A Crash Course on German Shepherd Lab Mix
Cute as they are, dogs are not always easy to take care of. New owners need all the help they can get, and if you’re thinking of adopting one of these adorable creatures, you might want to gather as much info in advance as possible. It can give you a good head start and make the adaptation period much easier for you and your new family member. On The Dog Digest, you can find all sorts of helpful info, from information about different breeds and mixed breeds to food reviews and training tips. It’s an excellent resource for every dog owner.
How important is the breed anyway?
Understanding the breed can help you decide whether or not it’s a good fit for your lifestyle and home and family situation. The breed doesn’t influence only the appearance of your dog—it has an even more significant effect on the behavior and the temperament of your little buddy.
The breed determines a dog’s personality, habits, health, strengths and weaknesses, and much more. A dog that was bred for water-related work—a Labrador Retriever, for example—might decide to hop into a fountain on a hot day… Or, for the cheekiest among them, hop into your bath if they get the chance. Bulldogs were bred for killing bulls, so they are naturally more prone to aggression than, say, Pomeranians.
Some breeds are clingier while others are more independent, which is vital for anyone who works long hours. Some dogs shed more than others. Some need more exercise, while others require much less. You should carefully consider all of these factors before adopting a dog. Once you bring your new pup home, it’ll stay there for over a decade. If you pick an unsuitable breed, that decade is going to be filled with worry and anxiety for you, and it’ll be miserable for the dog. You’ll love your pooch anyway, of course—but things are much easier and all-around better if you find a good fit.
If you already have a dog and don’t understand why they act the way they do, the answer is probably in the history of their breed. The annoying behaviors such as howling for no apparent reason, chasing after your cat, or digging through your flowerbeds are typical for specific breeds. Those behaviors had a purpose in the past, and now the dogs can’t help but repeat them, even if you don’t like it.
Understanding your dog can help you figure out a way to direct those behaviors, rather than suppress them. If you understand the breed, you’ll be able to handle all its quirks more efficiently, which results and a happier dog and a happier you.
What is there to know about the German Shepherd Labrador mix?
This mix—which also goes by the name of Lab Shepherd or Shepardor—is a combo of a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred German Shepherd. Both of these are among the most popular breeds, and both are well-known for their loyalty, intelligence, and steady temperament.
Because Shepardors combine an even temper with great ability to learn and unflinching loyalty, they are great for families with children. If there is a breed that is almost entirely trustworthy around children, it’s Lab Shepherd. The gentle and kind disposition of the Lab parent combined with the obedience, discipline, and protectiveness of the German Shepherd side of the family ensures gentle treatment of the youngest family members.
These are big, active dogs that require a lot of space and even more exercise. You’ll need to make sure they go out and exercise enough. They become restless if they don’t exercise enough, and their bright minds get bored quickly, so you should try to provide plenty of stimulation. Because of their Labrador descent, this mixed breed loves water. During summer, try to find a place where your furry friend can swim, or they’ll just jump into a fountain during one of your walks. They love to play fetch. If you like going for an occasional jog, that’s great—just take your buddy with you.
This breed doesn’t do well if it’s cooped up in a small space, so if you live in a small flat, maybe you should look for a more suitable kind of dog. They shed like crazy, so be prepared for the high maintenance needs of this mixed breed.
Despite their considerable intelligence, this breed is not necessarily easy to train. They’ll need a lot of positive reinforcement, and you’ll need to start early, but if you have ever trained a dog before, you should have no problems. If you’re a newbie, collect as much info as you can, and start as early as possible.
Prepare well
If you have set your sights on a pup of German Shepherd and Labrador descent, make sure you get to know them thoroughly before you take them home. Learn more about this mixed breed on TheDogDigest, and help both yourself and your new four-legged buddy adapt to the new situation as easily as you can.