Blue German Shepherd: Characteristics and Care

The Blue German Shepherd is a rare color among the different types of German Shepherds. Unlike the popular black and tan, Blue German Shepherds are recently recognized as a purebred dog by the official breed standard.

What makes the Blue German Shepherd different from other types? Read this article to learn about the unique characteristics of Blue German Shepherds, how the color “blue” started, and how to care for them.

You may also like:

• Black German Shepherd
• White German Shepherd

Characteristics

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Blue German Shepherd

No matter the color of a German Shepherd’s coat, their temperament, health, care, and training are almost the same. In some cases, nature versus breeding can affect a German Shepherd’s temperament and health , but otherwise, you’ll know what you’re getting into when you get this breed of dog.

The temperament of a German Shepherd is typically very intelligent, obedient, loyal, gentle, and loving. They determine their master by the person who cares the most for them. If a particular person in the house feeds, walks, prepares and trains them, a German Shepherd will see that person as his master. They can also be very close to other members of the household.

While training, a German Shepherd will pick up on commands and tasks fairly quickly. They are very intelligent dogs that love to please their masters. They will do what you ask for a reward.

German Shepherds require at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. You may not be able to let your dog run every day, but at least take him for a brisk walk to burn off some energy. These dogs have a lot of energy and can destroy objects in your home if they don’t have a way to release their energy.

These are common health problems in German Shepherds. If you take steps to prevent these problems when they are only a year or two, your dog can live longer with a healthier and happier life.

Differences in the Blue German Shepherd

Many breeders choose to breed the traditional black tan German shepherd, which makes the blue German shepherd very rare. Finding a good blue breeder can be more difficult.

The main difference from the Blue German Shepherd, however, is the reason for its name. The coat is a deep black that appears to have an indirect blue light shade. They are unique compared to classic black, white and saber German Shepherds .

The effects of blue coloring on health and behavior

The coloration of a German Shepherd’s coat doesn’t have much of an effect on its health, behavior, temperament, grooming, or training needs. In addition to coat color, Blue German Shepherds act and think like any other German Shepherd.

Predicting the health and behavior of Blue German Shepherds

To better predict the behavior of a Blue German Shepherd , study the typical behavior and health of any other German Shepherd. The breed is highly intelligent, loyal, affectionate, personable, and energetic. They are ideal for active families, with or without children.

German Shepherds require at least basic training . They like to have a “job” among the members of their “pack”, so it is better to teach them tasks. Reward these tasks so they know they have done the job well.

Teaching them more advanced skills, such as search and rescue work, disability service work, agility, or military and police work, can further help them feel fulfilled and valuable.

History of the Blue German Shepherd

It is unknown exactly when the blue German Shepherd appeared . It is still a rare coloration of German Shepherds. More research is being done on this type of German Shepherd.

Caring for Blue German Shepherds

• Daily exercise: At least 30 minutes.
• Daily calorie intake: 1,200 calories.
• Training: Basic commands and / or advanced skills.
• Activities: Walk, run, chew toys, balls, bones.
• Grooming: Daily brushing with baths when extremely dirty.

The care of the Blue German Shepherd is basically the same as that of the other German Shepherd colors. Blue German Shepherds are full of energy and require a decent amount of exercise each day. At least 30 minutes of walking, if not running, playing ball, or other aerobic exercise.

The German Shepherd Blues need to burn energy or otherwise will become restless and chew inappropriate items such as furniture or shoes. Toys help with this concern. A chew bone or a ball to chase helps keep their minds busy and out of trouble.

Foods

To keep their energy at a healthy level, Blue German Shepherds need protein-rich foods to fuel their active lifestyle. Talk to your vet about the ideal food for your Blue Shepherd.

Unless your dog has special dietary restrictions, a Blue German Shepherd will need about 1,200 calories a day. This caloric intake should be divided between 2 or 3 meals. They can eat raw food, dry food, or wet food.

Choose a brand that is 18-24% protein and 7-10% fat. The protein will maintain your energy levels so you can stay active and happy. Low levels of fat prevent weight gain and lethargy.

Health problems

German Shepherds, including Blue Shepherds, are known for certain potential health problems throughout life. The most common health problem is hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip joint that slowly breaks down cartilage and causes pain when moving.

Due to selective breeding and inbreeding of single bloodline German Shepherds, other issues and genetic mutations have developed other health problems. These include:

• Degenerative myelopathy – a slow, painless degeneration of the spinal cord. Obviously deadly.
• Congenital heart defects: aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.

You may also notice some other minor health problems, but these are not that serious.

• Panosteitis (growing pains) is a temporary condition noted by limping in dogs 5 to 18 months of age. Pain relief medication can be purchased, but the problem usually resolves itself once the dog is grown.
• Pannus is an autoimmune condition that affects the eye. It is not curable but it can be treated and managed if detected early.
• Hemophilia is a genetic condition that prevents blood from clotting. It is better if it is detected, diagnosed and treated early.

Although all of these conditions may seem daunting, keeping your Blue German Shepherd active, trained, well fed, and happy keeps most health concerns at bay. Make yearly visits to the vet for instructions on how to best maintain your dog’s health.

Blue German Shepherd temperament

In general, German Shepherds have very attractive personality traits. They are great for families with or without children. Even if you’ve never owned a German Shepherd before, do your research, learn from trainers and veterinarians, and they will be one of the best dog breeds you can go for.

Blue German Shepherds are very smart. They will pick up the new commands very quickly. Pastors are also eager to please, so they will have no trouble remembering your orders and enthusiastically carrying them out.

Blue German Shepherds are loyal and loving. They will protect their “herd” by alerting people to enter or pass their home. They will watch over the young children in your family. When a youngster wants to play or snuggle, German Shepherds are gentle companions willing to entertain their little human members of the pack.

However, like all dog breeds, German Shepherds have limits that people, especially children, must understand and respect. Dogs can’t bear to pull their hair and pull their ears so much before they break. If you have children around a German Shepherd, teach them to respect the limits of dogs.

Training the Blue German Shepherd

Basic commands are an absolute must with German Shepherds. They thrive within the limits of their family. They need to know that you are their master and they must obey your orders.

As for training, we discussed earlier some options for advanced skills training.

Nose job

• Explosives
• Drugs
• Missing people

Service work

• Disability assistant
• Guide for the blind
• Assistant to the deaf
• Alert dog for diabetes, panic attacks, anxiety and seizures

Recreational activities

• Agility
• Diving
• Show dog

conclusion

Thanks for reading about Blue German Shepherds! I hope you have learned something new! Feel free to leave a comment with your questions or experiences with Blue German Shepherds.