German Sheprador Dog Breed

German Shepradors make ultimate companions for active individuals or families! One parent breed is a true sportsman that has gently retrieved game for his hunting companion for centuries; the other has showed courage and confidence in her various positions whether it be guarding flocks, guiding the blind or police work. It's recommended those considering this breed have plenty of time and space for a high energy dog-- a large living area with a fenced yard and an hour per day to exercise them is recommended. Consider the following German Sheprador info before making a decision.

PROS

• Loving, loyal, protective-- the quintessential dog lover's dog
• Gentle with children but also the perfect playmate
• Friendly towards other pets
• If well socialized, also friendly towards visitors and strangers
• Top notch exercise partner
• Can live indoors or out, prefers indoors
• Fairly low maintenance coat
• Not a noisy dog
• Highly trainable for a variety of tasks and jobs
• Desires to have interaction with you, but will be ok while you're at work

CONS

• Not an apartment dog
• Prone to obesity
• Large size needs to be supervised around small children
• High energy, needs an hour outdoor exercise per day
• Not hypoallergenic
• If not trained and exercised enough may develop nuisance behaviors like over excitability, jumping, excessive barking, fence jumping, etc.
• Recommended for an experienced and active owner.

Overall, the German Sheprador is said to look more like the Lab but often with German not so broad of a head; they are large, sturdy dogs. The ears may hang or stand up but the eyes are usually dark brown. This breed has a short, smooth coat that usually appears black, tan or black and tan like the German Shepherds.

This hybrid will be exceedingly smart and trainable, courageous and confident. Both parent breeds are well known for trainability in a variety of jobs. Keep in mind these are high energy dogs that must get training and socialization early or else all of this brain power may be misdirected towards over-excitability, jumping, excessive barking, escaping your yard, etc. An experienced owner is recommended for most Shepherd mixes.

German Shepradors are ultimate hybrid dogs for families. Courageous, loyal, yet gentle they may alert you when necessary but aren't excessive barkers. Kids of all ages will find them loving playmates and they crave to be part of the family. This breed is generally friendly with everyone (including other pets) but early socialization is recommended for all breeds.

What a perfect match for an active owner or family! This breed needs an hour or so devoted to outdoor exercise each day and a fenced yard is recommended. They enjoy games with toys, trips to the dog park, long walks, hikes and can accompany you on runs or jogs.

The temperament of the German Sheprador Lab mix is determined by how strong the influence may be from this hybrid dog's purebred parents. If there is a pronounced German Shepherd influence, your Sheprador's personality may make her more than a bit wary of strangers and much less hyperactive; if the Lab is stronger, then what may take precedence will probably be an eagerness to please and a desire to make friends everywhere she (and you!) go. Then again, there may be a balanced mix that makes your German Sheprador perfectly wary, friendly when required, manageable but ready to play — not to mention a great watchdog who can ferociously defend hearth, home and family if a threat is imminent.

Your Lab Shepherd mix's temperament mean she is certain to be great with kids and able to withstand the typical rough play that kids might proffer-- unless she was a rescue acquired when she was already an adult. Small and / or very young children should be taught to not pull tails or to be too rough, however, as overly rambunctious behavior may prompt snapping, growling or biting.

Because of the histories these dogs have working in packs and alongside humans in dangerous work, herding / hunting and inclement weather, they are easy to train and resilient in most environments. Perhaps the one thing that can be a problem is the separation anxiety that German Shepradors are likely to develop if left alone for prolonged and frequent periods of time.

In most cases, hybrids experience fewer health problems over their life than a purebred. If both the German Shepherd's and Labrador Retriever's longevity is taken into account, you can expect your German Sheprador to live somewhere between 9-13 years. The best preparation includes 3 things:

1. Visit the breed pages of both the German Shepherd and the Labrador Retriever-- each has a list of health issues common to the breed, therefore, you will know what your puppy might have the possibility to inherit. Many times there isn't sufficient info about German Sheprador (the hybrid) health and this is why we suggest this step.
2. Choose a breeder with a good reputation that answers any questions and provides proof of genetic testing of the dam and sire.
3. Don't skip scheduled vet visits, even for healthy pets; these can help prevent and detect some conditions.