Category: Dog Breeding

Dog breeding is a practice that involves purposefully selecting dogs to mate so that their pups are born with certain desirable characteristics. German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) are clear examples of how well breeding can work to impart traits such as loyalty and a hardworking personality into future generations.

While dog breeding is a practice that has been around for thousands of years, the methods we use have evolved to incorporate scientific discoveries regarding genetics and the best practices for preserving a breed’s best traits while also preventing known potential health issues.

Breeding practices have also gotten more efficient with time, and breeders might need to use medical terms as they explain their process for helping German Shepherds to produce healthy pups.

As someone new to the dog breeding world, you might find yourself feeling like everyone seems to be speaking a foreign language. Learning these common terms that are used in dog breeding helps you to feel more confident as you explore how an experienced breeder can help you achieve your goal of owning one of the most sought-after breeds in the world.

Know How to Refer to the Dogs Themselves

Dog breeders often use terms that help to define the role that an animal plays in the breeding process. For the most part, you can expect to hear these basic terms in even the earliest conversations that you have with a breeder. Knowing them can also help you to narrow down your searches to the type of dog that you need for a specific purpose.

Sire

An easy way to remember this term is to connect it to the word, “sir.” A sire is the father of a given litter. Knowing who the sire is of a litter is important for helping people to know for sure that the pup they select has been bred for their desired characteristics.

Since a sire can father many litters and certain ones often become extremely popular for breeding, it is also essential to know the sire of a pup to prevent accidental inbreeding.

Dam

The term dam can also be connected to the word, “dame,” for memory purposes. A dam is simply the mother of a litter. Reputable breeders select dams for their lineage and ability to contribute positive traits to the bloodline.

Stud

A stud is a male dog that is sexually mature and has viable sperm. If you already have a female dog that is ready to breed, then choosing a stud that comes from a bloodline that is known for the dog’s excellent temperament and physical health is essential.

Mating Pair

The term mating pair refers to a stud and bitch that have been brought together for the purposes of breeding. A breeder might use this term when discussing which dogs they’ve chosen to produce a specific litter.

This term also applies to animals other than dogs, so you might hear it in reference to different species of animals in a zoo or other captive breeding program.

Litter

A litter is simply a group of puppies that are born to the same dam at approximately the same time. A breeder might tell you how many pups were in a given litter and if any were stillborn (didn’t survive birth). The size of a litter can vary based on the dam’s health, nutrition, and other factors.

Whelping

Whelping is the act of giving birth. If a breeder says that a bitch is whelping, then they are in labor and delivery should be imminent.

Understand the Differences Between Breeding Practices

Knowing breeding practices is as important as knowing breeding terminology. When GSDs are bred for their best traits, they are amazing companions and protectors of their masters and members of their social circle. However, poor breeding practices have also led to issues within the German Shepherd bloodline that includes hip and elbow dysplasia and aggressive temperaments in certain dogs.

Knowing the common terms used for breeding practices helps you to screen potential breeders to ensure that your pup comes from someone who cares about producing healthy puppies that are free from genetic defects and personal characteristics that lead to a negative reputation for this majestic breed.

Line Breeding

Line breeding is the preferred type of practice for producing dogs with desirable traits that are consistent with each litter. Keep in mind that line breeding is very different from inbreeding, the latter of which can be a problem with disreputable breeders and puppy mills (more on that in a sec).

With line breeding, the Dam and Sire do have a familial tie. However, the practice of line breeding requires the two dogs never to be less than three generations apart and no more than 12 to 14 generations out.

Staying within the family line makes it possible to breed dogs with the desired temperament, which helps you to know that they will be trainable and capable of learning how to perform their role in your family or service companion program.

You can tell if a dog is line bred by asking to see the litter to make sure that every puppy looks the same. To be extra cautious, you should ask the breeder if you can see three generations of the line. Maintaining several generations of dogs is expensive and labor-intensive, and less reputable breeders won’t typically go through the trouble of doing so.

Out Line Breeding

Out line breeding involves mating two dogs without any familial relations. While you might be breeding two German Shepherds, you are still essentially receiving a mutt due to the inability to trace their genetic history.

The problem with out line breeding is that it often results in the development of the worst traits of the breed coming out in the litter. This fact is never more evident than with temperament. This characteristic is the only thing that can’t be trained, it must be bred.

And you are dealing with one of the top three most powerful breeds in existence when it comes to German. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got it right.

You can quickly tell if a litter was out line bred by the fact that the puppies will all have different markings, head shapes and body sizes.

Inbreeding

Sadly, there are some irresponsible dog breeders who still engage in the practice of inbreeding. Inbreeding occurs when two dogs who are closely related are paired for mating. A sire and dam that are a parent and a child or a brother and sister are highly likely to produce litters with genetic defects. This is why it is important to ask the right questions when you are talking to a breeder.

Get Help with Your Questions About German Shepherd Breeding Practices

Expanding your vocabulary is a great first step toward learning more about how we breed top-of-the-line German Shepherds, but you might still feel like you are lost in the dark regarding where to go next. At Regis Regal, you never have to worry about barking up the wrong tree with your inquiries.

Regis Regal is a breeder of merit in the Chicago, IL area, and we are passionate about educating others about how we breed, train and care for German Shepherds. Reach out to us at (847) 721-1908 with your questions, and we’ll help you find the answers you need to meet your needs for responsible and rewarding German Shepard ownership.

German Shepherds are one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. They’re smart, loyal, strikingly good-looking, and are easy to train. However, did you know that this breed comes in a wide range of different colors, and one of the ones we are listing here is the rarest color of all? It’s true, and in this blog post, we will discuss some of the different colors of German Shepherds and the commonness and rareness associated with each one. 

Genes are Behind the Colors and Patterns of Dogs

Genes play a role in the colors and patterns that all dogs sport. With dominant genes, you’ll get the most prevalent color of black and tan followed by others listed here that aren’t as common. 

Meanwhile, German Shepherds that have rare colors get them as the result of recessive genes. Many rare-colored varieties are produced by specialty-designed breeding programs, but they do sometimes show up in litters of regular breeding programs. Since these types of dogs are so hard to come by, you will unlikely find one at a rescue center or shelter. 

The Most Common Color for GSDs  

The most common color for German Shepherds is black and tan, although black and red and black and cream aren’t far behind. These colors are most common because they come from dominant genes. Black and silver German Shepherds carry a recessive gene, but they are still a popular selection among pet owners.

If you wanted to see some of the different coats our dogs have you can visit our adult dogs page here.

Black and Tan

The original color of this working dog is black and tan, and they represent the most common color for German Shepherds. In addition, they make up around 63% of all GSDs registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club). You’ve probably seen this color in movies, on television shows, and even walking down the street.

Black and tan is the signature color for the breed, and it’s been the most prevalent since they were first officially registered back in Germany at the turn of the 19th century. Their lineage comes from their ancestor Horand von Grafrath, who was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSDs.

Black and tan is a very popular combination that has been favored by many dog owners for years. This type of GSD has a rich brown underbelly with a black overcoat. The paws and tail tip can also be found in this color, too. These dogs typically have a brown nose and eye rims that match their coat color. 

Black and Red 

Black and red-colored GSDs get their coloring from the color gene pheomelanin. While not as common as black and tans (They only make up about 14% of all registered dogs), they are the next most popular color of GSD and have the same saddleback and black mask that the black and tans do. 

Black and red German Shepherds have a black base with rich, rust-colored markings on their back, front legs, ears and even around the muzzle area. Their underbelly is usually cream or tan in color.

Black and Silver

The black and silver is a genetically recessive color because it only occurs when breeding two dogs that carry the same genes for this type of coloring. This variety of German Shepherd can come in many different shades of gray, ranging from nearly white to a deep charcoal color. It’s characterized by its silver-colored coat with black ticking throughout. Often, they’ll have a dark grey mask on their muzzle and around their eyes. 

This color is quite rare, so if you see one out in public don’t be surprised. They also get their coloring from the gene that produces pheomelanin.

Black and Cream

As their name suggests, these dogs are black with a cream-colored underbelly. The color of the dog’s coat will depend on whether they carry brown or blue eyes and nose pigment. If you see two German Shepherds that look nearly identical, except for one does not have any rust coloring around its ears, then it is probably a black and cream.

Pure White

Although you may not expect it, pure white German Shepherds descended directly from the same German Shepherds that black and tans did. The recessive gene that causes them to be white has been present in the genetic makeup of their original German Shepherd ancestor. Not to be confused with albinos, these dogs, with their luxurious white coats, look similar to Golden Retrievers with erect ears. 

Many German Shepherd owners, including U.S Army soldiers serving overseas, have purchased these dogs to use as guard dogs because of their strength and intimidating appearance; however, the white color makes it difficult for them to blend into surroundings as dark colors can do.

White German Shepherds aren’t prone to having genetic disorders, but history hasn’t been kind to them. Because of this, many people today erroneously believe that these snow-colored dogs are flawed genetically.

Solid Black

A solid black German Shepherd’s official name is a blue-black shepherd. They are so named because they have black fur with a rich bluish hue, and this bluish-black coat extends all the way down to their paws. 

While all types of animals get a bad rep from being black (really, they are one of the last colors of animals to be adopted at the pound!), their ebony hue has no bearing on their temperaments and character. In fact, those who own black German Shepherds will tell you that they are very smart and loyal. While blue-black shepherds are extremely popular among pet owners, they only represent only 6.8 percent of all German Shepherds.

Rarest Colors for GSDs  

The rarest colors of GSDs are liver, blue and Isabella, which is the rarest color of them all.  

Liver 

One of the rarest colors for German Shepherds is liver, and only a few genetic combinations can produce them. Liver GSDs have a black nose and eye rims just like the standard black and tan coat does. They have a deep reddish-brown coat, and amber-colored eyes and are extremely eye-catching. They are mostly solid-colored but they also come in liver and white and liver and tan colors. 

Blue

Blue-colored German Shepherds are extremely beautiful dogs, and with their golden-brown to amber-colored eyes, they look almost magical. The blue or grey of their coats comes from a recessive dilution gene, but they are not predisposed to any health problems any more than the prevalent black and tan variety.

Isabella

Isabella-colored German Shepherds, also known as lilac German Shepherds, are the rarest of the rare when it comes to GSDs. Their pigment is the result of the recessive combination of blue and liver that comes from their parents. 

Isabella GSDs have a dilute coat color, and the liver gene blocks all of the black pigment that the parents pass on to their offspring. As a result, these dogs won’t have any black pigment on their eye rims, noses or paw pads. Isabellas will typically have light blue or hazel eyes. 

Different Coat Types for GSDs  

German Shepherds have either a medium coat or a long coat. They both are double coats, having a denser guard layer over a softer undercoat.  

• Medium coat dogs: The medium-coat German Shepherds have a shorter undercoat and a longer topcoat that is stiffer than the long coats. This type of GSD sheds year-round, but they typically do not shed heavily. The AKC does allow both short and long coated German Shepherds to compete in dog shows, but the UKC only allows short coats. 
• Long coat dogs: The long-coat shep has a dense undercoat that is shed once or twice per year in addition to their topcoat being lost around this same time. These dogs have more difficulties tolerating hot or humid climates because they will overheat quickly if their topcoat is too thick. Although you may be tempted to shave your German Shepherd to cool them down, don’t. As part of their genes, they shed and blow this part of their coat. It will really mess up this process if you shave them. You can see the longcoats we currently have available for sale here.

Additionally, long coats are known as “fluffies” and medium coats as “shorthairs”. 

Breed-Approved GSD Coat Colors

According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, the preferred colors of the German Shepherd Dog are black, tan and red, although the dog’s coat color may vary a little. Often, black and tans are seen in working lines and black and reds are seen in Showline.  

The club adds that strong, rich colors are going to be favored, and washed out off-colors, blues, livers and pale coats are serious faults. White dogs are disqualified. 

While white GSDs are ineligible for competition according to AKC standards, which state that all German Shepherds must be able to work, The United Kennel Club recognizes them, allows them in dog shows and stands in opposition to the AKC’s stance. 

They point out that German Shepherd dogs come in many colors, including white. They also note that color is of “secondary importance” and has no bearing on a dog’s character or ability to work. 

Unlike white and light-colored GSDs, the AKC recognizes and allows black German Shepherds to compete in shows.

Regis Regal German Shepherds: Beautiful on the Inside and Out

While color is interesting and desired by many, bear in mind that German Shepherd dogs are working dogs that are mainly bred for a specific purpose. At Regis Regal, we breed, raise, and train German Shepherds that are not only beautiful on the outside but also have a good temperament and intelligence that makes them anything from a great family pet, to a therapy dog to service dogs for veterans and more. Our GSDs are gentle and kind, highly intelligent and have been immaculately educated. 

If you are in the Chicago area and would like to find out more about our world-class German Shepherd puppies, adults, therapy dogs, estate dogs and service dogs, please contact us at 847-721-1908. Alternatively, if you don’t live locally, we offer a private courier service where we can deliver your German Shepherd to your residence. The utmost care will be taken with them during the journey by the courier.

If you have decided to get a German Shepherd, you are not alone. They have become one of the most popular dog breeds in America, which is both good and bad. It’s good because these wonderful and loyal dogs are now getting the recognition they deserve. It’s bad because popularity has made the breed a favorite for puppy mills. Before you decide on a German Shepherd puppy, there are a few things you should know about the breed and how much you can expect to pay to buy a puppy and care for it. 

How Much Do AKC German Shepherd Puppies Cost?

This is probably one of the first questions you asked yourself when you decided to get a GSD, but answering it is not easy. The cost of a German Shepherd puppy will vary depending on a number of factors, and, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a well-bred, loving and loyal family pet, you can expect to pay at least $4,000. However, that figure can rise significantly for a puppy with successful show or working dog lineage. 

If your German Shepherd puppy will help you to cope with a disability or provide you with emotional support, private health insurance companies won’t help you cover the cost.  If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) attached to your health insurance policy for buying a service dog, you can use it if your doctor determines it is medically necessary. Besides that, there are grants and charities available that pair owners with a service dog at low or no costs. 

Visiting a local animal shelter could be the least expensive way to get a German Shepherd puppy, but you can expect your search to be a long and frustrating one. While you will only be expected to pay for vaccinations or asked to make a small donation, you are far more likely to find an adult dog than a puppy. This could make training a challenge as undesirable habits have to be broken and temperament can be unpredictable. I wrote about issues adopting a German Shepherd that you might find useful if you were considering taking this route.

If you see German Shepherd puppies offered at a price that seems too good to be true, you should proceed with extreme caution and have a vet check the puppy you choose before any money changes hands. This is because, like all pedigree dogs, German Shepherds are prone to certain medical issues. 

These issues include hip dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative myelopathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Experienced breeders know this and take great care to avoid these problems, but puppy mills are only interested in breeding as many dogs as they can and selling them as quickly as possible. Few things in life are as precious as peace of mind, which is why you may be wise to get your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder that offers a lifetime health guarantee, like Regis Regal does.

Once you have brought your German Shepherd puppy home, the fun really begins and the costs start to mount. German Shepherds are large dogs and they love their exercise, which means that your puppy will eat a lot. You can also expect to pay several hundred dollars each year to cover immunizations, laboratory tests and pest and parasite treatments. Then there are obedience classes, leashes and collars and lots and lots of treats and toys. 

What Is an AKC German Shepherd?

The German Shepherd is classified as a herding dog by the American Kennel Club. The first GSD was owned by a former Prussian cavalry officer who founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means the German Shepherd Society, in 1899.

German Shepherds, which are sometimes called Alsatians, are known for their strength, intelligence, obedience and trainability. The traits that make them great family pets also make them ideal working dogs, and they are used by police departments and armies in just about every country.

German Shepherds stand between 22 and 24-inches tall and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. They live for about 14 years and are extremely loyal. 

Their walking gait is relaxed, but they can reach great speeds when they run. German Shepherds were originally bred to protect livestock from predators, and they have been known to sacrifice themselves without hesitation to save their loved ones. 

A Brief History of the German Shepherd 

German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent and hardworking, but when you adopt one of these pups, you should be aware of its history. The introduction of German Shepherds to the United States started in the early 1900s. Since then, a lot went into the breeding of this loyal, hardworking breed and making them what they are today. 

Differences between the bloodlines started when Germany was split by the Berlin Wall after World War II. Original differences between East and West German Shepherds became even more prominent because of the unique ways they were bred on each side of the Berlin Wall. 

Czechoslovakia was influential in developing the bloodline, imparting their own unique tweak on the breed. Europe has focused on the breed’s working ability and temperament, while physical characteristics play a bigger role in the United States. 

Be mindful when adopting a puppy that many of the original bloodlines are now severed, resulting in undesirable traits. Because of this unregulated breeding practice, America, especially, has issues with undesirable characteristics and authenticity.

The Five Major Bloodlines

Admiration and demand for the different breeds grew, resulting in the following 5 major types of German Shepherd Bloodlines:

#1: East German DDR Working Line 

You may have encountered East DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) German Shepherds if you’ve seen them working with the police in K-9 Units or seen them sniffing for contraband at the airport.  

Eastern sheps are perfect for these tasks and much more since they are intelligent and bred to have high energy and high drive. In fact, an East DDR dog from a good bloodline is always on point and looking to get involved in the next task.

The characteristics that make East German Shepherds such good soldiers don’t make them a “good boy” or “girl” in the home. They rarely make suitable pets, and we recommend against trying to own one as a family companion. While any pup is trainable, Eastern German Shepherds require extensive handling and training, as they are solely bred for work and protection.

Your puppy will start out small but will grow into an extremely powerful dog. Little to know no margin of error exists when it comes to handling an adult East German Shepherd of this class. In other words, it’s best to play it safe and leave the adoption of these big fellas to the professionals. 

#2: American Show Line 

Out of the five bloodlines, the American German Shepherds are the ones most commonly seen in the U.S. and Canada. From the beginning, American German Shepherds were bred to win dog shows. Emphasis is placed on looks and the dog’s movement.

They are a combination of many bloodlines, resulting in a more substantial build and shorter head and muzzle. These dogs also slope in the back and hindquarters.

Because of the lack of regulation pertaining to Health and Temperament, the American Shepherd has been vastly over-bred. This has resulted in tremendous hip and elbow dysplasia along with Leukemia.

#3: West German Show Line

Dogs belonging to the West German Show Line are typically darker than American dogs, and their back forms an elongated and bowed “u” that is known as “roaching.” Von Stephanitz, the father of the breed, envisioned a stronger temperament than was realized, and their will is more malleable than with working line dogs.

The German registry (Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde) requires more rigorous oversight in their breeding. For instance, along with their show title, the dogs must be cleared for a working title and good hip and elbow health. Because of this, the West German bloodline is typically healthier than American ones. 

#4: Czech Working Lines 

One of the lesser-known breeds of GSD is the Czech German Shepherd, and many people consider them an offshoot, or even the same breed as, the East German Shepherd. 

These dogs have an amazing history, and breeding endowed them with their own unique traits. Its beginnings stretch as far back as communist Czechoslovakia in 1899, and they were employed by the Czech Army border control agency.

When Germany was divided between the East and West, Czech Shepherds became more common. However, they didn’t flourish until Germany reunited the two divisions in 1989. 

Czechs tend to be leaner than the other working bloodlines and are quite nimble since they were once prey driven.They also tend to mature the slowest of the working lines. While Czech Working Lines German Shepherds are sometimes kept as pets and have calmed throughout time, they are still very hard-wired to work.

#5: West-German Working Line

German Working Line German Shepherds are charming, and they are also worker bees at heart. These western shephs are also thought to be the closest to the original breed created by the Germans.

And, since they are revered as a working bloodline – a focus is emphasized on their personality and temperament – much more than their appearance. This practice results in a much healthier and dynamic breed for the western bloodline.

Because of their even temperament and more, it’s best to adopt from the West German Working bloodline if your plan on making your GSD a family companion. This type of GSD is also used for special needs, emotional support and more. 

Known as “protection you can hug,” Regis Regal produces West German Sieger dogs. These canines are the best choice for companionship and family security if their owners invest enough time in them.

Choosing the Right German Shepherd Breeder

Respected German Shepherd breeders will sell you a puppy and be there for you whenever you need help. They want their dogs to thrive and be happy, and they take great care to match the temperaments of their puppies with the temperaments of their new owners.

You may think that you have to find a puppy at a local breeder, but that is not necessarily true. Regis Regal is located about an hour’s drive from Chicago, but we have used a special courier service to deliver puppies to happy owners in Arizona, New York and Florida – and wherever else you may be based in the US. We have also been named a Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club, and we offer a lifetime health guarantee on all of our German Shepherd puppies.