Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: high
    starstarstarstarstar
  • Shedding Level: moderate
    starstarstarno starno star
  • Grooming Level: moderate
    starstarstarno starno star
  • Trainability: high
    starstarstarstarno star
  • Good for Novice Owners: high
    starstarstarstarno star
  • Adaptability: moderate
    starstarstarstarno star
  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
    starstarstarstarno star
  • Prey Drive: moderate
    starstarstarno starno star
  • Watchdog: very alert
    starstarstarstarno star
  • Average Size: Medium
  • Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Registered?: other

German Sheprador Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

A German Sheprador is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador puppies grow into large dogs that are loyal, affectionate with their families, and energetic.

Although the German Sheprador is not established enough to be recognized by the AKC, they are recognized by other notable canine registries. The Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry both recognize the German Sheprador.

These dogs tend to be friendly and affectionate with their families and love spending time with their pack. Their playful, energetic personality and cheerful, even-tempered disposition make them a great fit for families.

They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because they are protective, they are initially suspicious and wary of strangers. As long as they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced.

Although they are not known for barking excessively, they may develop the habit if they are not well-socialized or if they have been unintentionally trained into it. You can work with your german Sheprador puppy early on and train your dog to stop barking to keep it only to alert barking instead of a nuisance.

German Shepradors are moderately adaptable dogs. Due to their large size and high energy, they tend to better-suited to larger homes with room to run. They can do well in apartments as long as they are given enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, but this can be a challenge. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat and to extreme cold.

Because they thrive on affection from their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This designer dog breed is also highly intelligent and can get bored easily. If they are permitted to become bored or do not get enough exercise, they can be prone to chewing. So, you’ll want to make sure you have appropriate chew toys on hand and that your dog is getting plenty of exercise.

A crossbred dog can inherit the health concerns associated with one or both of the parent breeds. There is also a chance they could “win the genetic lottery” and inherit none of them, but this is not a guarantee. Some of the potential health concerns to be aware of in the German Sheprador include allergies, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and cataracts.

Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic issues, so don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parents. Something else to know is that, as a larger dog, German Shepradors are at-risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become dangerous quickly, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms as well as what you can do to help prevent it.

The German Sheprador is a highly trainable dog breed. They are highly intelligent and tend to be obedient. They pick up on things quickly. Plus, they are eager to please, so they tend to follow commands well. These dogs respond best to training that is consistent, ongoing, and focused on positive methods like praise and reward.

Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored easily. Ongoing training throughout this dog’s life will keep them mentally stimulated. Even if you are an experienced dog owner, puppy training classes can help provide opportunities for more advanced training and also opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A German Sheprador has a dense, short, and practically waterproof double coat. They will shed moderately year-round and heavier twice a year as the seasons change in the spring and fall. Weekly brushing or a few times a week is sufficient for normal shedding, but daily brushing is a good idea during heavier shedding sessions. This, plus the occasional bath as needed, is sufficient to keep your German Sheprador’s coat looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your German Sheprador’s ears, nails, and teeth. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Nail trimming once or twice monthly is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is the ideal foundation for good dental care for dogs.

The German Sheprador is a high-energy dog. They need daily walks plus playtime and time to run or other activities to be happy and healthy. They are also athletic and versatile dogs, so when puppies finish growing and developing, you can try a wide variety of activities with them. They’ll just be happy to be doing something active and spending time with you.

You can try going swimming with your dog. With a Lab in the mix, this dog breed is likely to love the water. Your German Sheprador might enjoy hiking with you, playing frisbee, running or jogging with you, or even learning how to play dog sports. They may not be able to compete in official national competitions, but they’ll probably love learning something new and being active!

A fully-grown German Sheprador usually stands 20-27 inches tall and weighs 60-85 pounds.

A German Sheprador generally lives 10-12 years.

Although German Sheprador is the most common name, this designer dog breed is also sometimes referred to as a Labrashepherd, a Sheprador, or more simply a German Shepherd Lab Mix or a Shepherd Lab Mix.