The German Shepherd Labrador crossbreed is a dog you want to consider adopting if you have a family. These two dog breeds are usually picked for their loyalty and intelligence, and a Labrador Retriever cross German Shepherd can offer you these personality traits and quality protection as a bonus!
What is a Sheprador?
Sometimes called a “sheprador”, a Labrador Retriever cross German Shepherd is a designer dog breed that mixes the versatile GSD with the popular Labrador Retriever. Being a hybrid, half German Shepherd half Labrador mixes can contain physical traits found in both dogs at the same time.
Typically, the German Shepherd Labrador mix size is classified as medium-large to large and is a dog that can stand between 1.6 – 2.1 ft (0.5 – 0.6 m) tall. German Shepherd Labrador mix weight lies between 35 – 85 lbs (16 – 38 kg). Their muzzle size is medium to long and is robust, hefty dogs. A Lab German Shepherd mix does not have a standard ear classification and can have either sharp and pointy or soft and floppy ears.
Black or chocolate Lab German Shepherd mix dogs are also known to have short, double coats which can vary from either tan, brown, amber, or black colors. The coat may also be white if you have a white German Shepherd Labrador mix.
What are some basic facts about Shepradors?
The following sections provide some key German Shepherd Labrador mix info.
Life Span
Usually, German Shepherd Labrador cross breeds can live for about 10 – 12 years. However, it should be noted that chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes typically have shorter life expectancies (only about 10 years old) than non-chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes.
Price
A Sheprador is a relatively inexpensive hybrid whose puppies cost between US$200 – 600. A black Lab German Shepherd mix is cheaper, while the more uncommon White German Shepherd Labrador mixes are usually more expensive and can cost upwards of $500.
Commonly-occurring known health issues:
This list is not comprehensive but can give you some insights about known Sheprador common health ailments.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
A problem associated with both dog breeds, hip dysplasia can cause severe pain and can greatly decrease your Sheprador’s quality of life. Common symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hind leg area, and problems walking.
Elbow dysplasia happens when the joints start damaging the cartilage cushioning a Sheprador’s elbows. Symptoms include weakness in the front legs and a general reluctance to exercise, which may lead to German Shepherd Labrador mix weight loss.
Bloat
A common problem for large breeds is bloat. When this happens, a Sheprador’s stomach twists which can lead to blood circulation problems or even death. Symptoms include indigestion, dry heaving, irregular or shallow breathing, bloated stomachs, and excessive salivation.
Obesity
This is a problem that originates from the Labrador Retriever side and its propensity to eat a lot. If left unchecked, German Shepherd Labrador mix size can reach unhealthy levels; weight levels reaching almost 100 lbs (45 kg) and can lead to arthritis and joint problems, worsen metabolism, and generally make your Sheprador more vulnerable to diseases.
Eye problems
Both GSD’s and Labs are vulnerable to contracting eye diseases. Shepradors may suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and conjunctivitis. Symptoms include milkiness or cloudiness in your dog’s eye lens, red eyes, discharge from the eyes, constant rubbing or scratching of the eyes and clumsiness.
How can I take care of my Sheprador?
Take note of the next sections for some basic care and grooming German Shepherd Labrador mix info.
Coat
A Sheprador is notorious for its constant shedding. Invest in basic grooming tools such as a slicker brush. Undercoat rakes are also good to have as Shepradors typically are born with double coats. Brush and groom your Sheprador once or twice a week to avoid matting and shedding in unwanted areas.
Exercise
Being a product of two relatively active dog breeds, regular exercise is important for Shepradors to maintain a healthy weight level, avoid joint and arthritic complications, and for good overall mental health. Make time to exercise or play with your Sheprador for at least 2 hours every day (1 hour, if exercising with high intensity).
Portion control
Maintaining a healthy weight is a major consideration when taking care of a Sheprador. Do not give out treats unless training your Sheprador as much as possible. In addition, it is recommended to separate your Sheprador’s meals throughout the day to avoid bloat. Males can safely consume between 1350 – 2850 calories a day, while a daily serving size for females is between 1050 – 1350 calories a day (depending on current weight).
What is a Sheprador’s personality like?
This portion details German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament and what personality traits you can expect from your Sheprador.
Intelligence
This personality trait is commonly found in both GSD’s and Labrador Retrievers. Shepradors are highly trainable dogs and are recommended to undergo regular daily training sessions. This dog breed can learn commands relatively quickly and will perform them to the best of their abilities.
It is also their intelligence that requires them to learn new commands or directions regularly, as they can become bored easily if not properly engaged.
High energy
Shepradors are naturally energetic dogs that need regular exercise and activity. Shepradors that do not exercise regularly may be vulnerable to bouts of depression or escape tendencies. Constant mental and physical engagement through exercise, games, and training are essential to maintain a balanced and good-natured German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament.
Friendliness
This personality trait originates from the Labrador Retriever side. Shepradors are naturally congenial dogs that need very little formal socialization training. This means that your Sheprador can be introduced into most social situations and make friends with other dogs and humans easily.
