German Sheprador

Canis lupus

Last updated: September 27, 2022
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Ian Lafford/Shutterstock.com

There is a chance that the German Sheprador may inherit a love for water from its parent.


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German Sheprador Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

German Sheprador Locations

German Sheprador Locations

German Sheprador Facts

Main Prey
_
Fun Fact
There is a chance that the German Sheprador may inherit a love for water from its parent.
Diet
Omnivore
Migratory
1

German Sheprador Physical Characteristics


German Sheprador as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$500 to $2,000
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
85-95 lbs
Female weight
75-85 lbs

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The Labrador Retriever was originally bred to be an excellent swimmer. The German Sheprador may likewise inherit many traits that make it fast and agile in the water.

The German Sheprador is an all-around excellent and obedient dog that nevertheless requires quite a lot of care and attention. It is the offspring of Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd parents. The German Shepherd is a large work or herding dog that originated from Germany around the turn of the 20th century. The Labrador Retriever was originally bred from the St. Johns Water Dog in its native Newfoundland around the early 19th century. Its primary purpose was to retrieve game for its owner.

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While these two breeds will sometimes reproduce naturally on their own, it wasn’t until the 1990s that people began to breed them deliberately together on a regular basis. The term for a cross between two purebred dogs is a “designer dog.” While there is no agreed-upon Sheprador standard, it is usually a large dog with a long, square muzzle and somewhat downturned ears. The straight and dense medium to long coat of fur will have a combination of black, white, cream, blue, grey, and red colors and markings. It bears many hallmarks of an ideal companion.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a German Sheprador

Pros!Cons!
Athletic: This is an excellent dog for athletic owners who want an exercise companion and playmate.Needs Plenty of Space: This highly energetic dog needs enough space to run and play.
Loyal and Friendly: They form a deep bond with their owner.High Separation Anxiety: They should not be left alone for too long.
Intelligent and Trainable: This dog responds very well to human commands.Grows Bored Easily: This dog needs plenty of things to do, or else it could turn to destructive behavior.

German Sheprador Size and Weight

The German Sheprador is a medium or large dog with a muscular frame. Males are slightly larger than females on average.

Height (Male):20 to 25 inches
Height (Female):20 to 25 inches
Weight (Male):85 to 95 pounds
Weight (Female):75 to 85 pounds

German Sheprador Common Health Issues

The German Sheprador is a healthy dog with a lifespan of around 10 to 14 years if it can avoid any serious complications. Nevertheless, this dog may be prone to some of the same conditions as its parents, including ear infections, allergies, cancer, weight gain, hip dysplasia (which causes the hip joint to come out of alignment), and bloating (a serious condition which causes the stomach to expand to a dangerous size). Some of these issues could be avoided by seeking out a high-quality breeder who screens for genetic conditions. To sum up some of the most common health problems:

  • Ear Infections
  • Allergies
  • Weight Gain
  • Cancer

German Sheprador Temperament

The German Sheprador has a protective, alert, and fiercely loyal personality; in other words, many of the traits that make for a good watchdog. When it hears a stranger approaching at the door, it will immediately alert its owner by barking. But this hybrid dog is also very friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, which make it suitable as a family-friendly companion.

The German Sheprador needs frequent mental and physical stimulation, or else it may become bored and start engaging in destructive behavior. It does not do as well in smaller physical spaces. This makes it better suited for large houses than apartment living. Since the German Sheprador has a tendency to chew, it is always a good idea to have a steady supply of toys around to give it something to do. Keep in mind that every dog is its own individual and might not conform to the standard behavioral template in every single way.

Health and Entertainment for your German Sheprador

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How to Take Care of the German Sheprador

The German Sheprador is a difficult dog to care for, so it is recommended for experienced owners who have the time and ability to take care of its needs. Starting as a puppy, the German Sheprador should have a regular physical examination at the vet to catch early health problems. If you need any help with the dog’s daily routine and care, then you should consult with your vet as well.

The Best Dog Food for German Shepradors

Depending on its size, age, and energy level, this large, active dog needs up to 3 cups of high-quality food, preferably divided into multiple meals per day to prevent some bloating. The German Sheprador does have some tendency to gain weight, so you should not leave food out for it to munch on. If it appears to be putting on weight, then you should restrict its calorie intake. They also sometimes have allergic reactions to certain foods like chicken or beef. If this is the case, then the solution is to buy dog food specifically designed for allergy sufferers.

A-Z Animals believes Farmina Natural & Delicious Ocean Ancestral Grain Cod & Orange Adult Medium & Maxi Dog Food is the best dog food for German Shepradors.

Not only does this unique formula use fish like cod and herring as alternative protein to help out with allergic reactions, but the protein is adequately balanced with healthy carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The real animal protein is a natural source of glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia, while omegas and turmeric safeguard the immune system. It’ll satisfy your German Sheprador’s appetite for a healthy weight.

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Farmina N&D Ocean Codfish & Orange Ancestral Grain Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
  • The #1 ingredient in this high protein, limited carbohydrate, and low fiber all life stage dog food is cod.
  • 90% of protein is from quality animal sources.
  • It's a low glycemic formula so it's a great option for pets that need a food that won't spike blood sugar.
  • Contains no whole peas, legumes, meals or by-products.
  • Food vitamins retain their freshness through a coating system that allows them to be included post cooking.


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Maintenance and Grooming

Despite its tendency to shed, the German Sheprador only needs to be brushed a few times per week, preferably with a pin brush, comb, and deshedder. This should be combined with daily teeth brushings and frequent dental chews to keep the dog’s oral health in excellent order. You should also check the dog’s ears every day and clean them as necessary to prevent the buildup of debris and obstructions. Finally, the occasional bath once every two months should be sufficient to maintain a healthy coat. Use a gentle shampoo to prevent skin irritation and damage to the coat.

Training

This dog needs to be socialized from an early age and taught how to interact with other dogs, children, and strangers. Fortunately, the Sheprador should be very easy to train. It responds well to human commands and learns quickly. If you plan to use the crate often to transport your dog, then crate and kennel training should probably be a part of its routine as a puppy as well. If you need help with any aspect of its training, then you should try to find a professional in your area.

Exercise

The German Sheprador is a very high-energy dog that will need at least an hour of exercise every single day. It is recommended that you have a large yard, dog park, or other wide open space nearby in which it can run around, play, and burn off excess energy. This dog will also enjoy long walk or jog with its owner. Swimming is another great option if you have a pool or lake around your home.

German Sheprador Puppies

When you’ve finally decided that you want to bring home a German Sheprador, the most important step is to find an appropriate breeder. It’s worth the extra effort to do your homework and find a high-quality breeder in your area that tends to breed healthy puppies from the best stock. As an alternative to a breeder, you might also want to consider trying to find a rescue group that carries this mix. After bringing it home, the German Sheprador may take up to two years to properly grow and develop. In that time, it is a good idea to not let your dog to run or play on hard surfaces, at least until its joints are fully developed.

German Shepradors and Children

The German Sheprador is a good family pet and should get along very well with children; though this dog will behave best if it’s been trained and socialized from an early age. Its large size and high energy could be intimidating to smaller children, so you should not leave them alone together in the same room without an adult present.

Dogs Similar to the German Shepradors

The German Sheprador bears many strong similarities with other retriever and work dogs, whether purebreds or hybrids. Apart from its two parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd, it is the most similar to the following types of dogs:

  • Golden Retriever: Sporting a lustrous yellow coat, the Golden Retriever combines a strong and intelligent bearing with a real lust for adventure. As a very faithful companion, it makes for a great family dog that almost anyone can enjoy.
  • Golden Shepherd: Bred from a cross between the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, the Golden Shepherd is both affectionate and protective toward the entire family and young children in particular. It is highly athletic and also very easy to train.
  • Siberian Shepherd: This cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky is a loyal and hard-working dog that aims to please its owner, but its sheer size and physical needs may make it challenging for first-time owners or single households.

Famous German Shepradors

The German Sheprador is probably too niche and new to enjoy much of a following, but its two parent breeds are incredibly popular in the United States. Perhaps the most famous dog of all time, the TV and movie star Rin Tin Tin (along with his various descendants who also bear the name), was a German Shepherd.

If you are looking for an appropriate name, then you might want to consider the following choices:

  • Bella
  • Luna
  • Lucy
  • Max
  • Charlie
  • Zeus
  • Bear
  • Bailey
  • Athena
  • Duke

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Ashley Haugen is a lifelong animal lover and professional writer and editor. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com, she can be found hanging out with her dogs and birds.

German Sheprador FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a German Sheprador?

The German Sheprador is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. Sporting a dense black, tan, and/or reddish-brown fur, this is a very intelligent and athletic dog that forms a deep bond with its owner.

Are Shepradors aggressive?

Despite its size and a certain intimidation factor, the German Sheprador is a good-natured and friendly dog. It should not be aggressive toward people unless it was mishandled and poorly trained as a puppy.

What is the price of a German Sheprador?

The price of a German Sheprador is somewhere between $500 and $2,000, depending on the quality of the breeder and the pedigree of the dog. The price of caring for the dog’s daily needs also must be factored into your purchase decision; food consumption, toys, a crate, etc.

Are Shepradors smart?

Yes, intelligence is one of their defining traits. It is curious, inquisitive, and responds well to human commands.

Are German Shepradors hypoallergenic?

No, the German Sheprador is a heavy shedder. It is probably not a good choice for people with allergies.

What is the lifespan of the German Sheprador?

The lifespan of this dog is about 10 to 14 years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. wagwalking.com, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/german-sheprador
  2. petguide.com, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/german-sheprador/

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