The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is currently making headlines in the world of designer dogs. As a recent development in hybrid dog breeding, it’s not often you’d come across this modern designer canine.
Nonetheless, its parent breeds are not new to dog enthusiasts. The well-loved Goldendoodle and the smart German Shepherd Dog are fused together, resulting in an incredible offspring that bears their best features.
Take a closer look at what a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix is to satisfy your curiosity regarding this dog. This article tackles its history, appearance, behavior, needs, and more, so stick to the end!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18 – 22 inches |
| Weight: | 59 – 74 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Red, gold, cream, black |
| Temperament: | Loyal, patient, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; active singles; being a guard dog |
What Is a German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix?
The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is a cross between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the Goldendoodle. Due to its high trainability, this resilient hybrid dog can take on working dog roles. Apart from that, it also enjoys the company of kids and other dogs when socialized at an early age.
Since it’s a mix between a purebred dog and a designer dog breed, the Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix will look more like a GSD, a Goldendoodle, or somewhere in between.
The temperament will also come from both its parent breeds. Still, it doesn’t mean that the GSD Goldendoodle mix is unpredictable. It may either be protective like the GSD or friendly like the Goldendoodle.
Regardless of which parent its personality takes after, this mixed-breed dog is deemed an excellent pet companion. It can keep up with your active lifestyle and learn various tricks and commands.
All these things make it unique and highly sought after despite not being recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Even though the Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix can’t take part in conformation shows, it can still participate in AKC rallies, agility, and obedience events.
You can also register your pet in other organizations that welcome designer dogs. This includes the National Hybrid Registry (NHR) and the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA).
German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Origin and History
It’s challenging to grasp the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix’s origin since it has little to no recorded history. Like many designer dogs, it takes inspecting its parents’ individual histories to learn more about this dog.
For starters, the German Shepherd is known to originate in Germany. It was around 1899 when this herding dog became popular, and it was mainly used on farms, tending to livestock.
Although the German Shepherd’s purpose was to herd sheep, its working role eventually evolved to assist the military in World War I. After several events, the German Shepherd Dog got recognition from the AKC in 1908.
Next up is the Goldendoodle. The idea of coming up with a Goldendoodle was inspired by the creation of the Labradoodle. Like this canine, the Goldendoodle is a low-shedding dog with an appealing temperament.
Due to popular demand, Goldendoodles became available in petite, miniature, medium, and standard sizes. These proportions depend on what Poodle was used during the breeding program.
Later on, this striking canine led to the foundation of the Goldendoodle Association of North America in 2009.
Clearly, German Shepherd Dogs and Goldendoodles were bred for a reason. We can assume that breeders crossed them together to get the best traits of both breeds in one package.
German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Appearance
As a mixed-breed dog, there is no standard appearance for a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix. That said, it’s difficult to predict how puppies of this type look regardless if they’re in the same litter.
Commonly though, this designer dog exhibits a body structure similar to the GSD. It may have a wolf-like face shape, a dense, medium-length double coat, and upright ears that aren’t as sharp as the GSD.
The eyes are usually brown in shapes identical to that of a Goldendoodle. Occasionally, the Goldendoodle’s genetics may be strong. Hence, the ears can appear floppy, large, and gracefully rested on the sides of its face.
The coat may be curly and coiled, too. In terms of colors, German Shepherd Goldendoodles may come in cream, red, gold, and black.
On a different note, take a good look at what a German Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy looks like by watching the short video below:
German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Size and Weight
The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is usually a medium-to-large dog weighing anywhere between 59 and 74 pounds with a height of around 18 to 22 inches.
When it comes to reaching its full size, the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix will take about 1 to 3 years to mature, depending on what size it’s predisposed to have.
Also, with sexual dimorphism evident in canines, males will be generally larger than their female counterparts; hence, they’ll take longer to reach their adult size.
German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Temperament and Personality
The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is described to be loyal, patient, intelligent, and outgoing. It loves the company of its family and is an extreme people-pleaser.
Understanding that it has a working dog mentality coming from its GSD parent, this designer dog breed may tend to cling to its owner. It’s the same case if it takes after its Goldendoodle heritage.
Since it loves being with its owner, a Goldendoodle and German Shepherd mix is prone to separation anxiety. To avoid this, always ensure that it’s never alone. A pet sitter is ideal if you’ll be away for a certain period.
On another note, Goldendoodle German Shepherd mixes have become popular because of their unwavering devotion toward their owners.
They’re friendly dogs but take note; they still have protective tendencies. Once it feels that its loved ones are threatened or a stranger is lurking around its home, it won’t hesitate to jump into action.
Since it’s a powerful canine, it’s best to train and socialize it early so it learns when to react.
German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Goldendoodle and German Shepherd mix is a relatively healthy dog known for its hybrid vigor. Its average lifespan is anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
Of course, no dog is 100 percent healthy. Your German Shepherd Goldendoodle may still develop certain medical issues at one point. These health problems are what its parent breeds are usually predisposed to.
Here’s a list of the common medical problems of the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix:
- Hip Dysplasia: German Shepherd Goldendoodles are prone to hip dysplasia. This refers to the deformity on the hip, which occurs mainly during growth where the head of the femur and the hip socket doesn’t grow uniformly. This painful genetic disease is mainly caused by poor diet and nutrition, overexercise, and rapid growth.
- Addison’s Disease: Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease in dogs is a condition wherein their adrenal glands aren’t producing enough corticosteroid hormones. When this happens to your Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix, its body can’t maintain normal stress levels. This, in turn, could lead to abnormal heart rate, shock, and even death.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Mixed breed dogs such as German Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes are prone to progressive retinal atrophy. This inherited disease affects the photoreceptor cells located in the eye’s retina. Over time, these cells will deteriorate and may ultimately cause blindness in the affected dog.
Knowing your German Shepherd Goldendoodle’s prominent health problems will help you prepare in case their symptoms arise. Get it checked regularly by your vet so the condition is properly assessed, diagnosed, and treated.
How to Take Care of Your Goldendoodle German Shepherd Mix
After knowing the basics of a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix, the next step is learning how to properly take care of it.
Fortunately, maintaining this canine is relatively easy, provided you understand its diet, grooming, training, and exercise requirements.
Food and Diet
What your Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix puppy eats is vital to its health. Generally, you must provide 3 ¼ to 4 cups of high-quality food daily, which should be free from harmful preservatives.
In choosing commercial dog food, opt for a formula appropriate for your dog’s life stage and size. This must also be served in recommended portions and frequencies so it gets all the nutrition it needs daily.
Other feeding options you can opt for aside from commercial dry or wet dog food are BARF, vegetarian, or home-cooked meals.
Your vet or pet nutritionist can tailor a diet plan for your Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix to ensure it receives all the nutrients and vitamins its body needs for growth and development.
Supplements containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can also be added to your dog’s food. With fish oil in its diet, your German Shepherd Goldendoodle’s coat and skin will look smooth and moisturized.
Cleaning and Grooming
Your Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix’s coat maintenance depends on whose parent breed’s coat it takes after. If it inherits the German Shepherd’s dense, double coat, expect heavy shedding throughout the year.
Meanwhile, if its coat is more like that of a Goldendoodle, you must regularly give it a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. If the fur is left unclipped, it can grow up to eight inches long, making your dog prone to matting.
As for its bath, the recommended interval is every 6 to 8 weeks or whenever it’s dirty and smelly. In addition to grooming, you must trim its nails to help maintain the dog’s proper posture.
Ear cleaning must also be part of its grooming routine to prevent wax build-up. Meanwhile, to maintain good oral health, brush its teeth 2 to 3 times weekly to keep plaque and tartar at bay.
Training and Exercise
As the offspring of two highly intelligent dogs, the German Shepherd Goldendoodle can quickly learn tricks and commands, more so when taught at a very young age.
As a puppy, you can start by teaching it basic drills such as crate training, potty training, and verbal commands. You can move on to more complex pieces of training as it masters the previous dog lessons.
While doing so, always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviors.
As for its activity needs, allow your Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix at least two hours of exercise daily. This can be divided into two shorter sessions to prevent over-exhaustion.
You can take your German Shepherd Goldendoodle out for a walk or provide it ample time to have free play in a fenced yard.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
As a new designer dog, the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix can cost between $600 and $1,200. The price will vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, demand, sex, and age.
Aside from the puppy price, you must also be prepared for the recurring expenses of owning a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix.
The table below shows a list of all the initial expenses associated with owning a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
The prices shown in the table are mere estimates of how much the expected cost may be in bringing home a German Shepherd Goldendoodle puppy.
In addition, you must also allocate a certain budget for emergencies in case your dog gets sick or needs surgery.
Places to Find German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is slowly gaining popularity among dog lovers. Unfortunately, finding a breeder can be challenging since it’s a new development.
Yet, if you’re determined to have a puppy of this mix, there certainly are a few sources you can check.
Below lists some of the reputable breeders where you can get a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix puppy:
- AKC Marketplace – AKC is one of the United States’ most trusted puppy sources. You can meet a lot of German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Poodle breeders here, and you might chance upon one that breeds German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix puppies.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a reliable source for hybrid puppies, like the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix. They connect healthy puppies to the right families and are against puppy mills. If you purchase a puppy through them, you’ll receive a 30-day guarantee from the breeder.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is another online platform where German Shepherd mixes, such as the Goldendoodle German Shepherd puppies, are advertised by reputable breeders. If you come across one that suits your preferences, contact the breeder directly to learn more about the dog’s profile, health, and more.
If adopting is your preferred method, you can visit non-profit organizations specializing in German Shepherds and their mixes and Goldendoodles.
Here’s a list of the dog rescues where you can possibly find a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix for adoption:
- Westside German Shepherd Rescue – Westside German Shepherd Rescue takes in purebred GSDs and mixes that need their help. Their utmost priority is getting these canines vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before they set out for their new homes. Look through their listings and see if a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is available for you.
- California Doodle Rescue – California Doodle Rescue is a non-profit organization that specializes in Doodle dogs. That said, there’s a good chance you’d find German Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes in this dog rescue. Should you find one, preparation is vital so your application gets approved. There will be an in-person meet and greet and a home visit.
- Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue – The Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue is a not-for-profit dog rescue that helps GSDs and GSD mixes. Around 4,200 adoptions have been made since their inception in 1999, and more dogs are up to be rehomed. To guarantee that your dog is well-set for your home, MAGSR ensures it’s already up-to-date with its vaccination and sterilization and has undergone health tests.
If the sources listed above currently don’t have one available, check their lists every other day. You can also request a referral from your local vet, breeders nearby, or online.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Goldendoodle German Shepherd Mix
The Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix has its own pros and cons. Thoroughly contemplate whether it’s the right dog to introduce to your family by weighing its advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the pros of owning a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix:
- Protective: Thanks to its German Shepherd’s influence, the Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix is naturally inclined to protect its owners from threats and dangers. It’s always alert and would unhesitantly spring into action when necessary.
- Friendly: With proper socialization, the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix can get along well with kids, dogs, and other animals. It’s particularly fond of children and loves being around them most of the time.
- Highly trainable: As a smart dog, it’s no surprise if it instantly learns the drills and tricks you just introduced. The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix has a Poodle, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd heritages, genetically predisposing it to intelligence.
Meanwhile, here are the cons of owning a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix:
- Not for laid-back owners: Due to the high energy levels of a Goldendoodle German Shepherd mix, it’s undeniably not suited for less active individuals.
- High in maintenance: The dense double coat, which can grow several inches long, makes the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix a high-maintenance dog. It may take you longer to groom, plus it’s heavily prone to matting.
- Limited sourcing: Finding a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is more challenging than other popular mixes. You may have to reach out to various dog breeders and rescues to find one.
Owning a German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is a lifetime commitment. Carefully give it a thought if the pros of this dog outweigh the cons it comes with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mixes Good Family Dogs?
German Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes are good family dogs since they’re extremely affectionate and loyal. They exhibit dedicated personalities and would easily bond with children and other pets.
They’re also naturally hardworking, meaning owners can rely on them for tasks such as tidying up or carrying specific items.
Are German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mixes Aggressive?
German Shepherd Goldendoodle mixes are not aggressive toward their owners since they’re the ones they are meant to protect. If ever they’re hostile, it’s mostly due to a lack of socialization and training.
Exposure to new faces and scents is vital in raising dogs like the German Shepherd Goldendoodle. With an experienced owner, this hybrid canine is less likely to react during harmless situations.
Do German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mixes Shed?
German Shepherd Goldendoodles mixes shed regularly, but the amount will depend on whether their coats resemble that of a GSD or a Goldendoodle.
Still, frequent brushing is recommended to remove loose hair before they fill up the house or to prevent their coats from matting.
Are German Shepherd Goldendoodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
German Shepherd Goldendoodles are mostly not hypoallergenic dogs. Even though one of their parent breeds is a low-shedding Goldendoodle, the influence of the German Shepherd Dog can make them shed profusely.
That said, those suffering from dog allergies should reconsider getting this designer dog breed.
Final Thoughts
The German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix is a refreshing sight to dog enthusiasts. Its unique appearance, which combines the notable features of a GSD and a Goldendoodle, makes it a genuinely attention-grabbing canine.
Although it’s captivating to look at, it’s crucial that you take into account its behavior and needs before ultimately bringing this dog home.
It does well with an experienced dog owner who can provide proper training and adequate exercise. Providing it with a nutritious diet is a crucial factor, too, in keeping this dog healthy.
Are you up for the challenge of owning this mixed-breed dog? Share your thoughts about the German Shepherd Goldendoodle mix by leaving a comment below!
