Judy Powell
What happens if you cross these two devoted and intelligent races?
Let’s find out!
This guide will tell you everything there is to know about German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and how a puppy can develop from any of them.
First, however, we’ll briefly discuss the dog designer controversy.
The designer dog is created by crossing two purebred dogs.
There are people who believe that mixed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs because their pedigrees are more genetically diverse and not subject to inbreeding.
On the other hand, purebred proponents believe that purebreds are the safer option because they are predictable in terms of health and behavior.
Responsible breeders test their animals for health and even work to reduce disease by breeding only healthy dogs.
Let’s see what to expect from your crossbred puppy by looking at the parents and comparing them.
The origin of the German Shepherd
German Shepherds, one of the most popular and well-known breeds.
As the name suggests, these dogs began their careers as shepherds in Germany.
They were valued much more for their hard work than for their appearance.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that attempts were made to create a special dog from Germany.
A man named Max Emil Frederik von Stephanitz is largely responsible for the breed’s success.
He founded a club to maintain and regulate breed standards and also bought a stud farm, which he believed was the ideal German Shepherd, which he then bred.
Thanks to his efforts, German Shepherds became more and more popular.
During World War I, this popularity declined in America and Great Britain due to anti-German sentiment.
However, German Shepherds quickly gained popularity and were popular with the police and military.
The Origin of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is of noble origin as it was bred by a British aristocrat named Lord Tweedmouth.
Although the breed is believed to be of Scottish descent, Tweedmouth acquired the first retriever in Brighton, England.
He trained a dog named Nous to catch birds and he succeeded in breeding Nous with a type of water spaniel that no longer exists.
Thus, the Golden Retriever was bred as a sporting dog and is still used by hunters as well as charities such as guide dogs for the blind for its intelligence and kindness.
Golden Retriever & German Shepherd Mix Size
Male German Shepherds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 65 to 90 pounds.
Females are 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds.
Male Golden Retrievers are 9 to 9 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds.
Females are 21.5-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds.
Based on the parenting breeds, you can expect the German Shepherd / Golden Retriever mix to be a great dog!
Appearance
German Shepherds are known for their pointed ears and black and brown hues. However, they come in 11 different colors, including black, white, and liver.
They have fluffy tails and smart facial expressions.
Golden Retrievers are strictly golden and come in only three different colors: light golden, golden, and dark golden.
Their long fur can be straight or wavy, and their facial expressions are friendly.
The Golden Retriever x German Shepherd Dog can look different.
You can take more for one parent than another.
For a better understanding of how your puppy might develop or what color it might be, take a look at the parents!
Personality
German Shepherds are naturally intelligent, protective, and loyal.
They can become more attached to one person than others, and they can even become overprotective.
You can be aloof from strangers and in some cases be nervous.
The risk of being bitten by German Shepherds is also very high compared to other breeds, especially in children.
On the other hand, the golden retriever is usually straightforward.
He will usually have an innate love for people and is a loyal companion.
Both breeds are intelligent and use positive reinforcement methods to train for a variety of tasks.
You can expect your puppy to be smart and loyal, but you must also be very careful about their socialization to avoid some of the potential improper guarding issues that GSDs indicate.
It is important to meet the German Shepherd’s parents and make sure they are happy with strangers, but you still need to follow a good socialization plan.
Training and Education
Exercise is a vital part of any dog’s life, but should not be confused with Golden Shepherd puppies as there is a risk of developing joint problems.
The training should be built up gradually so that the dog can build muscle.
However, as they get older, they need to exercise properly or they may get bored and have problems.
Both Germans and Goldens need mental and physical stimulation, just like their offspring!
Your Golden Shepherd needs company. This is not the kind of dog that is suitable for a home where the family is absent for most of the day.
Care and Maintenance
German Shepherds have a waterproof double coat and always shed, if not excessively when there is no season.
Golden Retrievers also have a waterproof double coat, and their long hair can become tangled and matted easily.
Frequent brushing is important to keep the coat smooth and matt-free.
Your puppy will have a double coat just like its parents.
Bathing can be held occasionally.
A German Shepherd Golden Retriever’s nails should be checked regularly and clipped if necessary.
Brush your teeth weekly and check your ears for wax build-up.
Health
The list of health risks for these breeds seems to be quite a long one, and your mix could potentially inherit one of them.
Some health problems are also more common with age.
German shepherds have a life expectancy of around 11 years.
Their health risks include anal furunculosis problems and food allergies.
There is also hypothyroidism, chronic superficial keratitus, epilepsy, dysplasia of the hip and elbow, flatulence, and megaesophagus.
Von Willebrand disease and heart problems, such as the patented ductus arteriosus and chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, are also associated.
They have also been plagued with back problems that can be traced back to race, causing their backs to have increasingly arched backs.
Golden retrievers have a life expectancy of approximately 12.5 years.
Health risks associated with this breed include allergic skin conditions (atopy), aortic stenosis, and digestive tract disorders.
There is also a higher rate of elbow and hip dysplasia, endocrine disease, epilepsy, geriatric disease, and canine vestibular disease.
Other health problems associated with them are hypothyroidism and pyometra.
Not to mention the eye conditions!
These include hereditary cataracts, congenital cataracts, generalized progressive retinal atrophy, retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy, multifocal retinal dysplasia, and glaucoma.
However, the biggest concern with golden retrievers right now is likely cancer. Almost 40% of all gold will die from it.
A risk that is dramatically increased in castrated women.
Similar risks are underscored by purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder.
How to Choose a Puppy
Mixed breeds are harder to find than purebred dogs, but they’re still out there. Check out the newspaper and look around online.
Once you find a breeder, visit them and ask about their parents’ health tests.
These health tests are very important as they can tell you about potential health risks to your puppy.
A responsible breeder will share these results with you.
During your visit, make sure that you take a close look at the residence and the parent dogs.
Make sure that the German Shepherd Dog has a straight back and is not walking on the stools.
Parents’ behavior should reflect their respective races.
Both should be friendly to you and show no signs of aggression.
The German Shepherd Dog may not want to go into their laps to snuggle up, but they should be unconcerned of your presence and have a swaying tail.
Check the golden hair for mats and tangles as this will give you a good idea of how well the breeder is taking care of their dogs.
The breeder should ask you a lot of questions and be happy to answer them.
When in doubt, go away and continue your search elsewhere.
Is a German Shepherd-Retriever Mix Right For Me?
German Shepherd Golden Retriever mixed dogs are active and intelligent.
Mental and physical stimulation is important.
Early socialization and the use of positive reinforcement training are essential.
No breed of puppy should be left alone for long periods of time as puppies need an enriching environment and a lot of attention.
Since both parents tend to fear separation, a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is only suitable for families where the family lives for most of the day.