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Lab German Shepherd Mix

Also searched as Sheprador

A Lab German Shepherd mix is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a German Shepherd. Most grow into large dogs of 50–85 lb and live 8–11 years.

Labrador Retriever, a purebred dog
Labrador RetrieverPhoto: SixtyWeb, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
German Shepherd, a purebred dog
German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight50–85 lbcan be 50–90 lb
Height22–25 inat the shoulder
Lifespan8–11 years
SizeLarge

How big does a Lab German Shepherd Mix get?

Labrador Retriever55–80 lb
The mix50–85 lb
German Shepherd50–90 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Lab German Shepherd Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 22–25 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24.5 in for the Labrador Retriever and 22–26 in for the German Shepherd.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding
High

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy
Moderate to very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability
Very high

The Labrador Retriever rates very high and the German Shepherd very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming
Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Labrador Retriever is usually described as friendly, active, outgoing. The German Shepherd as confident, courageous, smart. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Lab vs German Shepherd vs the mix

TraitLabrador RetrieverLab German Shepherd MixGerman Shepherd
Weight55–80 lb50–85 lb50–90 lb
Height21.5–24.5 in22–25 in22–26 in
Lifespan10–12 yr8–11 yr7–10 yr
Sheddinghighhighhigh
Energyvery highmoderate to very highmoderate
GroupSportingmixedHerding

Questions about the Lab German Shepherd Mix

How big does a Lab German Shepherd Mix get?
Most grow to 50–85 pounds and 22–25 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–90 pounds.
How long does a Lab German Shepherd Mix live?
A typical lifespan is 8–11 years, the midpoint of the Labrador Retriever (10–12 years) and the German Shepherd (7–10 years).
Does a Lab German Shepherd Mix shed?
Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Lab German Shepherd Mix easy to train?
Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Lab mixes

Other German Shepherd mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.