Pastimes
Playdate
Run
She is so good and super sweet I’ve had her for a couple of days and she’s really good with going potty outside!!
Golden Shepherd Breed Maintenance
The amount of maintenance your Golden Shepherd needs will be dependent on their coat type. Most have a medium length coat but some will be long-haired. This double coat protects them from snow and rain, allows them to swim in cold water and is resistant to dirt.
You’ll need to brush Golden Shepherds two to three times a week with a pin brush. While this crossbreed sheds all year round, they will shed more significantly in the spring and fall. You may want to brush them more during this period. They’ll usually only need bathing if they’re particularly dirty or have rolled in something smelly.
The Golden Shepherd loves to chew, so as well as regularly brushing their teeth, you can also give them dental chews to help keep their teeth clean. You should also trim their nails regularly plus check and clean their ears when needed.
Golden Shepherd health
The Golden Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed. But, as with all dogs, there are some health conditions you need to be particularly aware of. These include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
There’s also a chance of allergies — although this is only a minor concern.
Do you have insurance that would cover the cost of these conditions? You want to ensure you have the best cover for your Golden Shepherd, so browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you do.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is when the ball and socket rub and grind in the hip joint rather than gliding smoothly. This is an inherited condition that can happen at any age — if it’s early onset this can be as soon as 16 weeks. Although it can happen to any size breed, large breeds are more prone to it. Golden Retrievers are among the breeds most likely to be affected; for the majority this is due to genetics.
It can affect one or both joints and will become very painful for the dog. Symptoms to look out for include decreased activity, difficulty getting up and hind limb lameness. They may require surgery alongside physiotherapy, changes to their diet and supplements.
Bloat
Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) is most common in larger breeds with deep chests. Among the dogs most prone to it is the German Shepherd. The risk of this also increases with age. Bloat is when an accumulation of gas causes the stomach to dilate and potentially even rotate. Symptoms to look out for include a bloated abdomen, retching and breathing rapidly. This is life threatening and can progress very quickly so your dog needs to be seen by a vet straight away.
Feeding a Golden Shepherd — what’s the best diet?
Your Golden Shepherd should be fed high-quality food that is formulated for large breed dogs with high energy.
Golden Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times a day while for adults, this can be reduced to twice a day.
Hip dysplasia can be brought on by rapid weight gain and obesity. This breed is prone to gaining weight so be careful not to overfeed them. Make sure to measure out their meals and take into account any treats they’ve had during the day.
Likewise, their diet can help prevent bloat. Avoid a dry diet that’s high in fat and oil. You could also use a slow feeder to prevent them from eating the food too quickly.
Need some help to ensure your pup is enjoying the best possible diet? Take a look at the advice from our trusted partner Dog Food Advisor, including the best food for German Shepherds and the best food for Golden Retrievers.
