Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Mix: The Ultimate Guide

What Is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever?

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever is a mixed breed dog. The mix comes from a cross between the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.

Since these breeds have different features, it is interesting to see the effects of cross-breeding them.

Some common physical traits of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever are:

• The combination of the GSD’s long nose and the Golden Retriever’s huge head results in broad faces with narrow snouts.
• From the tail to the shoulders, there are broad features all over.
• Large paws
• The length of a child’s hair is determined by their parents (both breeds are known to have long hair, but some GSDs have mid-length hair)
• A German Shepherd Golden Retriever’s ears may be pointed or drooped depending on the parent dogs. In some cases, they have short, pointed ears, while others have long, drooping ears.

The Golden Shepherd is a designer breed that is popular with pet owners. They can cost anywhere from $450-$1,200.

However, you might be able to find them for much cheaper. You will learn this near the end of the page. Let’s learn about this one-of-a-kind breed’s history and interesting facts without further ado.

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix’s Origins

Around 1840, Dudley Marjoribanks sought to design the ideal guard dog capable of surviving the Scottish Highlands’ rough terrains and rainy weather.

He believed that the German Shepherds were protective and the Golden Retrievers had broad features, making the perfect breed.

For nearly 50 years, the baron kept track of his pets. As a result of this cross-breeding, the Golden Retriever was created. The original parents were a Yellow Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel. In 1908, the breed made its way to the United States.

This mixed breed dog was once a great guard dog. But they are also relaxed and loyal. Golden Retrievers are cuddly, and people often think they make bad guard dogs.

Even though the GSD has a reputation for being difficult to train, owners can still train their pups however they want.

Is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Cross the Breed for Me?

German Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes make good family pets because they are friendly and loyal. They are curious and active, but you should wait until your kids are a bit older before getting one of these pups, as they can be energetic and big.

If you have a large and active puppy, be careful when playing with young children. Puppies can unintentionally hurt children through rough play. Never leave tiny children or any pets unattended.

When you mix a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever, you never know what might happen. But with proper training, you can take control of the situation.

There are a few things you should know before adopting this dog breed. For example, you should know the basic requirements and living environment before bringing one of these dogs home.

Are You Sure You Have Enough Space?

You should only get this mixed breed if you have abundant space. They are active and like to run around.

German Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes are one of the largest dog breeds. They can weigh up to 40 kg (88.2 lbs) and are 57 cm (22.4 in) tall. This mix comes from two very active breeds, so they have a lot of energy.

These are not great apartment dogs because they will bark throughout the day. This is especially true when nobody is home to keep them entertained.

You are in luck if you have a huge yard or a large plot of land and a family. These dogs love to be around families. They also need to meet new people as often as possible when they are young to form strong bonds with them.

Some fun games and activities for your Golden Shepherd include frisbee toss, fetch, swimming, outdoor dog runs, and more.

These breeds (and this mixed breed) need to be walked every day. You should walk them for at least 15 minutes before and after work to keep their hearts pumping and avoid health problems.

Are You a Professional Dog Trainer, or Do You Have Access to One?

German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are not the easiest dogs for beginners. That is not to imply you cannot receive one; nonetheless, you should be aware of the substantial training required.

Professional dog trainers can be very helpful when training your Golden Shepherd. They are energetic dogs that can be difficult to handle, so having an extra set of hands can make the process smoother.

If you have a Golden Shepherd, getting them trained properly is important. This will help them become the loyal and obedient dogs they were meant to be. It’s also helpful to find an expert specializing in this type of mix.

If you are confident that you can train a Golden Shepherd on your own, make sure to follow these guidelines:

• You should attempt to teach your dog to respond to rewards rather than to his rage. Dogs don’t understand when we are angry, and it just makes them scared, guilty, and confused. This kind of training doesn’t establish good behavior in the long run.
• Praise and goodies can be used to reward your puppy. Puppies from both breeds in this mixed form close bonds with their owners. If you show you’re happy with them consistently, they’re more likely to have good behavior.
• You can use puppy potty pads to train your dog to go to the bathroom. Put the pads close to a doggy door or in the spot you want them to go. After a few days, move the pad closer to the final destination. Keep doing this until they know where to go, and then remove the pad. Puppy potty pads are very effective!

German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Basic Facts

The Golden Retriever and German Shepherd cross-breed can have different temperaments and appearances. These two traits depend on how much of each parent’s features the cross-breed has.

This dog is typically about 21.7 to 26.4 inches wide and weighs close to 88.2 pounds.

You will notice that the mix has a shorter back. The dog will also have almond eyes and the face of a shepherd.

Mixed breed dogs typically have bushy tails, powerful muscles, and medium-length muzzles. Golden Shepherds are a type of mixed-breed dog that typically have a golden, cream, yellow, or tan coat.

German Shepherds are protective dogs, while Golden Retrievers are friendly and easy-going. Mixing the two breeds together gives you a protective and affectionate dog. It is critical to properly socialize and teach this dog if you want it to have a pleasant demeanor.

Although the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a friendly breed, they can be a little needy at times. These dogs like to follow their owners around and need a lot of interaction.

German Shepherd Basic Facts

German Shepherds are frequently utilized as security dogs, K-9 units in law enforcement, and military dogs. However, they can be great companions in any setting. You can train your GSD to be the perfect protector or cuddler.

German Shepherds usually bond most closely with one person in a family. They will be by your side at all times, so they will not interact with the other people in the family as much as they will with you.

Some people classify German Shepherds as aggressive, but they can be calm and mild-mannered in the right household. They will stay alert and bark if someone they don’t know comes to your house. They are known for their powerful bark and strong presence. This means they can often keep away bad guys just by being seen.

Here are some additional fundamental GSD facts:

• Colors are available for German Shepherds. Several hues are available, including black, white, black and tan, black and red, and silver.
• Regardless of the hue, they have a range of coat lengths. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. To stay healthy and comfortable, some GSDs require a lot of grooming.
• German Shepherds have a lifespan of between 9 and 13 years. This depends on their ancestry, size, pre-existing conditions, diet, exercise, and anxiety levels. However, German Shepherds can become stressed very quickly. To prevent this from happening, play with them, give them enough attention, and feed them a healthy diet.
• German Shepherds are considered a large breed of dog. They need a lot of food, which costs more than the food for small dogs. They range in weight from 60 to 100 pounds (27 to 45 kilograms). The cost of high-quality dog food or handmade raw dog food is significantly higher than chihuahua food.
• They are very intelligent, which can be a good or bad thing. They will be loyal if they’re well trained and stay by your side. If they’re not well trained, their intelligence may make them aggressive.

Golden Retriever Fundamentals

In the United States of America, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. They are considered gentle, caring, and devoted companions who thrive in big groups of humans. They are also not too aggressive, which is great for small children. However, they can sometimes be too playful, so watching them around small children is important.

This breed needs plenty of exercises to stay healthy and avoid anxiety. Make sure you take them for a walk every day and play fetch with them.

Golden Retrievers are a type of dog that likes to be around people. They will want to be with you wherever you go. If you don’t want a dog always with you, you should not get a Golden Retriever.

While Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers share some characteristics, they also have numerous distinctions. They have similar ears, snouts, and bodies but different traits.

Before you get a Golden Retriever, here are some things you should know about them:

• Golden Retrievers usually have long hair, which means you will need to groom them regularly. Use a brush to loosen the fur, and then use a comb to collect clumps and strands of hair that might fall to the ground. If you do not groom your Golden Retriever, their fur will get caked on the carpets and rugs.
• Golden Retrievers are a hard-working breed of dog. They crave purpose, even if it’s as basic as picking up the newspaper or playing with your children. If they don’t have something to do, they will get restless and depressed.
• Golden Retrievers tend to overeat. You can’t just open a bag of food and leave it out for them because they might not stop eating. It’s not unusual for this breed to become overweight or sick from overeating food. If they don’t get enough nutrients, they’ll eat plants, toys, and other objects (including their feces).
• Golden Retrievers are a medium-sized dog breed. They grow between 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds. They need plenty of food, water, and exercise to stay healthy and happy.

What to Expect When Purchasing a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Crossbreed

Now that you know some things about the German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, here are some things you can expect if you mix the two breeds.

Loyalty and Gentleness

German Shepherds are protective dogs, while Golden Retrievers are loyal dogs. If you combine these two breeds, you’ll have a reliable and protective dog.

Even though they are large, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are intelligent and friendly. They will be gentle around children and other pets in your house.

Coat

The mix between a Golden Retriever and German Shepherd leads to a dog that has a thick and long coat. This means that the dog will shed a lot, especially during fall and spring. You will need to brush your dog’s fur every day to keep the skin healthy.

Grooming the Golden Shepherd or any of its ancestors calls for the use of certain equipment. One simple and effective brush that we have used many times before is the For large dogs with lengthy hair, the FURminator De-Shedding Tool is ideal.

This brush is straightforward to use. We also like that it is easy to clean. If you decide to get this brush or a similar one, it is a must-have!

You should also regularly clean your pet’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cleaning your dog once a month is a plenty to keep him clean.

Health Concerns

Large breeds of dogs are more likely to have health concerns than small breeds of dogs. This includes joint problems, heart problems, and many other health concerns.

It is critical to know any potential health hazards related to your Golden Shepherd. Some common risks include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia is a disorder that is passed down from parents to their children. This disorder causes problems with the hip and elbow, which leads to pain, inflammation, and osteoarthritis in the future.

The skeletal condition can happen in both small and big dogs. Things that can worsen the condition are being overweight, growing too fast, and exercising.

Accidents can also raise the likelihood of a large dog developing joint problems early in life. If they climb out of swimming pools, run down steep hills, or play in the mud too frequently, make sure you pay attention to their behavior.

Any indication of discomfort or pain should be cause for concern.

Some dogs have hip dysplasia. This can sometimes be treated with metal implants. The implants might limit your dog’s movement, but it is better than the other health concerns.

Myelopathy with Degenerative Changes

DM is a disease that affects senior dogs’ spinal cords. This disease can lead to a loss of coordination in the hind limbs and even paraplegia in some cases.

Dogs with degenerative myelopathy live only six to three years after being diagnosed. However, with a good treatment plan, their lifespan may be extended.

Allergies

The German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are both prone to allergies. This cross-breed also prone to different types of allergies.

You might notice that your dog scratches a lot, has swelling in some parts, or is always nibbling. All of these are signs of an allergic reaction. But it’s also important to understand what is not an allergic reaction.

Eye Conditions

German Shepherd Golden Retriever may develop various eye problems, including Pigmentary Uveitis and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. These disorders, if left untreated, can result in blindness.

Both Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are prone to blindness as they get older. This means that Golden Shepherds can definitely go blind.

Suppose your dog is having problems with its eyes, for example. In that case, if their eyes are losing color or they can’t see as well as they used to, it is important to go and see a veterinarian. There might be something wrong, and it is best to get it checked out.

Thyroid Disease

Some symptoms of hypothyroidism in German Shepherd Golden Retrievers include weakness, obesity, increased shedding, and low exercise endurance.

Hyperthyroidism will cause you to lose weight, feel thirsty all the time, have diarrhea, and have heart problems.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

VWD is a disorder that affects your blood clotting. Unfortunately, most people are unaware they have it until symptoms such as heavy bleeding, nose bleeding, and blood in the urine develop.

Your mixed-breed dog may have a higher chance of getting some diseases, but that doesn’t mean your dog will definitely get them.

Consult a veterinarian regularly and review genetic testing results to assist you in better managing your dog’s health. This cross-breed has a lifespan of approximately 10-15 years.

Trainability

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever cross-breed requires proper training to behave around other people and pets.

Even though this mix may sound complicated, training a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is pretty straightforward.

This dog quickly picks up new habits and tricks, allowing speedy training. Bear in mind that this breed is amiable and enjoys pleasing its owner, so they will gladly work with you.

Ensure that you are consistent when training your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. This will help them learn quickly. You can also use treats and positive reinforcement to help speed up the process. Finally, socialization training will help curb any aggressive tendencies the dog may have.

It is critical to train a young German Shepherd Golden Retriever. They will be less likely to be aggressive when adults if you introduce them to other dogs and people early.

Temperament

German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are usually very friendly. They are great family pets if you have enough time to keep them entertained.

Introduce your children to your dog as soon as possible. This will help the dog get to know them and show that the children can play together without any problems. The dog might find loyalty with all children, but one or two might be their favorite.

When trying to figure out a mixed breed’s temperament, it is important to remember that genes play a big role. They will be close to one person if they have more German Shepherd in them. If they are mostly Golden Retrievers, they will like and play with everyone who comes near their home.

Protection is important for dogs. It’s especially important for Golden Shepherds because they can be good guard dogs if they know how to protect their family. But if they are cuddled and relaxed too much, they will not be able to protect their family as well.

Meeting other dogs can be a case-by-case situation. This is because German Shepherds can be timid or defensive. It is preferable to avoid this circumstance if your dog has difficulty meeting other dogs in the park.

If you get them when they’re a puppy, it’s critical to take them for walks in public as much as possible. This will help them get used to strangers and other dogs. You can do this by walking them near strangers and other dogs daily or weekly.

The Golden Shepherd can become stressed quickly because both breeds in the mix are prone to anxiety. When dogs feel bad for any reason, like being malnourished or neglected, they will become anxious and hideaway.

This might mean that your pet is scared or anxious. They might hide or shake, or they might not eat. Pets may also act aggressively when they’re scared.

Nutritional Requirements

Because the Golden German Shepherd mix is such a huge breed, it will require a lot of food. Make sure the food you give has a fat level of 5% and a protein content of at least 18%.

Make sure to buy food with ingredients that support bone and joint development. Dogs need minerals, vitamins, fruits, and vegetables for proper growth.

Feed your cross-breed dog smaller meals instead of one large meal throughout the day. This will help to avoid bloating. An adult dog should have two meals, while a puppy needs four.

Don’t switch between dog foods quickly. This can cause your dog to get a stomach upset and become sick. If you do want to switch foods, make sure that you do it gradually so that your dog has time to adjust.

If your dog isn’t eating, it could indicate one of the health issues listed above. If you offer too many snacks or human food, they may become choosy, so limit how many treats you give them.

Exercise Requirements

The cross-breed requires a lot of exercises and playing. Golden Shepherds are energetic and need to be active. If they are not active, they will not be healthy or happy.

Keep your dog active by going for long walks, swimming, hiking, playing fetch, and running.

The cross-breed will need around one to two hours of exercise, depending on how active it is. If the dog is very active, it will need more exercise. Doing exercises with your pet will also help you bond with him.

Cost

The price of a Golden Shepherd puppy ranges from $450- $1,200. This price may go up if you buy from a high-end breeder.

Factors such as the availability of puppies, the breeder’s location, the parent breeds’ bloodline, and the kennel’s popularity will influence how much people pay for a puppy.

German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers can produce up to ten puppies when they mate.

Final Thoughts

The German Shepherd Golden Retriever hybrid is a good breed that combines the greatest qualities of both breeds. They are loyal, affectionate, and friendly.

If you’re looking for a dog that’s intelligent, playful, and full of energy, this might be the breed for you.

Knowing the health conditions this breed is likely to have makes you better prepared to handle any flare-ups.

Overall, Golden Shepherds are excellent companions and guardians. They are unique, and many pet owners are beginning to realize that they offer the perfect combination of features they desire in a dog.