Do you love German shepherds and Golden Retrievers both but can’t decide which one to own? Guess what? Golden Shepherd is just the right option for you. Golden Shepherd is a mix of America’s two most famous dog breeds—the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever. Known as the best of the two, they are large, loyal, obedient, and energetic, just like their parents. In this article, we will have an in-depth discussion about the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix so you can decide whether it is a suitable breed for you or not.
About German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that are fun, friendly and equally intelligent, and loyal. They would prove themselves to be great pets for families that are active and enjoy dogs’ company. They are great watchdogs but are not excessively barky. You don’t need a big house with big yards to pet this dog, provided you give them enough exercise. Early socialization is crucial for this hybrid breed as they inherit the protective nature from the German Shepherd. With the loyalty, lovingness, and friendliness of a Golden Retriever, Golden Shepherds are perfect family dogs. They will do anything to protect what they love, and this makes them extremely faithful.
The Appearance of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
It is hard to tell what they would look like in hybrid dogs as it merely depends on the genes. Similarly, Golden Shepherds can vary greatly in terms of their appearance because both German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have quite different appearances. They may have an athletic appearance or a lean look or have erected or floppy ears. Their eyes may depict intelligence or can be as expressive as an open book. They have a slightly curved tail, muscular legs, a straight back, and a thick chest. The Golden Shepherds either come in identical colors to their parents or a mix of both. In general, they are medium to large size dogs, 20 – 26 inches tall and weigh around 60 – 85 lbs.
Coat of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Golden Shepherds have a long and thick double coat. The color of the coat, however, may vary from dog to dog. Some may have black and tan coat with a mix of gold while other may have gold, black or tan coats. Most commonly, they have golden coats with black ears and muzzles.
The texture of their coat may depend on how much they have inherited from their parents. It can be rough or smooth. However, they are shedding dogs and are not good for people with severe pet allergies. Golden Shepherds are moderate shedders throughout the year and heavy shedders during the shedding season. The hair coat is dense and of medium length.
The Temperament of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Just like their appearance, it is hard to predict the temperament of the Golden Shepherds as the percentage of inheritance from each parent plays a critical role. Some may inherit more from the Golden Retriever, while others may be more like the German Shepherd. In general, Golden Shepherds are highly active dogs that hold tons of energy and loves to play. They are loving, friendly, loyal, affectionate, and sincere. If they inherit more from the German Shepherds’ genes, they can be great watchdogs as well.
They also love to play with their other dog fellows. Make sure to socialize your dog well so that they demand less of your commitment and attention.
Can Golden Shepherds Suffer from Separation Anxiety?
Unfortunately, yes, they do. Golden Shepherds will love you so much and would want you around all the time. If you leave them alone for a long period, they will suffer from separation anxiety. At the same time, they would want all your attention. Therefore, it is very important to socialize them well and consider hiring a dog walker when you have to go out of town. They are active, and they want to stay active. If their time is compromised, it is going to harm their mental health. Golden Shepherds can get depressed and frustrated easily, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Exercise Requirements of the Golden Shepherd
Golden Shepherds are active dogs who require at least 1 hour of excessive exercise daily. They would love to go for walks or a run. At the same time, they would equally enjoy their training sessions and playtime. You need to have an open free space to keep this dog so it can exert all its energy without being troubled. Golden Shepherds are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them excellent dogs.
Grooming Requirements of the Golden Shepherd
The double-coated Golden Shepherds require frequent brushing to avoid matting as Golden Retrievers are prone to it. You need to take them for grooming regularly to get their coat trimmed and washed. It will help in keeping the coat clean, healthy, and easy to maintain. Get their nails cut, brush their teeth frequently and clean their ears. At the same time, keep up with all the vaccinations, so your dog remains healthy. Make sure that you feed them well and keep up with their nutritional requirements as they are large-sized dogs and need a sufficient amount of energy. At the same time, keep your guards up for obesity.
Health Problems in German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Golden Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions. These health conditions may include eye problems, hip dysplasia, cancer, hyperthyroidism, etc. Cancer is very common in neutered females of Golden Retrievers. Therefore, Golden Shepherds can inherit the cancer genes from them. Here are a few very common diseases you should watch out for:
Bloating
Bloating is very common in large breeds. It is where the stomach becomes filled with gas and twists. It can be a fatal disease.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a health condition where a dog’s thyroid gland produces thyroxine in large amounts, which results in speedy metabolism.
Hip dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are a condition where there is inflammation and pain in the joints of the hips and elbows because they don’t move smoothly. It can lead to secondary osteoarthritis.
To avoid these health conditions, make sure to get your pup checked regularly by a vet.
Life Span of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Shepherds have a typical lifespan of a canine in the broader size range. They are expected to live as long as 10 – 14 years. However, there are some exceptions too.
Can German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Do Well in Apartments?
Large-sized dogs require large spaces such as big houses with a backyard or lawn; Golden Shepherds, however, can do well in apartments. They are adaptable to their surroundings. Amazing, isn’t it? But if you plan to keep your Golden Shepherd in your apartment, make sure you provide them with enough exercise and take them out for at least 1 hour to avoid destructive behaviors.
Why To Pet A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix?
Here’s why you should choose a Golden Shepherd as your family dog:
They Are Family Dogs
Golden Shepherds are fantastic companions and can be great family dogs as well. They are super loyal and faithful. Most importantly, they are great and highly tolerable with kids. They do very well after proper socializing.
They Are Super Playful
If you want full-time entertainment and companionship, Golden Shepherds are the best choice for you. They are very playful and full of energy, and they would always enjoy your company.
They Are Great Watchdogs
Golden Shepherds have protective nature like the German Shepherds are Golden Retrievers. This makes them great watchdogs. They make wonderful military and police dogs as well. They love to hunt and can be good guide dogs. The Golden Shepherds would do anything to complete the task or the job as a result of their intelligence.
They Are Super Active
Golden Shepherds love to play around with people who match their energy levels. They love to swim, walk and run. These little pups would do anything to spend a nice quality time with you. They are a perfect furry ball of energy and a great choice for active pet owners who love to exercise.