Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix | Golden Shepherd Dog Breed Introduction
Golden Shepherd( also known as German Retriever or Golden German Shepherd) is a medium to large-sized hybrid dog created by crossing two popular pure breeds, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. For this reason, some refer to this dogs as German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix. As a Crossbreed, it may be difficult to predict the appearance of Golden shepherds especially F1 ( first generation) Golden Shepherds. This is because within a litter some may closely resemble one parent as compared to the other, or the puppies may look like the combination of the two pure bred parents.
Some Golden Shepherds may have upright ears and the black and tan fur of the German Shepherd parent while some may have floppy ears and yellow coats, or even some may fall in between. However, no matter the appearance the Golden Shepherd will take after, it is guaranteed it will be cute just like the parents. Both German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have a strong sense of work ethic and companionship.
Therefore, Golden Shepherds are also likely to spend lots of time with their human family and they will be happier when they have something to do. Generally, German Shepherds are intense and alert dogs while Golden Retrievers are sociable and playful dogs. For this reason, they may not be a guarantee on which side the Golden Shepherd Puppies will lean on. The Golden Shepherds make great pets for outdoorsy owners who are experienced with dogs.
Golden Shepherd Origin | History
The precise origin of Golden Shepherds is unknown, although they may have existed naturally over the years. However, Golden Shepherds came to the limelight in 2009 and since then they have been deliberate crossing of Golden Retrievers with German Shepherds. Breeders may have crossed the two pure breeds with an intention of minimizing genetic health issues that affect the two pure breeds.
As a crossbreed and not pedigree, Golden Shepherds have not been recognized by major kennel clubs such as AKC( American Kennel Club). However, they have been recognized by International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Golden Shepherd Lifespan
A study conducted in 2006 suggested that crossbreeds tend to live longer as compared to the pure bred parents with a year or two due to hybrid vigor. German Shepherds have a lifespan of 9 to 13 years while Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Therefore, Golden Shepherds have a lifespan of 9 to 14 years.
Golden Shepherd Grooming
The Golden Shepherds have a double coat that sheds at moderate levels all-year round and heavily when experiencing seasonal change. Weekly brushing will suffice to remove dirt and loose hair. However, during the heavy shedding season three or four brushings per week will keep shedding at bay.
Prepare your dog for a successful grooming process by getting it accustomed to touch on the paws, feet, ears, face, and the entire body. Regular grooming will also go along way in paying off in health benefits. This is because the parent will be able to spot any lumps or skin infections and book a timely appointment with the vet.
The Golden Shepherds need an occasional bath unless they roll into something stinky especially if they look more like the German Shepherds. This is because regular bathing of German Shepherd Dogs strip the coat of its natural oils making the dog susceptible to skin issues.
Although, the nails may naturally wear down if the dog walks on pavements, make a habit of trimming the nails every 3 to 5 weeks using a grinder or nail clipper. Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution to remove dirt and debris. Brush the teeth of Golden Shepherds at least twice a week if not daily using dog-formulated toothpaste and canine toothbrush.
Golden Shepherd Shedding
The Golden Shepherds shed at moderate levels all-year round and heavily when experiencing seasonal change in Spring and Fall. Regular brushing helps to minimize the loose hair on the floor and furniture.
Golden Shepherd Coat | Coat Type
The Golden Shepherds have double-layered medium to long, dense coats.
Golden Shepherd Hypoallergenic
Just like the parents, Golden Shepherds are not hypoallergenic dogs hence not suitable for people who suffer from dog allergies. They have a moulting coat that sheds heavily twice a year and moderately all-year round spreading fur and dander around the house aggravating allergies.
Golden Shepherd Training
The Golden Shepherds are intelligent dogs that may be sociable or protective. The protective temperament is from their German Shepherd parent while the sociable trait is from the Golden parent. Therefore, they need socialization from a young age so that they understand not all strangers are a threat to the family. This training also helps the dog to be comfortable around new people, other dogs, smell, situations, surfaces, places, and sounds like door bells, sirens, washing machines, whistles, vacuum cleaners, baby crying sounds, and lawn mowers.
Enrolling Golden Shepherds in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These hybrids also respond well to positive training methods such as the use of treats, interactive toys, playtime, verbal praise and petting. Avoid harsh correction methods such as the use of prong or choke collars, beating, shoving, or kicking the dog. They make training counterproductive.
Keep the training sessions upbeat, short, and challenging to discourage boredom and distraction. Teach a Golden Shepherd basic command words like come, sit, stay, etc. one at a time until the dog understands. Effectively housebreak Golden Shepherds by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Golden Shepherd Temperament
- Intelligent.
- Alert.
- Sociable.
- Energetic.
- Playful.
- Loyal.
- Trainable.
- Watchful.
- Adaptable.
Golden Shepherd Exercise
The Golden Shepherds are active and energetic dogs that need lots of physical and mental stimulation. They may get exercised in form of hikes, jogs, daily walks, visits to the dog parks, learning new tricks, playing hide and seek, or even participating in canine sports like agility.
Golden Shepherd Barking
These are not overly vocal dogs, however, they bark to notify the owner when strangers or something is approaching due to their alert and watchful traits.
Golden Shepherd Height
The Golden Shepherds have a height of 20 to 26 inches ( approx. 51 to 66 cm ).
Golden Shepherd Weight
Mature Golden Shepherds have a weight of 55 to 85 pounds ( approx. 25 to 39 kg ).
Full Grown German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix | Size
Full Grown Golden Shepherds are medium to large sized dogs with a height of 20 to 26 inches ( approx. 51 to 66 cm ) and a weight of 55 to 85 pounds ( approx. 25 to 39 kg ).
German Shepherd Health Issues
The Golden Shepherds are crossbreed dogs that benefit from hybrid vigor that reduces the risk of inbreeding depression and lowers the chances of susceptibility to health problems. However, Golden Shepherds are predisposed to the health issues that Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds suffer from including gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
Other Dog Breeds include:
German Shepherd Food
The amount of food that Golden Shepherds feed on depend on their metabolism, activity level, body build, and age. These dogs will thrive on a raw-diet, home-made, or commercial dry or wet food. Golden Shepherds should feed on dog food formulated for medium to large-sized dogs. Ensure the pooch has access to clean and fresh water at all times. Parents should be well-versed with the human foods that are safe for the dogs.
Black Golden Shepherd | Black Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix | White German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Shepherds may have a black, cream, red, tan, blue, white, sable, and gray coat colors that may either be solid or a mix of colors.
Golden Shepherd Price | German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Price | Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix Price
The Price of Golden Shepherds ranges from $500 to $1500 depending on the age of the puppy and the location of the breeder.
Do Golden Shepherds Shed
Yes. Golden Shepherds shed moderately all-year round and heavily twice a year.
Are Golden Shepherds Hypoallergenic
No. Golden Shepherds are not hypoallergenic since they have a moulting coat hence aggravating allergies.
Golden Shepherds Quick Facts
- They are hybrid dogs created by crossing the Golden Retrievers with German Shepherds hence the name German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix.
- The Golden Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that need at least 60 minutes of activity in a day. However, they are happy to be coach potatoes after they burn off some steam.
- They are energetic, loyal, intelligent, and playful dogs that make great pets for experienced owners.