Are Lab Shepherd mixes good family dogs? What health issues?

Oh my goodness, what cuties! Congratulations! While there are certainly problems that we know that are more common in certain breeds, we know less about whether or not mixes that are from those breeds are as likely to have these issues, or not. Certainly chihuahuas are prone to "small dog problems", such as luxating patellas (laxity in the kneecap) and dental disease are common, and in dachshunds back disease is a big problem, so these would be the first things I would worry about and want to do what's necessary to prevent. Tooth brushing and good weight management are key in these issues. Blue Heelers are hearty dogs and don't have a lot of hereditary problems but be careful with overfeeding because they are predisposed to obesity. Enjoy your new pets!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I personally prefer Labrador Retrievers though German Shepherds can make great pets for the right owner. Since you already have a German Shepherd and know how to work well with them then getting another German Shepherd would make sense. German Shepherds in general can be quite strong willed just like you described lunging at people and yes a female could do it as well. Labradors are easier to train. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on adding Puppy to your family. You are not finding much information because this is not a breed of dog. This is a mixed bred dog. Mixed bred dogs can exhibit any range of behaviors or traits because they are inheriting these from the purebred parents. That is why you are finding so much variation. Likely this puppy will be at least 50lbs. You will want to feed her a large breed puppy food. She will likely be athletic and active. It's impossible to know her temperament however because huskies and labs tend to be very different. She will likely be somewhere in the middle. Reading about both breeds will better prepare you for owning a mix of the two. While mixed breed dogs tend to avoid the inherited health risks of purebred dogs, they can still have them. She may be prone to the same orthopedic issues that all large breed dogs are susceptible to. Lastly, beware of back yard breeders who are purposefully breeding mixed bred puppies. The USA has a significant problem with pet over population and thousands of healthy mixed breed dogs are euthanized every year in shelters because there are not enough homes. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. I find heelers to be hardy dogs. I have seen obesity and subsequent joint problems. Mainly I see behavioral issues. They are very intelligent dogs and need both physical and mental stimulation. If an owner is unable or unwilling to provide this, problems can result. Labradors are powerful chewers and will eat anything. I see a lot of foreign objects ingested that require surgical removal. As far as the chiweenie, dental disease will be a huge issue with that breed combination. I would start brushing her teeth daily now so that she becomes accustomed to it. You should also plan on her first professional dental cleaning (under anesthesia) around one year of age. If you commit to her oral health it will make a huge difference for her in the longterm. The other problem that could arise is back pain. Having a longer back, could make her more prone. Keeping her at a healthy weight is the best prevention. Congratulations on your new dogs and I hope this information helps!

Hi there, It's great to hear that the puppy's parents have good OFA certifications! This is the best predictive factor we currently have for good orthopedic health. I do not know of any direct size correlation with orthopedic disease and size. The bone density should be the same either way. The best things you can do to keep any dog from having orthopedic disease over time is appropriate exercise (swimming is great!), keeping the dog lean, and feeding a high quality diet made for large breed dogs. Royal Canin is my personal favorite brand, and they make a diet specifically for German Shepherd health. I would avoid anything marketed as "grain free" or "raw" as these are linked with many nutritional disorders, many of which can be orthopedic related. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Rottweilers are big dogs and can be friendly but can also be quite aggressive. They are best with people that are used to dogs and able to do training and have a firm hand. Rottweilers are unfortunately prone to osteosarcomas (bone cancer). Shedding is minimal. German Short-haired Pointers are very very active dogs that require large amounts of attention and activity otherwise they are prone to behavioural problems. They are medium sized and shed a moderate amount. They are relatively healthy. I think that these puppies are likely good for people that are ready to put a lot of time and effort and energy into their dog, but likely would be wonderful dogs to owners that spend time with them. They will likely be larger sized and very strong. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She looks like a mixed breed dog. I would say she has a lot of Labrador in her and possibly a mix of a few other breeds like Pitbull possibly. Regardless, she is adorable! Thanks for adopting!