Active
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Willful

Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle

German Wirehaired Labs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Shelesties are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

German Wirehaired Pointer, Labrador Retriever

West Highland White Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

2000s

1990s

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Brown
White
Pied

Black
Brown
Fawn
Cream
White

German Wirehaired Labs have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Shelesties have medium-length coats.

Wiry

Wavy

A German Wirehaired Lab can have a litter of 6-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Shelestie can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the German Wirehaired Lab breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Shelesties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Entropion
Cataracts

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Collie Eye Anomaly

X-Rays
Fluorescein Test
Full Physical Examination

Blood
Hearing
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Hip and Knee

German Wirehaired Labs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Shelesties sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

German Wirehaired Labs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Shelesties are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Wirehaired Lab, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shelestie, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most German Wirehaired Labs usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Shelesties usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The German Wirehaired Lab has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Shelesties have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

German Wirehaired Labs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Shelesties are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

German Wirehaired Labs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Shelesties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

German Wirehaired Labs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Shelesties are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

German Wirehaired Labs are highly friendly around strangers.

Shelesties are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

German Wirehaired Labs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Shelesties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

The German Wirehaired Lab is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Shelesties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.