Silver (Grey) German Shepherds: 7 Interesting Facts & Info

 

We’ve already put together a guide outlining the different types of German Shepherds.

The Silver German Shepherd, or Grey German Shepherd as they are sometimes called, is a coat color within the German Shepherd breed.

But, what makes this silver or wolf grey color?

It is not actually a grey or silver color gene.

The genes responsible can be found in the A series Agouti genes, and turn the German Shepherd wolf grey and black. Sound interesting? 

Below we outline how silver and grey German Shepherds are created, along with other interesting things like how buying a Silver GSD.

Let’s take a closer look!

 

(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)

 

Silver (Grey) German Shepherds: 7 Interesting Facts & Info

 

1) What Are Silver & Grey German Shepherds?

Silver German Shepherds and Grey German Shepherds are the same thing.

They are German Shepherds whose coat is a wolf grey, or silver looking color, mixed with black hair or black tipped hair.

The actual color gene is not a grey gene, but rather the agouti gene, mixed with a red hair dilution gene (turns the red hair wolf grey).

 

2) Genetic Explanation Of Silver German Shepherds

German Shepherds are not one of the dog breeds that possesses the G series Greying gene.

You can read the list of the breeds that do here.

So, how do you get Silver and Grey German Shepherds genetically?

Well, Grey and Silver German Shepherds actually come from A series – the Agouti series.

This is the same series that produces Sable German Shepherds.

They are born when this series contains at least one Agouti allele that isn’t paired with a dominant sable allele.

In it’s normal form, agouti can be almost identical to shaded sable – except for the banded hairs and pattern.

When the agouti allele is combined with red hair dilution, agouti becomes much more distinctive, as the red hairs become cream or greyish.

The result is a wolf grey dog, like the Keeshond, Vallhund or Elkhound.

This way you get a wolf grey or silver German Shepherd.

 

3) What Is A Silver German Shepherd’s Temperament Like?

Temperament is not a direct result of color in dogs – genetics is a better indicator.

Looking at the temperament of the parents can give you some indication of what the temperament of the puppy might be like.

If the parents both have stable temperaments, that’s good, especially for a family dog.

For those looking for a dog with specific characteristics, look to the bloodline the German Shepherd has come from for clues as to what genetic material the puppy might have that influence their temperament,

Temperament can also be influenced by how the dog is treated, socialised, trained and bonded with to a lesser extent.

Individual dogs can have different individual temperaments.

 

4) Where to Find Silver German Shepherd Puppies For Sale?

Have a read of these potentially useful guides:

• What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy: Ethical Step By Step Guide
• Where To Find The Best German Shepherd Breeders Near You

 

5) Where To Find Silver German Shepherds For Adoption?

Despite the myth, most dogs from shelters are not broken or aggressive.

Many are probably the opposite – they are just looking for someone to give their love to.

Thousands of dogs die in shelters and rescues every day – if you are looking for a silver or grey GSD, strongly consider them first.

Here are some very helpful guides on considerations for adopting, and where to find good shelters/rescues:

• Things To Consider When Adopting or Rescuing A German Shepherd
• Where To Find A German Shepherd Rescue or Shelter Near You

 

6) Silver German Shepherd Price – How Much Do They Cost?

On average, you might pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a pet, or family dog type grey or silver German Shepherd from a breeder.

Don’t get ripped off or buy from shady or unethical breeders – read this guide carefully.

When adopting a grey or silver German Shepherd, you might pay anywhere from $50 to $500 – which covers adoption fees.

Price can depend on many factors though.

 

7) Pictures and Photos Of Silver German Shepherd, and Grey German Shepherd Puppies and Dogs

Silver German Shepherd, and Grey German Shepherd Dog Pictures and Photos

Silver German Shepherd, and Grey German Shepherd Puppies Pictures and Photos

 

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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