German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix - Breed History & Facts
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, also known as the Golden Shepherd, is a strong, fun, alert, and charming pup who is immensely loyal and intelligent. This dog is a cross between the German shepherd and the Golden Retriever.
Crossbreeding entails incorporating the best qualities and attributes of two pure breeds to bring about new breeds commonly referred to as crossbreeds, hybrids, and designer dogs. The fundamental goal of crossbreeding these two dogs was to blend the Golden retriever’s general friendliness and kindness attributes with the loyalty and obedience of the German Shepherd dog.
Taking care of Golden Shepherds is not daunting, as long as the pup gets placed with a vibrant family who can assure them company and match their energy levels. While they take after the German Shepherd’s protectiveness, you can control that attribute as long as they get socialized from a tender age. The German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever dogs are friendly, loyal, intelligent, playful, and full of energy.
These two breeds are well-known and make the most loyal dog breeds in the entire animal kingdom. So what happens when you mix the two? Mixing the two integrates exceptional qualities from both parents, bringing about this large, robust, and charming bundle of joy. To get a more profound understanding of this mix, it is imperative to learn more about the parent breeds.
Origins of The German Shepherd
The German shepherd is one of the most common and recognizable breeds that have been in existence for more than 100 years. These dogs began as sheepherders in Germany and were highly esteemed for their work ethics more than their appearance. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an effort was established to create a specific dog of Germany.
The first German shepherd breed club was started by Max Emil Frederick von Stephanitz, where he came up with a club to maintain and control the breed standards. He also purchased a stud that he perceived as the perfect German shepherd, which he then went ahead to breed. His continuous efforts led to a dramatic surge in the popularity of German Shepherds.
However, during WW1, there was a drastic decline in German shepherd’s popularity as a result of anti-German views. This breed later gained back its popularity with the public during the 1960s and has been used more by the police and the military.
Origins of The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has some aristocratic origin. The breed was started by a British aristocrat known as Lord Tweedmouth. Although the breed is known to be of Scottish heritage, Tweedmouth bought the first Retriever in Brighton, England, where he later coached the dog to retrieve birds. As time progressed, he decided to breed the dog with a type of water spaniel that is non-existent today.
Eventually, the Golden Retriever was bred to be a sporting dog. Since the dog is extremely intelligent, it is usually used to track and sniff out contraband for law enforcement and carry out charity tasks such as guiding the blinds.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Breed History
The Golden shepherd is of American origin and has existed for more decades. However, it began becoming popular amongst breeders in 2009. It is a crossbreed of purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred German shepherd. The end goal was to develop an ideal dog family that optimizes each parent’s best characteristics while also minimizing some of the health issues encountered by its parent breeds.
The Golden shepherd appeared as a designer dog during its initial stage but eventually found its way into the shelter and rescue organizations. With time, the breed’s popularity increased drastically, ultimately leading to an immense increase in its supply.
Facts About German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Below are some interesting facts about German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix;
The Golden Shepherd Are Loyal And Loving
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is a friendly and fun pup who loves to spend time with an active family. This pup has no dull days as they are fun, energetic, boisterous, a great companion, and exhibits so much affection to all family members, including small kids.
They also blend so well with strangers and outsiders. Contrary to the nature of his GSD parent, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, is patient, attentive, eager to learn and work, and does not cause trouble. Apart from being social and friendly, they are loyal and highly devoted to their master and will always offer protection in case of any danger.
Since they get a deep connection with their immediate family, they have an increased potential risk of developing extreme separation anxiety. Therefore, it is not advisable to leave them alone for more than a few hours.
They Require Lots of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
If not subjected to sufficient and routine exercises, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can result in destructive behaviors. This dog can make a great exercise partner if you love hiking and other more adventurous activities.
They Require a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Depending on their age, weight, and activity level, ensure to feed this pup with a quality diet rich in protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Also, refrain from incorporating additives, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives in their diet.
They are Typically Easy To Train
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training since they are always eager and quick to learn. When training this dog, involve more praise treats and allow them to relax when you realize they are getting tired, bored, or overwhelmed.
They are Not Pure Breeds Like the Individual Parents
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is not a pure breed like their individual parents but rather a recently developed hybrid involving breeding a purebred golden retriever with a purebred German Shepherd.
They are Not a Good Choice for Owners with Allergies
The individual parents are highly known for their picturesque double coats. As a result, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has thick, double-coated fur that sheds heavily. When this pup blows his coat, it ends up losing a lot of hair.
Unfortunately, it is not advisable to shave its hair, leading to heatstroke and skin and hair problems. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies or one family member has allergies, this is not the perfect dog for you.
Its Average Lifespan is About 10-14 Years
Numerous factors can affect the overall lifespan of your dog, including a healthy diet, regular vet visits, the right exercises, genetic factors, and others. Like many dogs, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can live up to 14 years. However, others can exceed this age.
They can Be Susceptible to Various Health Problems
Like other dogs, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is vulnerable to and can get numerous diseases, such as Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Dental Issues, Juvenile Cataracts, Pigmentary Uveitis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and others.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes Have Many Different Names
The mixed breed with one parent of a Golden Retriever and the other parent of a German Shepherd has many different names! Some will simply refer to them as a German Sheperd Golden Retriever mix but there are other names for the breed as well such as the Golden German Shepherd, German Retriever, Golden Shepherd, or much more.
