Because the Golden Shepherd has two very different parent breeds, there is a lot that can affect the nature of this large-sized hybrid dog. They are typically good for first-time families with children, tend to be easy to train and can adapt to apartment living provided they are exercised daily outside the home.
Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is sure to be a very smart dog who is easy to train, ready to work and looking forward to agility play with toys and people. It shouldn't take long to get them to respond to commands, but as with all dogs, they should be taught with positive reinforcement rather than harsh methods. They will want to be given tasks, and they make great guard dogs who can distinguish between danger and mere annoyances.
Golden Shepherds can be very friendly or they may be aloof of friends of the family as well as strangers. If they treat each family member differently, that is not unusual; regardless, she should be devoted to all of you even if only one of you has established him- or herself as the "alpha." Another variation may be exhibited in body language: if she has more Golden Retriever in her, she may be a bit hyperactive; if she has more German Shepherd, she may be very calm unless playing or actively guarding.
Both parent breeds are very active dogs when working, and your Golden Shepherd is sure to be the same. Whether you live in a mid-sized apartment, a house with a yard or on a sprawling ranch, she will need and want a lot of daily exercise to burn off energy. Frequent exercise will also keep her from becoming obese and developing related disorders.
