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 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 their trainability and courageous temperament, while the Golden Retriever is friendly and devoted to their owner. Blending the traits of these parent breeds results in a dream dog that is trainable and family-friendly.

Breed Overview

While the Golden Shepherd is a relatively new hybrid, they quickly gained a reputation for being an affectionate, loyal, and hard-working animal. Due to their high intelligence, they enjoy training and learning new skills throughout. These dogs have a friendly temperament and get along with everyone, including children. Golden Shepherds are also energetic and enjoy joining the family in outdoor activities like jogging, hiking, and swimming.

Since Golden Shepherds are a relatively new 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 fit your family.

Golden Shepherd Characteristics

Golden Shepherd Puppies

The Golden Shepherd isn’t as well-known as other Golden Retriever hybrids, such as the Goldendoodle, but they have steadily gained in popularity since their introduction to the world in 2009. A significant factor in determining the cost of a Golden Shepherd puppy is how far you have to travel to find a breeder. You can check the shelters and rescues first since you may have trouble finding a breeder specializing in Golden Shepherds. However, you may be more likely to find an adult than a puppy at a shelter.

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 result from breeding two of the most intelligent dogs in the world: the German Shepherd and the Golden 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 their loyalty and devotion to their owner. 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. However, you must 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.

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 their owner as they mature. If you’re still trying to decide whether a Golden Shepherd is the right dog for you, here are a few things to consider before taking 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 ages, serve high-quality food that provides the proper nutrition for each stage of their life. Make sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the food package so your pet remains at a healthy weight for their activity level. If you’re unsure which brands and meal portions are ideal, consult your vet for recommendations.

Exercise

Due to their breeding, Golden Shepherds are energetic and need daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Walking, jogging, and hiking are all activities that your furry friend will enjoy. A backyard is ideal for these lively dogs, but apartment dwellers devoted to ensuring their Golden Shepherds get daily exercise shouldn’t run into any issues.

Training

Golden Shepherds are intelligent and respond well to training due to their lineage of the parents. They are hard workers and will be happy to learn new skills. Taking your puppy to training classes is recommended to get you and your dog off to the right start. Your puppy will likely enjoy the challenge of training courses and will excel as they learn new skills and behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

The Golden Shepherd sheds frequently due to their double coat of fur, which consists of a coarse outer layer and a downy undercoat. To keep your pet happy and comfortable, brush them every day. Frequent brushing eliminates loose hair and prevents it from taking over your home! Your Golden Shepherd will also need their ears and teeth cleaned regularly and monthly nail trims to keep them in good shape.

Health and Conditions

The Golden Shepherd is a hybrid dog, and it’s important to know the health conditions that affect the parents so you can keep an eye out for any developing issues. If you’re nervous about the 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.

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.

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 willing and eager to join in on any adventure.

2. Golden Shepherds Are Good Physical Activity 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 playing games like fetch and figuring out puzzle games.

Conclusion

The Golden Shepherd is an energetic, devoted animal that will make an excellent pet for anyone eager to train and socialize them properly. They are full of energy and need plenty of exercise to keep them 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, the devoted Golden Shepherd is a good choice for a new furry friend.

Related Reads:

• Bohemian Shepherd Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More!
• American White Shepherd

Featured Image Credit: Julien132a, Shutterstock