Bred to be smart, obedient, and affectionate, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a loving and devoted companion. Developed by crossing two of the world’s most popular breeds, this designer hybrid is set to capture the hearts of dog lovers with his good looks and lovable nature.
What is a Golden Shepherd? The Golden Shepherd is a designer dog and a cross between a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd. Bred to be highly trainable and obedient, these large dogs make amazing family pets. Eager to please and friendly, they get along well with kids and other pets and enjoy being a part of the family.
If you are thinking of welcoming a Golden Shepherd into your home, don’t go anywhere! Stay with us till the end of this article to find out everything about this mixed-breed and their amazing traits.
What is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix?
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a crossbreed between a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Golden Retriever. Best known as Golden Shepherd, this mix is also called Golden German Shepherd, German Retriever, or German Shepherd Golden Retriever.
While both its parent breeds are purebreds, the Golden Shepherd is a mixed breed dog and as such not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, this designer hybrid is recognized by:
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Breed Registry
- Dog Registry of America
- International Designer Canine Registry
Brief History
It’s highly likely that the Retriever and German Shepherd mix has existed naturally for quite some time. But it wasn’t until 2009 that this particular mixed-breed dog caught the attention of dog lovers and breeders.
Breeders wanted to create a cross with the best qualities of both parent breeds, but at the same time be more resilient to common health problems that are associated with purebred dogs.
To understand the Retriever German Shepherd mix, you’ll need to know more about its parents.
German Shepherds
Originally bred and used as a herding dog, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds. Highly intelligent, loyal, obedient, and protective, German Shepherds are highly popular with police and army due to their trainability and strong work ethic.
Golden Retrievers
Originally bred as gundogs and used in hunting parties to retrieve shot waterfowl, Goldens are best known for their loving and friendly nature. Always popular and loved Golden Retrievers get along with everyone and are excellent pets and service dogs.
Both – Mixed Breed – German Shepherd x Golden Retriever
When you mix the two, you get the Golden Shepherd – a highly energetic, smart, loyal, and affectionate dog. Best suited for active families, this hybrid makes an ultimate companion to a loving home.
Characteristics of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Like all other mixed-breed dogs, no two Shepherd Golden Retriever mix puppies are the same.
Expect your hybrid to have strong legs, thick chest, and straight back. The head and the muzzle can be shaped like that of a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, and the ears can either be erect or floppy.
Golden Shepherd Highlights:
| Size | Large-sized dog |
| Weight | 60-85 pounds |
| Height | 20-26 inches |
| Coat Type | Thick, long double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate to heavy shedder |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
Height
When it comes to size, the Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix is a large dog and is 20 to 26 inches tall. Females are usually slightly smaller, but that’s not always the case.
Weight
A fully-grown Golden Shepherd can weigh from 60 to 85 pounds. Males are usually heavier than females, but since this is a crossbreed female dogs can tip the scales at 80 pounds.
Coat Color
There’s no way of predicting the exact coat color of any Golden Shepherd before it’s born, but we can tell you that your pooch will have a thick and long double coat. When it comes to patterns, your mix can sport a solid coat, or have a mix of colors.
Most commonly seen colors are:
- Black and tan
- Golden
- Cream
- Black
- White
- Red
- Golden and black
Shedding
Golden Shepherds have long, thick double coats that shed moderately all year round and go through a heavy shed during the shedding season. Since they will lose a huge amount of hair during the spring and fall, Golden Shepherds aren’t the best choice for allergy sufferers.
And if you’re not keen on seeing dog hairs all over your home and backyard, you might want to consider another breed.
Temperament
It’s hard to predict the temperament of any mixed-breed dog, and the Golden Shepherd isn’t an exception. Your mix can take more after his Shepherd parent or vice versa, so you should meet both of its parents and try to gouge their temperaments.
Since both Golden Retriever and German Shepherd are working dog breeds, it’s safe to say that your mix will be too! Golden Shepherds have a strong work ethic and need to feel like they have some purpose in life.
So, no matter how insignificant or big the task might be, your mix will do everything in his power to get the job done and prove his worth. On the other hand, if they aren’t mentally stimulated and occupied, Golden Shepherds can easily become bored and destructive (source).
If this happens, not even a kennel will keep your mix at bay, and he will find ways to dig under it or chew through the fence in no time.
Golden Shepherds are extremely loyal, people-oriented, and friendly dogs that need to feel like they are truly a part of your family. So, don’t be surprised if your mix doesn’t cope well with being left at home alone.
It’s very common for Retriever mixes to develop separation anxiety since they get so attached to their owners and can’t stay alone for longer periods of time. Consequently, this mix is best suited for people and families who spend a lot of time at home.
If you have long working hours, or don’t spend a lot of time at home you might need to hire a pet sitter who will keep your dog company. Or you might want to consider getting a more independent dog breed.
Depending on which parent your mix takes more after, he can either be an excellent guard dog or a very poor one. Dogs that take more after their Shepherd parents make great guard dogs and will alert you if anyone suspicious is lurking around your property.
On the other hand, if your mix is more like a Retriever he will greet everyone with a wagging tail and in the worst-case scenario, lick the intruder to death.
Overall, the Golden Shepherds are loyal, loving, people-oriented, and playful dogs that make excellent pets and are best suited for active families.
Child Friendly
Being true to its heritage, the Golden Shepherd is great with kids and will prefer having them around. Golden Shepherds especially get along with kids who know how to play with dogs and can keep up with their endless energy supply.
Note, no matter how friendly a dog is, you will have to get him used to children from a young age and supervise play sessions every time. Furthermore, teach your kids how to properly pet and play with a dog to prevent any ear and tail pulling and rough play (source).
Pet Friendly
When properly socialized from a young age Shepherd mixed dogs get along well with other canines, cats, and even smaller pets. And since they are highly social creatures, Golden Shepherds prefer having company and will enjoy having a furry friend to spend time and play with when you aren’t around.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Care
While they aren’t high-maintenance dogs, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when caring for your Golden Shepherd. Pay attention to the following things:
Health Risks
Mixed breed dogs are generally more resilient than purebred dogs. However, Golden Shepherds can inherit certain health issues from their parent breeds.
The most common health problems seen in this breed are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cancer
- Allergies
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Eye problems
- Hyperthyroidism
- Bloat
While this might seem like a lot, you can prevent many of these conditions by getting your Shepherd Retriever mix puppy from a reputable breeder. This mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years but can live longer if properly cared for.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming your Golden Shepherd, expect to have your hands full!
Their thick and double coats shed moderately all year-round and have to be brushed at least two to three times a week. However, Golden Shepherds shed profusely during the shedding season and have to be brushed daily.
They can also develop mats and tangles, so you’ll have to groom your dog regularly and it is a good idea to invest in a de-shedding tool and an undercoat rake to keep the coat in pristine condition.
The good news is that you won’t have to bathe your mix often! Bathe your dog once every six to eight weeks with a mild dog shampoo, or do it only when your pooch gets smelly and dirty.
Food and Diet
As large and energetic dogs, Golden Shepherds need a diet that consists of high-quality proteins and fats. You should look for foods that are formulated for large breeds with high energy, and buy the best one you can afford.
Since this mix is prone to obesity and bloat you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and feed an adult dog two times a day. To prevent bloat, don’t feed your dog before and after exercise and wait at least an hour before offering a meal (source).
Training and Exercise
When it comes to training, Golden Shepherds possess the best traits of their parent breeds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and obedient, which makes training very easy, even for novice owners.
These dogs excel in obedience training and will easily learn new commands and tricks. To get your mix to tap into his huge learning potential use positive reinforcement and reward-based training and do your best to remain positive and consistent during training sessions.
The Golden Shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and an active owner who will be able to keep up. They love all sorts of activities and will excel at running, hiking, swimming, agility courses, and retrieving games.
This mix needs from 60 to 120 minutes of exercise every day, which you can divide into two longer walks and a few play sessions. When it comes to games, everything that includes running will be an instant hit with your dog, and playing Frisbee, fly ball, or fetch will help your dog to blow off some steam.
Housing
While they are big, Golden Shepherds should ideally be kept inside so they can interact and spend time with their family all day long. Due to their energetic and playful nature, they thrive in houses with backyards but can also be kept in apartments as long as they are walked and exercised daily.
Where to Get German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix?
Although a fairly new designer breed, Golden Shepherds are increasingly popular and not very difficult to find. If you are set on welcoming this mix into your home, you can either adopt or shop.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Breeders
Since the Golden Shepherd is a popular mixed-breed, it won’t be hard finding a reputable breeder close by. Once you research local breeders, you should schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and both parents.
Note, most reputable breeders will register their puppies with International Designer Canine Registry and will have health certificates for both parents and all puppies. If this isn’t the case, you should walk away and look for a breeder that has all the necessary documentation and is willing to answer all your questions.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Price
Depending on a breeder you can expect to pay from $700 to $1300 for a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix puppy.
Adoption
Adoption is a great way to welcome a Golden Shepherd into your home, and you can do it through shelters or rescue organizations. While it might be hard to find breed-specific rescue groups for Golden Shepherds you can check out organizations that deal with Goldens or Shepherds exclusively.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix combines the best traits of the two of the most popular dog breeds. Loyal to a fault, affectionate, energetic, and smart this mix is a great choice for active singles and families with children alike.
Whether you are looking for an exercise partner, a devoted companion, or an affectionate cuddly buddy, this mix can be all of that and more in a loving home.
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