Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix)
 What is a Golden Shepherd? Also known as the German Retriever or Golden German Shepherd, the Golden Shepherd is a hybrid mix that results from crossing a German Shepherd with a Golden Retriever. Loyal, energetic, and huge in size, the Golden Shepherds fall into the breed groups of sporting and herding and have inherited among the best traits from their two-parent pure breeds. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dogs are also multi-talented with being obedient, in search and rescue missions, as watchdogs, in agility, as super hunting companions, in competitive obedience, in tracking and retrieving, in police work, as attentive guards, and Golden Shepherd dogs are also used in other tricky services.
While there are many reasons why Golden Shepherd is a great dog to own, potential owners need to be aware of the cons as well as pros to owning a Golden Retriever and German Shepherd mix dog.
Golden Shepherds were bred to create puppies with quickness, courage, and alertness from the German Shepherd parent, and from the Golden Retriever, the Golden Shepherds were to inherit the gentle nature and retrieving abilities. Golden Shepherds may not be an ideal choice for new dog owners. But for experienced pet owners who are looking to get a family companion dog as well as a watchdog, the Golden Retriever x German Shepherd dog will absolutely fit your needs!
If you have a home with a big yard, the Golden Shepherd will have much fun as they enjoy a great deal of exercise. For people who live in an apartment or in a home without a large fenced yard, owning a Golden Shepherd may pose many challenges. This large dog is active and without sufficient exercise during the day may develop various behavior problems. Young Golden Shepherd puppies may be especially energetic and owners need to be prepared to keep an eye on the dog at all times to make sure the new family member stays out of trouble. Unless you have a fenced yard where the dog can spend energy during the day or live in a close proximity to a dog park, Golden Shepherd may not be the right dog for your household. This is not a dog for living in a crowded city environment with limited space to exercise and explore.
While these dogs are not excessively barky, Golden Shepherds usually alert the owners when strangers try to approach your home. These dogs are very friendly with children, people as well as with other dogs, especially if properly socialized during the young age. They like company a lot and may get bored and become destructive when left alone for extended periods of time.
Golden Shepherd coat color
Golden Retriever and German Shepherd coat is available in a variety of colors that include black, sable, black and tan, grey, red and black and black and silver. Golden Shepherds have a double coat that is thick just as their parents have.
One of the cons to owning a Golden Shepherd Mix dog is that there is a lot of shedding management that will be needed with this hybrid dog. Goldens and German Shepherds produce an abundant amount of shedding and having a good strategy to keep the excessive shedding under control is a must. Using the right tools for the job is crucial. One of the best tools to manage the heavy shedding is Hertzko Deshedding tool.
Golden Shepherd size
Having come from two large dog breeds, the weight of these hybrid designer dogs ranges from 60 to 95 pounds and a height of 20 to 27 inches, which is dependent on gender. This happens when the Golden Shepherd's adulthood kicks in at the age of two or two and a half years. Males tend to be the larger gender.
Being a very new mixed breed, the Golden Shepherd has few standards in regard to size. As such, the Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix will carry the assumption of being a large dog, although there will be a few variances resulting from crossbreeding.
Life Expectancy of the Golden Shepherd
The life expectancy of the Golden Shepherd is affected by various factors from health to feeding as well as the parent breeds. But generally, the lifespan of German Shepherd x Golden Retriever dog ranges from 10 to 14 years.
How to care for the Golden Shepherd
Being hybrids that demand a lot of care and attention, you'll definitely have to devote sufficient time and energy to your Golden Shepherd. Having come from crossing two purebreds that are hardworking, your Golden shepherd will need at least one to two hours of daily exercise if you want him to remain happy and healthy. If you just let a Golden Retriever Shepherd mix dog sit without any activity, the dog will get bored and resort to destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, peeing inside the house, or even chewing on things. Ensure your Golden Shepherd dog burns much of the energy each day by staying active, walking, running and getting exercise or training that this dog requires.
Hiking, running, and walking are just a few ways of exercising them, but you can also stimulate Golden Shepherds mentally and physically by fetching with them. You could also take your Golden Shepherd to a dog park to help him burn off some steam. While here, they will run around, socialize and get the opportunity to play with other dogs.
The most ideal environment for a Golden Shepherd dog would be a house with a spacious backyard where he can play in and run around. Since Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are susceptible to joint problems, avoid exposing your Golden Shepherd to excessive exercise especially while the dog is under 2 years of age, as they may be not an exception to this trait. Joint problems may be among the challenges that owners of Golden Shepherds may face with their pet.
With the floppy ears from the Golden Retriever, ear inspections and cleaning are a requirement on a weekly basis. If you leave this unattended to, it may cause yeast infections and dirt build-up inside the dog's ears. If your dog likes swimming, ensure his ears are completely dry after the exercise to prevent him from getting ear infections.
To avoid damaging their skin, Golden Shepherds should be bathed only when it's necessary such as after playing outside and covering themselves with mud. You should also be keen to watch their nails and clip when necessary. To avoid smelly kisses and plaque buildup, it's important to brush Golden Shepherd's teeth starting during early puppyhood.
Golden Shepherds need to visit a vet for a checkup at least once a year and increase to twice a year as your dog grows so that that their health levels can be determined.
Exercise requirements of a Golden Shepherd
With high energy bursts, Golden Shepherds will definitely need substantial amounts of exercise. Average walking time of 2 hours should be enough. Walks need to vary extensively as these dog breeds love to explore different kinds of scents. Although they can also live within an apartment environment, Golden Shepherd dogs will even do better in a home with a fenced outdoor space where they can explore whatever they want.
Since Golden Shepherds like interacting with humans, a spacious backyard that has been well sealed in will absolutely be necessary, as you will be able to play with and exercise your Golden Shepherd. To prevent Golden Retriever and German Shepherd mix dogs from getting bored, involve some mental stimulation exercises such as training to help them remain occupied.
Golden Shepherd pros and cons
What are the pros of owning a Golden Shepherd dog? German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dogs are ideal as working dogs. Golden Shepherd dogs are available in many different colors and types, which is another advantage to this designer dog breed. Golden Shepherds are highly trainable and intelligent dogs, which is another positive. Golden Shepherd dogs are typically healthier than purebred dogs, which is yet another pro. Active people who have plenty of time to dedicate to a true companion dog may consider a Golden Shepherd as this dog is loyal, smart and makes a great pet for people who understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with owning a Golden Shepherd.
What are the cons of owning a Golden Retriever German Shepherd dog mix? Golden Shepherds are not suitable for people who have a limited amount of time to spend with a pet - Golden Shepherds need their owner to be around almost all of the time. This is a demanding dog mix that requires regular grooming, socialization and proper training along with exercise, love and care every day. Golden Shepherds require a lot of your time. Another disadvantage is that Golden Shepherd's tempemarments can be difficult to predict and can easily cause problems especially for novice dog owners. Golden Retriever Shepherd mix dogs need huge financial investment as they can be expensive to acquire and to keep. Larger dogs need more food, their veterinarian and grooming costs are higher. There's also a legal responsibility that comes with owning a large dog such as the Golden Shepherd. Owners of this mixed breed need to provide the dog with sufficient training to prevent any behavior problems.
Excessive shedding is yet another disadvantage to owning a Golden Shepherd. Be prepared to brush your dog regularly if you are planning to get a Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix dog. Invest in effective shedding management tools such as a vacuum cleaner as well as deshedding brush that will be very necessary especially during the heavy shedding times of the year. Golden Shepherds tend to produce more shedding during Fall and Spring. People who may be allergic to dogs should spend some time with the dog to make sure their allergy is not aggravated by the presence of the new pet prior to making the final decision to own this beautiful hybrid dog.
Golden Shepherd health issues
Although the German Shepherd and the Golden retriever were crossed to produce healthy Golden Shepherd offspring, the mixed hybrid dog experiences a number of health conditions and issues that are likely to affect it through the dog's lifespan. After acquiring a Golden Shepherd from a breeder you ought to be provided with necessary information regarding the health of parent breeds. If this doesn't happen, ensure to request for this crucial information.
Since there are several scans on the parent purebreds that are usually carried out before the crossbreeding happens, the evidence needs to be provided. This helps to reduce the chances of hereditary issues being passed on down the line. Generally, you should be aware of the following health conditions that Golden Shepherds are likely to suffer from:
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Canine Cancers
Von Willebrand's Disease
Digestive issues such as diarrhea
Just remember that these are quite rare conditions. Your Golden Shepherd could possibly and easily go through his entire lifespan without encountering any of these conditions.
While most German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are generally healthy, some may become susceptible to a few health issues. Being an offspring of the two, the Golden Shepherd is likely to suffer the same issues, and that's why you ought to maintain regular vet checkups and good care.
Feeding the Golden Shepherd
Being a large dog breed with high bursts of energy, an ideal diet for Golden Shepherds ought to be formulated to fit their needs. Always endeavor to stick to a feeding schedule that is regular, and also don't leave any unattended food outside during the daytime. Since Golden Shepherd dogs have a tendency of gaining weight fast if overfed, you also need to limit the amounts of treats you offer the dogs as rewards for obeying and good behavior.
Just as it's the norm with all dogs, the dietary needs of Golden Shepherds will definitely have to gradually change from puppies to adult dogs in terms of quantity and frequency of feeding. This strategy continues as the dog's year's progress. Since there's an extensive variation in dietary needs among different individual dogs, ensure to seek precise recommendations from your vet about the diet for your Golden Shepherd. By doing this, your dog's energy, weight, strength, and health will be always at par, and your dog will enjoy a healthy long life.
History of the Golden Shepherd
The Golden Shepherd may have naturally existed over several years, but to be more specific, this breed first gained attention in the year 2009. The German Shepherd and Golden Retriever were crossed by breeders with the ultimate goal of creating a watchdog as well as a friendly family companion while minimizing the health problems that affect the purebred parents. The creation of Golden Shepherd puppies is on the high rise as resulting from high demand for mixed hybrid puppies.
Although Golden Shepherd crossbreeds begun as designer breeds, some have found their way in rescue care groups or shelters. This means you could also consider adoption. Since Golden Retriever and Golden Shepherd rescue may help in rehoming of mixed breeds, you could look up in your local shelters.
Being a deliberate recent trend, designer dogs are being produced from two purebreds with the hope of creating offspring with better qualities than the parents, and the Golden Shepherd is not an exception. In the majority of these cases, however, the transfer of traits is not controllable. Outcomes are likely to vary a lot in a particular litter, with some puppies inheriting the worse from both parent purebreds. It is, therefore, important for you to get your Golden Shepherd pups from sources that can be trusted. There have been a high mushrooming of disreputable breeders and puppy mills due to the recent boom and popularity of designer dogs. Some breeders are just reckless and careless about the results of their actions, as they are just out to make as much cash.
How to groom a Golden Shepherd
German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix dogs' coats are dense with medium length. While these coats are not an ideal choice for people with allergies, they are easily taken care of. Using a mild shampoo, you can perform a bath every few months, as frequent baths may strip away the dog's natural oil.
When it comes to extreme weather the double coat they have gives them an edge. A majority of Golden Shepherds love playing and running on snow, and during summer, the double coat keeps them cool. As a result of the double coat, the Golden Shepherds tend to be moderate shedders but they could shed heavily during the shedding season. A quick brushing on a daily basis can work to control their hair, which helps to trap any loose fur before shedding occurs. That said and done, the hair will be loosed from being a nuisance, giving you a great chance of cleaning off any muck or dirt in their fur. Ensure to use a brush that will reach the two coat layers to avoid lots of vacuuming and cleaning. This include brushes such as the following
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
FURminator Deshedding Tool
German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix temperament
Just like the German Shepherd and Golden retriever parents, the Golden shepherd is considered among the most intelligent dogs, as well as a superb family dog and loving companion, which makes the dog have a wonderful personality. It's often a mixture between the caring Golden Retriever and courageous German Shepherd. Although every dog is likely to be different, the two-parent purebreds have traits that could easily influence any behavior of their mixes.
As a result of being a smart family dog, they are more protective in comparison to Golden Retriever parent, but they are also quite aggressive when vulnerable. With Shepherd legs and broad chests, they are they handsome canines with ears that are down-folded but arise when they are alert.
With a loving temperament trait from the parent Golden Retriever, the Golden Shepherds are kind, docile, and friendly, they always want to be by the side of their owners. When near a bunch of screaming, young children, they are well-tempered around them and behave very calmly. On the other hand, Golden Shepherds have a super hard working trait of the German Shepherd which enables them to work as narcotic sniffers and police dogs. German Shepherd Golden Retriever cross dogs are well-mannered, kind and loyal to their owners. These traits make them very ideal watchdogs. When the two personalities above are combined along with their attention-seeking trait, you will absolutely have an active breed with a high level of intelligence and one that always wants to protect his family.
Being a medium to large size hybrid dog, the Golden Shepherd portrays the traits of their parents. In general, they take on the body of the German Shepherd, but the head resembles much that of the Golden Retriever, which is readily apparent to a majority of people being quite distinctive.
This means that Golden Shepherd dogs will often have a strong, long body with a tail that very much resembles that of a German Shepherd. The head has a long muzzle and is slightly large. The ears are feathery in nature and they will droop low. With thick pads, their legs appear larger and strong.
Potty Training a Golden Shepherd
Potty training your Golden Shepherd should be among the very first lessons you teach your new pup. Dogs usually have a tendency of experiencing trouble when they try to change the pottying habits later in older stages. If you don't want your house to be ruined with poop from the German Shepherd puppy, have your potty schedule training ready as soon as your pup arrives at home.
Undoubtedly, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix puppies are adorable and intelligent, but this doesn't mean they are incapable of ruining your carpet, beds, floor, and so on with their pee. But due to the mixed breed's high level of intelligence combined with a strong desire to please the owners, you will not have a really hard time potty training your puppy if you follow the rules correctly.
Potty training schedule for a Golden Shepherd
The very first thing is to identify a potty area outside your house where you'll be taking your puppy to relieve himself.
Train your Golden Shepherd pup to live in a crate at night so that he doesn't contaminate your house.
If you hear your puppy whimpering or crying, just know that he wants to go potty.
Take your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dog out to the area you designated at the backyard at night before sleeping and in the morning on waking up.
After your Golden Shepherd feeds, take him out to relieve after about 20 minutes.
Ensure your puppy only pees on one particular designated area so that he learns not to defecate anywhere.
When you Golden Shepherd poops in the correct area, immediately give small treats and praises accompanies with a command such as "Go potty".
Ensure to be consistent with the routines and timings, while taking him out to potty after meals for him to learn the timings of going potty.
Until your Golden Shepherd has learned his routine and timings, ensure not to leave it all on the dog, or else, waste will scatter all over your compound and house.
Always watch your puppy closely and stay alert when training your pup, and avoid any kind of punishments whatsoever if accidents happen in the house.
With patience and consistency, while using positive reinforcement methods, your Golden Shepherd will eventually learn to go potty by himself.
Training the Golden Shepherd
Thankfully, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are quite easy to train, and the Golden Shepherd tends to reflect this trait. Just as with all dog breeds, ensure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early and allow them to interact with children, elderly people, and even other animals as often as possible. Since they are fond of being nervous around strangers, failing to socialize Golden Shepherds as required makes them prone to becoming aggressive towards strangers.
Having been created from two super-intelligent parent breeds that always look forward to pleasing people, the Golden Shepherd hybrids are dream dogs to train. They promptly obey and effortlessly pick up commands, particularly with larger breeds who can really be a nuisance in zones that are leash-free. This happens before Golden Shepherds get to know playing techniques, and is also a key part during the process of training.
Golden Shepherds need to start training early at a tender age by exposing them frequently to new sounds, sights as well as situations that include puppy kindergartens. While this puts off the dog's anxious behaviors, it also encourages the comfort level of your Golden Shepherd puppy with a variety of experiences. Ensure you instill behaviors and establish rules early enough as you take a consistent, fair and firm approach to enforce them.
With most dogs, positive reinforcement techniques work best. They involve rewards-based approaches where you give the Golden Shepherd dog many treats and praises so that he knows he's behaved well. This provides positive results, which makes both you and your Golden Shepherd happy.
It is completely up to you to choose between professional training and owner training. For instance, if you are well experienced in training dogs, you could consider to personally train your Golden Shepherd. If you are completely new to training dogs or think you may fail to train your Golden Shepherd puppy well, considering enrollment in an obedience training dog school would be of great help to you.
Benefits of Owner Training
Involves custom training - based on specific needs and tasks, you will be able to train your dog accordingly.
Enhances more control over your Golden Shepherd - It means you are able to ensure your puppy obeys, responds, and specifically works for you.
There's no age limit - Some training programs do have age limits as to when your pup can begin training. In this case, you can start training Golden Retriever and German Shepherd mix dog as early as you wish.
It's usually free - In other words, training the Golden Shepherd on your own actually costs much less than the program enrollment.
Benefits of program training
The rates of success are high: With copious amounts of practice and training in a particular field, they absolutely know what is required for your Golden Shepherd dog to get the kind of right training needed.
Professionals easily get to know when the training job is done: Owners that are less-experienced in training dogs usually think they are done once the golden shepherds begin to show results. Professionals will actually tell if they are done or not.
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