German Sheprador Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

27-38 kg

Height

51-70 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

Jump To

About the German Sheprador

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Sheprador is big-hearted, cuddly, intelligent and loving – not to mention cute; have you seen those beautiful floppy ears?!

And, with a good life expectancy, excellent genes from its parent breeds and an easy-to-train manner, what’s not to love?

Why not read on to find out why the Sheprador could be the new fur baby for you in our guide on everything to know about this larger-than-life breed.

What is the history & origin of the German Sheprador?

The Sheprador, or Labrashepherds as they are sometimes known, are the result of breeding between a German Shepherd dog and a Labrador. These two breeds create a playful, focused, loyal and intelligent hybrid breed.

The German Shepherd comes from Germany and can be traced back to the 19th century, while the Labrador is believed to have originated in Canada roughly around the same time.

When these two breeds first were crossbred is not known.

What is a German Sheprador breed?

As we have just mentioned, the mixed-breed dog is a product of both the Labrador and German Shepherd.

They are large dogs that could look slightly intimidating and, as such, are a great deterrent for any would-be burglars! While they do make excellent guard dogs, they equally make great companions.

While their coats require some degree of maintenance on their short coat, this isn’t too taxing. Some take after the German Shepherd and have a double coat.

They are easy to train and get on beautifully with both young and old alike, being loyal and protective of everyone they love.

Who is a German Sheprador best for?

If you have lots of room in your home and a large garden, why not consider a German Shepherd Lab mix as an addition to your family?

They need plenty of space to roam around with lots to do and smell! That’s why a large property is advised to give them the chance to be off-leash in the garden.

They fare best in an active family; they love trips to the dog park and local lakes and are also excellent company on long hikes, on which they can really go the distance.

It’s not just physical exercise they crave; they did a lot of mentally stimulating challenges and games to keep them content and happy.

They tend to get a bit, well, destructive if left to their own devices for too long; those who work long hours or are away for extended periods should not consider a German Shepherd Lab mix for this reason.

Like both Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd dogs, the German Shepherd Lab mix is great with kids, so if you have little ones, you can be sure they’ll all get on well.

That’s not to say they should be left unsupervised, however, until you know the precise temperament of the dog and exactly how well your children interact with the animal. Many placid dogs have been tested to their limits with kids, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

German Sheprador Grooming & Shedding

Both breeds of parent are notorious for shedding their coats, with seasonal moulting or ‘blowing’ occurring twice a year. Thankfully though, a German Shepherd Lab mix will not require a lot of upkeep when it comes to its coat.

While brushing them twice a week is a good starting point, the more you brush them, the more your home will be saved from a barrage of dog hair sticking to everything! Investing in a sturdy vacuum cleaner is highly recommended, and if you suffer from allergies, this breed is not recommended.

Do German Shepradors bark a lot?

German Shepradors aren’t ones for a lot of loud barking, but if they sense a threat, then they’ll be quick to let you know about it! They aren’t always welcoming of strangers and take a bit of time to get to know extended family and friends, so they can often emit a bark when they see someone they don’t know.

This is nothing to worry about; it’s simply their way of telling mum or dad that they are a bit wary of who is in front of them. In no time, however, they come round and will be friendly as anything!

Similarly, if they are bored or stressed, they will tend to be vocal, but a happy Labrador German Shepherd mix won’t be prone to lots of barking – happy days for you and your neighbours!

What is the average weight & height of a German Sheprador?

A healthy German Shepherd Labrador mix will weigh in the region of 38 kgs and grow to up to 70 cm in height.

Are German Shepradors easy to train?

Like both the German Shepherd and Labrador, this dog breed is very easy to train. This comes from their love and desire to please their favourite humans, coupled with their high intelligence and drive.

When they are old enough, you can enrol a GSD Lab mix puppy into puppy classes which will teach them the basics that will help them live a good quality of life when they are adults, as well as introduce them to other dogs and get them used to not being centre of attention 24/7!

But it’s best to start training them at home first! You’ll be glad to know the Lab German Shepherd mix can learn a host of commands from very young!

How do German Shepradors behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Lab German shepherd mix is friendly, charming, outgoing, loving, and one of the most clever of all dog breeds. They take after their Lab and German Shepherd parent breeds in this way.

As an active dog, the German Shepherd Lab mix needs a lot of exercise to keep it both healthy and happy. If they don’t get enough exercise, they are prone to weight gain very easily. They will also bark and feel frustrated if they can’t burn off their boundless energy, which is why it’s so important to have a large enclosed yard where they can do their thing.

They also love walks and hikes and are great swimmers.

They learn very fast; new games are no match for these guys! These loyal dogs also love to stay connected to their owners, so ideally, someone should be with them throughout the day and night. They can get a bit destructive if left to their won dealings for too long!

Does the German Sheprador have any common health issues?

The German Shepherd Lab mix can inherit a range of illnesses. These include:

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition can lead to joint pain and mobility challenges.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint and can cause discomfort.
Ear Infections: Their floppy ears may make them more susceptible to infections, requiring regular ear care.
Obesity: Both parent breeds can struggle with weight gain, so monitoring diet and exercise is crucial.

Thankfully, both German Shepherds and Labs can be screened before breeding to eliminate the risk of their offspring inheriting hip and elbow dysplasia. Just one more reason why it’s so important to look out for a responsible breeder!

What is the lifespan of a German Sheprador?

You can expect a well-treated German Shepherd Labrador Retriever mix on a high-quality dog food and at a healthy weight to live between 10 and 12 years of age. Happily, many live a few years beyond that.

How much does a German Sheprador need to be fed?

As a large dog, the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix will require a lot of feeding, which doesn’t always come cheap!

Most vets and other animal experts recommend a diet of dry kibble, which will help keep their teeth not just healthy but clean too.

How much can you expect to pay for a German Sheprador in Australia?

These large-sized dogs can fetch anywhere up to $1000 for a puppy from a breeder; however, you may be able to pick up a rescue at your local animal shelter.

A rescue dog can make a great dog for all the family, so it’s worth thinking about. Plus, it’s cheaper too!

German Sheprador FAQs

How smart is a German Sheprador?

When you have German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers as your parents, you aren’t going to be lacking in the smarts department! The Sheprador is very intelligent and, therefore, very easy to train!

How often should I bathe my German Sheprador?

It depends on how much of a mucky pup your dog is! Usually, a bath once a fortnight will suffice; however, if your dog likes to tramp through fields and hills, then they will probably need more time in the tub.

Are German Shepradors good watchdogs?

The Sherpador is a brilliant watchdog, one of the best breeds for watching for property, in fact. While they are extremely friendly with those that they know, they have a bit of a habit of being aloof with strangers and will always alert their owners when someone they don’t know is approaching their home.