Full Grown German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Guide

German shepherd and golden retriever mixes, also known as a german shepherd golden retriever mix or shephepherd, are loving companions that combine the best qualities of their parent breeds. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about what to expect from your puppy once it reaches full maturity.

About the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

A german shepherd golden retriever mix is a cross between a German shepherd and a golden retriever. This hybrid breed is becoming increasingly popular as a family pet due to its affectionate, loyal, and playful temperament.

While they tend to take on different traits based on whether they inherited more genes from their shepherd or retriever side, there are some common qualities you can expect:

• Intelligence and Trainability: From their shepherd genes, they are typically easy to train and eager to please their owners.
• Friendliness: Receiving their friendly, gentle nature from their retriever genes, they are great with children and other pets.
• Protectiveness: Their guarding instincts from their shepherd side means they can make excellent watchdogs.
• Activity Level: They enjoy vigorous exercise daily and do best with owners who are active.

Size and Appearance of a Fully Grown German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

At full maturity around 12-18 months old, here is what you can expect your shephepherd to look like based on averages:

Size

• Length: 2-3 feet from nose to tail
• Height: 21-26 inches at the shoulder
• Their size can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more.

Weight

On average, a male german shepherd golden retriever mix will weigh 65-85 lbs fully grown, while a female averages 55-75 lbs.

Appearance

Their coats can be short and straight like a shepherd's or long and wavy/curly like a retriever's. Common coat colors seen are black, tan, brown, cream and blonde/gold. They typically have a broad chest and muscular build.

Personality of a Fully Mature German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

By the time your shephepherd reaches adulthood, here is what to expect from their temperament:

• Affectionate: They form exceptionally strong bonds with their families and are loving, gentle companions.
• Playful: Young at heart, they enjoy playtime and will entertain themselves with toys when you’re busy.
• Calm Indoors: When not overly-stimulated or bored, they generally have a mellow, relaxed energy in the home.
• Friendly: Unless trained otherwise, they are friendly toward strangers and compatible with children as well as other pets.
• Loyal: As a guarding/herding breed, they are intensely loyal to their owners and may be suspicious of unfamiliar people.
• Smart: Even as adults, they are eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Price of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Puppy

You should expect to pay between $500-$1,000 USD for a german shepherd golden retriever mix puppy, depending on factors like breed lines, location, reputable breeding, and demand. Adopting a rescue shepherad mix could cost $150-$300 when adoption fees are included.

Feeding a Fully Grown German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

At adulthood, aim to feed your dog high-quality dry kibble formulated for their size, age, breed, and activity level twice per day. A typical daily amount for most adult shepherds and goldens ranges from 2-3 cups, broken into two meals. Senior mixes may need slightly less.

Always keep fresh, clean water available. Check the packaging for age and size recommendations and adjust amounts up or down based on whether your dog is losing or gaining weight.

Health and Lifespan of a Mature German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

With excellent care, most shepherad mixes can expect a long and healthy lifespan of 10-15 years. However, there are a few conditions they may be predisposed to as they enter their golden years:

• Hip Dysplasia: Common in large, active breeds and sometimes requires joint surgery.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Can cause lameness but physical therapy and medication can help.
• Cancer: Golden retrievers in particular are prone so annual checkups are a must.
• Eye Problems: Glaucoma, cataracts are possible so eye exams by a vet are recommended.

Keeping your senior shephepherd lean, fit, mentally stimulated, and on a specialized senior vitamin regime can help maximize the quality of their golden years.

Care Needs of a Mature German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

As a large, active dog breed hybrid, here are the basic care requirements for an adult shepherad:

Exercise

A minimum of 30-60 minutes per day of exercise either through walks, play sessions, hiking, etc. They still have high energy even as adults.

Grooming

Brushing 2-3 times per week to manage shedding. Bathing as needed, usually every 4-6 weeks. Regular dental care is also important.

Training

Continued positive reinforcement training is best for mental stimulation. Refresher obedience lessons may be needed if/when routines change.

Nutrition

High-quality balanced kibble specially formulated for their size. Provide fresh, clean water always.

Medical Care

Routine annual vet checkups and dental cleanings. Immediately address any health issues with your vet.

Possible Behavioural Changes as a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Matures

It's not uncommon for certain behaviors to develop or change as your shepherad mix reaches adulthood:

• Natural Guarding Instincts: May become more protective of home/owners versus strangers.
• Obedience Issues: Training may need to be refreshed if slacking on manners.
• Marking: Intact males especially prone to marking indoors.
• Separation Anxiety: May become more attached or demanding of attention.
• Activity Level Shift: Less able to handle energetic play sessions.
• Slowing Down: Senior dogs are naturally less active than puppies.

Patience, consistency in rules/routines, training, and mental stimulation can help curb unwanted changes.

Other Notable Characteristics of a Mature German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

• Intelligent and eager to learn
• Bond very closely with their human family
• Make great family dogs, especially for homes with children
• Highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement
• Enjoy jobs and tasks like therapy dog work, search & rescue, etc.
• Adaptable to different living situations like apartments if exercised daily
• Shedding is moderate but regular brushing is needed
• Not hypoallergenic but tolerable for some allergy sufferers

When is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Considered "Fully Grown"?

On average, german shepherd golden retriever mixes reach their full adult size between 12-18 months old. However, their skeletal maturity may not be complete until 18-24 months.

Signs your shepherad is fully grown include:

• Reaching their projected adult weight and height ranges
• Completing most growth spurts between 6-12 months
• Filling out in muscle mass and losing puppy-like lankiness
• Paws no longer appear too big for their bodies
• Growth plates in their bones fully fusing around 18 months

However, even after reaching physical maturity, some shepherad mixes may not reach behavioural/mental maturity until 2-3 years when trained and socialized consistently from an early age.

Suitability as a Family Pet or Not

When provided with early socialization, training, daily mental/physical activity challenges, and a loving, stable home environment - German shepherd golden retriever mixes generally make wonderful family pets. Their attributes that make them a great companion for families include:

• Great with children: As long as well-behaved kids do not pull ears/tail and the dog is used to them from a young age.
• Gentle: Both parent breeds are known for their affectionate natures.
• Playful: Keeping things light, upbeat and play-motivated is their ideal stance.
• Eager to Please: Responds well to positive reinforcement training for good manners.
• Biddable: Enjoys jobs, activities and being helpful companions.
• Affectionate: Forms deep bonds and craves attached family units.

However, prospective owners must be committed to properly socializing, training and managing the mental/physical needs of the breed. An adult shepherad also needs a securely fenced yard. Without adequate attention and handling, they could become overly protective, anxious or difficult to control.

Costs Associated with Owning a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix

While a shepherad mix may have slightly lower average healthcare costs than their purebred counterparts due to hybrid vigor, financial responsibilities do not end after the initial adoption or purchase cost. Here are some additional ongoing ownership expenses to plan for:

Food

$50-100 per month depending on brand and size

Toys & Accessories

$20-50 per month to keep pup entertained

Training Classes

$50-150 for beginner obedience courses

Grooming

$15-30 for brushes, shampoos every 1-2 months

Medical Care

$500-1000 annually for exams, flea/tick prevention and unplanned vet visits

Boarding

$20-50 per day if using daycare or facilities while traveling

Pet Insurance

$30-80 monthly but helps offset unexpected medical costs

A realistic cost estimate for owning a shepherad long-term is $1500 or more per year depending on location and the individual dog's needs.

Conclusion

German shepherd golden retriever mixes can make wonderfully devoted companions when raised in the right environment. With early commitment to training, socialization, health care and quality time – a shepherad's loving, playful personality truly shines through maturity into a calm yet energetic family dog. Their intelligence combined with loyalty are qualities no pet parent can replace.