Golden Shepherd Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Golden Shepherd?

Golden Shepherds were originally bred in 2009 as a way to combine the Golden Retriever's gentle nature and ability to retrieve with the German Shepherd's courage and speed.

Who are Golden Shepherd dogs best for?

The Golden Shepherd breed is medium to large, friendly and good with children making them a good choice as a family pet. They are relatively high-energy dogs, so they need to go to owners that can exercise them regularly.

Because of their size and energy levels, they might not be the best option for older people or those that would struggle to control the dog on a lead.

How much grooming does a Golden Shepherd need?

Both parent breeds have thick coats that shed, so you can expect to find dog air on your furniture and clothes with a Golden Shepherd. Regular brushing is advised to help manage this.

Because both parent breeds have a double coat, and the hair is relatively long, it can be challenging to manage if you do not keep up with your dog grooming care. Brushing three or four days a week, if not every day, will help to keep the dog tangle-free and minimise the amount of hair around the home.

The dogs' nails should be regularly trimmed, but if they are getting frequent walks, the nails shouldn't become overgrown. The ears of a Golden Shepherd could take the appearance of the German Shepherd parent and be pointed or the Golden Retriever parent and flop over. Ensuring ears are clean and infection-free is important, especially with floppy ears.

Do Golden Shepherd bark much?

While German Shepherds can be pretty vocal for large breed dogs, the Golden Retriever is generally considered to be quite a quiet dog. Because of this, it is still a bit of a mystery as to whether Golden Shepherds are problem barkers because they could take this trait from either parent.

Training the dog from a young age and socialising with other dogs should help to minimise the risk of barking and neutralise triggers that might have caused it.

Do Golden Shepherd bite?

Training your dog from a young age that biting and nipping is not acceptable should be a priority, especially with large dog breeds. Yelping or telling the dog "No" firmly anytime they bite should help get the message across.

Aggression in adult dogs can be caused by several triggers such as fear, anxiety, or pain. If your dog is showing signs of aggression, taking it to the vet to be checked for underlying causes is advised. Your vet will be able to discuss other probable causes, and speaking with a dog behaviourist can also get to the root of the problem and resolve it.

What is the temperament & personality of a Golden Shepherd?

Golden Shepherds are energetic dogs that love to play and enjoy human company. Despite their size, they are gentle, affectionate dogs.

Because they are so sociable, early training can help with separation issues.

What is the weight & size of a Golden Shepherd?

A Golden Shepherd puppy should reach adult size between the ages of two and two and a half. You could expect them to be anywhere between 50 to 70 cm and weigh between 27 to 43 kilos.

The size of a Golden Shepherd will usually be determined by the size of its parents and its sex, with females being slightly smaller than males.

How much training does a Golden Shepherd need?

Both German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are quick learners and intelligent dogs, and this makes the Golden Shepherd particularly good at picking things up. Obedience training for larger dogs is necessary because they can still cause damage or frighten people, even if they are being friendly.

Training your dog from a young age gives it the best opportunity to avoid bad habits.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Golden Shepherd?

Golden Shepherds are regarded as generally healthy dogs, with the breeding removing the risk of some hereditary issues that the parent breeds can suffer from. That being said, they are still more susceptible to some problems than others.

Some known health issues that a Golden Shepherd can suffer from include;

• Bloat - Bloat is extremely dangerous for dogs. The condition happens when the stomach is filled with gas and twists. This traps the gas and can be extremely painful for dogs and even fatal if it is not dealt with quickly. Giving your dogs small meals more frequently can reduce the risk of this condition.

• Hip Dysplasia - Hip Dysplasia is when the hip bones and sockets don't fit as they should. This can be caused by bones growing at different rates and can be cured with surgery. Hip Dysplasia can cause pain and lameness and is more common in larger dog breeds.

• Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow Dysplasia is the same condition as Hip Dysplasia that is common among larger dogs. As well as being caused by bone growth abnormalities, it can also be caused by the weight being put on them, leading to an arthritic condition.

• Degenerative Myelopathy - Degenerative Myelopathy is a condition that affects the spinal cord of older dogs. It can cause issues with walking, the loss of control in the legs, and the loss of bladder and bowel control. Dogs will generally have around one or two years of life expectancy from a positive diagnosis.

What is the lifespan of a Golden Shepherd?

The average lifespan of Golden Shepherds is between 10 to 14 years, and this will be dependent on any individual dog's general health, bloodline, diet, and exercise routine.

Ensuring your dog has a healthy lifestyle will give it the best opportunity for a long, happy life. Regular vet checkups will help to diagnose any illness or condition and provide the vet with the best opportunity to treat them from an early stage.

How much should you feed a Golden Shepherd?

The Golden Shepherd breed is a large dog that will eat a lot. Splitting its food between three or four meals should help to minimise the risk of bloat.

You could expect your Golden Shepherd to eat between three to four cups of high-quality dry dog food per day. Speaking to the vet and breeder will give you a better idea of how to provide your dog with a healthy, balanced diet.

Golden Shepherd puppies will need to get all the right nutrients to promote bone and muscle growth, allowing them to develop healthily. Your vet and breeder will help with a diet plan as the dog grows.

What is the price of a Golden Shepherd in Australia?

Golden Shepherd breeders can charge anywhere from $500+ for a Golden Shepherd Puppy, and finding a reputable breeder should help you find a healthy puppy.

You might find cheaper dogs on the market, but you can't be guaranteed that the welfare of the puppy and its parents were paramount to the breeder.

The German Shepherd dog breed is also susceptible to several health issues, and a good breeder will not breed a dog with hereditary diseases, minimising health risks for your puppy.