In this article we will learn all about the very popular and highly demanded Black German Shepherd, its history, origin, development, characteristics, lifestyle and care needs.
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Characteristics of the black German shepherd
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History and origin of the black German shepherd
The Black German Shepherd is not a separate breed from all other German Shepherds. They are all descended from Max von Stephanitz’s German Shepherd, Horand von Grafrath. Von Stephanitz bred his dogs to be intelligent, obedient, and agile for European farmers.
Horand’s descendants arrived in the United States and Canada in the early 1900s with a female named “The Queen of Switzerland.” The breed’s popularity declined during World War I due to its association with Germany.
The UK Kennel Club renamed the breed ‘Alsatian’ in hopes of quelling the negative association. The breed was not renamed a German Shepherd Dog in the UKKC until 2010.
Despite the controversial history, the German Shepherd is still the second most popular dog breed out of a total of 194 breeds according to the American Kennel Club.
Official recognition of Black German Shepherds
Unlike other German Shepherd colors (such as the White German Shepherd ), the American Kennel Club automatically recognizes black hair as part of the breed and allows Black German Shepherds in competitions.
What Causes Black Skin?
Two black German Shepherds will produce black puppies, like that of a recessive gene. Two black and tan German Shepherds could also produce a black puppy, but the odds are not that high.
Although it can be said that black hair is a fault, that is not true. Brown hair just forgot to show up? No. Black German Shepherds are exactly like their bicolor counterparts in every other way.
Does black skin cause health problems?
No, this is another myth. Black hair does not create any other health problems. While German Shepherds are known for some common health problems, none of them have anything to do with hair color.
Are Black German Shepherds Weird?
Yes. Only 6.8% of all German Shepherds have completely black hair. So if you have a black German shepherd, your puppy is absolutely unique. However, if you are looking to buy a black German Shepherd puppy, be prepared to dish out some extra cash. Breeders charge more for rare colors in high demand.
What are Black German Shepherds like?
They are stoic and flashy. Elegant. Statuesque. They attract attention.
His hair is rich, shiny black. It is a large breed dog with long, lean bodies and graceful muscles. Its black nose doesn’t show much against its hair, but it does move to the end of a long, thick snout. His eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped. Their ears are erect, alert and triangular.
The coat of a black German shepherd is medium to long in length. Both are double layered with a dense protective layer to ward off the weather and a soft inner layer for insulation.
Besides color, they look extremely similar to their multi-colored counterparts. However, they often have straighter backs, which avoids some of the controversy behind the breed. Show dogs often have a sloping back, leading to spinal and hip problems in old age.
Lifestyle of a black German shepherd
Like all German Shepherds, the Black German Shepherd leads an active lifestyle with at least an hour of activity daily. He loves to play and just be with his people.
Over the years, shepherds have been the bread and butter to be more docile family pets rather than herding dogs that never rest, so your black German Shepherd is more likely to chew on a toy at your feet for most of the time. of the day.
They are very good with children, but be sure to teach them to respect a dog. Do not pull the ears or hair. Do not slap or climb the dog. If this occurs, any German Shepherd could fight back with snapping, biting, or barking. They ask for nothing but respect.
The black German shepherd can be content to live in an apartment as long as they have at least an hour of outdoor activity each day.
They need space to move, run and play. An hour of walking, running, searching, or training is enough to stimulate their brains.
Preferably, these beautiful ebony German Shepherds need a house with spacious floors to chase toys, roll and stretch for naps. They love a decent-sized backyard to throw balls and clubs. For their safety, a fenced area keeps them safe from wandering away or foreign critters from entering.
Exercises and Activities Black German Shepherds Love
Although German Shepherds are bred to be docile family dogs rather than extremely energetic herding dogs, they are still very active and need activities to burn calories. An hour of activity each day could include a number of different things. If you have multiple dogs, playing with another puppy counts as an activity and sets you free.
The following list is a variety of activities that the Black German Shepherd loves:
- Basic obedience
- Agility
- Diving
- Nose job training
- Search and rescue training
- Police job training
- Training in assistance to the disabled
Black German Shepherd Training
In my experience, German Shepherds respond best to Positive Reinforcement training.
Positive Reinforcement is one of the best training methods that encourages desired behavior and actions. The coach must present what he wants. Walk beside him for “the heel”, for example. If the dog does not do that (pulls on the leash), give a high-pitched vocal correction of “ah” and reward them only when they heel properly.
Positive Reinforcement does not punish unwanted behavior. It redirects the unwanted behavior and makes the dog eager to do the right thing (for a reward, of course).
German Shepherds, regardless of their hair color, are highly intelligent and eager to please. With proper training, they will quickly pick up on your instructions and go out of their way to do what you ask of them, for a reward.
While basic commands and proper manners are important in training a dog, socialization is even more imperative in raising a safe and happy dog. People often forget that socializing their dog with other dogs and people is part of puppy training.
German Shepherds can be wary of unfamiliar people and dogs, so it is important that they feel comfortable and safe no matter who they come across. Introducing your dog to as many situations, people, and dogs as possible creates a dog that is calm and safe wherever he goes.
If you are unsure of how to train your Black German Shepherd, a certified professional dog trainer could be your salvation. C
With all the training and certifications they pass, professional dog trainers know everything there is to know about dog training, as well as teaching humans how to train dogs. Both the dog and the owner benefit from working with a professional dog trainer.
Feeding Black German Shepherds
Being such an active and energetic breed, Black German Shepherds need up to 2,000 calories each day.
The amount of food your dog receives each day can vary from three to five cups each day, depending, again, on the type of food, the brand of the food, and your dog’s activity level.
It is best for your dog to give him smaller meals, several times a day to avoid bloating. Dogs that eat large amounts of food and immediately engage in vigorous activity are at a much higher risk of bloat. Bloating can be fatal and will be discussed later in the article.
Your vet will most likely advise you to invest in a high-protein, high-fat dog food with a moderate level of carbohydrates. Your dog will maintain his energy level with this balance.
As for those tasty bits of food our dogs love so much, a few sparing bits of the right food are fine to feed your black German Shepherd. For example, carrot or apple chunks are healthy for your puppy. However, chunks of fat may smell delicious but are not healthy for a growing puppy.
The following foods are fine to feed your Black German Shepherd in moderation:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked burger
- Plantain
- Tomatoes
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
However, keep in mind that if your dog shows ANY allergic reaction to these foods, DO NOT continue feeding him.
The following foods MUST NOT be used to feed your dog. They could make your black German Shepherd seriously ill or even cause death.
- Grapes or raisins
- Chocolate
- Onions
- it
- Caffeine
- Xylitol
- Chicken bones
- Salt or salty foods
- Alcohol
- Medicines
If your dog eats something poisonous, write down the exact time he ate it, the exact amount he ate, and the ingredients he ate. Call your emergency vet immediately.
Your dog doesn’t have the ability to make smart food choices like humans do. Your job is to make sure you get all the nutrients you need and avoid the fats and poisons you don’t need.
Black German Shepherd Grooming
The black German Shepherd has a double coat, like all other German Shepherds. The top coat is hard, straight, and feels like wire. It is a weather resistant layer that keeps moisture out of your skin.
The undercoat is very soft and acts as an insulator from cold or heat. This super soft coat is what makes shepherds so much fun to pet and scratch. Bury your fingers in his thick fur and enjoy that soft baby undercoat!
While that undercoat is so adorable, it’s the trait that makes a black German Shepherd shed so much. To keep shedding under control, it’s a good idea to brush your Shepherd every day.
Use a wire bristle brush to pick up loose hair, dander, and any dirt in your dog’s hair. Every spring, your black German Shepherd will shed its winter coat. And every fall, your black German Shepherd will shed his summer coat.
This means that you will have hair “tumblers” in your home, even if you brush daily. If you own a German Shepherd, it is something you have to deal with. However, you can facilitate this shedding with an undercoat rake. This tool reaches the bottom of the undercoat to catch any loose hair.
When it comes to bathing your German Shepherd, that’s something you should only do when absolutely necessary. The shampoo removes the oil from your dog’s skin. Without this oil, your dog will have dry skin and will start to scratch constantly.
Therefore, you should only bathe your black German Shepherd with shampoo and conditioner made specifically for dogs when they get so dirty that brushing will not fix the problem. If he wallows in a mud puddle, for example.
Some German Shepherds have excess tartar or plaque on their teeth, which means they will need a toothbrush and toothpaste – made specifically for dogs. Just keep an eye on your dog’s teeth and if you see brown stains build up, invest in toothpaste and a brush.
Another aspect of pampering your Black German Shepherd may need is nail trimming. Dogs that run outside or walk on asphalt every day will naturally wear down their nails. In that case, you will not need to trim your dog’s nails. Otherwise, invest in a nail clipper or grinder. If your dog’s nails touch the ground when he is standing, his nails are too long. Long nails can be really painful for a dog.
Lastly, although the black German Shepherd’s ears prick, they may be at risk for ear infections. Check your ear canals periodically for discharge or swelling. Use a cotton makeup pad to clean them. See your vet for an ear wash or drops if necessary.
Life Span of Black German Shepherds
Between 10 and 14 years old, on average. In extreme cases, a black German Shepherd can die at age 7 from health problems or live to age 16 in ideal health.
With an excellent exercise routine, a proper diet, and regular vet check-ups, a black German Shepherd can live a long and healthy life.
Common health problems in the black German shepherd
No matter the color of your skin, there are a number of common health problems associated with German Shepherds:
- Hip Dysplasia: The ball joint and hip socket does not form properly and causes the joints to rub instead of sliding smoothly.
- Obesity: Overeating and lack of exercise can lead to drastic weight gain. An overweight white German shepherd is more likely to have arthritis or hip dysplasia.
- Von Willebrand disease: A blood disease caused by a deficiency of adhesive glycoprotein in the blood necessary for the normal attachment of platelets.
- Skin problems: Frequent itching and dry skin often due to allergies.
- Panosteitis: “Growing pains” is a temporary condition in young dogs characterized by pain, lameness and lameness affecting the long bones of the dog’s legs.
- Digestive problems: Sensitive stomach requiring special diets and low stress lifestyles.
- Heart disease: Watch for symptoms of slowing down (especially noticeable in such an active breed), coughing, and rapid breathing (more than 35 breaths per minute at rest).
- Cancer: Watch out for unexplained lumps and bumps, lameness, dark sores, swollen lymph nodes, wounds that won’t heal, gastrointestinal problems, sudden weakness or collapse, labored breathing, leakage inexplicable weight and lethargy.
- Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures, some long and some short.
- Bloating: The stomach fills with gas and puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. The stomach can also twist, causing shock and sudden death.
Routine Vaccinations for Black German Shepherds
Vaccines protect dogs from lethal and contagious diseases. For a long and healthy life, it is best for a dog to stick to a vaccination schedule. Talk to your vet about the recommended vaccination schedule.
Flea and tick treatment is not technically a vaccine, but it is something that keeps your dog safe from insect bites and Lyme disease. You can choose from pills, necklaces, or essential oils to prevent fleas and ticks from attaching to your shepherd.
Temperament of a black German shepherd
The temperament of a black German shepherd is no different than that of a standard colored German shepherd. The black German Shepherd has a calm disposition between games. However, you will react accordingly to protect your family when they suspect danger.
When unfamiliar people or dogs are around, Black German Shepherds will be distant and observant. They watch over their family. And they are not afraid to protect young children if necessary.
Like all Shepherds, Black Shepherds are quite playful, funny, and friendly. They love to be with people. They are not meant to be tied up outside alone all day. They need to live inside the house where they can feel loved and included.
Keep in mind that Black German Shepherds (all Shepherds, actually) are very vocal. They can be trained to bark outside of them, but they will usually whine, moan, moan, or howl to “talk” to you. Your home will not be silent with a pastor. But they love to be with you and talk to you. It is their way of communicating with you.
The cost of owning a black German shepherd
In general, having a dog is not cheap. They need supplies, toys, food, and medical visits. Buying a black German Shepherd is not cheap, considering they are a rare breed color. Breeders can charge between $ 750 and $ 1,500.
The initial cost of supplies could be around $ 500. Annual medical expenses could be $ 500, while annual non-medical expenses could reach $ 1,000.
You may be lucky to find a black German Shepherd at a rescue organization where the adoption costs could be $ 150 or $ 250.
Is a Black German Shepherd the Right Dog for You?
Are you active and active outdoors? Do you walk or run every day? You could be the ideal owner for a black German shepherd.
Have children? Your family could be ideal for a black German Shepherd.
These puppies are active, affectionate, playful and affectionate. They are perfect for an active family with a spacious home and a grassy backyard.
Black German Shepherds are not made to be tied up outside all day. They prefer to be with their family at all times.
This breed may not be suitable for people with no experience in owning a large, strong dog. It may also not be suitable for people with allergies to dandruff.
conclusion
As you can see, the black German Shepherd is not much different from its standard color counterparts. The only big difference is her sleek, shiny slate black fur coat. They are a rare color from the German Shepherd family, which makes them quite special.
What are your experiences with the black German shepherd? What do you hope to experience owning a black German shepherd?
We would love to hear your stories and questions! Thank you for reading!
I love the animals. Reading and writing about them, their customs, their peculiarities or the attention they require is exciting, and I also believe that it makes us better people. I share articles that solve the questions that dog caregivers face on a daily basis.