Colors Of A German Shepherd Dog
Color black is just what is sounds like – completely solid black dog. In a classic German Shepherd genetic table – black is a recessive gene and to produce a solid black puppy BOTH parents must carry a black gene. Owners of Solid Black dogs are extremely proud of the color of their dog and many call it “rare”, as not always you can produce a Solid Black dog.
Solid Black puppies are born completely black and have no tan anywhere on their body. Small patches of white can be present at birth , but they will disappear as puppy grows.
Image: Irena / Vom Geliebten Haus
We are not exactly sure what “Black & Cream” means, but anytime we see a dog that is of pale, washed-off tan color – we think it might be just that. It is an off-color as far as the breed standard goes and is a highly undesirable color.
Image purchased from Shutterstock
Rich deep mahogany red color and deep black as the highest quality of color in Show World. The darker – the better and when you see the “RED”, you know it.
Image: Chelsey / Vom Geliebten Haus
Tan is similar to “Red”, but not as intense, not as deep and bright. This is a classic color of a Working German Shepherd Dog with a saddle pattern and we see most of the “Black & Tan” dogs on the images from the past. We also see more “Black and Tan” dogs being short-stock.
The bi-color is a classic pattern when the saddle part of the dog covers most of the body leaving markings on the feet and sometimes on the face like having eyebrows.
The Pure/royal Black German Shepherd
These are the solid black German Shepherds. They are purebred, and their black coat results from the recessive allele for solid black coats carried by their parents. They do not have any other color patches on their body. They are the focus of all the previous facts that we have discussed in this article.
Gsds Provide Constant Companionship
In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm to strangers, they are gentle and loving with their families. Their affectionate and dedicated personalities are a bonus of the breed, and they can be particularly fond of children. This means your GSD wants to spend time with you rather than being left alone all day, every day. Allowing your German Shepherd to be with you as much as possible will bring out the best in your dog.
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Black German Shepherds Are Not More Aggressive
It is not rare to hear people make assumptions about dog temperament and behavior based purely on physical appearances like coat color. In fact, you might have heard people who describe the black German Shepherd as more aggressive. But thats just a myth, or as the famous dog psychologist Stanley Coren says, a superstition rooted in tradition.
In many cultures, black cats and dogs are associated with bad luck and even considered the embodiment of the devil. This misconception from the past has crept into contemporary thinking, shaping attitudes to black canines.
Surprisingly, there are also countries like Japan where black dogs are accepted and, instead, white ones are the bad omen. In other places like Scotland, white & black dogs are bearers of good luck.
Unfortunately, the negative attitude towards black dogs seems to have found its way into shelter homes. When people go to adopt or provide foster care, they will bypass black dogs in favor of other colors. This behavior, which has been dubbed black dog syndrome, makes it more difficult for rescued dogs with a black coat to find a new home.
Researchers have also given a scientific focus on the negative attitudes toward black dogs. For example, one study found that participants made an arbitrary judgment of black dogs as aggressive for the mere reason of having a black coat.
When Do German Shepherd Puppies’ Ears Stand Up
Some puppies’ ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don’t have completely erect ears until they’re a few months old. As long as the puppy’s ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there’s no need to worry. If the puppy’s ears haven’t begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there’s a problem.
German Shepherd Puppies
Get healthy black German Shepherd puppies for sale. All AKC Registered, Dewormed, & Vaccinated for good health. Contact us before the puppies get sold.
Product Brand: SmithFarms German Shepherd
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What Is The Most Common Color Of German Shepherd
Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, which are often working lines, to black and red for show, most German Shepherds have a hint of black.
If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors.
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Common German Shepherd Health Issues
As with all purebreds, there are common health issues in German Shepherds that the breed is prone to developing. Some of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting GSDs include:
- Elbow dysplasia A disease most commonly implicated in front limb lameness
- Hip dysplasia An abnormal formation of the hip socket that causes the thigh bone to pop out
- Elbow hygroma A fluid-filled swelling that occurs over the elbow joint
- Degenerative myelopathy A progressive disease that affects the spinal cord in older dogs
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus Commonly associated with large meals and gas causing the stomach to rotate
- Von Willebrand disease Causes blood to clotting insufficiencies resulting in inappropriate bleeding
- Degenerative spinal stenosis A painful disease affecting the spinal cord
Not all German Shepherds develop these dog health issues, but its important to become aware of them if youre considering getting this breed.
Pro Tip: Enrolling your GSD in pet insurance could save you money by reimbursing you up to 100% of vet costs paid out of pocket.
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Black German Shepherd Overview
The black German Shepherd was a result of an accident. It isnt known when the first black Shepherd was bred, but it was determined that the gene was considered recessive until solid black shepherds made it dominate. The gene only becomes dominant if the parent is also black.
All German Shepherds carry the black gene, but it isnt typical for their children to stay black after 8 months. A true black Shepherd will be born black and remain black throughout their life. If you have a litter full of brown or white puppies, theres a 0% chance of them turning black.
Its easier to get two black German Shepherd parents to mate than to have one be black or none at all. The likelihood of getting a black Shepherd with two black parents is high. However, it is still possible to get a brown or white litter even with two dominant parents. Tan parents that have the recessive gene have a chance of producing black Shepherd puppies as well, though it is small.
What Are The Hazards For A German Shepherd Puppy
Like most puppies, German Shepherd puppies will curiously sniff through anything in your house and possibly get into it.
Keeping anything toxic out of sight in a place your puppy wont be able to reach will keep your curious pup safe.
Inside your home
Below are a few hazards to keep in mind.
- Cleaning supplies
Your backyard
German Shepherd puppies will have a lot of energy and will enjoy running and playing in the backyard.
Youll want to remove or hide anything similar to the indoor items above. Weed or insect killer is toxic for dogs and will want to be put in a safe place.
Having a fenced-in yard is ideal, so your new pet can have plenty of space and freedom, especially if you dont have time to take them on multiple walks.
Keep in mind, that German Shepherds enjoy digging.
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What Is An All
Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard.
While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look.
This doesnât mean black German shepherds are bad in competitions. Itâs more likely that black and tan and sable color schemes are simply more synonymous with the German shepherd breed standard.
Know The Personality And Temperament Of Your German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them.
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History Of The Black German Shepherd
The German shepherd breed was originally developed in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to create the ultimate herding dog. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers.
While black and tan is the quintessential German shepherd for most people, black GSDs have existed alongside them since the breedâs creation and are just a different color variation of the same breed.
Be Careful Where You Buy A Black German Shepherd From
Unfortunately, many black German Shepherd breeders are just in it for the money since they can charge so much for them.
This means that they put less care into raising them and do not pay as much attention to the dogs health.
This is why you should make sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder since health issues later in the dogs life can be expensive or more expensive than the dog themselves.
To make sure you have found a reputable breeder, be sure to ask for the puppies parentage and family history.
This will ensure the pup will be healthy and has been cared for properly.
Another easy way to find a good breeder is to look at breeders registered with the American Kennel Club.
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Cs Vista Farms German Shepherds
This breeder in Northern California specializes in black German Shepherd dogs and those with white and silver coat colors. Their dogs are all priced at $2,000 irrespective of coat color. In fact, buyers acquiring a German Shepherd for military/police, service dogs, and those who have previously bought a dog from the breeder even get a discount.
Black German Shepherds Are Purebred
You might have heard people describe a dog as a crossbreed from the color of its coat, especially when such color is rare. And although they may be right in some cases, they might be mistaken in others.
A purebred German Shepherd is thoroughbred from an unmixed lineage. In other words, former dogs in its family line were all German Shepherds, and no other breeds were used to sire puppies.
While you can do a DNA test to find out if your black German Shepherd is purebred, a common and quick way of knowing is to register your dog with a national kennel club so that it can be assessed for breed standard traits. You can check the documented pedigree in a studbook of the breeds club, such as the AKC. Your breeder will describe that as a German Shepherd with papers.
Learn More About The Black German Shepherd
To be pedigreed by the AKC, a German Shepherd in the US must meet set German Shepherd breed standards. Concerning coat color, the club indicates that the dog has varied colors, most of which are permissible even though strong, rich colors are preferred.
Contrarily, dogs with colors that are pale, washed-out, as well as blues and livers are considered faults. A white German Shepherd is also purebred, but dogs with coat color faults do not participate in breed competitions.
Other common coat colors that meet breed standards include black and tan, black and red, the sable German Shepherd, and the bi-color .
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A Black Gsds Coat Can Turn White Due To Skin Conditions
There are some skin conditions associated with dogs. One such condition that affects German Shepherds is Leukotrichia. This skin condition causes a dog to lose hair or makes it gradually turn white.
Leukotrichia is generally associated with inflammatory and metabolic diseases such as cutaneous lymphocytosis, cutaneous lymphoma, vitiligo, and Alopecia areata. Hormonal imbalance and the use of certain medications have also been linked to skin conditions.
Read the case of Vela, a female black German Shepherd Dog whose color turned white over in two years, starting from the head to the rest of the body. Vets diagnosed her with Leukotrichia. The condition was later linked to Alopecia areata after thorough follow-up.
Alopecia areata is an uncommon immune condition that causes hair loss by disordering the hair cycle and the production of melanin . Interruption of the hair cycle comes as a result of damage to the hair bulb, while hair discoloration results from the failure of melanocytes to deposit color to the hair. See the case in this article.
In Velas case, Alopecia areata had disordered the melanocytes, making her hair turn white . Some dogs with Leukotrichia may eventually regain their hair pigmentation.
Talk to your vet immediately if you notice any white patches or hair loss.
Other skin conditions that can affect your black German Shepherd include black hair follicular dysplasia and Collie nose,Nasal solar dermatitis.
Genes Are Behind The Colors And Patterns Of Dogs
Genes play a role in the colors and patterns that all dogs sport. With dominant genes, youll get the most prevalent color of black and tan followed by others listed here that arent as common.
Meanwhile, German Shepherds that have rare colors get them as the result of recessive genes. Many rare-colored varieties are produced by specialty-designed breeding programs, but they do sometimes show up in litters of regular breeding programs. Since these types of dogs are so hard to come by, you will unlikely find one at a rescue center or shelter.
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Q& A: Why Cant My Dog Stand On His Back Legs
Blue is described as a slight dilution of black. Depending on how dark the blue color is, these dogs might still be shown in the ring. Breeders consider light blue to be undesirable, though.
German Shepherds that are liver and tan have the appropriate saddle and mask markings, but instead of black, they have a rich brown color.
Liver color
Should I Purchase A Male Or Female Red German Shepherd Puppy
As with most dogs, male German Shepherds tend to be more territorial and protective of their family, making them great protectors.
Female German Shepherds tend to be friendlier to strangers.
For a dog that will make you feel safe, you may opt for a male. If you are looking for a sweet family dog, a female may suit you better.
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Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character
Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home.
Naturally protective of their owners, German shepherds are often deemed aggressive by people who arenât familiar with this breed.
Itâs important to note that German shepherds arenât inherently aggressive and wonât exhibit aggressive behavior unless trained otherwise.
A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must!
Although they can be a bit aloof and standoffish around people they donât know well, these highly intelligent and obedient pups can learn to perform a variety of complex tricks and tasks.
Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized.
The only downside of being a great family dog is these pooches donât like to be left alone and can easily develop separation anxiety.
An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork, destroy your home, or bark loudly.
Black And Tan German Shepherd
The most common coat color of German Shepherds is definitely black and tan.
Although this is true, the black and tan coloration is actually one of the recessive genes when it comes to coloration.
The black color usually appears on their back as a saddle, they also have black printed across their face like a mask.
Tan coloration is usually located on their chest, sides, underbellies, and on their necks.
The tan color may vary in light or dark tints across different puppies generally, the depth of the tan is based on the parents and gene inheritance.
As puppies, this coat color appears more black than tan, however as they mature their coat lightens to more of a tan coloration.
Famous German Shepherds with this coat coloration include Rin Tin Tin, and is the best coat for show competitions.
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