Is The Blue German Shepherd Rare
Traditionally, blue GSDs were very rare indeed. All dog breeds have a written breed standard, agreed by their breed club and any breed registry theyre affiliated with . The breed standard describes what an ideal example of the breed should look like. For German Shepherds, one of the things it says is:
Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults.
Serious fault means that a blue GSD competing in a dog show would have a lot of points deducted for their color, and no chance of winning. Essentially: blue German Shepherds are inferior examples of the breed. And, breeders would continue their breeding lines using only dogs with the richest colors.
Then how do they still exist at all?
Since the dilution gene isnt expressed if a dog only has one copy of it, it can be carried silently down many generations. Occasionally in the past, two carriers would be mated without their owners realising they carried the dilution gene, and blue puppies might appear in their litters. Historically, these puppies were likely to be euthanized at birth, they were so undesirable. But their siblings would go out in to the world, and some of them would be silent carriers of the dilution gene themselves.
Whats changed?
Cost Of Feeding A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large dogs, as adults weigh 70 lb. on average . After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a German Shepherd puppy through its first year is likely to be $260 on average, as puppies will consume around 220 lb. of dry food for the year.
Adults generally eat 310 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $290 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands.
| Yearly Food Cost |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
How Much Are German Shepherd Puppies
Purebred GSD puppies can be found from breeders anywhere from $500 to $1500. The average price of a German Shepherd puppy is $1,000. This can vary depending on size, age, and breeder. Some breeders will charge more because they know the puppy is popular or in high demand.
On average, a GSD puppy from a pet store costs about $500 to $1600 with localized prices and popularity varying within that range. German Shepherd puppies found through a rescue group cost $150 $200.
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What What Is A Blue German Shepherd Dutch Shepherd Or Malinois
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Blue, as a color, occurs in just about every breed, and especially in the herding breeds. Great Danes, Collies, Dobermans, and of course, German Shepherd, Malinois, and Dutch Shepherds all can have blue pups. Blue is considered to be a dilution gene, actually named an “allele“, that is found naturally. Both parents have to have this allele in their genes to be able to produce a blue puppy. The blue pup will be blue, or gun metal gray, where another pup would be black. In my German Shepherds, I’ve had blue “black and tans”, blue sables, and blue blacks. Blue puppies are very attractive.. with light “baby blue” eyes, and stand out in any litter. However, when adult, it can be very hard to tell the difference between a blue and another colored dog in the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breed. The blue Dutch Shepherd is much more noticable. These dogs are as healthy and long lived as any of my dogs. The two photos immediately below show two German Shepherd littermates. These pups are out of P1 Cher Car’s A Shout in the Woods X Cher Car’s Hey Jude. Both are female. The blue puppy is a blue sable, while the other pup is a traditional black and tan. |
| Black and Tan Puppy |
| Blue Puppy |
| Gold brindle Dutch Shepherd and a blue brindle Dutch Shepherd |
| Another coat comparision between gold and blue brindle with slightly older Dutch Shepherd pups |
| Gold and blue brindle Dutch Shepherd puppies |
| Blue brindle Dutch Shepherd puppy |
| This is the UKC’s first BLUE Dutch Shepherd breed Champion… |
Factors Affecting The Price Of Puppies And Why Prices Vary For The Same Breed
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeders reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club . They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppys price but generate savings as you most probably wont have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
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Blue Gsd Health Patterns
The blue German Shepherd Dog is not prone to any behavioral or temperamental complications stemming from his color. Although it may indicate certain traits in the health of other breeds, it is not the case with blue GSDs. Although they are considered a healthy breed, they suffer from specific health problems like all types of German Shepherds.
Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are the most common health concerns. Dysplasia is a disease of a malformation of the joints seen in many large dogs and causes joints to become painful and worsen over time, resulting in lameness.
Since blue GSDs are bred from a single bloodline, they face other genetic mutations. These concerns include degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.
How Do We Get This Type Of Gsd
There is a particular gene that creates this abnormality to the coat and there is a recessive allele on the fur that gives this appearance, rather than the more dominant black.
The dominance of the black gene is why we see so many brown and black GSD dogs out there. The idea of a recessive, lesser gene is one of the reasons why many look down upon blue dogs like this as something to be bred out.
The brown and black/brown shepherds are the true, healthy dogs in the eyes of many owners and they feel there should be greater control over the gene pool.
Some feel that this is a little unfair on the blue gsd when there are other colors out there with their own issues and standards.
For some the blue is the weak anomaly, and it is is not seen as a legitimate color by the AKC and other major organisations. This means it cannot be shown.
The same is true, however for the white GSD. The white German Shepherd is a sub-breed that came from paler dogs and American lines, and is almost seen as its own dog now.
It doesnt conform to the standards of the typical GSD, as it has a different top line and build and a slightly different coat. Yet, it doesnt seem to have the same level of hate as blue dogs.
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Is A Blue German Shepherd A Good Guard Dog
As German Shepherds naturally possess guarding and protective tendencies, a blue German Shepherd can be an excellent guard dog.
Training will be required, of course, but the dogs instincts make patrolling, standing guard, and keeping watch practically second nature.
If youre not interested in a guard or protection dog, know that blue GSDs settle quite easily into the role of family watchdog as well.
They wont hesitate to alert you whenever someone approaches the house or if they sense imminent danger in any form.
The rest of the time, theyll be perfectly content to relax with the family and be a reliable companion.
Where Can You Find Cheap German Shepherd Dogs
You will be able to find GSD puppies who cost much less than $1,500. The question is do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament?
On Craigslist or similar classified ads, many dog owners sell puppies from oops litters or puppies that they bred on purpose without any health testing. These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e.g. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. They might be as cheap as $200. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs!
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How Much Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost
A purebred German shepherd can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 depending upon the dogs quality and breed. For instance, a reputable breeder may have extremely high standards for breeding their dogsqualified homes, extensive health guarantees including surgical procedures like Lasik eye surgery or orthopedic repair for animals with hip dysplasiaand this may lead to an increased price point of around $4,000.
Size: How Big Does A Blue German Shepherd Dog Get
High-energy dogs very rarely make good apartment dogs, especially if they are as big as the GSD.
Even if you were to adopt a Miniature German Shepherd, they will need as much activity as their standard-sized counterparts.
A standard sized male German Shepherd will grow to be 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 65 to 90 lbs .
Females grow up to only 22 to 24 inches tall and will be around 50 to 70 lbs . Color isnt a factor in determining their size and you can expect GSDs of all colors to be around the same size.
These dogs need space to explore and require space to run. If you are able to give them the stimulation they need, they could potentially live in an apartment, but landed properties are definitely a better choice.
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Are Blue Bay Shepherds Expensive To Own
In many ways, the cost of owning a Blue Bay Shepherd is similar to that of any large dog.
Things like veterinary bills, toys, beds, collars and leashes, etc. will cost roughly the same amount.
It should be noted that only the most durable toys will do for these strong dogs.
Elk antler chews especially would be ideal for Blue Bay Shepherds.
They last a super long time, have no odor, are all natural, and contain essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and zinc.
Best of all, theyll satisfy the instinctive need to chew.
Similarly, toys made of thick, natural rubber, like this wildly popular toy, would be suitable too.
They are practically indestructible, can be stuffed with treats like kibble or peanut butter, and bounce wildly when thrown, much to the delight of dogs, as this mimics the antics or pursued prey.
These are large, active dogs who need lots of daily exercise.
If you dont already have a large, fenced-in yard, installing a secure perimeter for your dog to safely romp and play will be a rather large initial expense.
Blue German Shepherd: All About This Unique Dog Breed
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At least half the people in a room will say german shepherds are black and tan. The other half will agree.
But, how much do we really know about this dog breed? Many people have never heard of the blue German shepherd. What is it? Is it a mix-breed?
Can it count as a legit breed? Is it a big bad wolf? Were here to bust the myth.
The blue German shepherd dog is a brother to the regular german shepherd not a brother from another mother, the real one. This dog is as much of a german shepherd as any Rex from the movies.
The question is: Why is it blue?
Technically, its not blue, rather dark grey. And its a fairly young breed. To see how this unique breed was created, we have to go way back Okay, maybe not THAT far.
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Are Blue Gsds Rare
Although the blue German Shepherd carries the same characteristics and temperament as the standard German Shepherd, they are much rarer because of the odds of two recessive genes pairing up. Both parents need to be carriers of the recessive gene for a blue GSD puppy to be born.
Moreover, because blue is not allowed in the show ring and is still considered a fault even though the AKC has recently recognized this coloration, most breeders do not intentionally breed this color. Thus fewer blue dogs are produced, mainly as breeders can genetically test for the Dilute .
How Much Is A Blue German Shepherd
German Shepherds usually range in price from $450 to $1,900 per puppy. Despite AKC discrimination, you can expect the price of blue-coated dogs to be on the higher end of the range simply because they are so rare. Those who specifically breed for them will even charge higher because of their more responsible breeding practices.
Nevertheless, since German Shepherds are among the most common breeds in animal shelters, you may get lucky and find a blue GSD at a local shelter to adopt for a minimal fee. If you find one, you will have a uniquely colored canine companion but also the wonderful opportunity to save a life.
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Vet Cost For The First Year
When it comes to prices, Dr Brooks estimates that a dog owner will pay $65-$170 for each of the three recommended visits for a puppy, with the first one being scheduled at about 8 weeks of age. This will cover the exams, essential vaccines including rabies, the first doses of heartworm and flea prevention as well as a fecal examination.
Most of her clients also follow her advice to purchase heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They respectively cost $75-$120 and $85-$125.
Some German Shepherds may also need additional vaccines depending on activities and lifestyle:
- Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds .
- Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks .
- Lyme, if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or lives in a wooded area or on a farm .
Some owners will also decide to spay/neuter their dog. Vet clinics usually charge $150-$450 to perform this procedure on a German Shepherd. It is even possible to find low-cost sterilization clinics that will do it for as low as $50 to $100 depending on your location. Generally, the procedure is more expensive for female dogs .
Are Blue German Shepherds Good Family Dogs Should I Get One
When properly socialized, the Blue German Shepherd is a breed that gets along well with children and other animals, as they are loyal to their family. However, if you work full time, it may not be a good idea to get this breed as they demand a lot of attention, time, and energy.
Aside from that, its also important to be aware of the fact that Blue German Shepherds are working dogs and will require an adequate amount of exercise, so if you dont have the time or energy to walk them every day, they will get bored and may misbehave.
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The Cost Of A German Shepherd A Summary In 7 Questions
1- How much is a German Shepherd puppy?
On average a German Shepherd puppy will cost $800 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $450 and $1,900. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dogs bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 Does a German Shepherd need training and how much will it cost?
Having a German Shepherd professionally trained is usually recommended and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, and positive leadership.
4 What is the cost of preventive medical care for a German Shepherd?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for a German Shepherd puppy during the first year and around $425 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures .
5 How much food does a German Shepherd eat and how much will it cost?
A German Shepherd puppy will eat around 220 lb. and an adult close to 310 lb. of dry food yearly . Annual expenses should be between $180 and $520 for a puppy and $160 to $625 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.