Sable German Shepherd

Sable German Shepherds are known as the classic German Shepherd, believed to closely resemble the original Shepherds. This eager-to-work herding dog boasts a beautiful sable double coat, which means that its hair strands contain multiple bands of colors like tan, red, silver, or brown and have black tips. The Sable German Shepherd is a rare variation of the more popular standard German Shepherd that is just black and tan in color. The original German Shepherds were believed to be sable-colored, and this coloring changes constantly throughout the dog’s life.

Despite their reputation as vicious dogs who bite at the slightest provocation, German Shepherds are one of the best dogs you could ask for. They are a highly intelligent breed, easy to train, fun-loving, and people-oriented. These sweet pups are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every day.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Sable German Shepherd

Size and Weight

Sable German Shepherds are identical in size and weight to other German Shepherds. They are medium-sized to large dogs. The males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 65 to 95 pounds, while the females grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Sable German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. However, they are prone to some health conditions.

One of the most common disorders that may plague these dogs is hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of the hip ball-and-socket joint. This condition can be helped by making sure your fur baby works out properly to toughen up their legs.

Other conditions that can affect your pup are bloat, diabetes, bladder stones, cataracts, and thyroid issues. You must take your dog to the vet regularly for checkups to detect any signs of poor health before they escalate. Also, when purchasing a Sable German Shepherd puppy, be sure that the breeder is reputable and that the health of the mother is guaranteed.

Temperament

Sable German Shepherds are even-tempered dogs. They are very energetic, playful, silly at times, but turn serious once they notice their owner is being serious. These dogs are people-oriented and love to follow their owners everywhere like a shadow. They tend to grow so attached to their families that they suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.

Their temperament is a sharp contrast to their reputation as aggressive dogs. All dogs can become aggressive if they are frightened or harmed in any way. They are not more aggressive than other breeds.

Sable German Shepherds are great with kids as well and can be very playful. However, the kids should be instructed on how to handle these big dogs, and the dogs should be well-trained on how to exercise restraint during play sessions.

How To Take Care of Sable German Shepherds

Raising any dog requires work and effort. The Sable German Shepherd is easily trained, groomed, and you get the reward of a devoted, heartwarming companion for the rest of its life.

The Best Dog Food

Sable German Shepherds should be fed a diet that will support their active lifestyle. Since they are large dogs, they will need large food portions to sustain them. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog, then you can check on the back of the food bag. It should contain instructions on how much to feed your dog by its weight.

Because your furry friend is in danger of bloating, you should make sure not to let it exercise too close to mealtime. Your Sable German Shepherd needs food that is high in protein, moderate in carbs, and low in fat.

Maintenance and Grooming

Sable German Shepherds have double coats and shed a lot. However, frequent brushing helps keep their loose hairs manageable. These dogs have shedding seasons twice a year, which means they shed even more profusely than at any other time. Some Sable German Shepherds have medium-length coats, and some have long coats, so if you are bent on getting this type of dog and suffer from allergies, then you can opt for one with a medium coat to minimize the amount of shedding and brushing you would have to do every week.

Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails regularly to avoid injury. If you can hear the light tapping of your pup’s nails on the floor as it walks by, then it’s time for a trim. Usually, if your dog is active enough, their nails will wear down on their own. In addition to this, it is important to clean your dog’s ears and teeth to prevent infection.

Training

Due to their brilliance, Sable German Shepherds are easy to train. The best part is that they love it, too. They are working dogs, so they get excited when there is something new for them to do or learn. These dogs pick up cues quickly and with ease, which is why they are used in the police force, the military, and as therapy and disability aid dogs.

Exercise

If you love to exercise and go on fitness expeditions, then this is the right dog for you. Sable German Shepherds are agile dogs who love to exercise. They need about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, which is pretty high. If you are the couch potato type, then you won’t have the time or energy to keep up with these active pups. They love to swim, jog, play, run, and hike. Not only is it good for their health, but it also makes them happy and keeps them entertained.

Puppies

Sable German Shepherd puppies need socialization. These dogs were bred for protective roles, and having their guard up is basically in their genes. They can be taught to be more open and tolerant of other people. They also have a very high prey drive, so they need to grow up around other animals of all sizes to understand what is food and what isn’t.

It is also vital to allow your pup to experience unfamiliar situations to get it accustomed to them. Allow them to be around strangers and strange places so they can explore for themselves. This will let them know that the unfamiliar doesn’t always spell danger.

Dogs Similar to Sable German Shepherds

• Belgian Malinois: This dog is similar to the Sable German Shepherd in that they are both used as police dogs. They also have some similarities in appearance, though the Belgian Malinois is generally lighter, more agile, and has a shorter, fawn-colored coat compared to the German Shepherd.
• Belgian Shepherd: Though this dog is hairier than the Sable German Shepherd, they are both hard-working shepherding dogs.
• Australian Shepherd: These darling dogs are herding dogs, just like the Sable German Shepherd. They also have a gorgeous coat and are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States.