Black German Shepherd Coat Type
Black German Shepherds are noticeable, thanks to their solid black coats. Their fur can be anywhere between short and long with the short being the more common one, but the longer coats are more sought-after.
If they come with a long coat, you can expect them to have the appearance of flowing, skirting, or feathering.
These dogs are solid black in color, which means they cannot have any other markings on them. Still, there are several other variations of black found on some other coat variations. Well go over most of them.
The History Of German Shepherd Colors
When talking about the German Shepherd, we have to mention the father of the breed Von Stephanitz.
Initially referred to as the Alsatian Wolf Dog and bred for herding, this versatile fido was developed to become one of the ultimate working dogs.
Youll even see this purebred in conformation events!
You can adore their deep and rich coat colors, but if blue and liver colors were visible on their fur, its considered a serious fault and against their breed standard.
White is enchanting and can be registered, but theyll be disqualified from the show ring because that color is a major flaw.
Did you know that sable is the original color of a German Shepherd?
Still, black and tan German Shepherds are most common, especially in the United States, Thanks to Rin Tin Tin, a pup rescued by an American soldier from a French village bombed during World War I.
That pooch eventually became a Hollywood star The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin!
Are you ready to discover all the wonderful colors of the German Shepherd? Including those that arent recognized by the American Kennel Club ?
Do Black German Shepherds Change Color
Shedding is a common occurrence for German Shepherds, and it is more common in their early years of life because their coat is likely to go through a few pattern changes. It is more than likely that the predominant colors on your German Shepherd puppys coat will stay the same as they mature to adult age.
Read Also: What Weight Should A German Shepherd Be
History Of The Black And Tan German Shepherd
The black and tan German shepherd is a unique breed of dog that has a fascinating history. This breed was originally breeded in Germany during the late 19th century. German shepherds were bred for their physical strength and intelligence, which made them ideal working dogs. The black and tan German shepherd was created by crossing two different types of German shepherds the black German shepherd and the tan German shepherd.
This new breed quickly became popular among farmers and ranchers who appreciated the dogs working ability. The black and tan German shepherd eventually made its way to America, where it became one of the most popular breeds of dogs. Today, these dogs are still prized for their working ability, but they also make great companion animals. If youre thinking about adding a black and tan German shepherd to your family, be sure to do your research so that you can provide your new pet with everything he or she needs to thrive.
What Is The Best Color
Black and Tan German Shepherds have stolen the hearts of Americans and have quickly become the most popular color variation. But, there is no definitive answer to this question.
Some dogs are best suited for working , while others are bred for dogs . Some are just bred to be loving pets .
Some owners prefer the rare colors of liver, panda, gray, and blue. Others would rather have the classic black and tan, black and cream, or black and red.
Regardless of the color of your German Shepherd, you can be sure that you will have an intelligent, active and devoted companion for life.
You May Like: When Do German Shepherds Come In Heat
German Shepherds Come In A Variety Of Colors
Like many other breeds, German Shepherd dogs come in a wide variety of coats and colors. However, some colors are not accepted by major kennel clubs and are thus considered faults. Many prospective owners prefer a nice coat and unique color on their dog. While selecting a puppy, however, one should also know which coat colors are accepted by major kennels and which meet the breed standards.
German Shepherd dogs are intelligent, courageous, and devoted. This is what makes them one of the most highly sought after breeds in the world.
What Is A Black And Tan German Shepherd
A black and tan german shepherd is a type of German shepherd that is black and tan in color. These dogs are very popular and are often used as working dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them great family pets.
When it comes to physical characteristics and personality, the the black and tan german shepherd and black shepherd dog are very similar. As a result, they are frequently employed as police or service dogs because of their steadfast loyalty.
Read Also: Are German Shepherds A Dangerous Breed
Get To Know All 13 Of The German Shepherd Colors
German Shepherds are iconic dogs often associated with the police force.
They have an intimidating demeanor, showing how brave they are and that theyre serious at their job as protectors. But GSDs are loyal and obedient, as well.
Did you also know that they dont only have the classic black and tan color? Lets see all the German Shepherd colors and find out which ones your favorite!
Will A Black German Shepherd Puppy Stay Black
All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood.
Also Check: What Color Collar Looks Best On A German Shepherd
The Black Color Has No Negative Effect On The Dog
Heres where that negative stigma comes in people can sometimes fear this dog due to its striking black color. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, activeand intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life.
Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs.
Look how obedient this 11-month old Black Shepherd puppy is:
Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you.
As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood.
What Are The Breed
Anyone who wishes to show their GSD should know that there are 11 AKC-approved colors for the Shepherd dog breed, but NOT all of them can partake in dog shows.
The ones that are favored are black and red, black and tan, or black.
The bi-color, black and cream, black and silver, and gray Shepherds are accepted in the show ring but often do poorly when compared to the deeper shades above.
Liver or blue can also be shown, but its near impossible for these hues to win at a conformation show, while white is entirely off the table.
Read Also: What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
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.
Red & Black German Shepherd
The red and black German Shepherd is something you dont see every day. Theyre spectacular specimens that are undeniably beautiful no matter what your taste in dogs.
In a way, the coat pattern of the red and black German Shepherd looks almost like a brindle or merle. In other words, youll usually get a GSD with a dark mahogany base coat, with patches of black around the coat.
The black color is most commonly found on the dogs back, tail, bottom and face . The black is not limited to those areas of the body it depends on the dog and the parents. However, black color around the dogs muzzle is almost always guaranteed.
You May Like: Can German Shepherds Have Milk
Appearance Of Black And Tan German Shepherds
The black and tan German Shepherd is a beautiful dog breed. They are easily distinguished by their black and brown fur coloration.The black and tan German Shepherd is a medium to large sized dog breed. They typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds.
They have a strong, muscular build with a long tail. The coat of a black and tan German Shepherd is double layered. The outer layer is coarse and stiff, while the undercoat is softer. The coat is thickest around the neck and chest area. Black and tan German Shepherds shed moderately throughout the year.
What Is The Rarest Color Of German Shepherd
The rarest color of German Shepherd is isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all isabella shepherds pleasant surprises.
Even though these dogs dont win shows as they are seen as faults by the AKC, they are showstoppers and breeders who end up with one of these immediately add a premium to the price. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do Male German Shepherds Weigh
Misconceptions About German Shepherd Coat Colors
Differentiating between all these shades and patterns might be slightly tricky for the untrained eye.
Many believe that black and tan is the same as black and red. While red is technically a deeper tan, it has more reddish undertones than tan, making it different.
If you come across an albino German Shepherd, he would have a pink nose and pinkish-blue eyes.
White Alsatians still have chocolate brown eyes and black pigmentation around their eyes, nose, and paws. This is what sets them apart from albinos.
Liver or Blue GSDs are caused by a gene that modifies the color gene. If a Liver and Blue GSD have a litter, theres a chance of getting Isabella puppies due to the double dilution.
Black & Tan German Shepherd
This color combination is the bread and butter, so to speak, of the German Shepherd. For most people, when they picture this breed, its with this color. But even with this common color, there is plenty of room for variation.
The tan fur can range from deeper hues to a shade that almost approaches silver along the edges. The black color usually appears as a saddle-like pattern along the back and can vary quite a bit in size.
Something to keep in mind is that GSDs born with this pattern usually begin life darker and slowly lighten as they mature. The best way to get an idea of how a pups coat will develop in adulthood is to meet the parents .
Darker, especially black, coloration is recessive in the German Shepherd. So if both the parents display the black and tan coloring, then the pup is more likely to as well.
Read Also: What Should German Shepherds Eat
Black German Shepherd Puppies
All black German Shepherd puppies are born either black, grey or white. The color shifts and gradually changes over the first few weeks, with the black settling in by around the 8-10 week mark.
In fact, only 6.8% of all German Shepherds puppies born in the world go on to be black. And that is accounting for intentional breeding of black Shepherds.
Taking Care Of Your German Shepherds Coat
These popular dogs have a thick double coat. Their guard coat or outer coat can have long, medium, or short guard hairs.
Short-haired German Shepherds have a denser topcoat thats harsh and close-fitting. Long-haired GSDs have a coat thats looser and softer. The medium-length coats are considered to be a short-haired variety.
Regardless of whether they have a short or long coat, they all require the same amount of grooming, which is daily. Plus, they tend to shed heavily at least twice a year.
Some people get a deshedding tool to help control the shedding.
Despite being outdoorsy, these dogs are naturally clean and dont need frequent baths. You can go as long as 4 to 6 months without bathing them.
This is where the white color of White Shepherds might seem a bit high maintenance because they can get dirty easily.
Don’t Miss: Are German Shepherds Good For Families
German Shepherd Colors & Patterns
Posted on Last updated:
Categories German Shepherds
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Learn more >
When getting a German Shepherd, one of the most important things to consider is his function. Is he going to be a family pet? If so, he must look friendly. Will he be a guard dog? If so, he must look intimidating. And if you want to enter the dog in the show ring, he better look the part. The color of the German Shepherd plays a vital role in all of this.
German Shepherd colors are usually black and red and black and tan. Tan or red can be replaced by liver, white, cream, or silver, whereas black can be replaced by blue, or gray. These colors are often distributed in a bicolor pattern, including saddle, blanket-back, sable, and brindle.
In this article, you will learn more about every German Shepherd color, including the various combinations, the rarity of each, how the dogs look, and the best use of them. You will also learn more about the distribution of these colors and the patterns you can expect a GSD to have.
Each section also includes a best for verdict that highlights my recommendation for who the specific dog is best suited for. Lets get started!
Below is a deeper dive into each of the German Shepherd colors documented so far.
Black & Silver German Shepherd
The black and silver German Shepherd is another common color combination. Even though they look more exotic than your average GSD, breeders still breed them, as theyve been growing in popularity.
Most of the time, color distribution may vary from dog to dog. However, they will typically have a silver base on the bottom of their body and black on the top half on their body.
The hue of black can range from a dark gray to a deep black. In some instances, the German Shepherd may have silver with multiple shades of black on the coat.
These dogs are truly spectacular in terms of appearance, and its not difficult to see why theyve been more prevalent among families in the United States .
Read Also: When Do German Shepherd Ears Stand
Breeder Of Purebred Ckc Registered German Shepherds
We are a family-based kennel that breeds for the love and preservation of the German shepherd dog.. Located near Kingston, Ontario, we raise our dogs on 20 acres of land and with our 5 young children. The puppies are well accustomed to a family setting before they go home. Our German Shepherds are health screened, OFA or FCI certified hips and elbows, have strong bones, big heads and rich colors. All our German Shepherd puppies are raised with quality care from day one to insure a happy, confident, well balanced temperament. They are around children, cats and smaller dogs to make sure they will acclimate well with any kind of household. Our German Shepherd puppies are black and red in color. German Shepherd puppies for sale come current on their vaccinations, are dewormed and microchipped. We offer a health guarantee, life time support, a vet health certificate, CKC registration papers and a useful German Shepherd puppy starter package.