Are you are looking for a pooch with a loyal and loving character, highly adaptive, intelligent, and loyal to you or your family? Meet the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. This large and energetic designer dog will make a great addition to the right family.
A cross between a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Golden Retriever, this hybrid possesses some of the finest qualities from both parents. But before you make the final decision to adopt or buy, there are things you should know about this mixed breed.
So, is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix the right choice for you?
In this article, we have garnered everything you need to know about a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. From their temperament to health issues, dietary needs, training, exercise, and more, you will be fully equipped.
Table of Contents
What is a German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix called?
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is known by a variety of adorable names including Golden German Shepherd, German Shepherd Golden Retriever, Golden Shepherd, and German Retriever.
These designer dogs are recognized by the ACHC, DBR, IDCR, and the DRA.
History of the Breed
The Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is thought to have naturally existed for years. The mixed breed, however, started to gain popularity in 2009. It is said that the creators of the Golden Shepherd aimed at reducing the health issues that affect both purebred parents. They also wanted a perfect family pooch and guard dog.
But to know the German Retriever better, we will take a peek at their parents.
Parents
The Golden Retriever – Developed in the Scottish Highlands, the Golden Retriever first came to light in 1908 at a Crystal Palace in the UK. They are a cross between numerous breeds and were originally bred for hunting purposes. They helped hunters retrieve birds on land and water in Scottish estates that were said to be full of marshes and ponds.
This medium-sized breed is even-tempered, friendly, and smart with a compassionate attitude which makes them excellent family pets. Golden Retrievers are also outstanding service and therapy dogs. They were recognized by the AKC as a breed in 1925.
A male Golden Retriever stands between 23 and 24 inches tall with a weight of 65 to 75 lbs. while females are around 21 to 22 inches in height and a weight of approx. 55 to 65 lbs. They are generally healthy but prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, cancer, and low thyroid. Other health issues include chest problems, cancer, and von Willebrand Disease (vWD). Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
The German Shepherd – GSDs, as they are known, have their origins in Germany with a history that dates back to the 1800s when Horand von Grafrath, the first GSD was created. The genetic basis for the modern GSDs we know came from this breed developed between 1895 and 1899. The breed was initially created to help herd sheep and has been a working dog and companion ever since.
The German Shepherd is obedient, smart, alert, poised, brave, fiercely loyal, and exceptionally affectionate. These personalities plus their love for kids, plus a protective and watchful character are what make it an outstanding family dog and companion. The AKC documented the GSD as a breed in 1908.
GSDs are medium to large-sized dogs. Males have a height of 24 to 26 inches at the shoulders weighing 66 to 88 lbs. while females stand 22 to 24 inches tall with a weight of 49 to 71 lbs. Some of the common health problems in GSDs include hip & elbow dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy, diabetes, cataracts, hemophilia, and degenerative disc disease. They live between 10 and 13 years.
Overall Description
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60 to 95 lbs. |
| Height | 20 to 27 inches |
| Child-friendly/ Pet-friendly | Excellent with kids & pets |
| Coat Type | Single-layer coat |
| Coat Color | Black and tan, golden, dark golden, solid black, solid white, or solid brown |
| Shedding | Double coat, long & dense |
| Temperament | Very friendly & sociable, Intelligent, Energetic, loyal |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
Appearance
Both the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever have notable physical quality differences. Thus, your Golden Shepherd’s appearance can vary significantly. However, you should expect your hybrid dog to possess an athletic or lean build with either erect or floppy ears. Their eyes can either be expressive or have an intelligent gaze.
The tail will be long and curved and their legs will be muscular. This designer dog will stand around 20 and 27 inches tall with a weight of between 55 and 85 lbs. Therefore, you will need to have a big backyard space.
Your German Shepherd Golden Retriever will have a double (waterproof), fairly dense medium-length coat like the parents that sheds moderately throughout the year. Their coat has a variety of colors including dark golden, black and tan, golden, solid black, and either solid white or solid brown. Typically, it can take from any parent or both.
Temperament and Characteristics
It is hard to tell what temperament your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix will have. It can inherit from either or both parents. That being said, however, this hybrid is very tolerant with kids, playful, and active, as well as highly trainable due to their intelligence. That is why you will see them working as service or military dogs.
Golden Shepherds make excellent watchdogs, are very loyal, and are extremely affectionate with their family or owners. This means that they are susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone for long and can develop a curiosity that could make them destructive.
These dogs are chewers and can be mouthy, so they love it when they have something in their mouths. So, you might want to invest in sturdy toys.
Nutrition
Your Golden Shepherd should eat a diet that is formulated for large breeds with high energy. As pups, you can consult your vet on how much or what they should eat. When adults, however, feeding them 2 to 4 cups of premium, protein-rich kibble at each meal will meet their daily dietary needs. Divide this food into two small meals.
This hybrid is prone to gaining weight when overfed so make sure that you stick to a specific schedule. Avoid dog foods with fillers and artificial ingredients.
Training & Exercise
The Golden Shepherd is extremely intelligent, obedient, and eager to please you which makes it highly trainable. Be ready, however, to deal with a stubborn streak that they reveal sometimes during training. They are very energetic and training them is no match for a novel dog owner.
Incorporate reward-based training and ensure you socialize your German Retriever from an early age.
This mixed breed is athletic and highly energetic. It is recommended that you should exercise them for at least 1 to 2 hours a day. Their intense exercise should also include other activities such as brain games to keep them engaged and stimulated. That is why you need a large yard.
Health Issues
This hybrid between a Golden Retriever and German Shepherd is healthier than its purebred parents. However, they are susceptible to common health problems such as bloat, hip & elbow dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and degenerative myelopathy.
Make sure your pooch visits the vet often.
Life Expectancy
The Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix has a lifespan of between 10 and 14 years.
Grooming Needs
A Golden Shepherd has a double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangling and matting. So, brush them daily gently to help spread oils throughout their skin and hair, keep the nails well-trimmed, and bath them every two to three months.
Brush your pooch’s teeth every day to maintain good dental health and ensure that you check their ears weekly to prevent wax build-up. If you are unable to trim and wash them, visit a pro groomer.
Cost and Maintenance
There are many factors that determine the price of a Golden Shepherd including the reputation of the breeder and their location. However, you should expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 for a German Shepherd Golden Retriever puppy.
If you opt to buy, make sure your puppy comes from an honest and responsible breeder that will provide detailed health info about the parent breeds of this mix. The Golden Shepherd needs average to high maintenance, unlike their GSD parents.
Where to Adopt
Do you live in Australia, Arizona, Colorado, California, Ireland, India, the UK, or any other region? You can find a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for adoption in the local shelters and rescues near you. If unsure about where to begin, you can check with workers from these places.
Adoption is recommended as a better option than buying if you know the breeder well and will cost you about $300 as adoption fees.
FAQs
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
