Discussion
Hi all,
On my search for a guarding family dog, I’ve come across a German Shepherd cross Labrador. I can’t find much online about them but it feels like mixing a great family dog (Lab) with a protector/herding dog (GSD) would be an ideal combination. I can’t find much online, and of the stuff that’s there – there’s conflicting information. I’ve also noticed that there is no standard look for this crossbreed.
Does anyone have experience/knowledge of this cross?
On my search for a guarding family dog, I’ve come across a German Shepherd cross Labrador. I can’t find much online about them but it feels like mixing a great family dog (Lab) with a protector/herding dog (GSD) would be an ideal combination. I can’t find much online, and of the stuff that’s there – there’s conflicting information. I’ve also noticed that there is no standard look for this crossbreed.
Does anyone have experience/knowledge of this cross?
Not had a cross breed but have had Labs and now German Shepherds.
Labs are great dogs and very food orientated, so easy to train. But having had a GS (and now have 2) I'd go for a GS everytime.
The same eagerness to train, but not so food orientated, will just as easily work for a ball or toy. Absolutely loyal, fantastic with family and kids. In terms of a guard dog both of mine are pretty laid back, but I have trained them to bark when someone comes to the door, which is fairly effective! Having said that as soon as someone crosses the door threshold they are more likely to roll on their back for a stroke.
Obviously they could be trained as protection dogs but they are first and foremost our family pets so wouldn't want to put them in that position. Would they protect us if push came to shove? Not sure, but wouldn't want to test the theory.
Labs are great dogs and very food orientated, so easy to train. But having had a GS (and now have 2) I'd go for a GS everytime.
The same eagerness to train, but not so food orientated, will just as easily work for a ball or toy. Absolutely loyal, fantastic with family and kids. In terms of a guard dog both of mine are pretty laid back, but I have trained them to bark when someone comes to the door, which is fairly effective! Having said that as soon as someone crosses the door threshold they are more likely to roll on their back for a stroke.
Obviously they could be trained as protection dogs but they are first and foremost our family pets so wouldn't want to put them in that position. Would they protect us if push came to shove? Not sure, but wouldn't want to test the theory.
We used to have a German Shepherd, she was a brilliant family pet, brilliant with everyone, especially children, but when necessary she was very protective. She only took a proper dislike to one person. As an example, we were driving home from a holiday, stopped at a motorway rest stop to let her stretch her legs and go to toilet and there was a van parked up with a couple walking around near it. As soon as they started to walk towards us our GSD started barking and growling and they immediately turned around and walked off again! All the other times we stopped, we had no problems. She was the sort of dog that loved everyone, so if she took a dislike to someone there must have been a reason for it!
Gameface said:
Lack focus? Tens of thousands of guide dogs would beg to differ.
Slightly different scenario to a protection dog, which is what the op was referring to.As I say, I've had both and I would say that a GS is easier to train but that's just my opinion.
But as others have said, I don't see the benefit in getting a cross breed, just get one or the other, both are great breeds.
We have Caucasain Ovachakras/Shepperds on the farm. They need a lot of space and mine roam all day and night. Our yards an acre in size so plenty of room and barns to explore and chill as they do most often. I don;t let them run in the fields though due to my location and people walking. They except no one strange at all.
What sort of property do you have ? As in have you got land, neighbours etc. I have a Russian Terrier in the house and they were originally watch dogs in Russia, they are friendly enough and welcome people in but still have that guarding streak in them. I also have a doberman whose a big softy but looks the part.
What sort of property do you have ? As in have you got land, neighbours etc. I have a Russian Terrier in the house and they were originally watch dogs in Russia, they are friendly enough and welcome people in but still have that guarding streak in them. I also have a doberman whose a big softy but looks the part.
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