The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, also known as the Golden Shepherd, is a mixed-breed dog that is a hybrid between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd. These pups are large, lively, and devoted, inheriting some of their parents’ greatest attributes. They’re also pretty easy to care for if they’re put with an active household that can provide them with both company and exercise.

For a variety of reasons, this beloved hybrid breed is gaining popularity in the United States. Continue reading to learn more about this fascinating breed and whether they are the ideal dogs for you.

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix: History

The Golden Shepherd’s parents are well-known. The Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog in the United States, while the German Shepherd is the second. As a result, it’s no wonder that their mixed-breed progeny is likewise quite popular!

Around 1840, Dudley Marjoribanks set out to breed a guard dog that could endure the Scottish Highlands’ harsh terrains and wet weather. He mixed the German Shepherd with the Golden Retriever thinking that it would produce the ideal breed because of the protective characteristics of German Shepherds and the wide features of Golden Retrievers.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and other major kennel clubs do not recognize the Golden Shepherd hybrid. Since 2009, the breed has been registered with the International Designer Canine Registry, as well as the Designer Breed Registry.

Appearance

Size and Body

Height: 20 to 26 inches

Weight: 50 to 85 pounds

From paw to shoulder, the Golden Shepherd is a huge dog that stands between 20 and 26 inches tall. They’ll be between 50 and 85 pounds when they fully mature. This German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a big body, a deep chest, and a strong frame. They are somewhat longer than they are tall, but they do not have the German Shepherd’s sloping back.

Their ears are long and triangular in shape. They’ll either stand up straight or droop down to their jawline. They have a long and thick tail, as well as huge paws. They also have enormous black eyes and a long nose that reaches all the way to their wide head.

Coat and Colors

The length of their double coat will range from medium to lengthy, and it will be thick and dense. If the German Shepherd parent is long-haired, they will most likely have long-haired fur as well.

The coat of the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be black and tan, golden, dark golden, solid black, solid white, or solid brown; these dogs will eventually adopt the color of either parent, and there does not appear to be a specific hue. They may also possibly have inherited their German Shepherd parent’s facial markings.

Temperament

The Golden Shepherd is a calm, loving, and loyal dog who makes an ideal companion. These pups are energetic and full of life, and they like being around people and playing. They don’t enjoy being left alone and will want to be by your side at all times, therefore they may show indications of separation anxiety at times. This can be remedied with early socializing.

These pups are extremely bright, so it’s no surprise that they need to be occupied and flourish when given a task to do. While they are friendly dogs that enjoy being around humans and other animals, they frequently inherit a protective temperament from their Shepherd parent, which may make them outstanding watchdog or guard dogs when properly trained.

The Golden Shepherd is a relatively easy dog to train since they enjoy pleasing their owners. They also like playing with young kids and other animals, so you won’t have to worry about any hostility. They’ll happily snuggle up on the sofa for some love and attention when they’re not playing.

But, as previously said, they may have acquired more of the German Shepherd’s guarding and protective attitude. If this is the case, they will be more alert and likely to bark, which may be annoying to certain households.

If left alone for long periods of time, your Golden Shepherd may bark excessively and get into mischief. They are best suited for families that spend the majority of their time at home since they thrive on the human touch. If not, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling in a doggy-daycare facility.

Exercise

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix requires a lot of exercises and playing. Golden Shepherds are active dogs who cannot be kept in one place for lengthy periods of time. Your dog will stay healthy, fit, and happy if they get enough exercise.

Depending on their energy levels, Golden Shepherds will require an hour to two of exercise. Make sure you spend time with your dog going on long walks, swimming, hiking, fetching, jogging, and anything else that will keep them entertained.

If you have a large backyard at home, that’s even better since they can run about and be active on their own when you don’t feel like going outside to exercise them.

If you live in a tight place, such as an apartment with no backyard, this dog will struggle to adjust and fit in. You might be able to get away with it if you give them enough time outside to run about and get some exercise, but that isn’t usually the case with a dog this size.

Training

This dog, like both of its parents, the Golden Retriever, and the German Shepherd, is one of the most intelligent dogs. They won’t be as difficult to train, and they’ll be able to absorb what you’re attempting to teach them quickly.

You’ll be OK if you follow the right dog training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, establishing yourself as the firm leader, refraining from scolding or spanking, and being consistent throughout.

Now that we know how easy it is to teach a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, what should you focus on?

While they are considered to be less protective than their German Shepherd parent, they may still acquire a defensive tendency. It’s critical to begin socializing them at a young age. Early on, expose your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix to strangers and dogs of various sexes and sizes.

Also, despite their brilliance, they still require a strong and constant master. This hybrid requires someone who will not slack on their training. These dogs have strong personalities and will not learn orders until you educate them and continue to train them.

The earlier you train and socialize them, just like any other breed, the better the outcomes and the easier it will be.

Grooming

Due to its double coat of fur, which comprises a coarse outer layer and a downy undercoat, the Golden Shepherd sheds often. Brushing your pet on a regular basis can keep them happy and comfortable. It is advised that you brush your pet once a day to help reduce loose fur. Brushing their hair on a regular basis also helps to keep the fur from taking over your home!

To maintain your Golden Shepherd in good form, they’ll also need their ears and teeth cleaned on a regular basis, as well as monthly nail trims.

Health

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are in danger of inheriting a variety of diseases from both parents, including:

Allergies – both parent breeds are prone to various allergies. It might be difficult to determine individual allergies, although itching, nibbling, nausea, inflammation, and swelling are common symptoms.

Bloat- It is a highly prevalent disease in large breed dogs. The stomach twists and fills with gas, which is typically deadly.

Degenerative Myelopathy- It damages the spinal cord in dogs and is an irreversible, degenerative illness. It starts with weakness in the hind limbs and progresses to loss of use.

Hip and elbow dysplasia– It is a disorder in which the components of the hip and elbow joints do not move smoothly together, causing inflammation, discomfort, and eventually secondary osteoarthritis.

If you want to reduce your chances of getting a dog with one of these diseases, make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder. One that will do the essential health exams on the parent breeds before breeding, guaranteeing that they have clean eye scores as well as good hip and elbow scores.

The lifespan of this mixed breed is estimated to be between 10 and 14 years.

Cost

The prices of the Golden Shepherd puppies range from $500 to $800, with some going as high as $1500 per dog.

When buying a dog, it’s critical to go via trusted sources you can rely on. If you decide to purchase your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix from a breeder, look for one that has a history of mixing these breeds and can give you documents demonstrating their puppies have been checked for major health concerns.

We recommend going via reputable shelters or rescues if you decide to rescue your Golden Shepherd.

Conclusion

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix has a lot to offer when the best traits of both breeds are combined. This breed is a fantastic people-pleaser with a high level of intellect and unwavering loyalty.

In addition, this breed is rather easy to teach and versatile. They get along nicely with people, children, and even other pets, and they’re fantastic in big houses and yards. Keep in mind that for perfect conduct, they will benefit from early instruction and regular socializing.

The Golden Shepherd is a hybrid breed worth considering if you’re looking for a loving and clever companion for your family.

It is important to remember that not every breed of dog is suitable for every family and situation. This is why it’s important to research the breed you’re interested in before bringing one into your home.

To know more, check out other articles on the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever.

Do you have a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix? Let us know how they are by sharing your experience in the comments section below.