Golden Shepherd

Dog Breed Profile

Golden Shepherd History

The Golden Shepherd is a newer hybrid, or designer, breed of dog. The ancestors of the Golden Shepherd were a mixed-breed stray named “Moxie” and a German Shepherd named “Sirius”. Moxie and Sirius were brought to a local shelter in 1978 by a family that could no longer keep them. The shelter workers decided to make a breeding pair out of the two dogs. They named this mating “Odin”, and paired him with 2 female purebred German Shepherds. The puppies from this litter were very small, but they were all born black and tan. The “working” part of the name comes from the fact that the dogs are all trained as guide dogs for visually impaired people. The Golden Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canine Hybrid Club of America (CHCA).

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

United States Of America

Ancestry

Golden Retriever, German Shepherd

Golden Shepherd Physical Characteristics

The Golden Shepherd is a medium-size breed of dog that developed in the United States. It is a direct descendant of the German Shepherd. It has a longer, more muscular build and is much larger, with females weighing between 80 and 100 pounds and males between 110 and 130. It has a long, thick, double coat that is either apricot, red, or sable with a white undercoat. It has a short, domed head that is rounder than that of the German Shepherd. The breed is famous as being extremely intelligent, and known to be excellent protectors.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

White, Sable, Gray, Black, Blue

Height Range

Male Height Range: 23 – 25 inches

Female Height Range: 17 – 20 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 75 – 80 lbs

Female Weight Range: 55 – 60 lbs

Golden Shepherd Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

10-14 yrs

Golden Shepherd Health Concerns

Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Allergies

Golden Shepherd Temperament and Behaviour

The Golden Shepherd is a loving and intelligent breed of dog. They are gentle and fun-loving, but are also fairly independent and stubborn at times. They crave attention and affection from their owners, but can sometimes get overly excited or aggressive during play. They are very gentle and patient with children, but should be supervised around small children.

Golden Shepherd Activity Requirements

The Golden Shepherd is a newer, rare breed of dog that is a mix between a German Shepherd and a golden retriever. They are large, intelligent, and loyal, making them excellent family companions. With proper training and socialization, the Golden Shepherd can be an excellent watchdog as well. While the Golden Shepherd is a young, developing breed, they are known to be a high-energy, athletic type. They do well with an active owner who can provide them with plenty of exercise and interaction, both physical and mental.