A German shepherd lab mix combines two of America’s most popular dogs. Often called a Sheprador or Labrashepherd, this crossbreed blends the intelligence and trainability of a German shepherd with the friendly, playful nature of a Labrador retriever. Shepherd lab mix puppies have become quite trendy in recent years. However, it’s important to understand the history, temperament, appearance, exercise needs, health concerns, and finding a reputable breeder for one of these energetic hybrids before bringing one home.
Appearance
Shepherd lab mixes can vary significantly in appearance since there are no breed standards for crossbreeds. These puppies tend to be medium to large dogs when full grown, weighing from 50 to 80 pounds. Their height ranges from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat colors include black, brown, yellow, cream, tan, white, and bi-color variations of those shades. The fur is generally short to medium length, dense, and sheds moderately year-round. Ears are floppy like a Lab’s or pointy like a shepherd’s. The muzzle shape also varies between the two parent breeds. Tails are often long. Overall, shepherd labs have sturdy, athletic builds perfect for an active family.
Temperament
Intelligent and eager to please, shepherd lab puppies are relatively easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization helps ensure they grow into well-rounded, friendly adults. When properly exercised, they are gentle playmates for children.
Shepherd lab mixes bond deeply with their people. They can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Boredom and lack of exercise may also lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging and barking. A securely fenced yard is recommended.
These hybrids have an energetic, fun-loving nature. They require at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily. Food puzzle toys and interactive play can provide needed mental stimulation. Obedience training and socialization should start early and continue through adulthood. Overall, shepherd lab mixes make wonderful jogging or hiking companions.
Grooming and Care
A shepherd lab mix has moderate grooming needs. Give them a thorough brushing once or twice a week to control shedding and keep their coat healthy. Bathe as needed, but no more than once a month to avoid drying out the skin and coat.
Trim their nails every few weeks or as needed. Check and wipe their ears regularly. Brush their teeth frequently with vet-approved dog toothpaste. Providing sturdy chew toys helps maintain strong teeth.
Shepherd lab puppies should be fed a high-quality commercial diet formulated for large, energetic breeds. Feed them three or four portions per day as puppies and reduce to two meals per day by six months old. Always provide easy access to fresh drinking water.
Vet care includes vaccinations, preventatives for fleas/ticks/heartworm, spaying or neutering, and annual checkups. Lifespan is typically 10 to 14 years. Monitor weight as Labrador genes make them prone to obesity.
Tan German Shepherd Mix Lab Puppies
One of the most common coat colors for German shepherd Labrador retriever mix puppies is tan. This tan or fawn coloring comes from the German shepherd side, since Labradors do not carry the gene for tan points. Tan shepherd Labs tend to have the classic black muzzle, face, ears and paws with a light tan or fawn body and legs. Their undercoat is often cream or white.
Tan puppies may also have small amounts of black banded hairs mixed throughout their tan coat at birth. This tan point coloration resembles that of a Rottweiler or Doberman. As adults, the tan shepherd Lab’s coat may darken slightly to a more reddish-brown hue. But they maintain the distinctive facial markings and two-tone appearance. T
an shepherd Lab puppies have an adorable look with their puppy fuzz and tan and black contrast. This color is very attractive to many seeking a mixed breed with some striking physical traits from the German shepherd parent.
Whether tan, black, yellow or multi-colored, prospective owners should focus primarily on health and temperament rather than coat color when selecting a German shepherd Lab mix puppy.
German Shepherd Chocolate Lab Mix Puppies
German shepherd chocolate Labrador retriever mix puppies combine the intelligence of the shepherd with the sweet, sociable nature of the chocolate Lab. Chocolate Labradors carry a recessive gene that causes their brown coats, nose and eyes. When crossed with a German shepherd, the resulting puppies have a 50/50 chance of inheriting this chocolate coloration.
German shepherd chocolate Lab mix puppies are an adorable milk chocolate hue with hints of caramel on their paws, muzzle and eyebrows. Their fur is dense and sheds moderately. Ears are often floppy like those of a Lab. As adults, their coats can range from light brown to darker chocolate depending on which genes are expressed.
Temperament-wise, these puppies are energetic, eager to please and bond strongly with their family. Early training and socialization is key to prevent any wariness around strangers inherited from the shepherd side. Provided they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, a German shepherd chocolate Lab mix makes a wonderful, fun-loving family companion.
White German Shepherd Mix Lab Puppies
White German shepherd Lab mix puppies are quite rare and striking in appearance. They exhibit the snowy white coat coloring of a white German shepherd combined with the body shape and floppy ears of a Labrador retriever.
White shepherd Lab puppies may have small tan or cream markings on their paws or chest, but are predominately bright white in color. This lack of pigment stems from a recessive gene that inhibits melanin production. As adults, their coats may develop a very light cream or biscuit tint.
White shepherd Lab puppies are at increased risk for deafness, sunburn, and other health issues related to their lack of pigment. Reputable breeders will screen for these conditions. White coats require diligent sun protection.
Grooming needs are moderate thanks to the short-haired Lab influence. In temperament, a white shepherd Lab is playful, energetic and devoted like any shepherd or Lab. Their rare white coats may attract attention but remember to choose your puppy based on health, personality and connection rather than color alone.
Black German Shepherd Mix Lab Puppies
Black German shepherd Labrador retriever mix puppies are quite striking in appearance. They exhibit the iconic solid black coat of the German shepherd combined with the stockier body structure and floppy ears characteristic of the Lab parent.
Black shepherd Lab puppies may have small white markings on their paws or chest, but are predominantly jet black in color. This rich pigment comes from a dominant gene passed down from their German shepherd side. As adults, their coats may develop some brown shading around the muzzle and underside, but maintain an overall deep black hue.
Black shepherd Lab puppies have an adorably fuzzy, dark puppy coat that transitions to become sleeker but sheds heavily during adolescence. Their grooming needs are moderate. In temperament, a black shepherd Lab is playful, energetic and devoted like any shepherd or Lab. Their dark coats may attract attention but remember to choose your puppy based on health, personality and your connection rather than color alone.
German Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies For Sale
Shepherd lab puppies are often bred accidentally by negligent owners or in backyard breeding operations focused on profit over health and temperament. It’s essential to find a responsible breeder who tests their breeding dogs for genetic diseases common in both parent breeds like hip dysplasia.
A good breeder will ask you questions, allow you to meet at least the puppy’s mother in person, prove vaccinations and deworming, have a health guarantee, and take back any puppy at any time if you can’t keep it. Expect to pay $500 to over $1000 for a shepherd Labrador mix from a reputable source.
You may also be able to adopt a shepherd lab mix puppy or dog from a rescue group or shelter. The bonus is they often cover initial vet costs. Do your research to ensure it’s a nonprofit, no-kill shelter with a good reputation. Beware of “free puppies” listings online, as they often come from puppy mills or backyard breeders.
With early socialization, training, proper exercise and care, a German shepherd Labrador retriever mix can make a wonderful, loving family dog. Take time to find the right shepherd lab pup for your home.