Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Black German Shepherd is a special type of dog that stands out. While most people know what regular German Shepherds look like, the black ones are not as well-known. They’re very rare and not officially recognized by many big dog clubs.
In the United States, German Shepherds are super popular, ranking second among dog breeds, says the AKC. After World War II, their popularity took a hit because they were linked to Germany. But nowadays, they’re loved by many.
Typically, German Shepherds have two colors in their fur: black and tan. However, there are some that are entirely black. This isn’t because they’ve been mixed with other breeds.
The gene for black fur is naturally found in purebred German Shepherds. Still, finding one that’s all black is quite rare. Despite not being able to participate in dog shows, people really want them and are willing to pay a lot for them.
William Shakespeare Says:
“Black German Shepherds are really special dogs. They’re not as common as the regular ones you usually see. Even though big dog clubs don’t officially recognize them, a lot of people really want them.”
History of Black German Shepherds
Black German Shepherds are part of a group of herding dogs that were developed in Europe around 1859. At that time, efforts were made to standardize dog breeds and focus on traits like speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence, which helped in herding sheep.
Even though there were attempts to standardize breeds, there were still slight differences among shepherds from different regions due to breeding variations.
As industrialization grew, the need for sheepdogs decreased because there were fewer predators and fewer people keeping sheep. However, people were starting to recognize the intelligence and usefulness of these dogs, especially the ones from Germany.
The first German Shepherd, named Horand von Grafrath, appeared in 1899 when he was bought by a man named Von Stephanitz. This led to the founding of the Society for German Shepherd Dogs, with Horand as their main representative. The breed standard developed from him, and soon German Shepherds became very popular worldwide.
Horand had many puppies, and most German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was a lot of inbreeding to produce the German Shepherd we know today, with many of Horand’s puppies being bred together.
Black German Shepherds likely existed since the breed’s beginning, but not all dogs carried the gene for completely black fur. In the past, completely black puppies might have been eliminated at birth because it was seen as a defect. However, today, the gene for black fur is reappearing in the breed.
Appearance of Black German Shepherds
Black German Shepherds are much like other German Shepherds in how they look. They have the same body shape and grow to be about the same size as regular German Shepherds.
Male black German Shepherds usually weigh between 65 to 90 pounds, and black German shepherd female are around 50 to 75 pounds.
They’re considered medium-to-large dogs, so make sure you have enough space if you want to bring one home. Sometimes people don’t realize how big these dogs can get, and then they regret getting one later.
Both male and female black German Shepherds are usually 22-26 inches tall. They don’t differ much in height, but males are often more muscular.
Their fur is completely black, unlike most German Shepherds who have some black along with other colors, showcasing the variety of German Shepherd colors. Their coat keeps them warm and clean, which is important because they’re working dogs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepts the black coat color. It’s not a result of mixing breeds, but rather a rare color that only a few German Shepherds have. Sometimes breeders try to get more black German Shepherds through selective breeding.
It was thought that the gene for a solid black coat was recessive, but now many believe it’s dominant. This means it’s not hidden by other genes; it’s just not common in many dogs.
Black German Shepherds always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are very rare and usually mean the dog has other breeds in their family, like Huskies.
Aside from their color, black German Shepherds have the same body as their black and tan relatives. Like all German Shepherds, their ears are usually upright, although some adults might have floppy ears. Black German Shepherd long hair adds to their majestic appearance and distinctive charm.
Personality and Temperament of Black German Shepherds
Black German Shepherds are often thought to be aggressive, but that’s not entirely accurate. They do have strong protective instincts because they were originally bred to guard sheep. When a dog’s job was guarding, they’re likely to still have those instincts today.
The bite of a German Shepherd isn’t significantly stronger than many other dogs. For example, they have a bite force of over 1,060 newtons, similar to breeds like Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Labrador Retrievers of their size.
German Shepherds need moderate exercise, similar to other large breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Siberian Huskies.
They’re known for being very loyal and trainable, but they do have protective instincts. If you want a dog that’s protective of its family, German Shepherds are a good choice. However, they need early socialization to prevent them from becoming overly protective.
They’re not very friendly with strangers. They’re more focused on their own family and can be wary of strangers, sometimes ignoring them or showing discomfort.
German Shepherds have a strong prey drive, which means they’re easily motivated by toys but need supervision around small pets like cats or smaller dogs. Even though they might not mean harm, they could accidentally hurt smaller animals during play.
Grooming of Black German Shepherds
How much grooming your Black German Shepherd needs depends on the type of coat they have. If they have a medium-length coat, brushing them two to three times a week should be enough. This helps prevent tangles and keeps their coat clean.
For black German Shepherd long coat variants, daily combing is necessary to prevent matting. If you don’t groom them regularly, their coat can get tangled, and you might need a professional groomer to help.
Because Black German Shepherds have a double coat, they shed a lot. So, be prepared for extra hair around your home. Even with daily brushing, they will still shed. Twice a year, they undergo a process called “blowing” their coat, which means they shed a lot more than usual during that time.
Black German Shepherd mix usually shed a lot twice a year, typically in spring and fall, but it can vary depending on where you live. Shedding is also affected by hormones, not just the weather. So, even if your area doesn’t have four seasons, they’ll still have these heavy shedding periods.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to stop your Black German Shepherd from shedding a lot. But using special shampoos designed to reduce shedding and feeding them a good diet can help minimize it.
Health and Care of Black German Shepherds
Black German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like other purebred dogs, they can have some health issues. Some of these problems are more common because of inbreeding that happened when the breed was first developed.
Their black coat doesn’t make them more prone to health problems compared to German Shepherds with black-and-tan coats.
It’s important to buy a Black German Shepherd from a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their dogs. This helps ensure that only the healthiest dogs are used for breeding, which can reduce the risk of health issues in puppies.
It’s better to choose a Black German Shepherd bred for working rather than for show. Working dogs are bred with practicality in mind, which can lead to fewer health problems compared to show dogs, which are bred to meet extreme breed standards.
Common Health Issues of Black German Shepherds
Black German Shepherds can face various health issues, similar to black-and-tan German Shepherds. These health problems aren’t more common just because the dogs are completely black.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in many German Shepherds. It happens when the joints don’t align properly, leading to wear and tear and early arthritis-like symptoms. This damage often occurs during puppyhood but may not show symptoms until later.
Pet owners can lower the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia by avoiding overfeeding and excessive exercise during puppyhood. These can affect the growth of the hip joint and cause problems.
Degenerative spinal stenosis affects many German Shepherds, although the exact number isn’t clear. But there’s some good news: German Shepherds are less likely to get ear infections because they have glands that produce ear wax, helping keep their ears clean.
Degenerative myelopathy is common in German Shepherds, too. It’s a condition that affects the spinal cord, but there’s a DNA test available to check for it. This test can be expensive, so many breeders use it before breeding their dogs to avoid passing it on to puppies.
Once the test for degenerative myelopathy is regularly used, it becomes simpler to remove it from the breed. You just avoid breeding dogs that test positive for the condition.
German Shepherds are more likely to have Von Willebrand disease compared to other dogs. This suggests that they may have a genetic predisposition to it.
Another health issue in German Shepherds is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This condition is usually managed with medication and pancreatic supplements. Because it’s likely genetic, health testing and keeping track of pedigrees are crucial for reducing its occurrence in the breed.
Training and Exercise Needs of Black German Shepherd
Black German Shepherds are quite trainable. They’re very smart and loyal to their owners. Unlike some other dogs, they usually follow their owners’ commands in real-life situations and can learn different commands easily.
However, training is important for these dogs. Without it, they might become overly protective and possibly dangerous. But because they’re easy to train, meeting this need isn’t difficult. Starting puppy classes at a young age is recommended as they help with socialization and training.
If you properly socialize them as puppies, you may not need private classes. Private classes are suggested for dogs that are reactive around strangers and other dogs, especially those who weren’t socialized well as puppies.
For older German Shepherds needing socialization, private classes with an experienced trainer are recommended. Basic commands can be taught, followed by socialization with safe people and dogs, guided by the trainer’s expertise.
Black German Shepherds, like their counterparts, are active dogs. They need regular exercise, with at least two medium-to-long walks per day, and puppies might need extra playtime. So, they’re best for active families or individuals who can meet their exercise needs.
Adopting a Black German Shepherd
Black German Shepherds aren’t as common as regular ones in the United States. While it’s easy to find breeders for regular German Shepherds, finding ones for black ones can be harder.
Because black German Shepherds are rarer, they’re usually not available all the time. And when you do find them, they’re often more expensive than regular ones because many people want them. So, be prepared to pay extra if you want a black one because the demand is higher than the supply.
The black German Shepherd puppy price can vary, ranging from $800 to $2,000, which contrasts with the $500 to $1,500 range for a regular German Shepherd. But it’s still cheaper than many other large dog breeds because German Shepherds are quite common.
Comparing prices, a French Bulldog can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, much more than a Black German Shepherd.
While it might be tempting to save money by buying a cheaper puppy, especially for German Shepherds, it’s not recommended. These puppies need socialization from birth, and responsible breeders invest time and effort into this.
However, not all breeders are alike. Puppy mills prioritize quantity over quality, so their puppies often lack socialization and may not even experience life in a home until they’re adopted.
Backyard breeders may raise their dogs indoors, but they often lack the knowledge to properly socialize them. Unlike reputable breeders who expose puppies to various people and experiences, backyard breeders might not do this.
It’s strongly advised to only buy puppies from experienced breeders. Ask about the pedigree of the parents and the health testing done by the breeder. You can also request the parents’ CHIC numbers to independently verify their health testing.
If possible, see the parents of the puppy. This gives you insight into the living conditions provided by the breeder. Additionally, ensure that the parents are AKC registered. However, AKC registration doesn’t guarantee quality, as any German Shepherd can be registered regardless of health testing.
Experience Requirements for Black German Shepherd Ownership
Black German Shepherds are best suited for experienced dog owners. It’s preferable if you’ve had at least one dog before, especially one that’s more active. A less active dog like a Shih Tzu won’t prepare you for the energy of a German Shepherd.
These dogs are highly active and need a lot of exercise. Without enough physical activity, they can become destructive. Most of the behavioral issues seen in German Shepherds stem from not getting enough mental and physical stimulation.
Training a German Shepherd requires dedication and experience. While they’re easy to train, having previous experience with dog training is helpful.
If you’re considering getting a German Shepherd, take your time to understand the commitment involved. They require several hours of attention each day, especially as puppies, and need at least an hour or two of exercise daily. They’re not suitable for casual dog owners.
Conclusion
Many people mistake Black German Shepherds for King Shepherds, but they’re actually purebred, just with a unique black color. They’re often pricier than regular black-and-tan German Shepherds, but they’ve become beloved by many pet owners.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes black German Shepherds, but they’re still rare, so finding one might take some time and patience. Despite their uncommon appearance, they share the same characteristics and temperament as other German Shepherds.
They’re excellent guard dogs, but not every family is suitable for them. Proper training and socialization are crucial, and they require more effort than some other breeds.
Black German Shepherds are recommended for experienced dog owners who have had dogs before. They’re not ideal for casual owners because they need someone committed to their training and exercise requirements.
The black German Shepherd looking dog caught everyone’s attention with its striking appearance and confident demeanor. The black German Shepherd baby happily played in the yard.
Note: Find your ideal black German Shepherd for sale and bring home a loyal and loving companion. If you want to read more about German Shepherds, read our article at harpersatelier.
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