German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix: Info, Pictures & Facts

The German Shepherd Labradoodle mix is a unique designer breed slowly gaining popularity as a friendly and loyal companion.

Considering its lineage, it is no surprise that this mixed breed is a showstopper with great abilities inherited from its parent breeds.

Although the German Shepherd and the Labradoodle have distinct features, cross-breeding them produces a charming and friendly pup that won’t fail to entertain its owners.

If you are looking to befriend this one-of-a-kind breed, read ahead of this article to learn everything about them!

Breed Overview

What Is a German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix?

The German Shepherd Labradoodle mix is a crossbreed of the German Shepherd and the Labradoodle, both equally energetic and devoted pups. Coming from a line of highly intelligent working dogs, the German Shepherd Labradoodle is undoubtedly an agile and loyal companion.

This dapper dog perfectly combines the features of its parent breeds with its large size, curly coat, and muscular physique. Although, this could vary depending on the gene dominance of this mix.

Like its parent breeds, this dog is loyal to its owners and is strongly affectionate, especially towards children.

As it is a designer breed, it is not recognized by any prominent kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, the German Shepherd Labradoodle can be registered with the Continental Kennel Club, Inc., Designer Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.

German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Origin and History

Like many other designer dog breeds, the German Shepherd Labradoodle does not have any information on its origin nor is there any written record on the first-ever pup of this breed.

However, tracing the history of its parent breeds can help you understand this mixed breed better.

The German Shepherd is a majestic dog breed originating in Germany during the mid-19th century. It was created by a military cavalry officer named Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz.

An obedient, robust, and bright herding dog, the German Shepherd was bred from various working sheepdogs in rural Germany.

From then on, it proved to be a beneficial aid at the height of World War II. It has been deemed a worthy working companion since then. Equally, it is a loving family dog.

On the other hand, the Labradoodle is a hybrid of two equally prominent dog breeds; the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.

In the 1980s, the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia sought to breed a non-shedding dog suitable for those people who were in need of a service dog but could not due to their allergies.

Breeder Wally Conron then thought of cross-breeding his two best working dogs, the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.

Then the Labradoodle was created, possessing the gentleness and intelligence in trainability of the Labrador Retriever along with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle.

As these two parent breeds of the German Shepherd Labradoodle possess qualities of strength, endurance, sharpness, and loyalty, it is with no doubt that this mixed breed also holds the same.

German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Appearance

The build of the German Shepherd Labradoodle closely resembles that of the German Shepherd and the Poodle.

This mixed breed has a narrow head shape, with long ears resembling that of the Labrador Retriever’s, almost folded upwards.

It has big, round eyes, which are usually dark in color. It also has a square-shaped nose that is black in color.

The body of this mixed breed is long, with a slender torso, firm shoulders, and a long and fluffy tail.

The color of the German Shepherd Labradoodle varies, but the most common colors of its coat are black, brown, cream, and gray. It can also possess any of the Poodle’s coat colors.

In some cases, the mix can have sable, blue, isabella, or even panda coat colors from its German Shepherd parent. They may also change color as they age.

Their coats are usually of medium or long length and can either inherit the short and wavy coat of the German Shepherd or the curly coat of the Labradoodle.

German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Size and Weight

Considering its parent breeds, the German Shepherd Labradoodle is also a large dog breed, with its height ranging between 20 and 28 inches and weighing between 50 and 110 pounds when it is fully grown.

The German Shepherd, on average, takes about 24 months to achieve full growth, while Labradoodles take about 12 to 18 months.

Considering the growth rate of its parent breeds, you can expect that a German Shepherd Labradoodle mix will mature slowly. It may achieve full growth in 18 to 24 months at best.

It is important to note that this mixed breed is larger in size and requires a spacious environment to grow up in as it is an active dog. Smaller living spaces may lead to limitations in physical abilities or possible health issues.

German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Temperament and Personality

Inheriting the strong and prominent traits of its parent breeds, the German Shepherd Labradoodle is a loyal, courageous, and confident dog breed. Its obedience and high intelligence make it easily trainable.

Other than its practical abilities, the German Shepherd Labradoodle is also a loving and friendly pup. It forms great bonds with family members.

Its energetic, curious, and playful qualities make it a great companion for children.

Because of its loyalty, this breed grows protective of its family and may bark at strangers and other animals.

Owners must be hands-on and ready to commit their time towards this dog breed as it may attach to one person and require constant attention.

When left alone for a prolonged period, this mix can develop separation anxiety and other mental health issues. Therefore, this breed is not recommended for those who spend much time outside their home.

Socialization from a young age is a must for this breed to reduce the risks of aggression and minimize hunting and chasing instincts. Supervision around other pets and young children is needed.

German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The lifespan of a healthy German Shepherd Labradoodle ranges from 12 to 14 years, which is in the 9 to 15-year range of the lifespans of its parent breeds, the Poodle and the German Shepherd.

The mix of different dog breeds widens the dog’s gene pool, reducing its possibility of developing inherited health issues. Although, there is no absolute guarantee that this breed will not experience any health problems.

The health risks and status of this dog breed will ultimately depend on its surroundings, genetic inheritance, and environmental factors.

Some of the health problems the German Shepherd Labradoodle may experience that owners should look out for are the following:

• Hip Dysplasia: The deformity of the hip that occurs during growth leads to hip dysplasia. The ball and socket of the hip joints do not fit or develop properly. Thus, it rubs and grinds, resulting in deterioration over time and eventual loss of function of the limbs of German Shepherd Labradoodles.
• Hemophilia: Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that involves a deficiency in blood clotting activity. German Shepherd Labradoodles may experience intermittent, spontaneous, and prolonged bleeding from different areas such as trauma sites, umbilical cords after birth, nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Perianal Fistula: German Shepherd Labradoodles may also experience chronic lesions around their anus, causing tunnel-like formations in the skin and in deeper tissues surrounding the area. Perianal Fistula can lead to ulcers that drain and cause great discomfort to dogs.

Owners must always be cautious of any telltale signs or symptoms in their dogs to prevent their furry friend from future health complications.

How to Take Care of Your Labradoodle German Shepherd Mix

Like all dogs, owning a German Shepherd Labradoodle requires utmost care, attention, capability, and proper resources to meet their everyday needs.

Owners must be responsible and ready to cater to all the necessities this breed requires, from food, shelter, and grooming to medical care and training.

Let us explore the following detailed guide to determine if you are an owner well-fit for a German Shepherd Labradoodle.

Food and Diet

German Shepherd Labradoodles require a diet with a proper proportion of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber to sustain their energy and well-being.

On average, this pup may require between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of high-quality dry kibble per day.

Food from animal-based sources like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and eggs, as well as those from plant-based sources like grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, are great providers of such nutrients.

Food enriched with calcium should be given in moderation, as an excess of calcium may increase the possibility of hip dysplasia.

To prevent overeating and obesity, meal times should be regulated. German Shepherd Labradoodles may eat two to three well-proportioned meals a day. Healthy dog treats can also be given as a snack.

Cleaning and Grooming

German Shepherd Labradoodles have thick coats that can either be wavy or curly. Owners can expect low to moderate shedding amounts from this pup, thanks to the genetics passed down from the Poodle.

Frequent brushing of the coat is optimal for maintaining the upkeep of their fur, and it provides an opportunity for the owner to look out for any signs of skin problems, such as scabs on the dog’s skin.

As this breed is not smelly in nature, bathing can be administered once every two to three months unless they go outdoors frequently.

Owners must thoroughly clean parts like the paws, eyes, ears, and nose once or twice monthly.

Regular brushing of the teeth three days a week must also be done to prevent tooth decay, along with trimming the nails to prevent nail damage and skin tearing when itching.

Training and Exercise

As the German Shepherd Labradoodle comes from a lineage of intelligent working dogs capable of learning an extensive range of skills, it is with no doubt that this breed can perform well in training.

This mixed breed is obedient and patient. These dogs are best suited for agility training due to their robust build and high energy level.

Owners must take advantage of their age and train these dogs during puppyhood. Obedience, socialization, and potty training should be done to avoid behavioral problems in the future.

Intense training sessions can prove to be too stressful for German Shepherd Labradoodles.

A gentle and supportive training approach, combined with positive reinforcement and rewards, is more effective for this dog breed.

Moreover, frequent exercise for at least an hour every day is required to keep your German Shepherd Labradoodle active, fit, entertained, and stimulated.

How Much Does a German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The average cost of a German Shepherd puppy varies between $500 and $1,000, which is a relatively reasonable price compared to its parent breeds.

The price of such puppies may also depend on the breeder and the bloodline from which the parent breeds come. The price may also go higher or lower.

The following table shows an estimate of the initial costs of owning a German Shepherd Labradoodle mix:

Owners must be responsible and capable of securing appropriate funds to take care of a German Shepherd Labradoodle’s daily needs, especially in times when they get sick or injured and require medical attention.

Places to Find German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

As this pup is a designer breed and relatively rare to find, it may be difficult to get them from common breeders.

To ensure that the puppy you get is healthy, you must do extensive research and look into different breeders to ensure that they commit to rightful breeding practices and look after the puppies well.

Responsible breeders must be able to care for all their puppy litter and ensure that they are in good health, along with their parent dogs.

Here are some websites below where you may get the chance to find a German Shepherd Labradoodle:

• Lancaster Puppies – This website advertises puppies for sale in different places. Interested fur parents can browse through their listings for different German Shepherd mix puppies and possibly German Shepherd Labradoodles for sale. Most of their listings come from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is another website that intends to connect healthy puppies to interested owners. This site only advertises puppies that are bred by responsible and reputable breeders. They have an array of German Shepherd mix puppies, where German Shepherd Labradoodle puppies may be available.
• Keystone Puppies – This site connects with esteemed breeders who aim to commit to raising healthy puppies and help in the socialization of such puppies to ease the transfer process from the breeder to the dog’s forever home. You may have a chance of finding a German Shepherd Labradoodle puppy here.

Meanwhile, if you are looking to rescue a pup from a shelter or rescue organization, below are some suggestions for you to consider:

• German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions – German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential care and adoption services to neglected, stray or surrendered German Shepherd dogs and their mix breeds, including German Shepherd Labradoodles. They mostly cater to those in the Carolinas and Virginia.
• Westside German Shepherd Rescue – This non-profit, no-kill rescue organization is committed to saving all types of German Shepherd Dogs and their mix breeds, like German Shepherd Labradoodles, from high-kill shelters and adopting them to loving, qualified homes.
• IDOG Rescue, Inc. – This is a non-profit organization that rescues all kinds of doodle breeds, like German Shepherd Labradoodles, and offers rehoming services to the best of their abilities.

If you are looking for the chance to get a free German Shepherd Labradoodle puppy near you, check out Facebook groups and Reddit Threads dedicated to this group.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Labradoodle German Shepherd Mix

Before getting your pup, you may have a few thoughts on whether owning a German Shepherd Labradoodle has its highs and lows.

To help in confirming your decision, let us look into the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd Labradoodle mix.

First, let us tackle the advantages of owning this breed:

• Highly intelligent: Thanks to the intellect passed down by its equally bright parent breeds, the German Shepherd Labradoodle possesses intellectual abilities which allow it to learn an array of commands and tricks, making it highly convenient when it comes to training. This also makes them great candidates for working dogs.
• Energetic and playful: Their high energy drive and jolly spirit make them great family dogs, especially around children. There would never be a dull moment with a German Shepherd Labradoodle around.
• Loyal and protective: Because of their obedience and eagerness to please the family, these dogs are equally loyal and protective towards their owners. German Shepherd Labradoodles grow wary of strangers and try to warn their owners by barking.

Now, onto the disadvantages of owning this mixed breed:

• Requires constant attention: This pup constantly feels the need to be around its owners as often as possible; therefore, German Shepherd Labradoodles can be annoying for some owners.
• Energetic: This can be a disadvantage as much as it is an advantage. Because of its high energy, a German Shepherd Labradoodle may look forward to constant play and exercise times, which may be too exhausting for some owners.
• Requires specialized training: Since this mixed breed is agile, has high energy levels, and requires a lot of physical stimulation, specialized training is needed to enrich their minds and correct their behavior. Without proper training, German Shepherd Labradoodles could develop destructive behaviors.

Owning a dog has different quirks, which can be affected by numerous factors. An owner must know whether they can handle the different commitments a German Shepherd Labradoodle requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Labradoodle German Shepherd Mixes Good Dogs?

This breed is definitely one-of-a-kind and a great forever companion. Their loyalty, obedience, protectiveness, intelligence, and love towards the family make them perfect family members.

Although they require specialized training and constant attention, these should be of no issue to dedicated and fit owners.

Do Labradoodle German Shepherd Mixes Shed?

It may depend on which of the parent genes are superior, but owners of this breed shall expect low to moderate shedding amounts as the German Shepherd Labradoodle has a fairly thick coat.

Brushing must be done regularly to maintain the coat and prevent matting or overgrowth of hair.

Are Labradoodle German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?

There could be a high chance that this mixed breed is hypoallergenic if its genetic makeup is dominated by the Labradoodle, but not if it takes on the German Shepherd parent.

Labradoodles were originally bred for the sole purpose of limiting allergies in asthmatic and hypersensitive people.

Contrastingly, German Shepherds are well known for heavy shedding seasons due to their thick and long coats. Therefore, they cannot be deemed hypoallergenic.

Final Thoughts

Although the German Shepherd Labradoodle is fairly uncommon in the breeding world, it still has a lot of great qualities that make it a great furry friend.

German Labradoodles are great adventure companions that are highly capable of learning a variety of skills and are fit for lots of training.

More than their technical abilities, they are equally lovable, high-spirited, and energetic dogs that are sensitive and fond of companionship.

Although, owners who dislike clinginess may need to think twice before getting this breed, as they love being around their owners 24/7.

Do you think a German Shepherd Labradoodle could be your forever friend? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!