There is a variation of the German Shepherd breed known as the Black German Shepherd. Despite some people believing this dog is a crossbreed or that its black color is due to a defect, we are here to tell you that neither is true!

They are relatively rare, but they share many of the same traits and characteristics as other varieties of the German Shepherd breed. In addition to serving in the military, police forces, and as service dogs, German Shepherd dogs have been bred to produce the perfect working dog.

We will go into detail about this dog’s history, characteristics, and how to care for this pup below.

History of the Black German Shepherd

Breeding two black German Shepherds results in a Black German Shepherd puppy, or a black and tan German Shepherd can produce a Black German Shepherd puppy. Unlike white GSDs, black GSDs are born black. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes German Shepherds, and the breed standard recognizes their black color.

Breed Origin of Black German Shepherd

We should look at the German Shepherd’s breed origin in order to understand the Black German Shepherd’s breed origin. Von Stephanitz noticed the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. He named one of these dogs “Horand” and then founded the “Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde”, the Society for German Shepherd Dogs.

In order to produce German Shepherd litters, Horand was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance. First appearing in the United States in 1906, they were recognized by the AKC in 1908.

Characteristics of the Black German Shepherd

These dogs have similar characteristics and temperaments since they are not mixed breeds, but rather variations of the standard German Shepherd. It is common for black German Shepherd puppies to be more expensive than other colors because of their rarity. A litter of these pups usually consists of four to nine puppies. A standard GSD puppy costs between $300 and $700. It is likely that you will spend between $700 and $2,000 per Black GSD puppy.

Appearance of Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherds are very similar to other German Shepherds, with the main difference being their fur color. Their males weigh 65 – 90 pounds and stand 26 inches tall. They are a large breed. Generally, females weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and stand no taller than 24 inches.

They have a domed head and a long, square muzzle. When running or prowling, they have long necks and erect ears. Black German Shepherds also have straighter backs than other GSDs, which is another difference from other GSDs. Despite this, they still suffer from many of the same health problems.

Coat and Color

This dog has a solid black coat! German Shepherds have one of two coat types, either a medium or long coat. Having a thicker guard layer and a softer undercoat, they both have double coats.

As these dogs shed a lot, they may not be suitable for those with allergies. In order to reduce the amount of shedding and the amount of cleaning, however, a proper grooming regime is essential.

Temperament of Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherds are extremely loyal and very family-oriented. They are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel that they are in danger, due to the fact that they are working dogs. Socialization is important for any dog, but it is especially important for German Shepherds so they can interact with the family properly. The importance of socialization around young people cannot be overstated.

The dogs love being outside and getting physical exercise and are very playful and active. In addition, they need a lot of mental stimulation since they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. They can become bored if left alone for an extended period of time, leading to destructive behavior, so it is important to spend most of their time with people or to train them correctly.

Lifespan of Black German Shepherd

In comparison to other GSDs, the Black German Shepherd has a shorter life expectancy. Normally, they live between 9 and 13 years.

Known Health Issues of Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherds, like any other breed of dog, are prone to some health problems. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Hip dysplasia — this is when the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. A dog with hip dysplasia may not show any signs of pain or lameness on one or both rear legs.
• CDRM – Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy – causes nerve cells in the spinal cord to fail, causing hind leg paralysis.
• Osteoarthritis — this is a degenerative joint condition often seen in older dogs and causes cartilage breakdown over time. It can be painful and result in joint loss. Medication and surgery can be used to treat it.
• Cauda equina syndrome — another back problem in which nerves are compressed, causing lameness, stiffness, and pain along the back, hips, and tail.

Buying your dog from a reputable breeder will ensure that your dog is less likely to suffer from any of these health issues. A good breeder will show you health clearances from both parents of your puppy. You should also visit the vet regularly to detect any of these issues early.

Daily Life of Black German Shepherd

It can be difficult to care for a Black German Shepherd. For them to stay entertained, they need exercise, grooming, and food. However, it’s always worth it! Here’s a look at what life is like with a German Shepherd.

Food and Diet of Black German Shepherd

Black Shepherds are large dogs, so their diet should be large as well. To determine how much food to feed your doggie based on his or her weight, you should always check the back of the dog food packet.

Black German Shepherds should eat around 1500 calories a day, which is approximately 20 calories per pound of body weight. This is around 3 cups of food. Puppies need to be fed three to four times a day as puppies. Larger breeds are especially predisposed to bloat, a condition in which the stomach becomes bloated and twisted, and usually results in death. As an adult, these three to four meals can be decreased to two meals a day. If you have a busy lifestyle, then you can just eat one meal a day.

Their food should be healthy and nutritious. A dog of this size needs all the nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Some dog owners choose raw food rather than high-quality dry kibble.

You can check for ribs and a waistline on your GSD if you are concerned that they are gaining weight. A vet can help you if you are worried that your dog is overweight.

Exercise of Black German Shepherd

This breed of the black dog is very active and requires a lot of exercises. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation since they are working dogs and are often used as police dogs.

Every day, you should exercise your German Shepherd for 60 to 90 minutes. This includes walks, playing, and mental games. Your doggie will need a large yard to run around in, so if you live in a small apartment, they won’t get enough exercise. As a result of frustration and boredom, they can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors.

It is imperative to make sure you have the time to spend with this breed of the dog outside before purchasing it so they can accompany their owners on hikes and walks as well as swimming.

Family Compatibility

An excellent family pet, this dog is loyal and courageous. Because Black German Shepherds love being around people, they will want to spend their days by your side, and as working dogs, they will feel the need to protect you. Because they bark when they feel threatened, they can make excellent guard dogs or watchdogs for the family home.

No doubt, this pup needs exercise, so he will thrive in an active family willing to play with him. Their physical and mental stimulation will be aided by a big yard in which they can run around and by people who want to teach them tricks. They also make great running or hiking companions and do their part when not left alone for long periods of time. Because of their working nature, they are very intelligent and can pick things up very easily, so you can give them a job around the house if you like.

Despite their loving nature, these dogs are high maintenance and may be best suited to those with experience caring for dogs of this size. Although they are good with both adults and children, they do have a natural prey drive, so young children may need to be socialized properly with the dog.

Training of Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherds are very intelligent and easy to train. Their ease of training makes an excellent family dog and a dog for couples or individuals. You should train them from a young age and always use positive reinforcement. Show them that they are doing a good job by giving them praise and yummy treats.

German Shepherds can be stubborn, so you should never punish or scold them. They’ll also do better if you give them a lot of time to exercise before conducting a training session. They are very reliable detectives too, so hiding treats and getting them to sniff them out makes a fun game to play!

We mentioned above that socializing with them from a young age is also critical. You should introduce them to as many new things as you can at a young age, including sights, sounds, smells, places, and people. The more accustomed they are to come into contact with something or someone they have never experienced before, the less likely they are to exhibit unwanted behavior.

Grooming

You may be able to brush your Black German Shepherd twice a week if you have a medium coat. To prevent knots and tangles, you should brush your dog daily if they have long hair.

Due to their double coats, these dogs shed a lot. In the rest of the year, you can expect reduced shedding. It will always help if you brush them properly. A grooming salon may also be able to help you manage your dog’s black coat.

The best way to prevent dental decay and gum disease is to brush their teeth every day, although dental chews can also help. They are also more likely to catch dust and dirt in their erect ears.

Grooming your German Shepherd from a young age will ensure that it is not a traumatic experience for them. By doing so, they will learn that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Conclusion

Black German Shepherds are loyal and loving dogs that make excellent family pets. This pup will believe he has a duty to protect you and makes an excellent guard dog. Even though they require a lot of grooming and exercise, you will enjoy spending time with your GSD outdoors playing games, running, and hiking with them. There is no need to train them either. Is a Black German Shepherd going to be your new best friend?

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