There is a misconception that German Shepherds only come in one color – black and tan. The Blue German Shepherd is one of the rarest colors of the German Shepherd. In addition to having the same temperament and characteristics as the standard German Shepherd, this breed is relatively new.
History of the Blue German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog, but over the years they have proven themselves to be wonderful working dogs and have taken on roles such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, police dogs, and military dogs, as well as just companion dogs!
German Shepherds come in a variety of colors. One of the rarest variations of the German Shepherd is the Blue German Shepherd, which is difficult to date.
German Shepherds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but their blue color is considered a serious flaw. The liver-colored German Shepherd follows the same rule.
As the blue coloring of the Shepherd does not change its characteristics, many say it should be recognized by the AKC. Others, however, argue that the blue is the result of a gene mutation and should have been bred out over time.
Breed Origin of Blue German Shepherd
The Blue German Shepherd’s breed origin can be understood by looking at the German Shepherd’s breed origin. The German Shepherd was discovered by Von Stephanitz at a dog show, who decided that it was the perfect standard for a working dog. A German Shepherd dog named Horand was adopted by him, and he founded the German Shepherd Dog Society, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde.
In order to produce German Shepherd litters, Horand was bred alongside dogs with similar appearances. The AKC recognized them in 1908 after they first appeared in the United States in 1906.
Blue German Shepherd Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Canidae |
| Genus | Canis |
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus |
Characteristics of the Blue German Shepherd
Blue German Shepherds are not mixed breeds, but simply variations of the standard GSD. Therefore, these dogs have similar characteristics and temperaments. However, they are much rarer and more expensive.
A standard GSD puppy will cost between $300 and $700. Blue German Shepherd puppies can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 depending on the breeder. Buying from a reputable breeder is always a good idea.
Normally, blue German Shepherd puppies are born in a litter of one to fifteen puppies. Many breeders choose to breed the more standard and more popular black and tan GSD, which can make finding a breeder difficult.
Appearance of Blue German Shepherd
The Blue German Shepherd is very similar to other German Shepherds, and the main difference is the color of their fur. It is a large breed of dog that weighs between 75 and 95 pounds and stands up to 26 inches tall. There is always a slight difference between the male and female, and the female will weigh between 55 and 73 pounds and stand no taller than 24″.
The muzzle of these dogs is long and square with a domed shape. While running or prowling, they have erect ears and long necks. Often compared to their wolf ancestors, they are a very strong breed.
Coat
German Shepherds have two coats — a medium coat or a long coat. Both dogs have double coats, with a dense guard layer and a softer undercoat which helps keep them warm when they are out working.
There is a possibility that these dogs may not be the best choice for those with allergies since they shed a lot. A proper grooming routine, which we will discuss below, can help reduce the amount of shedding these dogs produce.
Color
Blue German Shepherds have blue coats, as you might expect! However, the appearance of these coats makes them appear more gray or black than blue. As we will see next, the color of the coat does not affect the temperament or personality of the GSD.
Temperament of Blue German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is extremely loyal and very family-oriented. Working dogs are known for being alert, watchful, and barking when they feel threatened, as they believe their job is to protect a family.
It is important to socialize a German Shepherd at any age, but proper socialization will ensure they can interact properly with their family. The importance of socialization for young people cannot be overstated.
These dogs are very playful and active and love being outside and exercising. Because they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. As a result of separation anxiety, they can become bored if left alone for long periods of time. You should not get one if you spend hours outside every day!
Lifespan of Blue German Shepherd
Approximately 9 to 13 years is the average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd.
Known Health Issues of Blue German Shepherd
As with any dog, the Blue German Shepherd can suffer from health problems. They are more likely to develop the same problems as other breeds of German Shepherd.
German Shepherd dogs are most commonly affected by elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a disease of a malformation of the joints that is seen in many large dogs. It is possible for the joints to become very painful and for lameness to develop over time.
Due to their single bloodline, blue German Shepherds may also have other health issues due to genetic mutations. Health concerns include degenerative myelopathy, which is a slow, painless degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.
If you buy from a reputable breeder and get health clearances from both parents, your pup will be less likely to suffer from any of these conditions. In addition, you should regularly check your dog for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet for regular checkups.
Insurance is always available for your dog, too. Blue German Shepherd insurance costs around $20 a month or $240 a year. As the German Shepherd breed is known to develop health issues regularly, this is often a good idea.
Daily Life of Blue German Shepherd
Now that we know everything about the Blue German Shepherd, let’s take a closer look at their day-to-day lives. Despite their size, build, and athletic nature, German Shepherds make excellent companions, but due to their size, they have high care requirements.
We will discuss their food and diet, exercise requirements, and grooming requirements below.
Food and Diet of Blue German Shepherd
Blue Shepherds are large dogs, so their diet should also be large. This dog should consume around 1500 calories per day or 20 calories per pound of body weight. This is approximately three cups of food. To determine how much food you should feed your pup based on their weight, always check the back of the dog food packet.
Puppy food should be given three to four times a day as a puppy. Large breeds are particularly susceptible to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted, which is usually fatal. As an adult, these three to four meals can be reduced to two meals a day. If you have a busy lifestyle, you might only need one meal a day.
Their food should be healthy and nutritious. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are all essential nutrients for a dog of this size. Some dog owners choose to feed their pup raw food instead of high-quality dry kibble. You should feed your dog a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds if you decide to feed them kibble.
Best Dog Food for the Blue German Shepherd
For your Blue German Shepherd, we recommend CRAVE Grain Free High Protein dry dog food. This food contains 34% protein from real salmon, inspired by the diet of dogs’ wolf ancestors. As a result of this high protein intake, their muscles are kept lean and healthy, allowing them to stay active for longer periods of time.
Although there are no grains in this recipe, there are quality carbohydrates that provide energy. The formula also contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to provide a balanced diet for your German Shepherd. Moreover, this food does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, nor does it contain any chicken by-product meals.
Exercise
The German Shepherd needs lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, so they require a lot of exercises.
German Shepherds should be exercised every day for 60 to 90 minutes. This includes walks, playing, and mental games. Living in a small apartment won’t give your dog the exercise he needs if he doesn’t have a big backyard to run around in. As a result of frustration and boredom, they can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors.
In addition to hiking and walking, these dogs also love to go swimming, so make sure you have the time to spend outside with them before buying this breed of dog. They can make the perfect exercise buddy!
When these dogs are puppies, you should be extra careful not to overexert them. Too much exercise can adversely affect their skeletal development. For each month of their age, you should exercise them for about 5 minutes. For example, if your GSD is four months old, you should exercise him for twenty minutes a day.
Family Compatibility
German Shepherds make excellent family dogs, and the Blue German Shepherd is no exception. As loyal dogs, they will protect you from anything harmful, making them excellent guard dogs or watchdogs. To prevent them from barking for hours, you will need to teach them from a young age that not everything is a threat.
Despite its size, this pup needs a lot of exercise and will thrive in an active family that enjoys playing with them. A big yard where they can run around and people who want to teach them tricks will benefit their physical and mental development.
As this breed has a high prey drive, you will need to take care when introducing it to children. When properly socialized, German Shepherds love children and will even take your children under their wing. Additionally, they get along well with other household pets, so there will be no issues there, and they will become a beloved member of the family.
Training of Blue German Shepherd
Because German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, they are very trainable. Positive reinforcement training and reward-based training work best for them. This includes verbal praise and treats.
In spite of the fact that German Shepherds can be a little stubborn, you should never punish or scold them. Consequently, training can become something very negative for them, and they will not want to learn it.
You will also get better results from blue German Shepherds if you give them lots of exercise before training them. You can play a fun game with them by hiding treats and getting them to sniff them out.
Socializing of Blue German Shepherd
It is very important to socialize with your Blue German Shepherd. Because they are working dogs, they will believe it is their job to protect you. Due to their prey drive, they can also be aloof with children.
Introducing your German Shepherd to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people, and animals in a calm and controlled way from a young age will teach them not to be afraid. They will also develop into well-rounded dogs with continued socialization throughout their lives.
Grooming
German Shepherds have a double coat and shed a lot. They shed more than two times a year, but the rest of the time they shed moderately, so they are not good dogs for allergy sufferers.
By brushing them properly, you will always be able to reduce the amount of hair they shed. The coat of your dog may also be more manageable if you visit a grooming salon.
You may be able to brush your medium-coated Sable German Shepherd dog twice a week if you’re lucky. Dogs with long hair, however, will need to be brushed daily in order to prevent knots and tangles.
Bathing the GSD is not necessary on a regular basis. Taking a bath can remove the oil from their coats, remove shine, and dry out their skin, so it should only be done every three to four months if they truly need it!
Get your Blue Shepherd’s nails clipped at the groomer. You can also give them dental chews every day to help keep their teeth clean and prevent dental decay and gum disease. Their erect ears are more likely to catch dust and dirt, so you should also check them.
Conclusion
Getting a blue GSD should only be considered if you are naturally interested in the breed. You must be able to handle and control them. You must possess the patience for consistent training and reinforcement, have free time for exercise daily, and own a large enough living space.
Even though blue German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, handsome, devoted, and protective dogs, they shed heavily and require extensive training and care. You should not take them in for aesthetic reasons since they are not just fashion statements and have significant responsibilities.
FAQs
Blue German Shepherds are loyal, loving dogs that make excellent family pets. Their unique gene gives them a gorgeous blue coat, and they have the same fantastic temperament as their GSD siblings and sisters. They are excellent working dogs and guard dogs.
Among German Shepherds, the Isabella is the rarest color due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. The price of such a puppy is likely to be high as well. You’ll have to search for a long time to find one.
German Shepherds are considered to have blue eyes. A genetic variant can cause them in purebred dogs. They are, however, not considered “normal” and are not part of the breed’s standard.
An extraordinary new breed of wolfdog is the American Blue Bay Shepherd. It is a cross between an old-world Blue German Shepherd dog and a blue wolfdog. Although it maintains a distinctive wolflike appearance, it is an active companion animal.
Blue, yellow, and gray are the only colors dogs can see. The color chart below gives you an idea of what colors dogs prefer. A rainbow would appear to dogs as dark yellow (brownish), light yellow, gray, light blue, and dark blue. There are three colors that humans see: red, purple (violet), and orange, but dogs don’t.