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German Shepherd Lab Mix: Pictures, Guide, Info, Care & More!

Written by: Kathryn Copeland

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Kathryn Copeland

German Shepherd Lab Mix: Pictures, Guide, Info, Care & More!

Some of the most recognized dog breeds in North America are Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. In fact, according to the AKC, the Lab is the most popular breed and the German Shepherd is a close second. So, it seems only natural to combine these dogs in order to give us one of the best hybrids ever. This brings us to the German Shepherd Lab Mix, also known as the German Sheprador and the Labrashepherd.

Breed Overview

Height:

20–27 inches

Weight:

60–95 pounds

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Colors:

Cream, brown, white, gray, black, red

Suitable for:

Active families, house with a yard

Temperament:

Affectionate, protective, loyal, intelligent, energetic

These dogs typically take on both of their parents’ appearances. They have double coats that are coarse and straight and usually have triangular, floppy ears. They come in brown, black, gray, cream, white, and reddish-brown, which can be solid or a combination of colors.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies

German shepherd lab puppy
Image By: BrandiRY, Shutterstock

The German Shepherd Lab Mix puppy is a very energetic dog that is a robust, healthy breed. They have a typical lifespan for a dog of that size and are usually quite easy to train. While they are protective of their families, they are also a very friendly, social breed. These puppies are typically energetic and playful, making them great family pets. They also tend to be good with children and are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.

These dogs require plenty of physical and mental stimulation and are well-suited for an active lifestyle. They have a high exercise and playtime requirement, so it is important for potential owners to be able to provide them with plenty of opportunities for physical activity. Overall, German Shepherd Lab Mix puppies are a great choice for families or individuals who are looking for a friendly and active companion.

Parent_breeds_German Sherpherd Lab
Image Credit: Left – cvop, Pixabay | Right – Richard Revel, Pixabay

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Lab Mix

It does help to understand the temperament of the parent breeds to gain some insight into what kind of personality the German Shepherd Lab might have. German Shepherds are very devoted, loving, and protective dogs famous for being great family pets as well as for their work as police and guard dogs.

Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their sweet and loveable natures as well as for being friendly and energetic.

Both breeds are also intelligent dogs, so you can expect the German Shepherd Lab to be smart, sweet, affectionate, and devoted.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Absolutely! Both the Lab and the German Shepherd make great family pets, so you can expect the same with the German Shepherd Lab. They are famously wonderful with children, and their high energy levels make them great playmates.

However, just remember to always supervise your young children when they are around the dog. And ensure you have taught your kids to respect dogs. No tail pulling, no ear tugging, and no bothering them while they eat.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

As a general rule, the German Shepherd Lab does get along very well with other family pets. While some of this comes from their sweet temperaments, it’s also vital that they are socialized at a young age and introduced to other dogs and smaller pets. They typically enjoy a good romp with other dogs at the park.

German Shepherd Black Lab Doggy
Image Credit: AmandaMcClellan, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Lab Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

Always find the best dog food for your German Shepherd Lab designed for her current age, size, and activity level. These are large dogs with high energy, so look for the appropriate food. You can also follow the recommendations on the back of the dog food bag to help you figure out how much your pup needs to be fed daily.

Too much food and treats can lead to obesity with the German Shepherd Lab, so watch what you feed her and try to stay away from too much people’s food. Speak to your vet about your pup’s weight and health if you’re ever concerned.

Exercise

These dogs, as previously discussed, have a ton of energy so expect to get at least a 1-hour walk in every day with a few extra shorter walks. And don’t forget playtime! Throw that ball around, and the Retriever in your hybrid will be very happy. Because of their size and energy, they are best suited for a house with a yard.

Black lab and german Shepherd dog mix standing on a sandbar
Image Credit: Kallie Kantos, Shutterstock

Training

For the most part, the German Shepherd Lab is quite trainable. However, they are best suited for experienced dog owners. They thrive on positive reinforcement and, combined with their intelligence and devotion to their owners, training shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.

Grooming ✂️

Both the Lab and the German Shepherd have double coats with short, straight fur (unless the German Shepherd parent happens to be the long-haired variety). Brushing is pretty easy, but they could use brushing several times a week because of their shedding. This will need to be done daily during the shedding seasons. Give your German Shepherd Lab a bath only when absolutely necessary using a good dog shampoo.

You should clean your German Shepherd Lab’s ears about once a week brush her teeth and trim her nails two or three times per week.

Black German Shepherd mix with floppy ears at a park
Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions

The German Shepherd Lab should not be as predisposed to some of the health issues that her purebred parents are. However, it is a good idea to be aware of some of the genetic conditions that the German Shepherd Lab’s parents might develop.

The German Shepherd is susceptible to the following:

The vet will check your pup’s eyes, skin, and thyroid to help rule out any of these health conditions.

The Labrador Retriever might suffer from the following:

The vet will check the German Shepherd Lab’s hips and elbows and will run a complete battery of tests, including blood and urinalysis exams.

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Male vs Female

The German Shepherd Lab tends to be 20 to 27 inches in height. The females weigh an average of 75 to 85 pounds and the males 85 to 95 pounds. So, as a general rule, female dogs tend to be a little smaller and weigh less than males.

Next up, there’s the surgery. Getting the male dog neutered is an easier and less complicated surgery than spaying the female, which means it’s less expensive, and he’ll recover quickly. These are important procedures for your pup as they not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also ensure that your German Shepherd Lab will live a longer life.

Finally, there is a belief that there is a difference in personality between male and female dogs, but this isn’t always true. How a dog is trained, raised, and socialized will have the most significant impact on her temperament.


3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Lab Mix

1. The German Shepherd Lab doesn’t enjoy hot weather.

Their thick double coats make cold weather a breeze, but they won’t be as comfortable when the temperature soars.

2. The German Shepherd Lab might chew your shoes.

This pup tends to enjoy chewing on everything they can get their teeth on. So be prepared to hide your prized possessions (especially your shoes) and invest in some appealing chew toys.

3. The German Shepherd Lab will make a great guard dog for the family.

The protective nature of the German Shepherd parent can make the German Shepherd Lab a fantastic watchdog for your family. While they can be very protective and territorial while at home, they are social and friendly dogs as well, thanks to their Lab parent.

German shepherd/lab mix dog with pretty cherry blossom tree background
Image Credit: moonwatcher675, Shutterstock

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Summary

If you’ve decided that you would like to bring a German Shepherd Lab Mix into your home, you could start by speaking to the breeders of Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. Looking online and posting your search on social media is another method you can use that would probably prove quite helpful.

Lastly, you can also contact the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry, as the German Sheprador is a registered hybrid dog through these organizations. Don’t forget to follow our tips when you do find a breeder. And also, don’t forget to look into adopting a rescue dog.

You’ll get the best of both worlds with the German Shepherd Lab. Sweet and loyal. Proud and loving. And the best companion you might ever have.

Looking for other crossbreeds? We have lots available for both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers!

See also:

submit a pet pk dog


Featured Image Credit: Darling21, Shutterstock

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