Sable Black German Shepherd

One of the most interesting facts is that the German Shepherd was created from crosses of several European herding dogs in 19th century Germany. The intention of the original breeder, Captain Max von Stephanitz, was to create an ideal herder.

The classic image of the German Shepherd looks a lot like Rin-Tin-Tin: tall, muscular, and noble, with tan fur colors and black markings around the back and face. But this breed can actually come in many different colors and markings, including solid black, bi-color, and sable. Sable means that it has multi-colored strands of hair: each one has a black tip and a lighter color base, usually red, tan, gray, or silver.

A sable German Shepherd should not be mistaken for a mix. While fairly uncommon, black sable is an accepted and legitimate color variation that still qualifies as a purebred German Shepherd by the American Kennel Club and many breeders. In all other respects, including behavior, temperament, health, lifespan, and care, the sable German Shepherd is almost exactly the same as any other accepted variation.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Sable Black German Shepherd

Size and Weight

The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog with a big, muscular frame. Males tend to be significantly larger than females.

Common Health Issues

Most German Shepherds are fairly healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Responsible breeders will always screen for some of the worst problems, giving potential owners some peace of mind. Poorly bred dogs, however, may be more prone to some bleeding disorders, a degenerative neurological condition called myelopathy, and a developmental disorder called hip and elbow dysplasia (in which the bone can become loose from the socket, causing lameness and pain). For this reason, the national breed club recommends that every dog receive a thorough hip and elbow evaluation.

Other common health problems include cancer, diabetes, and cataracts. Dogs with big chests, like the German Shepherd, can also suffer from a life-threatening condition called bloating, in which the stomach can fill with gas and start to twist and expand in dangerous ways. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and swelling, excessive salivation, an irregular heartbeat, and vomiting or retching. If you start noticing the signs of bloating, then you should seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, healthy dogs will also need annual visits to the vet to check for routine problems.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is a great all-purpose dog: affectionate, playful, hard-working, and very loyal and protective toward its owner. While originally bred for herding livestock, this highly intelligent and work-oriented breed is well-suited for police work, search and rescue, guidance for disabled people, and even acting. At home, they will need plenty of exercise, playtime, activities, and social interactions to satisfy their minds and bodies. This is the key to preventing boredom and bad behavior. Fortunately, this breed will enjoy doing almost any kind of activity or work you can possibly devise.

How to Take Care of the Sable Black German Shepherd

The sable black German Shepherd requires the exact same amount of care as any other member of the breed. While quite a handful to care for, its obedient nature and affectionate and loyal temperament make it a real joy to interact with.

The Best Dog Food

The German Shepherd will need a few cups of high-quality dog food per day. The amount of food and the dietary needs will change with its age and energy levels. Cooked bones or food with high-fat content should be generally avoided, but you can add a bit of yogurt, cooked vegetables, and eggs to the food bowl as treats. Pieces of biscuits can also help motivate your dog during the training process.

For breeds like this vulnerable to diabetes, freeze-dried or raw food can supply the high-protein, lower-carb, and less processed nutrition to stay full without blood sugar spikes.

Maintenance and Grooming

German Shepherds have a dense double coat, either medium or long in length. The sable pattern has no actual effect on the grooming requirements. It will need a brief brushing every few days — and nearly every day in the shedding season — to remove loose hairs and keep the coat clean. Bathing only needs to be done on occasion when the dog is particularly dirty. If the nails seem like they’re growing a little long and making your dog uncomfortable, then they should be trimmed or ground down immediately. If the ears show signs of infection or wax buildup, then they should be cleaned with a cotton swab and solution. Finally, the teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent gum and teeth disease.

Training

German Shepherds are ideal dogs to train. Obedient, intelligent, and highly curious, they respond best to consistent but rewarding training exercises that keep them engaged in the process. Positive training and treats should motivate your dog as well.

Exercise

A German Shepherd will require between 60 and 120 minutes of exercise daily, including vigorous activities. They enjoy a wide range of different exercises, including long walks, hiking, catches, agility challenges, and even dock diving. It is a good idea to have a fenced yard in which it can run around and play. When going out around the neighborhood, it should be kept on a leash at almost all times. It does have a tendency to become distracted and start exploring its surroundings, even if properly trained.

Puppies

As a working dog, the German Shepherd needs extensive training from an early age to channel their immense energy and intelligent mind toward positive pursuits. Frequent exposure to new people and situations will also make your dog more comfortable and less fearful of strangers as an adult. Crate training, while not mandatory, can help with issues at home, including housebreaking and anxiety.

Another thing to keep in mind is that German Shepherd puppies should be eased slowly into exercise. Start with short walks and increase the intensity gradually from there. Any other questions or concerns about issues like vaccines or microchipping should be directed toward your vet.

The Sable Black German Shepherd and Children

The German Shepherd should be a great friend toward children of all ages. Once they’re accepted as members of the family, they are extremely gentle, watchful, and affectionate. For best results, the German Shepherd should be exposed to children as early as possible from puppyhood.

Dogs Similar to the Sable Black German Shepherd

• Belgian Malinois: Most people have probably not heard of the Belgian Malinois, but they look and behave remarkably similar to the German Shepherd. This breed is a short-haired version of the Belgian Shepherd; it has a fawn-colored coat and a black mask and extremities. Their strong desire to work often finds an outlet in herding, protecting, police work, and exercise.
• Dutch Shepherd: Loyal, intelligent, and very protective of its family, the Dutch Shepherd is a highly versatile and adaptable herding dog with either short or rough hair of brindle patterns. This is a very independent and no-nonsense sort of breed.
• Bohemian Shepherd: Lively, intelligent, and highly enthusiastic about its work, the Bohemian Shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog from the Czech Republic with a long coat of black fur and tan markings. With their calm and friendly temperament, they make for great companions, guide dogs, and rescue dogs.