German Sheprador Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- German Shepherd & Labrador Retriever
- Breed Nickname:
- German Sheprador
- Size:
- Medium to large
- Height:
- 20 to 27 inches
- Weight:
- 60 to 95 pounds
- Life Span:
- 10 to 12 years
- Coat Colors:
- Black, white, cream, red, gray, and blue
German Sheprador Characteristics
About The German Sheprador
What Is A German Shepherd Lab Mix Called?
The offspring born to a German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever is called a German Sheprador. They also go by the name Labrashepherd.
This designer dog is bred using two of the most lovable dog breeds around. The result? A large and loyal puppy with plenty of energy. There will never be a dull moment in your house with a German Sheprador!
However, while they have plenty of love to give their owners, not every household is suitable for a German Sheprador. Learn more about them here before welcoming one into your family.
German Sheprador Breed History
First bred in the 1990s in North America.
Bred to minimize health issues of parent breeds.
German Shepradors have been bred unintentionally throughout the years, but designer breeders began mass-breeding them during the 1990s, in North America.
German Shepherds and Labradors are beloved purebred dogs, but they tend to suffer from lots of health conditions. Breeders brought them together to minimize health issues in their offspring.
The idea is that families can have the best of these two breeds without the health concerns that come with them.
Labrador Retrievers date back to the 1830s when they were used as hunting and water retriever dogs. The St. John’s water dogs were bred with British hunting dogs to create the Labrador.
German Shepherds were originally bred in 1899 and used as herding dogs in Germany.
They are considered to be the best working dogs and therefore have been used in many other lines of work, such as disability assistance, police work, warfare, and more.
German Sheprador Personality & Temperament
Gentle giants.
Excellent with children.
Protective of their family.
German Shepradors are excellent dogs to welcome into big families with children. They’re very gentle around everyone – especially young people.
They’re extremely protective of their family members, though, so they might be assertive around strangers.
They make excellent watchdogs as well as companions, so expect some barking. They might be wary of strangers at first, but once they earn their trust, the German Sheprador remembers a friendly face.
Both Labradors and German Shepherds are working dogs, often used in the police force, military, and as guide dogs.
German Shepradors have the same work ethic as their parents, always keen for a sense of purpose. In a family setting, this will be to protect the pack.
German Shepradors are dominant in personality, so they’ll need to be put in their place from early on. Luckily, they’re easy to train and eager to please, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Bear in mind that these dogs need plenty of exercise throughout the day. If they get too bored, they can easily become frustrated, depressed, and restless. This might lead to destructive behaviors.
German Sheprador Health
While health issues are minimized, they’re not completely gone.
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
German Shepradors were bred to remove the worry of health concerns from their parent breeds. While they aren’t as much of a concern as their purebred parents, German Shepradors are still predisposed to certain conditions.
These include hip and elbow dysplasia, where the joints are misaligned and therefore cause lameness in the limb, and digestive issues, such as bloating.
German Shepradors are generally healthy dogs, so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about as long as you keep on top of your regular veterinary checkups.
Remember to consult a professional if you’re concerned about any new symptoms.
They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, which is normal in larger dog breeds.
Your German Sheprador should live a long and happy life provided that you give them enough exercise, the right food, and monitor his skin and body for any changes.
German Sheprador Training
Super easy to train.
Eager to please their owners.
These working dogs are very intelligent.
German Shepradors are excellent to train thanks to their parent breeds. Both the Labrador and German Shepherd are working dogs and therefore are great at following commands and learning quickly.
Their offspring is just as intelligent and will pick up new tricks effortlessly.
One thing to remember is that German Shepradors are dominant and assertive. They want to be the leader of the pack, but you have to establish boundaries and give yourself this title.
Otherwise, they’ll be running your house before you know it.
To do this, crate training should begin from early puppyhood. They should also be socialized from a young age, although these dogs don’t often have a problem with other dogs.
Don’t use negative reinforcement with your German Sheprador. While it might seem like a viable option considering their background in police work, it can cause tension and resentment between you.
As the owner, you need to ensure that your dog feels trusted and loved in your care, so only use positive reinforcement to train them.
German Shepradors get bored easily, so make sure that there are plenty of sturdy toys around the house for them to play with.
Opt for some mentally stimulating toys, too, and never stop training them. They thrive on learning new things every day.
German Sheprador Exercise Requirements
Super easy to train.
Eager to please their owners.
These working dogs are very intelligent.
German Shepradors are not for the faint of heart. They ideally need two hours of exercise every day, so they’re not the best breed for novice owners or busy professionals.
To own a German Sheprador, you need to be home a lot during the day, have time to give them plenty of exercise, and have the energy to keep up with them.
Their high intelligence levels also mean that German Shepradors get bored easily. They require plenty of stimulation throughout the day and will thrive in houses with big yards that they have constant access to.
Active owners can take their German Sheprador anywhere with them, including on hikes, runs, walks, or even bike rides. Some German Shepradors love swimming, but others hate it. This is down to their inherited genes.
Labradors love the water while German Shepherds don’t.
However, you can train your dog to love water, so you can take them on swims, too.
German Sheprador Diet & Feeding
Offer premium food full of protein and healthy fats.
Large dog-formulated food.
German Shepradors need to be fed high-quality food with plenty of protein and healthy fats. Find a food formulated for large dogs with high energy levels and you should be fine.
Make sure that you don’t overfeed your dog by consulting a professional about the correct portion sizes for them.
You may also be interested in:
German Sheprador Cost
Prices between $150 and $600.
Ongoing costs include food, toys, and bedding.
You can expect to pay between $150 and $600 for a German Sheprador puppy from a reputable breeder.
Ongoing costs for your German Sheprador also need to be considered.
Tailored food will be more expensive than usual, and you’ll need to keep buying high-quality toys as they have a tendency to chew through them every few weeks!
