handle rugged terrains and rainy weather in the Scottish Highlands.

Due to the protective nature of German Shepherds and the broad features of Golden Retrievers, he believed that it would make the perfect breed.

The baron kept records for close to 50 years, which led to the cross-breeds birth. A Yellow Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel were the first parents of the Golden Retriever. It wasnt until 1908 when the specimens of the breed got to the US.

While this mixed breed made an excellent guard dog for many years, theyre also very relaxed, loyal, and loving. Golden Retrievers are known to be quite cuddly, so its easy to understand why theyre not always the best guard dogs.

Nevertheless, the GSD in the mix allows owners to train their pups however theyd like.

Read Also: How To Shave A Golden Retriever With Clippers