The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, when mixed is commonly called The Golden Shepherd and this is what we will refer to it throughout in our today’s review. Fusion of German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, resulting in the Golden Shepherd. The owners of both these beautiful dogs affectionately wonder if the union is the best of both worlds. Today, we will crack it down and find the answer for those who wish to own The Golden Shepherd.
Because someone out there in the world concluded that German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers were not good enough on their own, they decided to mix the two and get an even superior existence in the process. Well, them and the world alike were not disappointed with the outcome. Consequently, this planet was graced with, what later came to be called The Golden Shepherd.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix – At a glance
| Height: | 20–27 inches when measured from shoulders. |
| Weight: | 60–95 pounds (27-43 kg) |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Colours: | Gold, black, white, sable, cream, and also gray possible. |
| Temperament: | Protective, friendly, playful, active, trainable, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | Family-friend pet, watch dogs, obedient, sports dog. |
| Cost: | $700-$1600 |
What happens if you combine German Shepherd and Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd crossed with Golden Retriever = Meet Golden Shepherd. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, a popular hybrid breed that local dog lovers are always looking for, combines the intelligence and loyalty of the German Shepherd with the kind, friendly temperament of the Golden Retriever. These dogs are attractive to families and individuals due to their lovable and intelligent nature. So, if you plan to keep a German Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix in your home, the guide will help you know all about this special hybrid breed.
An overview of German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever
Overview: German Shepherd
These belong to the Herding Group of dogs and came into being in Germany. In the late 1800s, a retired German military officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, and his fellow breeders were aiming at making a hybrid dog that was ideal for herding. After mixing different types of dogs from the two districts of Germany, central and northern, the resultant creation was the forefather of today’s German Shepherd.
The Captain’s dedication towards his favorite and prize-worthy creation not only garnered praise in Germany but soon the fame spread to the rest of Europe and the US at the start of the 1900s.
The distinguishing qualities of German Shepherds included not just herding prowess but speed, strength, intelligence, stealth, and a higher intelligence quotient than any other dog and breeds alike and learning and following commands 90% more.
This made it particularly popular with the police work and K-9 units. The job description includes detection of drugs and ammunition, conformation, guarding duties among many others.
Overview: The Golden Retriever
It is a Scottish “gun dog” that is used to bring back or “retrieve”, if you will, a shot bird and other game during hunting, (or your newspaper or electricity bills, for all that matters) hence the name “Retriever”. Another large breed-sized dog comes in golden yellow and cream colour.
Because they are trained to be made use of during training, competitive occasions, and field-based work, it is naturally agile, fast, obedient, and great companions for the visually impaired. It is also employed by law enforcement agencies in search and rescue.
It is one of the most favorite dogs in the US and the third most popular in the world, for obvious reasons. With their loyalty, beautiful golden fur, mild temperament, cute short ears, winning smiles, and love for the families they are a part of, what’s not to love about these Goldens, right!
The history of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
Possibly one of the most well-known of the cross breed gang, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix unites two of the most popular canines on the planet. German Shepherds are a breed of herding dog that were originally bred in Germany, and they are also highly intelligent and versatile dogs. Originally bred to retrieve game from the water, Golden Retrievers were first developed in Scotland and are well-known for their friendly and sociable nature (American Kennel Club, 2024).
When breeding these two together, the goal is to get desirable traits from both parents: loyalty, intelligence, friendliness, and energy. Golden Shepherds are not an officially recognized breed according to organizations such as the AKC and are instead categorized as what is often referred to as a “designer dog” bred from two known breeds and people have been taking interest.
What does a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix look like?
The Golden Shepherd is a hybrid of two world-famous dogs, the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd. While one is a hunting dog the other is herding, it naturally distinguishes in qualities specific to the parents but as a wholesome package, the Golden Retrievers are loyal, mentally stimulant, active, and big.
The major colors of Golden Shepherds are yellow-golden, brown, reddish-brown, cream, and black. The furs are either entirely of the same color or a blend of two or more of these colors.
Golden Shepherds are quite friendly with other pets if they have been directed not to hurt them. It is also important for the Golden Shepherds to be revealed to the pets including other dogs and cats, from early on so they get used to each other’s presence and not hurt them.
Why go for a mixed dog in the first place? Because it gives the owner a wide array of choices when choosing what kind of dog to choose to be a part of the family. It is always good to have good dog choices because the high heredity pool proves those hybrids of superior dogs give birth to finer and healthier offspring.
The Golden Shepherd is an attractive mix between an intelligent and loyal German Shepherd, and a friendly, light-hearted Golden Retriever who knows how to chill. This special combination has begun growing with dog lovers especially seeking a family pet that is active and intelligent. So here is everything you need to know about this great hybrid breed.
Breed history: Golden retriever German shepherd mix
Some time in 1840, Dudley Marjoribanks, the 1st earl of Tweedmouth was looking to create a sentinel dog that was best suited for rocky jagged territory of the marshy and damp Scottish Highlands. He crossed the Yellow Retriever and Tweed Water Spaniel which are the first ancestors of the Golden Retriever.
Lord Tweedmouth cataloged the breeding and heredity history of the Golden Retriever from 1840 to 1890 which made way for the other breeders to continue the process. The Golden Retriever became a quite lovable dog in the US very quickly, and its popularity skyrocketed when President Gerald Ford owned this dog.
Though not much is known about the history of the Golden Shepherd, they may have subsisted for a long time but they were brought to recognition sometime in 2009in America.
The Golden Shepherd was not recognized before 2009 as a breed by significant kennel clubs like American Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry(IDCR), and many other private breeders, however, have done so. The term Designer dog has only been coined recently but the practice of crossing two major breeds for their significant qualities is rather old.
The main aim of designing/crossing the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever was to bring down the health complications that are generally very common with these two big breeds and any other large dog. Subsequently, the hybrid was highly demanded, not only because they made ideal pets but also because these were utilized for their usefulness in sports related to hunting by the hunters.
Appearance and Physical characteristics: Golden Shepherd
The Golden Shepherd (German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix) is of the larger kind, obviously because of its gene pool. Both the parents, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are large dogs and the Golden shepherd stands between 20 to 27 inches tall. Depending on the strength of either of its parents, the Golden Shepherd can look more like its German Shepherd parent or Golden Retriever.
A healthy, full-grown Golden Shepherd (German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix) can weigh up to 27.5 to 43 kg. Their thick double coat has a range of colours like yellow gold, tan, golden, creamy white, jet black, reddish-brown, grey, or a mix of two or more of these. But whichever colour the Golden Shepherds are, they are sure to steal the beholder’s heart!
Subjected to its heredity, these beauties can have a thick double coating of fur, shiny, straight, or wavy. They have big brown innocent eyes that promise loyalty and devotion.
The Golden Shepherds have large ears and they are V-shaped or droopy. The tails are long and bushy and their muzzles medium long and straight. They have powerful paws that ensure speed, strength, and sure-footedness. This mix tends to have a more untamed appearance than both their parents. (Canine Journal, 2023).
Personality and temperament
Owing to the laborious natures of both its parents, German Shepherd being a darling among the law enforcement and the Golden Retriever with the hunters as a hunting dog, the Golden Shepherds have inherited their live for “working-out” as well. They are happier when they have positive direction and determination and will make their presence in your life your money’s worth.
The Golden Shepherds are extremely prone to separation anxiety and become bored in no time if left alone for a long time. They also get disinterested without their family’s presence or if not engaged in meaningful activities like exercising. This can endanger the family, neighbors, and other pets when they are bored just because they need something to do and will do whatever tickles their fancy.
Let’s just safely assume that Golden Shepherds being social dogs are “social butterflies” and are more Aries and Gemini in nature than Scorpio and Taurus. DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE and BORED, THEY DEVELOP DESTRUCTIVE TENDENCIES, PERIOD!
As guarding dogs, German Shepherds are defensive and Golden Retrievers are faithful and so the ensuing dog is dependable and faithful. Thanking the parent dogs for their most fantastic gene pool, the Golden Shepherds not only make excellent companions but even better guard dogs.
Other characteristics
Golden Shepherd personalities tend to vary, mixing the German Shepherd’s loyalty and protectiveness with the Golden Retriever’s warmth and affection. This means they can be fun and playful but also monitor your wellbeing, making them fantastic family dogs. Typically, Golden Shepherds are friendly towards kids and other pets, but they will need early socialization in order for them to be familiar with different environments.
Due to the dog best friend heritage they are alert and can have guarding instinct. However, the Golden Retriever also brings a little softness to these instincts, giving them more approachable and social. This equilibrium makes them great for families seeking a dog that can serve as both a companion and protector (PetMD, 2023).
Excellent family companions
These dogs make excellent companions. You only have to earn the Golden Shepherd’s trust for them to be very loyal to you to the end of your time. They are also very patient towards kids and will not hurt them intentionally but a certain level of caution is necessary when the Golden Shepherds are around kids, nevertheless. Guiding the kids on how to go near the dogs or any dogs and pets in general and how to interact with them is very important.
What else is more important, for everybody’s sake is, the “initiation-protocol” of the Golden Shepherd should be endorsed when you bring him into your life. Your beautiful pup needs to feel safe and comfortable around the newness around him, which is why the family and other pets should all engage in the “initiation-protocol “ and should be appropriately socialized.
Golden Shepherds are furballs of energy which can be conveniently handled by offering them activities, indoor and outdoor. Do not doubt their energy levels and be assured that they WILL take you up on your offer and love to be your jogging chums!
Training and Intelligence: German shepherd Golden retriever mix
The high intelligence of the German Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix is one of its great qualities. Golden Shepherds are quick learners and respond well to obedience training (both parent breeds are known for this particular temperament quality). Positive reinforcement techniques, like treats, praise, and playtime, are the most effective in encouraging positive behavior.
It is necessary to train them early so they are not overly protective because they will over-guard. Proper puppy socialization helps them grow to be well-balanced adults with confidence in new places and situations (Whole Dog Journal, 2024).
German shepherd Golden retriever mix puppy: Golden shepherd
While these puppies overdose on cute, Golden Shepherd puppies are rather temperamental, and training them can get difficult initially. They stop disappointing and comprehend your directions very easily. Once again, you have to thank the parent’s very intelligent genes for that.
Golden Shepherd puppies are wonderful with children. They are loving, tolerant, kind, and gentle towards children which are necessary traits in any puppy when you have kids around the house. These cuties are relatively easy to handle once you get the hang of owning a dog, and make for ideal for owners who are interested in getting a dog.
Not giving your pooch puppy any kind of dog and human food until they are five to six weeks old, is the most important precaution you have to exercise for your puppy. The Golden Shepherd puppies need the required nourishment from the milk they get from their mothers or formula milk designed for pups’ food requirements. When they reach the “solid-food” stage, feed your pup 4 times a day.
Also, take care that does not run on uneven roads or hard surfaces until they are at least six months old because their joints are still very delicate and quite underdeveloped. Take excellent care of your pup because now that you have his sunny presence in your otherwise dull life, you are very responsible for your Golden Shepherd pup.
Grooming requirements: German shepherd Golden retriever mix
The type of fur has a lot to do with a dog’s grooming. Similarly, the Golden Shepherds, being inherent to both the parents’ genes, shed a lot of hair. They have medium-length fur with a double coating that needs brushing and detangling every other day, sometimes daily.
Because your house and your life will be quite hairy after you bring in this adorable pooch, investing in a good heavy-duty hoover machine can make life much easier and, of course, mostly pooch hair-free. A furminator or de-tangling comb is another good buy to brush the “goldie’s” mane to a shiny glow and no tangles.
Ear infection and dental health
To avoid ear infections, safeguard your Golden Shepherd against detritus, pests, and moisture. Also, clean their ears almost every couple of days and give them regular nail trimmings.
For maximum dental health, observe dental hygiene and brush the Golden Shepherd’s teeth regularly with vet-approved toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Regular bathing
Giving your Golden Shepherds baths at least twice a month will have your doggy thank you in his very doggy-adorable ways. Their double fur prevents them against any weather extreme which is why they need to be bathed not so often unless it has experienced a newfound love rolling around in any muddy puddle it comes across.
As it should be a custom with any other pet, you should give your Golden Shepherd regular visitation to vets to identify any health-based worries early on. Request your vet to devise a health care routine for your paw friend for your pooch‘s own benefit.
Unless you want your beautifully tended yards to have small craters dug or your favorite pricey sofa to be chewed on, have plenty of sturdy yet soft toys (because you wouldn’t want the dental charges on your bill) around the house in case your canine gets bored.
The Golden Shepherds have a propensity to become obese which is why you should control their portions. Do feed them twice a day but do not let them be around food all the time. They are, after all, very mouthy and love to have something in their mouth oftentimes, whether it is a thrown ball they want to retrieve for you or any dog treat you have lying around for them.
Dietary must-haves for Golden Shepherd: Diet and Nutrition
Golden Shepherds are big dogs and their dietary needs are in accordance with their size. Feeding them food that has at least18 to 20% protein and around 5 percent fat level is ideal for the Golden Shepherd required nutritional intake. Fix your dog food that is rich in constituents that helps in strengthening bone health.
Fruits, veggies, vitamins, and minerals should be given alongside the daily meals. These dietary requirements must not be compromised on because a Golden Shepherd is an active dog and in order to better facilitate its energy, activity, and general wellbeing, it needs to be sufficiently nourished.
Abstain from feeding the Golden Shepherd big portions of nosh ups as it is susceptible to getting bloated. Feeding them twice a day is enough to keep these hybrids satiated.
Changing the food that you give your dog without giving it time to adjust, leads to an upset tummy, allergic reactions, and other sicknesses. Giving them plenty of dog treats or table scraps can cause the illnesses mentioned above to prevail in your dog and render them to be picky about their food so keep the amount and variety to a minimum.
Golden Shepherds should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet. They need a high protein diet to maintain their muscles and substantial fats and carbohydrates to fuel their energetic lifestyle. Research dog food that lists meat as the main ingredient and identifies corn or soy, low-nutrition fillers, as unwanted.
Both the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever can be prone to weight gain when overfed, so portion control is essential. If you feed your pup twice daily in portions, it usually keeps them at a healthy weight. (American Animal Hospital Association, 2023).
Exercise and activities
This mixed breed is energetic and needs lots of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. They need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise, walktime, playtime, and mental stimulation. These dogs shine in exercise, such as fetch, agility courses, or hiking with their owners, activities that can meet their physical and mental needs. If they do not get enough exercise, they can develop destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. As such, they are most appropriate for active owners who can give plenty of play and time outside (Petfinder, 2023).
Getting enough exercise in one way or another is crucial for any moving living thing, regardless of whether they are humans or animals. And a dog that is a descendant of energetic and active breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, needs it ever so much. But like an excess of everything is bad, over-exercising your Golden Shepherd gets prone to getting bad joints.
As is the case with any workout regime, the Golden Shepherds should be trained to get minimal exercises to gain muscle and endurance, increasing time and methodology gradually, otherwise, it gets bored and troublesome.
Having a backyard or front yard in your house is ideal but not at all necessary. The only important thing is that your Golden Shepherd gets plenty of healthy, activity-based routines where your dog can a little more than stretch its legs. For as long as your adorable cross-breed is mentally stimulated and physically active, your dog is a happy dog, congratulations.
Health and life span
A German Shepherd lives up to 9 to 13 years, depending on their overall health situation, food intake, and exercise. The Goldens Retrievers live up to 12 years depending on the aforementioned factors. As a result, the Golden Shepherds live up to somewhere between 10 to 14 years.
The German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are both at risk of getting cancer, among other dog-specific diseases, as much as their “hoo-mans” are so make sure that your Golden Shepherd does not have any cancerous history.
Other than that, Golden Shepherds are at risk of getting the same illnesses like their parents do. It is also worth taking into consideration that your mixed breed may not get any of the diseases common with their parents because of their mixed breeding. Discuss it with the breeder and inquire about the healthy life of the parent dogs, as a safety measure.
The health conditions these Golden Shepherds suffer with are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer, bloating, digestive tract issues, cardiac arrest, food and skin allergies, cataracts, Von Willebrand’s disease, anal gland diseases, and Megaesophagus.
Before making the purchase, look for parents that have fine hip and elbow alignment and no history of fatal illnesses like cancer and Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) where the dog gets severe nose bleeding and traces of blood when passing urine. Sadly, this is known only when the situation gets life-threatening.
Health and Common Health Issues
Thousands of Golden Shepherds and more on average are healthy and few genetic health issues are predisposed from one parent breed to another. Health problems which are believed to be common include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disorders. These risks can be managed with regular vet check-ups and preventive care.
You can expect this mix to live around 10 to 14 years on average, depending on their exercise, diet, and care. They need to be healthy for their entire lives and this can be aided by prevention, such as joint supplements and regular exercise. (AKC Health Foundation, 2023).
An average cost of Golden Shepherd puppy
It costs between $700 to $1600 to get a Golden Shepherd puppy. The range of price depends on where you are getting your pup from, a more fancy and premium breeder will charge higher than the price mentioned.
When choosing among which breeder to buy from, find the one who to going to make sure that your pup’s health comes above everything else. The responsible breeders have most probably listed their Golden Shepherd with International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), so look for the papers registering their parents’ lineage and health history.
Golden Shepherds as family dogs
Joining the qualities from its parent dogs, intelligence and protectiveness of the German Shepherds and casual and pleasing behavior of the Golden Retriever, these mixes are safe and a wonderful inclusion to a family.
Adequately and accurately trained, Golden Shepherds are excellent to be around children and other family members of the home they are a part of.
Inheriting the overprotective genes of its German Shepherd parent, the Golden Shepherds are naturally wary and distrustful of strangers. This stems from their fierce loyalty and devotion towards their family. With proper training, Golden Shepherds can behave themselves around an unfamiliar entity for as long as they don’t sense any threat. Dogs, in general, are highly intuitive that way.
Is German shepherd Golden retriever mix the Right Dog for You?
The GSD-Golden Retriever mix is perfect for people who want a loyal, intelligent, and active dog. They thrive in homes with plenty of room to run, and an owner who can give them proper attention, training and exercise. Due to their activity level and grooming requirements, this mix may not be the best type of pet if you are looking for a low-energy or low-maintenance pet.
Golden Shepherds do best with families, including children and other pets (with proper socialization of course). Or ideal for singles or couples with an active lifestyle who can devote time to their training and exercise needs. (ASPCA, 2023).
Where to Find a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix?
Finding a Golden Shepherd requires selecting a reputable dog breeder, or adopting. Quality breeders breed for health and temperament, provide you with health information and breed history. As family pets seem to be in rising demand, shelters and rescue organizations may have Golden Shepherds available as well.
Do not go to puppy mills, as they usually lack sufficient standards for breeding which can lead to a dog having health or behavioral problems. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2024).
Final thoughts
If you want the best of both worlds, which I am sure you do, the Golden Shepherds are the ones for you. They are exceptionally intelligent, gentle faithful, and great companions. These furballs of energy are perfect for you if you want a running buddy on your morning rounds or want your utility bills or your neighbors’ FedEx deliveries retrieved (because you are too lazy and the neighbors may have ordered something that you have fancied for a long time), they are your best friends.
A word of caution though, it’s best that you educate yourself about the potential red flags of your Golden Shepherd’s medical/veterinary history because that would prepare you for any sudden health scare. They make excellent guards and watchdogs and even better friends. Their wit and intelligence should keep your life a happy zone, at least for as long as you are around your “fur-some” buddy.
Like mentioned earlier, these dogs are ill-suited for homes that hardly get its residents around the house at all. If you have a lifestyle that needs you to be away from home most of the day, maybe you should get a cat instead.
FAQS
The range can go up to 40 Kgs.
It cost around $700 – 1600 USD
9 to 14 years at max.
Sources:
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
- https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/german-shepherd-golden-retriever-mix
- https://dogacademy.org/breeds/golden-shepherd
- American Kennel Club. (2023). German Shepherd Dog Breed Information. AKC.org
- American Kennel Club. (2023). Golden Retriever Breed Information. AKC.org
- ASPCA. (2023). Dog Behavior and Training Tips. ASPCA.org
- Humane Society. (2023). Adopting a Pet. HumaneSociety.org
- Petfinder. (2023). Find Your Perfect Pet. Petfinder.com
- PetMD. (2022). Dog Breed Characteristics and Traits. PetMD.com
- Purina. (2022). Dog Feeding Guide. Purina.com
- VetMD. (2023). Common Health Issues in Mixed Breed Dogs. VetMD.com