Also known as sheprador, this breed is a mix between a German shepherd and a Labrador retriever. This is a bigger breed that is fiercely loyal and known to be quite confident. They are social dogs that get along fairly well with other pets.
If you’re planning on getting a German shepherd lab mix, you may wonder if they have a long lifespan and if you will get to enjoy amazing years of companionship.
Here’s the good news: Shepradors can live anywhere up to 15 years. Of course, there are tons of factors that would contribute to the claim. And that’s exactly what we will be covering in this blog.
Shepradors Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in dogs varies depending on the breed. But research shows that the average life expectancy for these unique dogs is around 15 years.
This makes it a good option for people who want a pet their kid can grow up with. Or if you’re looking for a furry companion in life. The German shepherd labrador can also grow to be around 88 lbs, making this one of the larger breeds.
After about seven years, this breed will reach their senior years. You’ll notice they are less energetic than before and require extra care. Once your dog reaches the final stages of life, they may become slower and more affectionate.
But the lifespan of any dog depends on other factors as well. Factors such as health issues can significantly affect how long they live. But as far as this breed goes, they can live up to 15 years, which is around 80 human years!
More About The Breed
If you’re interested in this breed, here are some fun facts and information you should know!
Personality
When it comes to personality, this is one of the friendliest dogs you can find. They are good with kids and will get along with other pets too. Some breeds tend to bark at new owners, but that isn’t the case with the German shepherd lab mix.
They are friendly towards their new owners and love to play. You can expect to take your dog on daily walks and runs and even play games like fetch with them. This breed is also eager to please, so give them lots of affection after they complete a task.
These dogs are excellent if you’re looking for a guard dog.
Energy Levels
If you have an active lifestyle, this is a good breed for you. German shepherd lab mix breeds are highly active and love their exercise. In fact, they need to be exercised at least two hours a day.
This means you’ll need to take them on a morning walk and out to the dog park. It is ideal to have a big yard when you have an active dog. The downside to this breed is that they may get destructive if they don’t exercise enough.
No wonder these dogs aren’t ideal for seniors who aren’t too active or can’t exercise as much.
Temperament
Since this is a mix of two popular dog breeds, they get the good traits of both of them. This highly loyal dog will stay by your side no matter what. It’s also why people often pick this breed as a guard dog.
They are very protective of their owners and may get aggressive if they sense danger. Apart from this, they are quite a friendly and outgoing breed.
They’ll quickly become a part of the family, a new addition your kids will love.
Health Concerns
Unfortunately, just like with most mixed breeds, there are a number of health concerns they could experience in their lifetime. These health problems can be genetic or a result of poor handling. If your dog is not fed a good diet, exercised properly, or taken to the vet, they are at a higher risk of getting diseases.
Some of the most common health issues this mixed breed can face are bloat, epilepsy, diabetes, or hip dysplasia. Sadly, there isn’t a way to know whether your german shepherd lab mix puppy will experience any health issues. All you can do is take proper care of them and give them the love they deserve.
For some health issues, a simple visit to the vet and some medicine can help. Conditions like ear infections and bloat are fairly easy to deal with. On the other hand, some medical conditions may require a daily dose of medicine and even surgery.
How To Take Care Of Your German Shepherd Lab
The first thing you should know about this breed is that they tend to shed a lot. This isn’t an allergy-friendly breed and requires brushing. You’ll need a gentle dog shampoo to keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
Since this breed has a double coat, it must be regularly groomed. If you don’t form it often, it may become knotted and painful for your dog. Frequent brushing can also help reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.
This dog also requires special care, so you might find yourself splashing quite a bit of money. But it’s all worth it when it comes to this amazing breed. They require a nutritious diet to keep their health in check.
When it comes to diet, a high-protein diet is best as well as two meals a day. You can opt for kibble since it has all the nutrients your dog needs. Or you can stick to a mix of kibble and raw meat diet.
Always consult your vet before starting a raw meat diet for your pet. Lastly, exercise is key when it comes to taking care of this breed. Not only do they require a lot of physical exercises but mental stimulation too.
Play fun games with them to keep your dog happy.
Conclusion
The German shepherd lab mix is the perfect family dog for their good nature and protectiveness towards their owners. They are an intelligent breed that has a soft side to them. While they stay alert and do their tasks well, this breed also enjoys a good cuddle.
If you’re looking for a dog that will stay by your side and grow with your kids, this is a good pick. We hope this article gave you all the information you need on this beautiful breed!
