Have you ever seen a blue German shepherd? No, we’re not talking about a dog that’s feeling sad or cold. We’re talking about a stunning variation of the classic German shepherd breed that boasts a shimmering, silvery-blue coat. These dogs are just colored differently than other German shepherds, yet they belong to the same breed.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the blue German shepherd, including their traits, history, and how to care for them. If you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and hardworking companion with a unique appearance, you might just fall in love with these blue beauties!
What is a Blue German Shepherd?
A blue German shepherd is a German shepherd dog that has a distinctive blue hue in its coat. This is the result of a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. For their kid to inherit the blue coat, both parents must contain this recessive gene.
The blue coat of a German shepherd is only a color variation and does not always imply that they are not purebred. Blue German shepherds are just like any other GSD and have the same requirements for exercise, mental stimulation, training, and affection.
Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Despite sharing the same breed ancestry, the blue German shepherd’s fur color distinguishes them from their conventional counterparts.
It is crucial to emphasize, however, that their temperament, IQ, and working talents are on par with those of their more well-known cousins.
. In fact, these blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, confident, brave, self-assured, and intelligent. They are also capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, service dog positions, and being loving and loyal family pets.
How Rare is a Blue German Shepherd?
The blue German shepherd is a rare and captivating canine that’s bound to steal your heart. But how rare are they exactly?
Well, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the standard colors for the German shepherd breed are black and tan, black and red, black and silver, solid black, sable (black-tipped hairs), gray (a mixture of black and white hairs), and white (a recessive gene). Blue is considered a non-standard color for the breed and is not accepted by the AKC.
This means that blue German shepherds are not eligible to compete in conformation shows or to be registered as purebred dogs by the AKC. However, they can still participate in other AKC events such as obedience, agility, rally, tracking, herding, etc.
The reason why blue is a non-standard color for the breed is that it is seen as a fault by some breeders who believe that it deviates from the original purpose of the German shepherd dog as a working dog. Some also argue that the blue coat is associated with health problems such as skin infections or alopecia (hair loss).
However, there is no scientific data to back up these assertions. The blue hue in these dogs results from a genetic mutation that affects only the coat color and not the health or temperament of the dog. As long as they are bred responsibly and health-tested by reputable breeders, blue German shepherds can be just as healthy and happy as any other GSD.
Because of their rarity and uniqueness, blue German shepherds can be quite expensive to buy. Depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, pedigree, and demand, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a blue German Shepherd puppy. Of course, the price may vary depending on the availability and quality of the puppies.
How to Care for a Blue German Shepherd
Blue German shepherds are beautiful canines, but they have special requirements.. Here are some tips on how to care for them and keep them happy and healthy.
Balanced Diet
Blue German shepherds need a nutritious diet that caters to their age, size, condition, and activity level. They need a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth, development, and health.
The diet should also be appropriate for their coat color, as some foods may cause discoloration or fading of their blue hue. For example, foods that contain copper or iron may darken their coat, while foods that contain zinc or vitamin C may lighten it2.
The best way to ensure your blue German shepherd gets the right food is to consult your vet or a canine nutritionist. They can recommend high-quality commercial dog food or a homemade diet that meets your dog’s specific needs.
As a general rule, adult blue German shepherds should be fed twice a day, while puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day. The amount of food should be adjusted according to your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your dog, which can lead to obesity or malnutrition.
Always provide fresh water for your dog and avoid giving them human food, especially chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and xylitol. These foods can be toxic or harmful to dogs and cause serious health problems.
Regular Exercise
Blue German shepherds are highly energetic and need plenty of exercises to keep them fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. They are not suitable for apartment living or couch potato owners. They need at least 120 minutes of exercise a day, which can include walking, running, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, agility training, or any other activity that challenges their body and mind.
Exercise is not only good for your dog’s physical health but also for their mental health. It helps prevent boredom, frustration, anxiety, and destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, barking, or escaping. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog and makes them happier and more relaxed.
When exercising your blue German shepherd, make sure to follow some safety precautions. Avoid exercising them in extreme heat or cold, as they can overheat or freeze easily. Provide water and shade for them and watch out for signs of exhaustion or dehydration. Also avoid exercising them on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, as this can damage their joints and paws.
Socialization and Training
Blue German shepherds are intelligent and loyal dogs that thrive on human interaction. They are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time or isolated from their family. They need socialization and training from an early age to become well-adjusted and well-behaved dogs.
Socialization is the process of exposing your dog to different people, animals, places, sounds, and situations that they may encounter in their lives. This helps them develop confidence, social skills, and a positive attitude toward new experiences.
The best time to socialize your blue German shepherd is between 3 and 12 weeks of age when they are most receptive to learning. You can expose them to different people of various ages, genders, ethnicities, and appearances, as well as other friendly dogs and animals. You can also take them to different places such as parks, stores, vet clinics, and car rides.
Make sure to keep the socialization sessions positive, fun, and rewarding for your dog. Use praise, treats, toys, and play to reinforce good behavior and calm reactions. Avoid forcing your dog into situations that make them scared or uncomfortable. Instead, allow them to explore at their own speed and degree of comfort.
Training is another essential part of caring for a blue German shepherd. These dogs are very smart and eager to please their owners. They can learn a variety of commands, tricks, and skills with proper guidance and motivation.
You can start training your blue German shepherd as soon as you bring them home. Teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, heel, and leave it. Use positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training or marker training to reward your dog for doing what you want.
Avoid using harsh or punitive methods such as yelling, hitting, or choking your dog. These can damage your dog’s trust and confidence, leading to fear or aggression.
Training should be consistent, clear, and fun for both you and your dog. Keep the sessions short (10-15 minutes), frequent (2-3 times a day), and varied (change the location, duration, and difficulty). Challenge your dog’s mind and body by introducing new commands, games, and activities.
Grooming
Blue German shepherds are double coated that include a deep, warm undercoat as well as a protective outer coat. Regular brushing (at least 2-3 times per week) is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. You can use a slicker brush, a metal grooming comb, a grooming rake, or a de-shedding tool to groom your dog’s coat.
Brushing also helps distribute the natural oils in your dog’s skin and coat, which keeps them healthy and shiny. It also gives you a chance to check your dog for any signs of parasites, injuries, or infections.
Blue German shepherds do not need frequent baths unless they are very dirty or smelly. Bathing them too often can strip their coat and skin of natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. When you do wash your dog, use a mild dog shampoo that is suitable for its coat color. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel or a blow dryer on low heat.
Other grooming tasks include trimming your dog’s nails every 2-4 weeks or as needed, cleaning their ears once a week or as needed, brushing their teeth daily or at least 3 times per week, and trimming any excess hair around their eyes, mouth, and paws as needed.
Health
Blue German shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues that affect the German shepherd breed. Some of these include:
- Hip dysplasia: a joint disorder that causes abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia: a disorder affecting the elbow joint.
- Degenerative myelopathy: a degenerative neurological illness of the spinal cord that causes weakness, paralysis, and loss of coordination.
- Bloat: a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing pressure on the organs and blood vessels.
- Color dilution alopecia: a skin condition that can cause hair loss and skin problems in dogs with diluted coat colors such as blue.
To prevent or detect these health problems early, you should take your blue German shepherd to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. You should also feed them a high-quality diet, provide them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and monitor their weight and body condition.
You should also ask your breeder for health certificates and clearances for both parents of your blue German Shepherd puppy. This can help you avoid buying a puppy from an irresponsible or unethical breeder who may breed dogs with genetic defects or health issues.
Conclusion
The blue German shepherd is a rare and captivating canine that deserves your love and attention. They are loyal, intelligent, brave, and hardworking dogs that can make excellent companions for experienced dog owners.
If you are interested in getting a blue German shepherd, make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. You should also be prepared to provide them with proper care, training, socialization, and grooming.
By doing so, you can enjoy a long-lasting and rewarding relationship with your blue German shepherd!
FAQs
How do you get a blue German Shepherd?
To get a blue German shepherd, you need to find a reputable breeder who specializes in this color variation. You can search online, ask for referrals, or visit dog shows to find such breeders. You should also make sure that the breeder provides you with health certificates and clearances for both parents of the puppy, as well as a contract and a guarantee.
How much does a blue German shepherd cost?
The cost of a blue German shepherd can vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, pedigree, and demand. Generally, blue German shepherds are more expensive than other color variations because they are rare and hard to find. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a blue German Shepherd puppy.
Are blue German shepherds good family dogs?
Yes, blue German shepherds can make good family dogs if they are properly socialized, trained, and cared for. They are loyal, intelligent, brave, and confident dogs that can bond well with their owners and protect them from harm. They are also good with children and other pets if they are raised with them from an early age. However, they are not suitable for novice or inactive owners, as they need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention.
What is the difference between a blue German shepherd and a standard German shepherd?
The only difference between a blue German shepherd and a standard German shepherd is their coat color. The blue German shepherd has a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment in its coat, making it appear silvery-blue. The standard German shepherd has a dominant gene that gives them their black and tan, black and red, black and silver, solid black, sable (black-tipped hairs), gray (a mixture of black and white hairs), or white coat color. Apart from their coat color, both types of German shepherds have the same physical traits, temperament, and health issues.
Get more Amazing Information With Us: GadgetsDo
