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German Shepherds have been a long-standing favorite among dog lovers for years! It’s really no wonder. They have proven to be extremely useful for service-related tasks as well as general companionship.
You might be familiar with the standard tan and black coloration, and possibly even black or sable. What you might be less familiar with is the gorgeous blue coloration. But is this color accepted by kennel clubs? Is it something that is easy to find?
In this article, we’re going to go over a little history on the German Shepherd breed and learn a little more information about the blue color.
Breed Overview
Height:
24–26 inches
Weight:
50–90 pounds
Lifespan:
9–13 years
Colors:
Blue, but also black and tan and black and sable
Suitable for:
Active families, service, emotional support
Temperament:
Loyal, intelligent, easy to train, protective
The blue color is considered a dilute gene. So essentially, it takes the already gorgeous colors of the German Shepherd, and simply tames them down, creating a bluish-gray hue on the fur instead of the standard black and tan color.
Blue German Shepherd Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Blue German Shepherds in History
Even though you might just be hearing of the blue color variation in German Shepherds, it’s actually been around for quite some time. One of the very first German Shepherds with the blue coat coloration was born in 1899.
That means that this particular color has been around for over 100 years. Hornand von Grafrath had a distinctive blue-gray coat, and the prevalence of the color has been growing ever since.
How Blue German Shepherds Gained Popularity
German Shepherds quickly gained popularity after their near extinction following World War II. These dogs have only increased over the years, consistently remaining in the top five most popular dogs the AKC has to offer. It’s really no wonder. These dogs have an exquisite sense of intelligence.
Formal Recognition of the Blue German Shepherd
German Shepherds are an incredibly old dog breed. They were first recognized by the United Kennel Club, or the UKC, in 1924. Interestingly, the American Kennel Club in the United States recognized them before that, setting the breed standard in 1908.
While the blue color variation isn’t specifically specified in the AKC regulations, the only color not accepted for German Shepherds is white. So technically the blue color variation would not count against them.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Blue German Shepherds
1. The blue color comes from a rare pigmentation.
The blue coloration in the German Shepherd actually comes from a recessive dilute gene that lightens the normal black pigment in the coat, eyes, nose, foot pads, lips, and toenails.
2. Blue can come in many color patterns of the shepherd.
Not only can the blue German Shepherd come in several different hues from steel to powder, but it can also come in all the different color patterns. That means it can have the traditional markings of the brown and tan, with the blue color variation, of course. It can also show up in the sable coat.
3. Blue-coated German Shepherds might have blue eyes.
What is interesting about a blue German Shepherd is that they might also have blue eyes. It is the only color variation of German Shepherd that can have this feature, unless they are mixed with another breed.
4. German Shepherds are notorious for their awesome capabilities.
German Shepherds, despite their color, have insane learning potential. They are one of the smartest dogs of all breeds and can learn a variety of concepts from simple to extremely complex.
Remember that German Shepherds require a lot of stimulation in a day. This involves both mental and physical activity. If you don’t exercise your German Shepherd properly, they can develop a lot of destructive tendencies and poor behaviors.
Does the Blue German Shepherd Make a Good Pet?
The German Shepherd can make an amazing pet, despite the color. These dogs are incredibly intuitive and intelligent, capable of picking up a variety of concepts. If you own a German Shepherd, you can teach them to do just about anything.
Early socialization is very important to ensure a well-rounded dog. You should always purchase a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder with a history of successful litters. With a dog like a German Shepherd, they are often associated with aggression, so getting proper genetics is essential.
Luckily, there are plenty of German Shepherds in the world, so the likelihood that you can find one at a rescue or shelter is incredibly high. If this type of dog interests you, you should try to price out the blue color, as you will find that they are much more expensive than traditional German Shepherds due to their rarity.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little bit more about the history of the blue German Shepherd. If you find that this dog is still of interest, you can always look at local rescues and shelters.
However, if you want a little puppy that can grow and develop with your family, you should always look for blue German Shepherds from a licensed, reputable breeder to ensure temperament.
Featured Image Credit: LightTheurgist, Shutterstock
