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Golden Shepherd Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & Traits

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

Golden Shepherd Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & Traits

Dog lovers looking for an intelligent and loyal companion need to look no further than the Golden Shepherd. This hybrid dog was introduced to the public in 2009 and it brings together two of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States: the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever. The German Shepherd is well-known for its trainability and courageous temperament, while the Golden Retriever has the reputation of being friendly and devoted to its owner. Blending the traits of these parent breeds results in a dream dog that is trainable and family-friendly.

Breed Overview

Height:

20 – 26 inches

Weight:

50 – 85 pounds

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

Colors:

Black and tan, golden, white, black

Suitable for:

Active families and individuals looking for an intelligent, high-energy companion

Temperament:

Intelligent, trainable, and family-friendly

While the Golden Shepherd is relatively new as a dog breed, it quickly gained a reputation for being an affectionate, loyal, and hard-working animal. The Golden Shepherd’s intelligence means it will enjoy training and learning new skills throughout its life. These dogs have a friendly temperament and get along with everyone, including children. Golden Shepherds are high-energy and enjoy joining the family in outdoor activities, such as jogging, hiking, and swimming.

Since Golden Shepherds are a relatively new dog hybrid, you may want to learn more about them before you bring one home. Read on to learn more about Golden Shepherds and see if they’re a good fit for your family.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Golden Shepherd Puppies

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGeF0FEDCoY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This breed isn’t as well-known as other Golden Retriever hybrids (we’re looking at you, Mr. Goldendoodle), but it has steadily gained in popularity since its introduction to the world in 2009. A major factor in determining the cost of a Golden Shepherd puppy is the breeder standards for this friendly hybrid dog.

If you have been searching for an intelligent and high-energy companion, then you will most likely love having the Golden Shepherd join your family.

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Image By: Left – Melanie Mai, Pixabay | Right – PxHere

Temperament & Intelligence of the Golden Shepherd

If you’re looking for an intelligent, loveable companion for your family, look no further than the Golden Shepherd. These family-friendly dogs are the result of breeding two of the most intelligent dogs in the world: the German Shepherd and the Gold Retriever. Your canine companion will love playing games and learning new tricks and skills, which helps keep this active dog mentally stimulated. They are very affectionate with their families and get along with all ages, from children to adults.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Golden Shepherd is a good family dog because of its loyalty and devotion to its owners. The dog’s breeding brings out the best of both parents: the German Shepherd’s protectiveness and the Golden Retriever’s loyal disposition. With proper socialization from puppyhood through adulthood, the Golden Shepherd grows into a friendly, faithful family companion.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Golden Shepherd is a social animal by nature and will enjoy having other pets in the home to spend time with when you’re not around. A reminder: You will want to properly socialize your puppy with other household animals, so their natural prey drive doesn’t kick in with smaller pets. Properly trained Golden Shepherds are happy to have companions of all shapes and sizes to keep them company.

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Things to Know When Owning a Golden Shepherd:

The Golden Shepherd is a family-friendly animal that will need plenty of attention and training from its owners as it matures. If you’re still trying to decide whether a Golden Shepherd is the right dog for you, here are a few things to think about before you take on the responsibility of this high-energy breed.

Food & Diet Requirements

When you first bring home your puppy, speak to the breeder to determine which food they have been using, so you can avoid digestion issues that can arise from an abrupt change in diet. As your dog grows older, feed it high-quality food that will provide the proper nutrition necessary for each stage of its life. Make sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the food package so your pet remains at a healthy weight for its activity level. If you’re unsure about what food to get your new pet, speak to your vet and ask for some recommendations.

Exercise

Golden Shepherds are high energy due to their breeding and will need to exercise every day to be happy and healthy. Walking, jogging, and hiking are all activities that your furry friend will enjoy. A backyard would be ideal for these lively dogs, but apartment dwellers devoted to making sure their pup gets daily exercise shouldn’t run into any issues with this energetic dog.

Training

Golden Shepherds are intelligent and respond well to training due to their lineage of the parent breeds. These dogs are hard workers and will be happy to learn new skills over time. It is recommended to take your puppy to training classes to get both you and your dog off to the right start. Your puppy will likely enjoy the challenge of training courses and will excel as it learns new skills and behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

The Golden Shepherd will shed often due to its double coat of fur, which consists of a coarse outer layer and a downy undercoat. To keep your pet happy and comfortable, your pet will need to be brushed often. It is recommended to give your pet a quick brushing every day to help eliminate loose fur. Brushing daily also has the added benefit of preventing the fur from taking over your home! Your pet will also need his ears and teeth cleaned regularly, as well as monthly nail trims to keep your Golden Shepherd in good shape.

Health and Conditions

The Golden Shepherd is a hybrid dog, so your pet will likely be healthier than the parent breeds. It’s important to know the health conditions that affect the purebred animals of both parent breeds so you can keep an eye out for any developing issues. Here is a list of potential issues that affect purebred breeds, but it’s important to remember that your puppy may never develop these issues due to being a mixed breed. If you’re nervous about potential health problems, speak to your breeder and ask them about the health history of the parent animals and what conditions they screen for as part of the breeding process.

Minor Conditions
  • Eye conditions, such as cataracts
  • Keratitis
  • Food and skin allergies
  • Anal gland problems
  • Endocrine diseases
Serious Conditions
  • Bloat
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Cardiac problems
  • Megaesophagus
  • Digestive tract issues
  • Cancer

Male vs Female

Whether you choose a male or a female puppy to join your family is going to be based purely on your personal preferences. Male Golden Shepherds will be larger and heavier than their female counterparts, but both are easy to train due to the breed’s intelligence. If you’re not sure whether you want a male or a female, ask the breeder if you can play with the puppies to try to get an idea of their personalities. Your whole family will enjoy spending time with the puppies, and you’ll likely come away with a decision as to which lucky pup will be joining your family.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Golden Shepherd

1. Golden Shepherds are family-oriented.

The German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever are two of the most popular breeds in the U.S., due to their reputation as family dogs. The Golden Shepherd combines the best traits of those two well-loved breeds: the protectiveness of the German Shepherd and the devotion of the Golden Retriever. The lucky owners end up with a fiercely loyal, family-friendly dog that is willing and eager to join in on any adventure.


2. Golden Shepherds are good exercise companions.

Golden Shepherds are high-energy dogs and need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. These active dogs will be your faithful companion as you enjoy hiking, jogging, or just a nice long walk every day.


3. Golden Shepherds are quick learners.

Due to their high intelligence, Golden Shepherds are eager to learn new tricks and skills during training sessions. They enjoy engaging in a myriad of play activities, such as frisbee, ball, puzzle games, and more.

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Conclusion

The Golden Shepherd is an energetic, devoted animal that will be at home with any family that is eager to commit to the needs of their new furry friend. If you invest in training your new pet, this intelligent dog will pay it back in kind by being a well-behaved pet.

Don’t forget that the Golden Shepherd is full of energy and will need plenty of exercise to keep it healthy and happy. Your pet will want to join in on all your outdoor activities, from walking to hiking to swimming. If you’re looking for a high-energy, family-friendly pet, then the devoted Golden Shepherd is a good choice for a new furry friend.

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Featured Image Credit: Julien132a, Shutterstock

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