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German shepherd dogs are very popular in the United States. Many people think german shepherds only come in black and tan, but they actually come in a variety of colors! One of the rarest is the blue german shepherd. These beautiful dogs have the same smarts and personality as regular german shepherds, but their coat is a stunning blue or gray. With the same temperament and characteristics of the standard german shepherd, this breed is a relatively new addition to the germen shepherd family.

If you are interested in this blue german shepherd and their unique colors and coats, then keep reading below and check whether one of these dogs might be best fit for you!

History of Blue German Shepherd

German Shepherds started out as herding dogs, but they’ve become superstars in many jobs! They help people in all sorts of ways, like guiding the blind, searching for missing people, and even working with the police and military.

These pups come in many fur colors, and the blue german shepherd is one of the rarest. Nobody knows exactly when they first showed up. Some breeders believe the blue coat should be celebrated and the Blue German Shepherd established as a separate breed. But it is normally are opinions of different peoples according to there research.

Although the German Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a group that sets breed standards for dogs, recognizes German Shepherds. However, they consider the blue coat to be a flaw, just like a liver-colored coat.

There’s big debate about this blue fur. Some folks say the color doesn’t change the dog’s personality or abilities, and they deserve AKC recognition. Others worry the blue coat is caused by a gene issue and shouldn’t be bred for anymore.

Breed Origin

In Germany, late 1800s. Captain Max von Stephanitz had a vision – a strong, intelligent working dog. By breeding various herding dogs, he created the German Shepherd we know today. These dogs came in various colors, including black and tan, which is the most common.

Fast forward a bit, and some breeders noticed a special effect. When a German Shepherd inherits a recessive gene from both parents, a color dilution occurs. This dilution transforms the usual black into a beautiful blue-gray, making the Blue German Shepherd a sight to behold.

So, the Blue German Shepherd isn’t a new breed, but rather a color variation within the existing breed. These blue beauties share the same fantastic qualities as their black and tan counterparts – intelligence, loyalty, and trainability.

Characteristics Of Blue German Shepherd

The blue german shepherd is not a mixed breed and is simply a variation of the standard german shepherd dog. Actually they have many colors, with the blue variation being the rarest. These blue beauties share the same personality and traits as regular German Shepherds, Therefore, these dogs carry the same characteristics and temperament. However, they are much more rare and are a lot more expensive than a normal german shepherd.

However, their rarity comes with a price tag. While a standard Shepherd puppy might cost $300-$700, a blue one can set you back $1,500-$2,500, although the price may vary depending on the breeder. Finding a breeder can also be trickier, as many focus on the more common black and tan variety. Remember, always choose a reputable breeder no matter the coat color!

Appearance

Did you know there’s a stunning variation of the classic German Shepherd? The Blue German Shepherd! Just like their standard counterparts, they’re a large breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. The main difference is their eye-catching coat, which comes in a beautiful shade of blue or gray.

Standing tall, males can reach up to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically no taller than 24 inches and weighing 55 to 73 pounds. These pups have a strong, athletic build with a noble-looking head, featuring a long, square muzzle and erect ears. Their long necks are held low when they’re on the move, adding to their powerful and alert appearance. It’s no wonder they’re often compared to their wolf ancestors!

Color

The Blue German Shepherd has a fur color that might surprise you a little! It’s not exactly a bright blue, but more of a smoky gray or even a darkish blue. The color won’t change how friendly or smart these dogs are, though. While the blue coat is the most distinctive feature, some Blue German Shepherds may also have lighter-colored eyes, adding to their captivating look. We’ll learn more about their personality next!

Coat

German Shepherds come in two fur types: short or long. No matter the length, their fur is like a double layer sandwich. The top layer, called the guard hair, is thick and protects them like a shield. Underneath is a soft, fluffy layer called the undercoat, which keeps them warm like a cozy sweater.

This double fur does mean they shed a lot, so they might not be the best choice for people with allergies. But don’t worry! We’ll talk about how to take care of their fur later on, and how brushing them regularly can help reduce shedding.

Temperament

German Shepherds are super loyal and love their families. They were bred to work, so they see their job as keeping you safe. They are like watchful guards and might bark if they sense danger. Training is important for all dogs, but especially for German Shepherds. This helps them behave well around the family, including kids.

These dogs are full of energy and love playing outside. They’re also very smart and need things to keep their minds active. If left alone for too long, they can get bored and act out because they miss you. So, if you’re out all day, a German Shepherd might not be the best fit.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. While this might seem short, with proper care including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventative veterinary checkups, your blue Shepherd can live for many happy years by your side.

Blue German Shephered Health Problems

Just like any other dog, Blue German Shepherds can sometimes get sick. They tend to get the same illnesses that other German Shepherds get.

The most common problem for German Shepherds is with their elbows and hips. This is called dysplasia, which means the joints aren’t formed correctly. This can cause a lot of pain and make it harder for your dog to walk or run.

Because Blue German Shepherds come from a similar family of dogs, they might also inherit other health problems. One condition is called degenerative myelopathy, which slowly weakens the spine. This isn’t painful, but it can make it tough for your dog to move around. Another problem can be heart defects your dog is born with, like a narrow valve or a hole in the heart.

Another concern is bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach bloats and twists. Feeding smaller meals and avoiding strenuous exercise after eating can help prevent bloat. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, can also strike. Watch for hind leg weakness and consult your vet if you notice any signs.

The good news is, with proper diet, exercise, and preventative care, your Blue Shepherd can live a long and healthy life.

Daily Life

Now that we’ve learned about what Blue German Shepherds are like, let’s see what it’s really like to live with one every day. Just like regular German Shepherds, Blue ones can be great friends for many people. But because they’re big, strong, and love to exercise, they need a bit more care than some other dogs.

Below we will cover their food and diet, exercise, training, social life and their grooming.

Food And Diet

Blue Shepherds are big dogs, so they need to eat a lot of food to keep their energy up. Vets say they need about 20 bites of food for every pound of their weight each day. For a 75-pound dog, that’s about 3 cups of food. Always check the bag of dog food to see the exact amount for your pup’s weight, since it can vary a bit.

When your Blue Shepherd is a little guy, they need to eat 3 or 4 smaller meals a day. This is important for big breeds because they can get a very serious tummy ache called bloat. Once your dog is full grown, you can switch them down to just 2 meals a day. If you’re really busy, one big meal might be okay too.

Just like for people, healthy food is important for dogs too. Their food should have all the good stuff they need to grow strong, like protein, fat, and carbs. High-quality dry dog food, called kibble, is a great choice for most Blue Shepherds. Some people like to feed their dogs raw food, but that can be trickier to get right. If you choose kibble, look for a kind made especially for big dogs.

Best Dog Food For Your German Shephered Recccommended By Us

Exercise

German Shepherds have a long history of working jobs. This means they need lots of fun things to do to keep their minds and bodies happy. That’s why they need a good amount of exercise every day, like 1 hour to an hour and a half. This can include walks in the park, playing fetch, or learning tricks.

Since they like to run around a lot, a big backyard would be great for them, but a small apartment might not be the best fit. If your Shepherd doesn’t get enough exercise, they might get frustrated and bored, and maybe even chew on things they shouldn’t.

These dogs love going for hikes and walks with their favorite people, and they even like to swim! Just make sure you have time to spend outdoors with them before getting a German Shepherd. They can be awesome exercise partners!

An important thing to remember is that German Shepherds are big dogs, so be careful not to give them too much exercise when they’re puppies. Their bones are still growing, and too much running or jumping can hurt them. A good rule is to only exercise them for 5 minutes for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would only need about 20 minutes of exercise a day.

Training

German Shepherds are bright dogs who love to learn tricks and commands. The best way to train them is with positive reinforcement, which means rewarding them with treats and praise when they do something right. Just like us, they don’t like being yelled at or punished, so keep things positive!

Training Tips

• Exercise First: A tired dog is a good learner! Take your German Shepherd for a walk or playtime before a training session.
• Hide and Seek: Since German Shepherds are natural detectives, hide treats around the house and have them sniff them out. This is a fun way to train and keep them mentally stimulated.

Grooming

German Shepherds have a double coat, which means they have a thick layer of fur underneath a longer topcoat. This fur will fall out, and these dogs shed a lot, especially twice a year. Regular brushing helps control the shedding, so be prepared to brush your dog often.

• Short haired dogs: Brush twice a week.
• Long haired dogs: Brush every day to prevent matting.

While they shed a lot, German Shepherds don’t need baths very often. Bathing too much can remove the natural oils from their fur, making it dry and itchy. Only bathe them every 3-4 months or when they get really dirty.

Conlusion

In conclusion, the blue German Shepherd is a stunning canine with a coat as unique as its temperament. While their rarity might make them stand out, these loyal pets share the same intelligence and trainability as their standard counterparts. If you’re looking for a gorgeous and hardworking dog, a blue German Shepherd could be your perfect match. Just remember to prioritize health over coat color by choosing a reputable breeder who focuses on well rounded pups.

Don’t Forget to Read Our Previous Blog on the Topic of Signs Your Dog Needs To Be Neutered! (2024)