German Shepherd Color Options

One of the most intelligent and sought-after dog breeds around the globe is the shepherd. These animals are also distinguished by special devotion to the owner. They love children, and their children. And this, despite the fact that they are fighting dogs. We used to see the most popular among the sheepdogs - German. And hearing the word "shepherd", immediately appears the beauty of black-brown color. But this is not the only possible color of wool - there are other, more unusual. About them will be discussed in our article.

Genes and alleys - not fully studied topic. Sometimes it is unclear why the dog has this particular color. The pigment responsible for the color of the coat is melanin. In turn, it is already divided into two pigments, which are responsible for dark and reddish colors. Among the options for reddish hues can also appear yellow. We will try not to go deep into the nature of genes, but we will consider a little.

There are two types of genes: dominant and suppressed. Dominant - the main. Accordingly, most of the dog will be affected by this particular gene. The suppressed gene is secondary. Thanks to him, spots, lines, patterns will appear.

The location of the genes is the chromosome section. There are only 12 such divisions, and the variations of genes in each division are from 2 to 6. All these genes need not be in each division.

German Shepherds are divided into several types - the so-called lines. Each line is a breeding place for a given breed. There are about 10 such lines in total. Each line differs from each other in its location and its pattern. Color options are huge.

The eastern German line, the Czech, American and even the old American, are widespread. Among the unusual lines panda stands out. This dog has an incredible color of black and white, resembling the coloring of a panda. There are also varieties without a mask. Such shepherds do not have the usual pattern on the face.

And to make it clearer, you should consider all the most basic types of colors of German shepherds.

The color of the German Shepherd's coat is usually about the same. But sometimes you can not immediately understand that in front of you it is a shepherd, and not some other breed of dog. The difference may be in the length and stiffness of the wool, as well as in the figure.

Under the unusual name hides the black color of the hair on the back. The belly, neck and paws can be of several colors: from grayish to red. On the face as if wearing a mask to match the back.

Not recognized in the world community type of coloring, is rare, but it does not apply to rare color.

From the title it is clear that the colors are like wolfish. Differently colors are called zonar. The color on the hairs of the coat is arranged in rings. Each of the hairs has a black color at the end, followed by a yellow color, again black, and this ring closes a lighter shade. Erect ears and elongated muzzle - all this is combined in a sheepdog of this type.

We are accustomed to such shepherd dogs the most. In this case, there is a combination of dark brown and light yellow-orange.

Pretty rare look.Can occur in parents of standard colors, while not considered a failure in genetics. Dark brown color and long wool have a rich combination.

This type of wool in nature is quite common. It can be both weakened and darkened, saturated. Most often, black and tan color is considered a color variation - a black dog with brown spots. This suit is very similar to the coloring of Doberman.

Among all the colors, there are always exceptions - the rarest colors that nature uses to give an unusual look to a German shepherd. We will get acquainted with them.

Elite and exclusive color - black. It is very difficult to find such a dog, because there are less than 4% of them all over the world. Color looks very noble, at first glance, and you can not say that this is a German Shepherd. This color, combined with flexible temper and easy-learning, is one of the favorite combinations of dog breeders.

Black German Shepherd Dogs became a rarity gradually, as they were knitted with congeners of a black shade. Thus, the black-haired dogs became very small.

The most interesting thing is that at puppy birth, it is impossible to determine what color it will be in the future, as there is a constant change in shade. Clear color becomes only when the dog acquires upper coat. There are exceptions, when the color from childhood puppy remains the same for life.

This color is found in nature Shepherd even less. Moreover, it is the appearance of an additional gene that simply facilitates the weakening of the black pigment. In breeders such a dog is considered defective. Outwardly, on the contrary, the dog looks very cute and unusual. In addition, such dogs have blue eyes.

Very beautiful colors that look great on a dog. This color is also rejected. Sometimes it has a red tint or just goes red, which is also not the norm and standard. But the black coat with a splash of red is very welcome.

Perhaps the most controversial type of color. It is recognized only in the USA and Canada. A separate white breed was specially bred there. All over the world, this color is also a marriage.

Such a dog can not be called an albino, that is, the white color is not a mutation or deviation in health. Eyes in a dog are necessarily dark, like nose and mouth. All shepherd dogs are very peaceful towards their owners and small children, but they are wary and distrustful of strangers. White shepherds are more relaxed towards strangers, and during training, an approach to education requires a more loyal approach than to relatives.

Like the change of teeth, the very first molt is very important for the animal, including the German Shepherd. During this period, the smooth hair is replaced by the hard wool of an adult. The beginning of the molt can be observed at about 3.5-4 months. By 7 months, one can already see a clearly outlined cheprak. By the age of 10 months, growth at the withers ends, but the animal is not yet considered an adult dog.

Puppies are born very cute, plump. The number in one litter can reach twelve! And everything is likely to look about the same. Only with age will each puppy show its unique color. And from birth until about three weeks of age, they all have about one appearance - a pointed muzzle, a large black nose and a short shiny coat.

Starting from the first week, pet care requires special care. Be sure to swim 2-3 times a week, as well as combing after it. During periods of molting, the requirements of the dog increase: brushing out on a daily basis. To do this, you can either furminator, which is very convenient for animals with wool of different lengths, or a metal comb.The second is less convenient, but it may be optimal for you - each of us is individual.

So that after the first shedding the wool looked healthy, it was shiny, and its colors were saturated, you need to properly feed the puppy from the first days of life. Initially, in the first two weeks, the puppy eats mother's milk. Later begins to be introduced lure. Pay special attention to meat composition. It should be in the diet of at least 60%.

The German Shepherd is one of the smartest dog breeds. She has a stable psyche and perfectly gives in to any training, and also can perfectly adapt to any conditions of life. The German Shepherd can be a great friend and an excellent advocate for your family. But thanks to the care and proper care, the pet will become a source of pride and beauty.

For details on German Shepherd colors, see below.