The traditional black and brown color scheme first comes to mind when most people see a German Shepherd. And yet, you probably weren’t aware that there’s a spectrum of possible German Shepherd coat colors just like German shepherd eye colors. So, to blow your mind, we present the German Shepherd Color Chart.
There are several reasons why the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The German Shepherd is not only a beautiful pet for families but also a highly skilled and versatile worker.
These canines are well-known for their roles as service animals, such as guide dogs, military or police dogs, herders, SAR specialists, and drug sniffing puppies.
These canines are very robust and energetic. They thrive in an active household where they can participate in the fun, but if not, they might get bored and irritated.
Even though they tend to be darker, GSDs may be found in various colors and patterns. You’d be mistaken if you assumed their only available colors would be black and brown. Here we explore a variety of the most beautiful colorations of German Shepherds.
Also read: German Shepherd Ear positions
German Shepherd Colors list
- Gold
A clever and affectionate breed of golden retrievers and German shepherds, golden shepherds make for great family pets.
Like other hybrids, golden shepherds inherit characteristics from both of their parents. They may appear just like one of their parents, the German shepherd or the golden retriever, or they could be a strange hybrid of the two.
- Sable
The sand coloration of German Shepherds is the most frequent. In reality, this allows for a wide variety of color schemes.
Sable dogs are more uniform in appearance than canines of any other color in this breed. That is to say. There are no blatantly different-hued regions; the color is consistent throughout.
Greys of many tones, including those that lean toward red and brown, may be found within this palette.
- Black
The black coat gene is recessive in German Shepherds, making it more difficult to find a pure black dog. However, not every dog classified as a “black German Shepherd” is jet black.
Other black German Shepherd Dogs have brown hair on their paws or toes, and some have white markings on their chests. However, this is a negligible proportion. German Shepherds with any other color on their coat are still classified as black.
Although black German Shepherds are not as prevalent as those of other colors, you may still find them. Avoid paying more because breeders want to make a buck from the dog’s supposed rarity or uniqueness.
- Blanketed
One kind of Shepherd is the black-blanketed German shepherd. They have thicker black coats and are more significant than average canines. This coat will cover you up like a warm blanket. Because of this, these dogs are often referred to as Black Blanketed German Shepherds.
They are entirely covered in black fur. The hair on their coat is quite dense. The bottom half of the body is covered with golden hair.
- Saddle
A black and tan GSD German Shepherd resembles black and silver in that both have a black saddle across their backs; however, the design and shade of the saddle varies from dog to dog.
Black and silver coats, like silver GSDs, result from the recessive intensity suppression gene.
Although sometimes seen in working dog lines, this coloring is unusual in AKC show rings. Due to their lack of nighttime visibility, these dogs should only be taken for walks while wearing a collar with an LED light.
- Bi-color
The black and tan German Shepherd has a sister breed, the bi-colored GSD. The bulk of their coat is black, with brown patterns around the paws and legs and perhaps on the face.
This breed of dog is said to have a 9:1 black-to-tan ratio.
- Liver
The gene for liver hair often co-occurs with the gene for stunning amber eyes, making this liver/brown color a rare occurrence. Both biology and evolution succeeded in their goal of linking these two genes.
The coats of German Shepherds that are classified as the liver may be a variety of shades, from light brown to deeper, warmer browns that almost approach red. The coat may also have little amounts of color that subtly interweave with the brown.
Liver and tan, liver and white, and solid liver are the three most common forms of liver pigmentation. The American Kennel Club approves of all three of them.
- Panda
The Panda German Shepherd is a highly unusual breed. True to its moniker, this creature’s fur mimics a panda. Contrary to widespread assumption, this dog is not a hybrid but a purebred German Shepherd.
The mother of these puppies is a pure black GSD, while the father is black and tan. Both parents are from working lines—a rare genetic mutation results in the creation of the Panda German Shepherd.
Even though these dogs have the more common black and tan coloring, you should expect to see white patches on their fur. Between 35 and 40 percent of their bodies might be white.
- White
The AKC’s breed standard for German Shepherds expressly disqualifies dogs of any color other than black or tan that are mentioned in this German shepherd color chart. Still, we couldn’t resist including this beauty because of our look at him. Stunning in appearance, white German Shepherds are highly desirable. Don’t bother trying to persuade me differently.
The dog’s white fur makes it appear like a wolf and gives it an aura of mystery. Their calm demeanor and athletic build make them seem like Samoyed, but the mistake is easily corrected.
Also read: German Shepherd Puppy exercise guide
FAQs
What is the rarest color of the German Shepherd?
Due to a recessive mix of liver and blue, the Isabella coloration of German Shepherds is the rarest. Finding a puppy like that will take a long time, and you may expect to pay a lot of money for him.
Which color is the German Shepherd best?
In the show ring, black and tan German Shepherds are preferred, with sable coming in second. Black-and-tan coats dominate the solid black recessive gene but are recessive to the most dominant sable gene.
What is the rarest kind of German Shepherd?
Due to a recessive mix of liver and blue, the Isabella coloration of German Shepherds is the rarest.
What are the different colors of German Shepherds called?
As you can see from the German Shepherd Color Chart, a wide variety of coat colors can be seen in this breed.
“There are three faithful friends: an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.”
Benjamin Franklin
Conclusion
German Shepherds come in a wide variety of colors, as shown in this German shepherd color chart. Choose a dog whose coloration you like, but don’t make your decision just on aesthetics.
Issues with the spine and hips are common in German Shepherds. Make sure the dog’s breeder prioritizes health while making selections, rather than color, before purchasing a puppy. A beautiful but unhealthy dog is something you should never have to deal with, so be careful.