Do German Shepherds And Labradors Get Along?

Have you been thinking of getting both a German Shepherd and a Labrador? You need to ask yourself, do German Shepherds and Labradors get along? Read our guide to having both.

Do German Shepherds And Labradors Get Along?

Yes, German Shepherds and Labs can get along well, but there are some points to keep in mind. It’s important to ensure that both dogs have their own personal space and designated sleeping areas. Additionally, the owners should provide them with separate food and ensure they have a healthy diet.

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You don’t need to worry about Labrador behavior as they are naturally friendly and not aggressive towards other dogs. However, if a German Shepherd is not well-trained to socialize and be friendly with other dogs, issues may arise.

If you want your German Shepherd and Lab to get along, it is best to adopt them together during their puppyhood. Otherwise, you will have to go through the challenging process of training the German Shepherd to be friendly with other animals.

Can German Shepherds and Labradors live together?

Yes, German Shepherds and Labs can live together happily if your German Shepherd is well-trained to be friendly.

In other words, there is not a clear-cut answer to this question. It all depends on the traits, personalities, and most importantly, the training of the breeds.

You will find that Labradors are quite friendly, while German Shepherds are protective, so they make a great bond and get along well with each other.

It’s important to consider the explanations of traits that make them compatible when you want them to get along well.

1. Similar in size

Almost all Labradors and German Shepherds are similar in size and body structure. Male German Shepherds and male Labradors are slightly larger compared to their female counterparts.

2. Labradors and German shepherds are both active.

Both breeds are very active and energetic, so their exercise needs are similar, which helps them get along well.

Labradors are considered to be the best breed to get along with German Shepherds because of their energy level and agility.

You’ll be amazed to see that both breeds love to run and swim if you train them to enjoy water activities.

3. Labradors and German Shepherd Personality traits

German Shepherds and Labradors have similar personalities as they are both intelligent, dedicated, and confident. Both breeds show a strong interest in training and quickly learn commands.

However, their temperaments are quite different in a significant way. Labradors are not bred as guard dogs, but German Shepherds are excellent guarding dogs. On the other hand, you will notice the same level of loyalty and tendency to protect loved ones in both breeds.

Both breeds are social and people-oriented, which makes them good companions to hang out with.

It’s a fire-and-ice combination because Labradors are laid-back while German Shepherds are quite aggressive. But their playstyles, along with other similarities in nature, make them good companions.

If you are good at training your German Shepherd to behave well, there will be no issues when the breeds live together under the same roof.

When it comes to a Labrador with other breeds, there is no need to worry as the Labrador makes the overall process easy and does not create fights.

You will notice that the German Shepherd and Labrador are of similar size, so the German Shepherd will not show its dominant nature.

Do German Shepherds like Labradors?

Yes, German Shepherds like Labradors if they are well-socialized. Adopting both breeds together in puppyhood is a good approach, rather than adopting one in the other’s adult age.

Socialization, along with training, plays a vital role when it comes to German Shepherds interacting with other breeds. Make sure that you are good at controlling your German Shepherd and that it is well aware of all commands or verbal cues, so you can stop it from chasing and unwanted barking.

Ways to help German Shepherd and a Labrador Get Along?

1. Adequate Space for Both Dogs

Giving your pets adequate space is the best way to ensure that a German Shepherd and Labrador will get along well in an efficient manner. As mentioned above, both breeds are large in structure and highly energetic, so they require adequate space and excessive exercise.

Keep in mind that exercise is a crucial need for these large breeds, and you cannot be irresponsible in providing it. For this purpose, you must provide them with a large yard where they have their own space, rather than a small yard where they have to share the space.

2. Separate bowls and feeding time

If there is slight aggression between a German Shepherd and Labrador, you should keep their feeding times separate and use different bowls. Keep the bowls at a significant distance so they do not interrupt each other while eating.

If separating the bowls is still not working, then you should feed them at different times instead of providing a meal at the same time.

3. Separate sleeping areas

It is essential to mention that dogs do not like to share sleeping areas with other dogs until they are good friends. At the very start, if you want your German Shepherd to get along with Labrador, you should keep them separate in their own sleeping areas.

Most dogs perceive their crate as a safe place, and they like to sleep in it, so provide a different crate for both dogs. Alternatively, you can get a large crate with a divider in it, so there will be no fights and separation will be maintained.

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4. Separate toys

Maybe you are not aware of the fact that dogs actually love their toys, especially if it is a bone. Dogs are highly selfish and possessive of their toys and do not think that it is something to share with other dogs.

So, if you notice any conflicts over toys, you should provide different toys for the German Shepherd and Labrador, according to their nature.

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