German Shepherd Lab Mix, also known as German Sheprador or Labrashepherd, is a hybrid between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. These pups are large, lively, and devoted, inheriting some of their parents’ greatest attributes. You’ll get a dog with endless energy and, unfortunately, a great risk of developing serious medical problems.
Are you thinking about getting a German Shepherd Lab Mix? Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about this incredible mixed-breed dog.
German Shepherd Lab Mix: History
For decades, Lab German Shepherd hybrid dogs have most likely been born either accidentally or on purpose. The crossbreed still doesn’t have the same prestige and prominence as a Labradoodle or a Cockapoo, for example. In fact, the Labrador German Shepherd hybrid is still relatively unknown among the increasing designer breed registries.
German Shepradors have been present since the 1980s when hybrid and designer dogs first became fashionable. Although this blended breed is newer, the parent breeds are not. The Labrador is a 19th-century breed, whereas the German shepherd was first recorded in 1899.
Appearance
It’s a bit of a risk what you’ll get when these two mix breeds, as it is with other mix-breed dogs.
They might have German Shepherd-style pointy ears or Labrador-style floppy ears. There’s nothing left to do but wait and watch what happens. Fortunately, both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are gorgeous dogs, so they should look good no matter how they come out.
Size
Height: 22 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Because German Shepherds and Labradors are both medium- to large-sized dogs, their hybrid pups will be similar.
The German Shepherd is the largest of the two breeds, weighing between 50 and 90 pounds and standing between 22 and 26 inches tall. Labradors are slightly smaller, weighing 50 to 80 pounds and standing 22 to 25 inches tall.
So, expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. By looking at the parents’ sizes, you may narrow down the range a little.
Coat
When it comes to coat, your German Shepherd Lab Mix will most likely have a shorter coat, similar to that of a Labrador. This appears to be a dominant gene since this coat type is seen in the great majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes.
The dog will very probably have a double coat, as both breeds have it. The undercoat will be fluffy and velvety, while the guard coat will be harsh.
Color
The color of these stunning mixed-breed dogs varies a lot, so you may get a dog with solid coat color, like Labs, or a dog with striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. Much of this is determined by the Labrador parent’s color, whether yellow, black or chocolate.
The darker the lab parent, the darker the pup’s coat will be in general. White German Shepherd Dogs, on the other hand, can produce beautiful white Shepradors. Essentially, it’s a bit of a lottery, and you never know what you’ll receive.
Temperament
Labradors are extroverted, lively, and sociable dogs. They like interacting with others, expressing affection, and getting along with youngsters. In addition, the German Shepherd is self-assured, bold, and astute. They are devoted and energetic. Labradors and German Shepherds are also quick to learn and eager to please. German Shepherds, in particular, require useful outlets for their intellect; else, they will engage in mischief to avoid boredom.
A German Shepherd Lab mix can acquire any combination of their parents’ characteristics.
Shepradors are devoted companions that like being around people. While they don’t like being left alone, they aren’t prone to excessive barking or screaming if you leave them alone for an afternoon. They require a large backyard to run about in, thus they are not suited for apartment dwellers.
German shepherd Lab mixes are quite loving and sociable, and they do well in situations where little children are present. They also get along well with other dogs, so you can take them to the dog park without too much problem.
Shepradors are not suitable for first-time dog owners. This mixed breed has high activity requirements and needs at least an hour of daily exercise. Because German shepherd Lab mixes require daily walks, buying one is a big commitment for first-time dog parents.
Exercise
A German Shepherd Lab Mix is a wonderful companion animal, but they do require some type of activity to keep them occupied.
The German Shepherd Lab Mix is a high-energy breed when compared to other breeds. When feasible, give your new furry buddy 90 to 120 minutes of intense exercise every day.
Some individuals get these dogs with the intention of working with them. They’re fantastic partners for search and rescue, law enforcement and military operations, hunting, and other similar endeavors. Many pet owners also like taking their dogs to the dog park on a regular basis, where they may practice agility or play a thrilling game of fetch in the evenings. If you enjoy taking daily long walks, a German Sheprador could be the dog for you.
Consider what kind of work or activity you could assign to your Sheprador ahead of time because they’ll need to be actively involved in something to stay out of trouble.
Training
Shepradors are extremely bright and eager to study and impress you. They are really obedient and eager to work.
You should avoid dominance-based dog training if you have a large, powerful, and clever dog, such as the Sheprador. Any effort to train them via dominance will almost certainly be met with resistance.
Instead, you must embrace their need to learn and please them, and use positive reinforcement to teach them obedience; if appropriately rewarded, your Sheprador will train extremely hard.
Because of their devotion and protecting nature, German Shepherd Lab Mix might be aggressive against outsiders. When they are completely grown, this can be an issue. Shepradors should be intensively socialized as pups as a result of this. Bring them to puppy courses, parks, and other social situations where they may interact with strangers.
Grooming
German Shepherds and Labradors both shed, so you may expect their Sheprador offspring to do the same. You must brush them at least twice a week, and up to once a day during shedding seasons, i.e., fall and spring. It’s also a great idea to invest in a decent quality vacuum cleaner with additional functions to assist you to pick up dog hair in addition to brushing.
These dogs will probably like leaping up on the couch for a cuddle and a nap. While you’re at it, invest in some covers and make sure your fancy vacuum cleaner has an upholstery attachment.
Baths are an essential element of the grooming routine. Give your dog a wash once a month at the absolute least to keep him or her smelling great.
Their coat isn’t the only aspect of their upkeep that has to be taken care of. You should brush or use dental treats three times a week to clean their teeth. Because germs, yeast, and parasites grow in the insides of their ears, it’s also vital to clean them once a week. Lastly, don’t forget to trim their nails as needed.
Health
Shepradors must expend a lot of energy in order to avoid getting fat. They have a big appetite and can acquire a lot of weight if you don’t exercise them sufficiently.
Skin allergies, such as susceptibility to dust, pollen, chemicals, and mites, are also common in these dogs. You should have this checked out if you see them scratching.
A German shepherd Lab mix, like many other big breeds, can develop hip dysplasia. Later on, the dog may get arthritis as a result of this. It may frequently be avoided by following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, often known as bloat, is another prevalent problem in large breed dogs. Labradors have a large chest and body frame, which allows for a lot of bloating. The gas that forms after a substantial meal is retained rather than expelled from the body. For your dog, the accumulation can be excruciating. If your dog’s bloating persists, speak with your veterinarian about further alternatives for dealing with this unpleasant problem.
Progressive retinal atrophy is also a problem in Labradors. The retina of your dog begins to deteriorate as it ages, and your dog becomes blind. This is why getting an eye checkup before buying a Sheprador is so vital.
Shepradors live for 10 to 12 years on average.
Cost
A German Shepherd Lab Mix will set you back between $500 and $800. The final pricing will be determined by the lineage. The value of the parents, like with other mixed breeds, will influence the price.
Buying a puppy is far more expensive than going to a shelter and finding a Sheprador to rescue. Alternatively, you might be able to discover an older dog to adopt from someone who can no longer care for it. You may expect to pay a lot less this time.
Conclusion
German Shepherd Lab Mixes are wonderful dogs, but they aren’t right for everyone. They are highly energetic and require a lot of attention, thus they should be raised in homes that encourage this. However, they get along well with both adults and children, making them excellent family pets.
Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes require around two hours of exercise every day, so you’ll need to be able to provide that level of commitment. However, if you enjoy trekking and trailing, this means they are the sort of dogs you can take on any excursion.
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 Labrador.
If you have a German Shepherd Lab Mix or know of someone with this active and loyal pup, please share your story in the comments below.