The German Shepherd Labradoodle mix is a cross between a purebred German Shepherd and a mixed breed Labradoodle. This double hybrid dog breed will be energetic, intelligent, and loyal. On average, this mixed breed will weigh somewhere around 65 pounds as a fully grown adult. But, all aspects of appearance and temperament can vary depending on which mix of genes a puppy inherits.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix FAQs
- What is a German Shepherd Labradoodle mix?
- What do German Shepherd Labradoodle mix dogs look like?
- Are German Shepherd Labradoodle mixes friendly?
- Are German Shepherd Labradoodle mixes aggressive?
- How much exercise does this mix need?
- Are German Shepherd Labradoodle mixes easy to train?
- Is the German Shepherd Labradoodle mix healthy?
- Are German Shepherd Labradoodle dogs hypoallergenic?
- Where can I find German Shepherd Labradoodle mix puppies?
Even if you aren’t too familiar with this mix, you’re bound to know its parent breeds! Let’s dive straight in and take a closer look.
What is a German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix?
This mix could easily be called a double hybrid dog breed. It combines the purebred German Shepherd with a popular Labradoodle designer dog.
The Labradoodle was once the founding hybrid breed. It comes from mixing a purebred Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle. Some strains also include the Cocker Spaniel.
All of the founding breeds that have a part in the German Shepherd Labradoodle mix come from working dog lines. They were each bred to do a specific type of job.
GSDs started out as a livestock herding breed, but are commonly used as military and police dogs now.
Both Labradors and Poodles were originally developed to be duck or game retrieving dogs, working in the water. Cocker Spaniels were also originally used to retrieve birds for humans.
So, the German Shepherd Labradoodle mix dog has a rich working history, and a powerful blend of working dog traits. Specifically, herding, hunting, and retrieving small animals and birds.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance
This modern mix can inherit any blend of traits from its parent breeds.
It will usually have a slightly wavy coat, but can come in a huge number of different colors – pretty much any shade you can imagine!
This mix will have a well proportioned, muscular body and a long wagging tail.
Size and Weight
All of the purebred breeds that contribute to this modern hybrid are large dogs. So, your German Shepherd Labradoodle’s adult size is one of their easiest attributes to predict – just take a look at the parent dogs.
- German Shepherd: 50 – 90 pounds, 22 – 26 inches tall
- Labrador Retriever: 55 – 80 pounds, 21.5 – 24.5 inches tall
- Standard Poodle: Usually 40 – 70 pounds, Over 15 inches tall
If we use these general statistics to find an average, you can predict that your German Shepherd Labradoodle mix will be around 65 pounds, and 20.5 inches tall as an adult.
But, some dogs will fall outside of this average. Plus, females are often smaller than males, so bear this in mind when predicting your puppy’s adult size.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Temperament
This double hybrid dog breed has strong roots as a working dog. So, it is about as far away from a couch potato as a breed can get.
You can expect a German Shepherd Labradoodle mix to be an energetic and intelligent dog with a strong prey drive and keen guarding or herding instincts.
Both parent breeds are known for forming strong bonds with their immediate family. And, they are both very social dogs.
This mix will be happiest when they are with you. Being left alone for too long could lead to destructive behaviors, such as digging, barking, and chewing.
So, if you spend lots of time away from home, this won’t be the best breed for you.
Risk of Aggression
The Labradoodle tends to love pretty much everyone they meet – including other animals and children. But, the German Shepherd can be more reserved with strangers, children, and other animals.
In some cases, this breed is known to be aggressive.
Your mix puppy could take after either of these traits. So, you must socialize them well from a young age to reduce any risks of aggression.
Socialization will also help to minimize hunting and chase instincts, although it won’t eliminate them altogether.
So, be careful when exercising this mix off-leash, and supervise them around other pets and young children.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Exercise Needs
The German Shepherd Labradoodle mix will be happiest when they are kept busy.
This mix is incredibly active. They will be happiest when they’re playing, running, and engaging all of their senses.
Thanks to the Poodle and Labrador influence, this hybrid will likely love water. So, if you aren’t into hiking or running, you could exercise your mix with some swimming.
Fun, energetic games like fetch, or hide and seek, are another great way to burn off some of that boundless energy.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Training
This mix is intelligent, eager to please, and very active. Many individual puppies will also be incredibly food oriented.
So, the best method when training these puppies is positive reinforcement.
Keep training sessions short and fun to keep your dog’s attention.
Due to their large size, basic obedience is a must for this mix. But, they will also love working with you to learn all sorts of fun tricks.
Bear in mind that punishment based training methods could lead to a lower level of trust between you and your dog. It could also encourage a stubborn attitude.
So, stick to positive reward methods to strengthen your bond and get great results.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Health
Mixing dog breeds widens the gene pool, potentially minimizing the risk of health issues that could affect your dog. But, there’s no guarantee that your mix will experience no health issues.
Breeders should test for the following common issues before breeding dogs to make the German Shepherd Labradoodle mix:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues
- Cardiac issues
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Exercise Induced Collapse
- Centronuclear myopathy
- Sebaceous Adenitis
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Grooming and Care
The Labradoodle breed has become famous for its low shedding coat.
No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but Labradoodles that inherit the Poodle’s fleece or wool type coat will often be very low shedding.
The German Shepherd parent, in contrast, is a heavy shedder. They shed all year round and have an annual ‘coat blow’.
There’s no way of knowing exactly what traits a puppy will inherit before they are born. So, there’s a chance that your mix will take after the German Shepherd parent.
No matter what coat your puppy inherits, they will need regular grooming. But, those with a heavy shedding coat will need to be groomed more frequently.
If you aren’t confident with this job, you can always take your puppy to a professional groomer.
German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Lifespan
In terms of life expectancy, German Shepherds typically live 12 to 14 years. Standard Poodles can live anywhere from 10 to 18 years. And Labrador Retrievers generally live 10 to 12 years.
So you are probably looking at an average life expectancy of around 14 years, which is pretty great for a large dog breed like this!
But, remember some dogs will live for shorter or longer periods than this. It will entirely depend on the general health of your puppy and the level of care you give them.
The best way to guarantee good health in your German Shepherd Labradoodle mix is to choose a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Finding a German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Puppy
Choosing a GSD Labradoodle puppy from a responsible breeder will help to minimise the risk of genetic health issues.
A responsible breeder will always prescreen parent dogs for health issues before arranging a mating. They will be able to show you clean health certificates on request.
This mix is still quite uncommon. But, designer dogs are a trend that is still on the rise, so over time you may see more German Shepherd Labradoodle mixes.
You may be able to find this mix in rescue centers. But, your search could take a little longer than you first expect.
Be patient, and remember that choosing a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder is the best way to guarantee a long lifetime with your dog.
Is The German Shepherd Labradoodle Mix Right For You?
This mix is a great choice for people that love to stay active and athletic. It needs an owner who has plenty of time to dedicate to training and socialization from a young age.
Are you thinking about adding this mix to your family?
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References and Resources
- Schultz, J. ‘The History of the German Shepherd Dog’, German Shepherd Dog Club of America (2019)
- Lewis, L. ‘History of the Labradoodle’, The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (2021)
- Olin, J. ‘What Genetic Diseases and/or Conditions Should my Breed be Screened For?’, Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), (2020)
- Forsyth, P. ‘Health Concerns’, The Poodle Club of America (2021)
- Adams, V. (et al), ‘Methods and Mortality: Results of a Health Survey of Purebred Dogs in the UK’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2010)
- Howell, T. (et al), ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)
- Duffy, D. (et al), ‘Breed Differences in Canine Aggression’, Applied Animal Behavior Science (2008)