German Shorthaired Lab Dog Breed

The German Shorthaired Lab has two well-known gun dogs for parents, and their crossbred puppies are the same or may be informally known as hunting dogs. At the least, they are working dogs. Whatever they do, they are fine family companions too. They don't do well in apartments or small homes with little or no outdoor space. Rural settings are simply the best for these dogs. They are best with experienced dog people, but first-time families can handle these dogs so long as the family members are patient and the kids, if any, are mature.

Here are some things you should know about German Shorthaired Labs:

PROS

• Playful
• Friendly
• Versatile
• Loves kids
• Hard-working
• Good in water
• Fine gun dogs
• Extremely energetic
• Water-resistant coat
• Wonderful family companion
• Great for very active people
• Tolerance to hot and cold weather
• Can be trained for wide range of work

CONS

• Not hypoallergenic
• Requires lots of exercise
• Diet must be managed carefully
• Can be very expensive to adopt
• Rather rare in the United States
• May be dominant around other dogs
• Moderate amount of health concerns
• Not good with small, non-canine pets
• Shedding may be moderate to high in volume

The German Shorthaired Lab is a dog that has been strenuously developed over time and on two continents. Nevertheless, these dogs remain somewhat rare. They are natural hunters that come from two equally adept hunting dogs known for their own versatility. They are friendly and yet can be trained for police and security work, therapy dogs for a wide range of disabilities, and working dogs for search-and-rescue teams.

These dogs are highly intelligent, and they need to be kept busy either hunting, working or engaging in agility play (or with agility toys). They can become bored somewhat quickly, and they will become destructive, loud, and anxious when bored. As extremely adaptable dogs who can learn a lot of different types of work, they need to be mentally stimulated on a daily basis.

German Shorthaired Labs are not clingy, but they do prefer the company of you and other family members. Outside, they work well in most climates and conditions. Water, thick brush, and heavy forests are not a problem for them. They will be extremely friendly with strangers, but they are protective when necessary.

These hybrid dogs are not for couch potatoes or casual lifestyles. If they are not taken on as hunting dogs, they need a lot of other daily exercise. Running, hiking and biking are activities that the German Shorthaired Pointer Labrador mix will love doing with you, and on easier days a very long walk will do.

The German Shorthaired Lab is an even-tempered hybrid dog. They tend to have enough confidence to hold steady around strangers yet are not belligerent when it comes to training, socialization, and home life. There is a good possibility for separation anxiety, however, so leaving this dog alone for frequent or long amounts of time is not recommended. Like their two purebred parents, they may make good gun dogs but they are sensitive to harsh training methods.

The German Shorthaired Lab temperament is tolerant of children and fond of a calm evening with the family after an active day of play, hunting or other agility-based activity. They make good watchdogs as they are alert. They must be socialized with other dogs so that they are not overly dominant. With non-canine pets, great care should be taken as they are hunting dogs whose prey drive is easily triggered. Overall, they are patient dogs that tend to be mellow unless hunting.

The two parent breeds for the German Shorthaired Lab each have a fair amount of health issues, and they share some too. Hybrid vigor will help to lessen the possibility of their mixed breed puppies inheriting these problems. Still, you should be aware of them as there is always the chance. Whether you are getting one of these dogs for hunting, sports or work, you should be sure to find out all you can about the parents and the other puppies. It's essential that you get all the health tests and vet checks possible.

Here are some of the health problems that can affect the German Shorthaired Lab:

• Bloat
• Pannus
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Lymphedema
• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infections
• Skin allergies
• Heart problems
• Elbow dysplasia
• Von Willebrand's Disease
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

With an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, this is typical for dogs of this size.