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Are you looking for a complete and comprehensive analysis of the Blue German Shepherd regarding its origin, history, characteristics, or temperament? If yes, we have got your back. The blue German shepherd is a color variation of the traditional German Shepherd. It shows all the characteristics of a traditional German Shepherd except the color, as it has a stunning blue or dusted gray coat. Despite the color change, they are placed under the same roof as other German Shepherds regarding their scientific name.
Blue German Shepherds, also known as blue-nose shepherds, carry a pair of dilution genes, which is why they have blue fur and a blue nose. Some rare genetic variation is responsible for their uniqueness. This blog will explore all the information you need to know about the Blue German Shepherd.
Origin And History
The blue German Shepherd dog is a lovely, unusual, and unique breed among all GSDs. It originated when Captain Max Von Staphanitz was creating a variety of dog breeds for different purposes, like human safety and guarding sheep.
The purpose of his research was not to produce color variants but to add certain traits like intelligence and vigilance. However, the blue coat appeared unexpectedly due to the introduction of the dilution gene.
This lovely blue GSD breed became a sensation among dog enthusiasts in Germany in the 20th century and has now been accepted as a separate breed.
What Are the Genetics Behind the Blue Color?
At first, the blue color in the coat was considered a genetic defect, but recently, when the blue shepherd was considered a breed, the genetics behind the blue color were studied. The blue coat is due to the recessive dilution gene (d); as the name indicates, this gene promotes the blue color in the coat by dominating the tan color, changing the tan pigment melanin into a blue-gray color. Both parents should carry this dilution gene to see the blue-gray-colored coat in offspring.
If both parents have this gene, there is a 25% chance of its introduction in offspring and blue GSDs will be seen as offspring puppies. It is important to consider that the health of dogs should not be compromised while giving them the desired color. Due to blue color variation, there is usually no side effect on the health of Blue German Shepherds, but rare incidents occur.
Also Read: German Shepherd Day 2024 – When & How to Celebrate?
Temperament & Personality of Blue German Shepherd
Before diving into the details, one thing that is important to tell you is that you can have a blue Shepherd at your home without any fear, as they are loyal and compatible for being pets. If we discuss the nature of the blue dog, it is a very friendly and intelligent shepherd who quickly learns new things, making it easy to train. However, one thing that you must keep in mind is that this dog requires proper training and socialization to show its all-interesting traits.
Blue shepherds are confident dogs and always try to please their owners by showing their loyalty and obedience. It is emotionally stronger, and these qualities make them perfect police dogs. Moreover, Blue German shepherds remain happy in being social, love to play with kids and show too much affection to their owners.
As far as its behavior is concerned, it is a calm dog who is always seen as peaceful except in alarming situations, like if someone attacks its family. It will take no time to become aggressive. So, if you want to make a blue German shepherd your pet, go on, as they will prove to be excellent pets as well as your friends.
Physical Characteristics of Blue German Shepherd
How Do They Appear?
Apart from their color, Blue German Shepherds appear similar to traditional GSDs. They have bushy tails, a muscular build, pointed ears, and intelligent facial gestures. They are physically strong, have neither heavy nor light bodies, and have wide or deep chests to accommodate their large lungs and smooth gait.
One of their unique features is their eyes, which show a variety of eye colors and sometimes have blue eyes, making them different from other GSDs.
Blue Coat and Markings
Generally, Blue Colored German Shepherds have solid blue coats, but sometimes, we can see blue or tan markings on their bodies. The purpose of their heavy coat is to protect them from bad weather and maintain their well-being. If we look at the texture of the coat, it is a double-layered coat, a soft undercoat, and an outer coat that is hard to make strong but requires regular care to maintain coat health.
Variations In Coat color
German Shepherd Blue is called so because of its blue coat, usually known as steel blue GSD. However, it shows variations in coat color, as we have seen it in different colors or the same color with different-colored markings. So, they are divided into different types depending upon the color of their coat.
- Blue And Tan German Shepherds: These are blue German Shepherds with tan-colored markings on the coat.
- Blue Brindle German Shepherd: It has a blue coat with a brindle pattern and requires regular maintenance.
- Blue Merle German Shepherd: It has a blue coat with dark gray patches, making its appearance more striking and unique.
- Blue Fawn German Shepherd: This German shepherd has a blue-colored face, but the rest of the body has a fawn-like appearance.
- Blue pied German shepherd: It has a white colored coat with blue patches on it.
- Long-haired blue German Shepherd: As clear from the name, they have a long blue-gray coat with dense fur.
- Blue Silver German Shepherd: It has a blue coat with a prominent gray-colored sheen, which makes it more attractive.
What Is the Size and Weight of Blue GSDs?
Blue German Shepherds are considered medium to large dogs that can grow up to 22-26 inches along the shoulders. Male Blue GSDs Are usually between 24-26 inches in height, while female Blue GSDs are between 22-24 inches in height, and their weight is typically between 50 and 90 pounds.
How Much Is a Blue German Shepherd?
The price of a Blue German Shepherd is not the same among all breeders as it depends upon many factors. Blue German Shepherd cost is according to the breeder’s reputation. Breeders who put extra effort into training Blue GSDs and spend more money on their food and health offer high costs. Typically, you can buy a Blue German Shepherd for between 2500 and 5000 USD, and its price differs according to region and breeder.
Major Health Issues
You are well aware of the reasons behind German Shepherds’ blue color, right? They are the result of the recessive gene appearance that is (d). Due to this, Blue GSDs develop serious health problems that aren’t that easy to cure.
A study shows that in the UK, 16.3% of blue GSDs die of musculoskeletal issues, 14.9% due to the inability to stand, and 5.54% due to bone diseases. The following health issues are common in blue GSDs
- Color Dilution Alopecia: Between 6 months and 3 years of age, skin problems with hair loss start to appear, and it can be recognized by patchy hair loss. This condition is known as CDA (Color Dilution Alopecia). This disease is due to a recessive gene that affects the ability of hair development and growth.
- Eye Diseases: Eye problems, such as pink eye, cataracts, and glaucoma, are also seen in Blue German Shepherds. These diseases often cause vision loss and serious pain in dogs’ eyes.
- Bone Diseases: Blue German shepherds develop genetic diseases related to bones, such as hip dysplasia, in which the dog is unable to move its hip joint, causing a permanent inability to move, leading to arthritis.
- Other Health Issues: In addition to the above diseases and disorders, Blue German Shepherds can also develop nervous issues like epilepsy, stomach issues like bloating, hyperthyroidism, and several allergies.
Acceptance In American Kennel Club
Does the American Kennel Club (AKC) accept the Blue German Shepherd as a separate breed? The answer is simply “No.” Although many canine clubs in the US accept Blue GSD as a separate Breed, the AKC claims that it is a unique breed but does place it under a separate breed of German Shepherd because, according to the AKC, GSD occurs only in tan with black markings, black, silver, and white coat.
The reason behind this rejection is the gene responsible for the blue color, a dilution gene. This is a recessive gene, due to which AKC considers a blue coat a form of genetic defect and serious fault, as blue German Shepherds are more likely to develop serious health issues. Some breeders are trying to convince AKC to accept the Blue GSD as a separate breed, but the matter is under debate.
Blue German Shepherd Care & Nutrition
A Well-Balanced Diet
Blue German Shepherds need a fully defined and well-balanced diet; otherwise, they can have difficulties related to their growth. Due to their large physique, they can develop obesity, so they need food with calculated portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
On the contrary, they need 25 % protein in every meal, and it is really important to make them furry. If you want to add something new to their diet, you must test their tolerance for it first, as Blue German Shepherds usually have stomach bloating problems.
Blue GSDs Need Regular Exercise!
Blue German Shepherds grow very fast, so they need at least 60-120 minutes of exercise daily to be active and healthy. Breeders know how to complete this exercise duration, so they split this time between walks, play, and obedience training.
But if you train your dog yourself, you need preventive measures. Blue German Shepherds are already prone to bone and joint diseases, so excessive exercise can harm them. That’s why you need to be careful.
Routine For Care & Grooming
Due to its large size and double coat, the Blue German Shepherd requires regular grooming. It would be best if you took the following measures regularly.
- Brush their coat daily to prevent tangling as they shed their hair every day.
- They need mental stimulation, so play with them daily and keep them with your children so they stay active.
- Clip their nails at least once a month, which is better for you and them, and bathe them with dog shampoo twice a week.
- Take great care of their teeth by brushing every day and try to wash their mouth with rinses.
Conclusion
Blue German shepherds are unique color variants of traditional German shepherds and are becoming a sensation due to their attractive colors and eye colors. No canine organization in the US has accepted them as a separate breed except the American Kennel Club. If you are thinking of buying a Blue German Shepherd, you don’t have to wait for it, as they prove to be a perfect pet.
