As the name suggests, the German shepherd dog’s history dates back to Germany in the 19th century. Their ancestors were shepherds and farm dogs who acted as workers and companions to their masters. During those times, people made attempts to standardize dog breeds to preserve their desirable traits of herding sheep and protecting them from predators. 

To create such dog breeds, shepherds had to take note of necessary skills such as intelligence, strength, speed, and sharp sense of smell. Unfortunately, these attempts often resulted in dogs who differed in appearance and abilities. Besides, these traits also varied from one community to another. As a result, the Phylax Society was formed in 1891 to curb these vast differences and create a standard breed. 

Although this well-meaning society soon disbanded due to internal conflicts, Max von Stephanitz, a former member of the organization, continued to pursue his dream.

While attending a dog show in 1899, Max von Stephanitz spotted a dog, Hektor, later named Horand, became the focal point of the breeding programs, where he was bred with dogs from other society members;with his ideal traits: beauty, intelligence, and loyalty. His admiration of the pup motivated him to purchase it, and soon after started the Society for German shepherd dogs where Hektor was declared the first German shepherd dog. 

The society managed to create the perfect working dogs, thanks to Von Stephanitz’s steady and uncompromising leadership skills. Today, Max von Stephanitz’s efforts are appreciated worldwide, and he is recognized as “the Father of the German shepherd dog.”    

Characteristics of the German Shepherd Dog 

German shepherds are some of the most widely recognized dog breeds, earning them a top position on the popularity scale. They gained recognition from the AKC (American Kennel Club) and UKC (United Kennel Club) in 1908 and 1924. Since then, they have featured in countless shows.   

Physical Characteristics: Types of German Shepherd Coats 

They are medium to large-sized dogs with varying proportions depending on the breed variant. Typically, male German shepherds range from 60-65 cm (24-26 inches) in height, while their female counterparts range from 55-60 cm (22-24 inches). The different German shepherd dog (GSD) variants also have strong jaws, bushy tails, and erect ears in common. 

German shepherds have double coats that come in either a medium or long variety, the latter being very rare. When it comes to coat color, the most commonly found are tan-black and red-black combinations.

However, there are numerous types of German shepherd mixes when it comes to coat colors, such as pure-black, pure-white, blue, sable, and panda. Let’s delve into the different coats that differentiate one German shepherd from another.     

• SaddleBack German Shepherd   

Also referred to as the blanket pattern, the saddleback German shepherd is the most common type. In fact, most people only know of this variant. Although the coat comes in a combination of either tan or red with black, it’s the distinct placement of the black color that earns this variant its name. The black patch is predominantly found on their backs, resembling a horse’s saddle.  

German shepherds also have black muzzles covering their snouts and other parts of their face. It is also common to see black coloration on their fuzzy tails and ear tips. The tan color can occur in any shade of brown ranging from chestnut and fawn to silver and other darker hues. As for German shepherds with red coats, their coats can either be light red or mahogany.    

• Black German Shepherd   

Less common than the saddleback variety, black German shepherds, also called black shepherds, usually come in solid colors. Save for their difference in coat color, they are purebred dogs and have similar traits to their saddleback counterparts. Unfortunately, most people are scared of the black shepherd, thanks to their wolf-like appearance. So how do you differentiate the two apart? 

Black German shepherds have long muzzles and a chiseled face. Their noses and ears are equally as black as their coats, while their eyes are dark and almond-shaped.

Although some black German shepherd puppies are born with grey or white coats, their actual color prevails at eight weeks of age. However, don’t be alarmed to see brown or white patches on their paws as they grow older.      

• White German Shepherd   

Von Stephanitz’s famous German shepherd, Horand, was a grand-puppy to a white Thuringian shepherd called Greif. Since then, white German shepherds have continued to appear in litters, albeit sporadically. It is, therefore, safe to say that Greif is the white shepherd godfather.  

Also referred to as white shepherds, this German shepherd variant is hard to find and highly sought after. High-end breeders make a killing from breeding them. While a saddleback German shepherd usually costs around $500, white shepherds can fetch over $1000. This is a welcome change considering that white shepherds were initially believed to be albinos, and thus, with “faulty” genes.      

• Sable German Shepherd     

Technically, sable German shepherds are referred to as “agouti.” Not to be confused with saddleback GSD, sable German shepherds have distinct colors along individual hair shafts. Their fur coats come in silver, tan, and grey shades with black tips. Although most sable German shepherds’ coats start as tan, the sable pattern develops with them as they grow.     

• Panda German Shepherd   

Another rare German shepherd dog is the panda variety. They have a striking appearance causing most people to confuse them with other dogs. The panda variety is a result of a genetic mutation that occurred in an American GSD litter. Their abdomen and legs are predominantly covered in a white coat, while other body parts have tan or black fur, hence the panda reference.   

Types of German Shepherd Mixes

When it comes to their personality, all types of German shepherd mixes are generally loyal and friendly, making them a lovely family addition. Although they get along with children and adults alike, they are wary of strangers hence their introduction to guarding careers. They are also highly intelligent, obedient, and easy to train, making them the perfect candidates for military and police work.  

It is crucial to purchase your GSD from a reputable breeder due to their tendency to become overprotective if untrained. However, if this option is not available to you, you can always socialize your pup to humans and other pets from their tender age to encourage friendliness. Since German shepherds are highly active, they do well in homes with large backyards and enjoy playing games and exercising.    

• Golden Shepherd

As the name suggests, the Golden Shepherd is a mix between the beloved Golden retriever and the German shepherd. As you may know, Golden retrievers are known for their hearts of gold. They are warm, kind, and affectionate. Combine that with the German shepherd’s loyalty and protectiveness, and you have the perfect mix.

Since both breeds are medium to large-sized (50 to 65 cm), they are suitable for a home with a reasonably large compound to dispense their high energy levels. If you also enjoy a lot of fun and games, this playful mixed breed will give you a run for your money.

• Siberian Shepherd aka Gerberian Shepsky

The Siberian shepherd is a mix between the German shepherd and the Siberian husky. They are relatively large dogs, measuring to about 76 cm in height and 36 kg heavy. Their handsome features garner them a wolf-like resemblance. Since both parent breeds are highly intelligent, you can expect this hybrid to be equally smart. It is also not uncommon to find Siberian huskies working in the police force and military.

• Labrashepherd

A cross between the German shepherd and the famous Labrador retriever, this mixed breed is sure to give you the best of both worlds. The friendliness of the Labrador, combined with the GSD’s protectiveness, makes a very loyal canine companion. You can expect this hybrid to be on the larger side of the scale since both parent breeds are relatively tall.

Similar to the Golden shepherd, the Labrashepherd enjoys a good run and a lot of playtime. Therefore, providing them with a backyard to play in should help them burn off extra energies.

• Corman Shepherd 

A Corman shepherd is a hybrid of the German shepherd and Welsh corgi. Their adorable looks, combined with their charming personality, make them very popular.

Owing to their Corgi parents, they tend to be on the smaller end of the scale, measuring about 38 cm tall and weighing between 10 and 23 kg. However, their tiny frames shouldn’t fool you: they are relatively stubborn and have high energy levels to match.

• Miniature German Shepherd

If you’re looking for a mix that will give you a miniature German shepherd, try breeding with the smaller dogs such as Border collies or Poodles. The resulting hybrid is a small, cute dog but with the intelligence and agility of the GSD. You will need to provide them with mentally and physically stimulating activities to keep them entertained. Fortunately, their small frames make them a perfect fit for apartments.

Personality Traits 

When it comes to their personality, all types of German shepherd mixes are generally loyal and friendly, making them a lovely family addition. Although they get along with children and adults alike, they are wary of strangers hence their introduction to guarding careers. They are also highly intelligent, obedient, and easy to train, making them the perfect candidates for military and police work. 

It is crucial to purchase your GSD from a reputable breeder due to their tendency to become overprotective if untrained. However, if this option is not available to you, you can always socialize your pup to humans and other pets from their tender age to encourage friendliness.

Since German shepherds are highly active, they do well in homes with large backyards and enjoy playing games and exercising.   

Grooming 

Since German shepherds’ shedding levels are generally high, you will need to brush their coats every couple of days. You should also expect to find fur on your clothes and furniture; hence, you need to vacuum frequently.

Fortunately, their coats are relatively resistant to dirt and debris, meaning that you will only need to wash your dog once every month. You should also regularly trim their nails to avoid injuries.   

Food and Nutrition 

Owing to their large size, German shepherd dogs require 1,700 to 2,400 calories of high-quality food per day for working dogs, and 1,300 to 1,600 calories for less active dogs. Their diet should consist of protein-rich foods like duck, chicken, fish, and beef. They also require to consume healthy carbohydrates, grains, fats, and vegetables. When buying dog food, avoid grains such as wheat and soy, which are hard to digest. 

Although most puppies feed on puppy-specific dog foods until they are twelve months old, this is not the case for GSD puppies. They are switched to adult dog diets by the age of six months to prevent excessive growth, which often leads to joint and bone issues. Make sure you consult your vet from the onset: they’ll advise you on feeding schedules and the best dog foods to buy.   

Health Concerns 

For large-sized dogs, their lifespan is relatively high, ranging between ten and twelve years. Unfortunately, German shepherd dogs are not invincible. They are susceptible to common health problems, some of which we shall address below.     

• Joint Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary and commonly occur in relatively large dogs. If your dog suffers from joint dysplasia, they can have an abnormal gait, limp, or end up crippled, depending on the severity.         

• Bloat

This condition occurs when food, fluids, and air build up in a dog’s digestive tract, leading to difficulty in expelling gas. The stomach can also end up “twisting,” resulting in a blockage of the esophagus and pylorus. If left untreated, the stomach can rupture, leading to severe infection and eventual death.  

• Degenerative myelopathy

Unique to the GSD breed, degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord. It is unfortunately incurable and leads to loss of feeling and mobility in the legs.  

Other conditions to watch out for include obesity, epilepsy, and perianal fistula.     

Final Verdict 

Save for the varying types of German shepherd coats, these pups have similar traits across the border. Another common technique used to categorize German shepherds is through their lines, i.e., working and show. Differentiating between these two lines is especially vital for people who want their four-legged friends to participate in shows. For such careers, German shepherds have to meet particular criteria, including coat color, set by the kennel clubs. 

However, if you’re just looking for a canine companion, coat color shouldn’t be an issue. After all, their temperaments are highly dependent on how you socialize and train them. Whichever type of German shepherd mix you choose, you’ll have a friend and protector for life.