Have you ever seen a blue German Shepherd? If you haven’t, then this article is about it. You might be asking, “How rare is a blue German Shepherd?” The answer will be provided here, including the blue German Shepherd’s health problems.
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. However, there is a rare variant of the breed that stands out for its striking blue coat: the Blue German Shepherd. In this article, we will explore the rarity of the blue German shepherd, its origins, and what makes it different from the traditional German shepherd.
History and Origin of the Blue German Shepherd
The Blue German Shepherd is not a separate breed of dog but rather a color variation of the German Shepherd. The blue coat color is caused by a dilution gene, which lightens the coat color. This gene can also cause other variations in coat color, such as in “liver” and “isabelle” German Shepherds.
The Blue German Shepherd was first documented in the early 20th century, but it was not widely recognized as a separate variation until the 1960s. Since then, the Blue German Shepherd has gained popularity among dog enthusiasts, but it is still considered a rare variation of the breed.
How rare is a blue German Shepherd?
The Blue German Shepherd is considered a rare variation of the breed, as it is not as common as the traditional black or black and tan German Shepherd.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the blue coat color is not recognized in the breed standard and is not eligible for AKC registration.
However, the Blue German Shepherd is recognized by some other kennel clubs, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). But in general, the blue German Shepherd is not as common as the black and tan German Shepherd, and it may be difficult to find one through a traditional breeder.
Read also>> How rare is white German Shepherd? Find out here
Differences between Blue German Shepherds and Traditional German Shepherds
Just like I said earlier, the Blue German Shepherd is not a separate breed of dog, and it shares almost the same characteristics as the traditional German Shepherd. However, there are a few key differences to consider when comparing the two variations.
Read also: How to Identify a Purebred German Shepherd. Find out here.
Coat color: The most obvious difference between the blue German shepherd and the traditional German shepherd is the coat color. The blue German Shepherd has a blue coat, while the traditional German Shepherd has a black and tan coat.
Health concerns: The dilution gene that causes the blue coat color can also increase the risk of certain health problems, such as skin allergies and eye issues.
Read also: Best dog food for German Shepherds with Skin Allergies
Recognition: As mentioned earlier, the Blue German Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC and may not be eligible for AKC registration.
Blue German Shepherd health problems
Blue German Shepherds, like all German Shepherds, are prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in blue German shepherds include:
Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to arthritis and lameness.
Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition to hip dysplasia, but it affects the elbow joint instead. It can also lead to arthritis and lameness.
Degenerative myelopathy: This is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and can lead to paralysis.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): This is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food, leading to weight loss and diarrhea.
Bloat: Also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It requires immediate emergency surgery.
Allergies: Some Blue German Shepherds may be prone to skin allergies or food allergies.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): This is a condition where the bone and cartilage in a joint do not develop properly. It can cause pain and lameness.
It’s important to note that these health problems are not exclusive to Blue German Shepherds but are also found in other German Shepherds. It’s recommended to have regular vet check-ups to detect and manage any potential health problems.
I hope I have been able to answer the question, “How rare is a blue German Shepherd?” If you love the article, please share it on your social media handles.