We’ve already put together a guide outlining the different types of German Shepherds – we make mention of Blue GSDs in that guide.
In the guide below, we’ve got more specific and covered 8 important bits of info about the Blue GSD.
For example, did you know blue coats and fur occurs in most breeds of dogs, and can be more common in the herding breeds like Great Danes and Border Collies?
There is always a lot of intrigue in these types of dogs, and a bit of confusion too.
Here is what we know about the Blue German Shepherd …
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
Blue German Shepherd: 8 Things To Know
1) What is a Blue or Sable German Shepherd?
Blue German Shepherds are a color variation of the German Shepherd dog breed.
2) Appearance Of Blue German Shepherds
They have blue coloring to their coats/fur and eyes, and tend to come in three main blue color variations:
Blue and Tan
Blue and Sable. Sable is a dark brown, almost black shade of color.
Blue and Black. These GSDs have a steel blue appearance – a blueish grey.
3) Genetics Of A Blue German Shepherd
German Shepherds have two types of genes, or alleles, that determine their color and appearance.
Firstly, they have the color type gene, which gives the available colors of the fur.
Secondly, they have the markings or fur pattern gene which determines the distribution of the color across the fur on the body i.e. whether a GSD (German Shepherd Dog) is born a solid color, or bi color etc.
Blue German Shepherd are similar to Liver German Shepherds, but different to the White German Shepherds and Black German Shepherds, in the way that their coloring develops.
White and Black German Shepherds receive their coloring when the recessive white or black color gene is passed down to the puppy from a parent.
Other colors in the genetic material are not affected.
Blue German Shepherds and Liver German Shepherds are created when the double blue or liver recessive gene is passed to the puppy.
But, the difference is that in Blue German Shepherds the blue gene dilutes/partially blocks the other color, usually black.
In Liver German Shepherds, the liver gene blocks the black color gene altogether.
This means in a Blue German Shepherd’s coat, any black pigmentation/coloring will be be much lighter.
No black pigmentation will appear at all in a Liver German Shepherd.
4) What Do Blue German Shepherd Puppies Look Like?
The dilution or or blocking of other colors in a Blue German Shepherd puppy occurs mainly in the coat, nose leather, foot pads, eye rims, and lips. And of course, their eyes.
Below is a good description of Blue German Shepherd puppy eye color by Bluedogs.8m.com:
“Most Blue German Shepherds have lighter colored eyes, including but not limited to, yellow, amber, and varying shades of light brown.
When puppies first open their eyes they are colored blue. This is due to a protective film nature provides.
Blue colored German Shepherd puppies often retain this blue eye color 8-10 weeks after birth which is much longer than a puppy not affected by this dilution gene.”
Of course, you can have a look at photos of Blue German Shepherds and Blue German Shepherd Puppies below:
5) Blue German Shepherds and the AKC: Standards and Conformance
The AKC (American Kennel Club) has their own standard when it comes to German Shepherds.
According to this standard, Blue German Shepherds in color are considered serious faults in an appearance based dog show:
“The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified.”
6) Are Any Problems Caused By Their Color?
In short, it’s unlikely.
Once again, Bluedogs.8m.com does a great job clearing this up:
“The coat color is simply that. A color. It has no effect on intelligence, temperament, or working ability.
As of now, no evidence exists that these coat colors affect their health in any way.
It is true that other breeds have problems with blue coat colors; Dobermans are a good example and can often suffer from skin problems like Alopecia.
This however, is not the case in the German Shepherd breed.”
7) Where Can I Find Breeders and Blue German Shepherd for Sale?
You can adopt from a shelter or rescue centre, or buy from a breeder.
It is encouraged to adopt as a first priority because there are so many loving and sociable dogs that are looking for a caring owner and loving home.
Good breeders that care about their dogs can be hard to find, but they are out there.
When looking at buying or adopting a GSD, have a read of these guides first:
Things To Consider When Adopting or Rescuing A German Shepherd
What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy: Ethical Step By Step Guide
Where To Find A German Shepherd Rescue or Shelter Near You
Where To Find The Best German Shepherd Breeders Near You
8) How Much Do Blue German Shepherds Cost?
There is no doubt that Blue German Shepherds are rare and uncommon.
They generally come out of designer or specialty breeding programs, or sometimes come out randomly in litters of regular breeding programs.
On average, you might pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a pet, or family dog type Black German Shepherd from a breeder.
What you pay for your Blue German Shepherd will depend on the morals of the breeder, and how much they perceive these dogs to be worth – which varies breeder to breeder.
Don’t get ripped off or buy from shady or unethical breeders – read this guide carefully.
When adopting a Blue German Shepherd, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $500 – which covers adoption fees.
More Information & Facts About The German Shepherd Dog Breed
We’ve put together this guide with over 100 interesting pieces of information and facts about the German Shepherd Dog Breed.
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My German shepherd was solid blue and turned almost or Is solid black now. But tends to be lightning his color a little.
If you put your dog next to a black.dog, you will see the difference in your dogs color from.black. Your dog is more like charcoal grey i suspect. And it would be most likely called steel blue rather than powder blue. Even my powder blue Puppy is starting to turn.steel.blue.