You have heard of the German Shepherd, but what about the panda German Shepherd? Thanks to a gene mutation, these dogs are white, black, and tan and tend to have markings around their eyes that are reminiscent of a panda.

Breed Overview

This mutation is fairly rare, so these dogs are hard to come by; however, if you do find one, it’s important to understand whether this breed is a good fit for you and your family. In this article, we will cover every aspect of owning a panda German Shepherd.

Panda German Shepherd Characteristics

Panda German Shepherd Puppies

If you are interested in buying a panda German Shepherd puppy, you should know that they are quite rare. Make sure to do your research when looking for a breeder; unfortunately, not all breeders run their businesses with the health and well-being of the animals in mind. This is especially true when it comes to a panda German Shepherd. Due to the rarity of this mutation and the fact that they can be sold for a lot of money, some breeders are more focused on producing as many dogs as possible, regardless of how healthy they are.

A good breeder will perform health testing, including testing for joint dysplasia. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel satisfied that the breeder is running their practice ethically. Consider it a red flag when a breeder dodges your questions or refuses to let you visit their breeding facility.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Panda German Shepherds

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Overall, German Shepherds are very good with kids. They are very protective of their families, and your kids are no different. Not only will your kids love playing with your panda German Shepherd, but they can help your dog get the exercise they need, too. However, it is important to understand that German Shepherds are large dogs that can be aggressive if they feel it is warranted.

Additionally, a dog that has not been well socialized may not be suitable for your kids. Teach your kids how to properly interact with your dog, and always supervise playtime between your panda German Shepherd and your children, especially if they are small. A dog the size of a German Shepherd can easily knock over small children if it gets too excited.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

If socialized with your other pets, your panda German Shepherd should have no problem with other animals in your household. However, it is important to understand that some German Shepherds (particularly males) may feel territorial around other male dogs. Some panda German Shepherds may also have a tendency to chase after smaller animals such as cats. To prevent problems, it may be best to limit your household to one pet if you plan to get a panda German Shepherd.

Things to Know When Owning a Panda German Shepherd:

Food & Diet Requirements

German Shepherds are large, very active dogs. As a result, they require high-quality, high-protein food. When searching for the right dog food, make sure to look for foods that have between 18 and 22 percent protein. The exact amount of food your dog needs depends heavily on their weight (and ideal weight), age, and activity level. Charts such as this one from PetMD are a good start when you are trying to decide how much food to give your dog each day but talk to your veterinarian about your specific dog’s needs.

Exercise

German Shepherds are one of the most active breeds out there. These athletic dogs need around 2 hours of exercise per day. You can combine daily walks with visits to the dog park, runs, hikes, and playtime in the backyard to satisfy this requirement. It is very important that your dog expends their energy; if they get bored or restless, they may start exhibiting some undesirable behaviors, such as chewing or barking. If you don’t know whether you have the time to dedicate to making sure your panda German Shepherd gets enough exercise, you should probably look for a different breed.

Training

German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent working dog breeds out there. As a result, your panda German Shepherd should be fairly easy to train. However, when training a dog like a German Shepherd, it is important to carry yourself with confidence and train consistently. You need your dog to understand that you are the leader of your family’s pack. Additionally, you will get good results if you use positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors. Offer treats whenever your panda GSD does something you want them to do. Eventually, you can stop offering treats but continue offering praise. You will find that your dog aims to please, so make sure to let them know when they do something good!

Grooming ✂️

Panda German Shepherds shed throughout the year, so it’s important to groom them regularly to avoid having a lot of dog hair in your home. Plan to brush your German Shepherd at least two to three times per week. You can also make use of deshedding tools and rakes to help thin out your panda GSD’s coat. In terms of bathing, you should bathe your panda German Shepherd when they’re dirty, but try not to do it more than once per month. Bathing too often will strip your dog’s coat of important oils that help keep it healthy.

In addition to brushing, you should clean your panda German Shepherd’s ears on a weekly basis. Trim their nails about once a month to keep them from getting too long.

Health and Conditions

The German Shepherd, including the panda German Shepherd, is a relatively healthy breed. However, as with all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Below, we have listed some of the most common health conditions you need to be aware of if you adopt a panda German Shepherd.

Male vs. Female

Like humans, each individual dog has its own unique personality. There are certain characteristics that may present more prominently in males or females, respectively, but you should know that these are just generalizations.

That being said, German Shepherd owners have noted some key differences between male and female dogs. Generally speaking, each of the sexes has its own advantages and disadvantages. Females are usually friendlier than males, who tend to be territorial. However, females are usually more protective of their family than males, who are usually more protective of their “turf.” Females tend to be easier to train and less sensitive around strangers, whereas males tend to be larger and overall better watchdogs.

The best way to find out about a dog’s personality is to spend some time with them. That way, you will get a sense of their temperament.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Panda German Shepherd

1. The Panda German Shepherd is no different from other German Shepherds—with the exception of its coat color.

The panda German Shepherd is a purebred GSD with a mutation of its KIT gene, which makes its coat black and white instead of the classic black and tan German Shepherd colors. Even though it is purebred, the panda German Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC because its white markings are considered to be faults.

2. The Panda German Shepherd mutation is fairly new.

The first German Shepherd who is known to have had this mutation was discovered in 2000.

3. The Panda German Shepherd is also known as the piebald German Shepherd.

Like the Piebald horse, the term “piebald” means that the animal’s coat has an irregular pattern made up of two colors, typically black and white.

Summing Up

Overall, the panda German Shepherd can make a wonderful pet. They are loyal, intelligent creatures that are fairly easy to train and will make protecting your family their number one priority. However, panda German Shepherds are not for everyone. First of all, they are fairly rare and expensive animals that could take some time to track down. If you aren’t willing to dedicate time and serious money to adopting one of these dogs, you may want to consider another breed. Additionally, all German Shepherds are very active animals. If you would prefer not to spend 2 hours a day making sure your dog gets some exercise, the panda GSD is not for you. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of these dogs before purchasing one.

• See Also: Old German Shepherd Dog Breed Guide: Pictures, Info, Care & More

Featured Image Credit: Reza Abdollahi, Shutterstock