History
The German Shorthaired Labrador or GSL is a cross between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Labrador Retriever. They are keen, docile hunting dogs and their parents originated in Germany and Newfoundland in Canada. These friendly dogs are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and go well with other animals and people.
Interesting Facts
- The GSL could become a terrific police sniffer dog to discover illegal narcotics and hunt for intruders and other criminals if it carries the genes of their Pointer parents.
- GSLs could also work as excellent guide dogs, thanks to its German Shephard parents.
Temperament & Personality
The GSL requires lots of space due to its large size. They are full of energy, would play with your kids even at the fag end of a hectic day, and would lie down next to you. The dog is protective by nature and would do anything to save their masters and their family members. They are amicable with strangers, yet, always attentive to its surroundings because of its watchdog instinct. They bark and alert everybody if a stranger comes or something unusual happens. Theis breed is also smart enough to discern their owners’ expectations, possess a balanced disposition, and are always up for a game. They are best kept in large spacious apartments, condominiums, and homes with fenced yards.
Exercise
These dogs require lots of physically intensive activities. Take them with you every day when going for long walks and jogging. They need both cerebral and physical activities to maintain a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. As these dogs are always bursting with energy, untie their leash and allow them to run, jump and play in fenced yards.
Grooming
The GSLs have a short and glossy coat so make sure to brush them once or twice per week to retain their natural shine. Bathe and shampoo (with or without water) them occasionally, whenever the need arises. Do not forget to clean the GSL’s floppy ears regularly so that they do not catch infections.
Health Problems
Though crossbreeds usually do not suffer from health issues, ask the breeder the genetic history of its (the puppy you are going to buy) parents. Watch out for common health concerns like hip dysplasia, skin and ear infections, allergies, elbow dysplasia, entropion, bloating, etc. Also occasionally go for eye and ear examinations, blood tests, physical checkup, X-rays, CT scan.
Training
Begin your dog’s socialization training as early as possible, when it is still a puppy. Also, introduce it to other pets and people as these dogs inherit hunting or retrieving instinct from their Labrador parents. Tie their neck with a leash when you are going for a walk or jog, and walk in front all the way, being its pack leader. They are smart and always keen to learn new tricks, and love to entertain their owners. Teach your dog some fetching and retrieving games, such as chasing and bringing back a ball or a Frisbee.
Feeding
Give your GSL raw foods, mostly meat, and bones, or high-quality kibbles and all types of nutrition-dense and high-calorie-packed general dog foods meant for the consumption of large breeds.
.png)
