A blonde German Shepherd is certainly a startling sight, but a beautiful one nonetheless. You won’t see these dogs often, which means that not much is known about them. If you want to know the blonde German Shepherd a little better, here are some factors you should be aware of:
What Do Blonde German Shepherds Look Like?
Despite their name, many blonde German Shepherds aren’t just one color all over, although this is certainly possible. A cream hue is the prominent shade here and will cover most of their body. This hue may be interspersed with a darker golden color.
When you imagine the color of a Blonde German Shepherd, think of the shades you may associate with a yellow Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever. These dogs have a coat that is a similar shade.
Apart from the coat color, though, you will find that the blonde German Shepherd shares the same features as any other German Shepherd. This includes a black nose and paw pads. Their eyes may be darker as well. So, for the most part, it’s only their coat color that’s different.
Are Blonde German Shepherds the Same as White German Shepherds?
German Shepherds come in all colors, although blonde is undoubtedly more unusual. You may have heard about white German Shepherds and may be curious about whether blonde and white German Shepherds are the same.
No, they are not. White German Shepherds are pure white – a similar color to snow. They are also solely white. Blonde German Shepherds, on the other hand, are a darker cream color. If they are side by side, you will be able to tell the difference between the two colors easily.
Are Blonde German Shepherds Purebred German Shepherds?
Yes, Blonde German Shepherds are purebred German Shepherds. They may look different from the traditional tan and black dogs typically associated with this breed, but they are identical to other German Shepherds.
The differences in their coat are caused by a slight genetic variation. In every other way – physically and mentally, however, these dogs have the same genetic material as other German Shepherds.
It is important to ensure that you get your blonde German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. If you can prove that a blonde German Shepherd puppy has two purebred German Shepherd parents, this will guarantee that your dog is purebred.
If you find a blonde German Shepherd in a shelter, there is a chance that your dog may be a mixed breed. This is true even if your dog has all the physical characteristics of a German Shepherd. Such a dog may have been mixed with a blonde Labrador or a Golden Retriever.
How Unique are Blonde German Shepherds?
It is difficult to know just how rare blonde German Shepherds are. Rest assured, though, there aren’t many of them to be found.
This is largely to do with the fact that the blonde coat color is caused by a recessive gene. Not only does this gene not show up very often, but it can also be overshadowed by other dominant genes.
To add to this, blonde German Shepherds can’t participate in certain competitions. Their unusual coat color can also be considered a flaw. Due to this, many breeders may shy away from actively breeding dogs with this coat color or genetic component.
Why Do Blonde German Shepherds Have a Rare Coat Color?
The reality is that no one is quite sure how Blonde German Shepherds exist or reproduce. This is because the genetics resulting in this unusual color is tricky to understand. There are some theories, however.
For instance, experts know that pheomelanin plays a role here. Pheomelanin is the pigment in a German Shepherd’s coat that is responsible for the color red. When certain genes interact with this pigment, it causes red to be diluted to cream colors.
This phenomenon doesn’t completely explain blonde German Shepherds, however. There is no accounting for how black portions typically found in German Shepherds are somehow diluted to a similar light or cream color.
For this color dilution possibility, scientists have put forth the theory of pheomelanin being expressed by an ee genotype. In addition to turning the red or lighter parts of German Shepherd’s coat cream, it can also turn black and other colors cream or a lighter blonde.
Do Blonde German Shepherd Puppies Darken as They Get Older?
If you want to get a blonde German Shepherd, there is a significant aspect to keep in mind. Their coat color can change throughout their life. This is a rather common occurrence with blonde German Shepherds.
As there isn’t a lot of information as to why blonde German Shepherds present with such a coat color, no one quite knows why they change color. In some cases, it is genetic or pigment-related. Some believe that diet, health, and environmental factors play a role as well.
There is no foolproof way to know if your dog’s coat will change color or not. This transformation generally takes place at around eight weeks old. There are some dogs who experience coat color changes when they are much older as well – around 2 years or so.
If you want to get a blonde German Shepherd, you do have to accept the fact that they may grow darker with age. They may end up being a darker golden yellow or even a light brown.
Are Blonde German Shepherds Accepted by Kennel Clubs?
Kennel clubs like the AKC accept that blonde German Shepherds are purebred dogs. They do not, however, accept blonde German Shepherds as an official color.
This means that blonde German Shepherds can’t enter competitions or shows that are officially sanctioned. This is why owners or breeders who typically deal with show dogs will actively stay away from blonde German Shepherds.
Blonde German Shepherds aren’t exempt from all competitions, though. Although they can’t enter shows that are based on purebred characteristics, they can still join competitions that show off their physical and agility skills.
Bear in mind, however, blonde German Shepherds have the same physical capabilities as other German Shepherds. This allows them to excel at various dog sports and activities.
Can Blonde German Shepherds Be Employed as Working Dogs?
Blonde German Shepherds can make excellent working dogs. They are intelligent dogs who adapt to training very easily. They also love having a job to do and excel when mentally stimulated.
That being said, it is uncommon to find blonde German Shepherds in such a position. These dogs are prized for their uniqueness. They are most likely to be petted.
What German Shepherd Parents Can Produce Blonde Puppies?
As stated above, blonde German Shepherds are still quite a mystery to most breeders. This is because it’s difficult to narrow down the exact pigments and genes that cause this coat color. Yes, there are some hypotheses, but not enough research has been done into this breed of German Shepherds to get a clear answer.
As a result, it is difficult to know whether a particular German Shepherd carries a gene that can potentially produce blonde puppies. In turn, breeders can’t breed them with dogs that may be carrying suitable genes for such puppies.
To add to this, it is possible that the blonde gene is either a mutation or a recessive gene. There is no way to know whether this gene can be passed onto puppies. As a result, breeders can’t accurately predict which puppies may be carrying the right genes to pass down onto the next generation.
Technically, it is possible that German Shepherds with the pheomelanin pigment may be more likely to produce blonde German Shepherds than other dogs. Similarly, those who are liver-colored or white may also give birth to blonde German Shepherds as there is already a preexisting genetic variation with these dogs.
It is best to think of blonde German Shepherds as a fluke. They simply turn up in a litter without any warning.
How Much Can Blonde German Shepherd Puppies Cost?
There are many things that can impact the cost of a German Shepherd puppy. In most instances, dogs that are most likely to adhere to AKC requirements and come from good stock are top contenders.
This is why blonde German Shepherds aren’t actively sought-after. Despite this, you shouldn’t assume that these puppies come cheap. They may not be able to win competitions, but the breed is prized for its rarity.
As blonde German Shepherds are so uncommon, the puppies can be quite expensive. Don’t be surprised if a blonde German Shepherd puppy is offered for $2000 or even more.
Also, keep in mind that few breeders can provide blonde German Shepherd puppies to potential buyers. This drives up the price even further.
It is important to note that blonde German Shepherds are like regular German shepherds. These are affectionate and loyal dogs who require a home where they will be cared for and loved.
This means that owners will have to spend time and effort making sure that these dogs’ needs are met. You will also have to train and socialize them as they grow up.
There is no one-off costs involved with blonde German Shepherds, either. You will have to budget for food, bedding, toys, shelter, and vet bills.
Are Blonde German Shepherd Puppies Easy to Find?
No, blonde German Shepherds are certainly not easy to find. In this case, how can you snag one of these puppies for yourself?
To begin with, you will need to cast out a wide net. In many instances, you will have to look out of state for them. The internet can often be a good place to search for breeders in other regions.
There is no guarantee when you can find a blonde German Shepherd. If a blonde German Shepherd is about to give birth, there may be a chance that at least one puppy will be blonde. This isn’t an absolute certainty, though.
Breeders will often post about blonde German Shepherds once they are born. Due to this, you will often have to be patient and there is no telling how long you will have to wait before you get your hands on this unique pup.
When looking for a blonde German Shepherd, their coat color shouldn’t be your main focus. Instead, pay attention to the breeder and research them carefully. They should be a reputable breeder who runs genetic health tests for the parents and even grandparents of the puppy.
A good breeder is concerned with the health of the puppy and not how much profit that they can make off of a rare blonde German Shepherd. Due to this, they won’t take any unnecessary risks as breeding unhealthy blonde German Shepherds or risking inbreeding.
Make sure that any potential breeder has all the proper paperwork and can prove that several generations of the bloodline have been deemed healthy. In doing so, you will be able to increase your chances of having a healthy, happy dog who will live a long life.
The blonde German Shepherd is certainly a fascinating and unique version of this breed. As you take a closer look, however, you will see that only a genetic mutation of pigments separates this dog from the rest of its breed. It is still interesting to learn about and can make you appreciate the blonde German Shepherd even more.
