Sable German Shepherds have powerful breed dogs resembling wolves. They share 999% of DNA with wolves. However, they are not wolves. They only have two coat types – medium or long.
This makes long-haired sable German Shepherds mellower than short-haired GSDs. Most long-haired GSD owners reported their pooches friendlier than regular German Shepherds. If you want an amazing family pet, consider getting a long-haired sable German Shepherd.
Sable German Shepherds look like most German Shepherds except their distinctively colored coat. The males reach 26 inches tall, weighing 75 to 95 pounds. Females are smaller, not measuring over 24 inches tall, weighing 55 to 75 pounds. Their heads are domed with long, square muzzles. They have alert, erect ears and long necks seeming larger than they are. They should be longer than tall with a proportion of 10 to 8.5. Their bushy tail extends in a hook-like shape.
Two pigments affect dogs’ coat color – eumelanin and phaeomelanin. The sable German Shepherd has a common health issue – hip dysplasia, resulting from abnormal formation of the hip joint ball and socket. Because it is hereditary, little prevents it.
On top of that, you’ll see their adult coat looks and any health conditions. While color-specific rescues are rare, check local shelters for a Sable Shepherd or a German Shepherd rescue.
There’s no difference between a regular German Shepherd and a sable Shepherd except its coat. German Shepherds are loyal, independent and playful, ideal for patient owners. They need mental and physical stimulation for a long, healthy life – widely used as service dogs. If left alone too long, they can get aggressive out of boredom and frustration. However, Shepherds aren’t naturally aggressive.
Sable German Shepherds attract attention because of their unique color. Their individual hairs vary – some darker, some light, some pure black. This trait allows shade variety in their coat, making them attractive. But it also causes confusion when talking about their many colors. This post aims to clear the misunderstanding about the sable German Shepherd’s coat pattern.
Believe it or not, “sable” GSDs are agouti. Sable coats range from light gold to deep, rich red, often with black guard hair tips. Their coat, called “Agouti”, means each hair is color banded. Black, red and tan German Shepherds are considered Sable German Shepherds, although black and red are most common.
Sable is their dominant coat color covering most of their body. Although these dogs don’t have the same appearance as other German Shepherds, they share the same features and characteristics as other variations and are extremely loyal. The original hue was sable – the only variety the same as the breed’s founder.
The breed standard allows most colors for the German Shepherd. Sable means lightly colored hair with black tips looking mottled or grey. Color combinations for sable coats can be any tan, black, brown or red mixture. Interestingly, “sable” is used most in the United States. Elsewhere they’re called grey. They have thick double coats with coarser top layer and soft undercoat of medium or long length.
The Sable German Shepherd is the only color fitting the founding member’s strong ideology of a true Shepherd – a working dog breed. This is a large, intelligent, loyal and loving dog suited to active individuals, couples or families. Here we share our complete breed guide – history, temperament, puppies, exercise needs – to help understand if this is the right breed for you.
Genes determining their color have been found in wolves too. The Sable German Shepherd is the Classic Shepherd, similar to the original. This eager collie has a beautiful double sable coat containing tan, red, silver or brown with black tips. A rare variant of the popular Standard German Shepherd, it is exclusively black and tan. The original Shepherds were thought to be sable, a color changing throughout life. Although having a reputation for viciousness, German Shepherds are among the best dogs you could ask for.
How much is a sable German Shepherd worth?
A Sable German Shepherd puppy can cost $800 to $1500. A standard German Shepherd puppy costs $300 to $700.
Sable German Shepherds carry the same traits and characteristics as standard German Shepherds, just with a different coat color. Their coat color is due to a dominant gene.
The average price of a German Shepherd puppy is $1000. Reputable breeders charge higher prices because they invest more into their dogs.
Coat color can affect a German Shepherd’s price. Rarer colors like white, isabella, liver or blue are more expensive. However, the AKC does not recognize these colors.
Research shows male German Shepherds tend to be more aggressive. This means families may prefer a female companion.
Males perform better at protection and guarding roles with proper training and no children.
Sable German Shepherds are relatively rare so they can be expensive. But aside from their unique color, they are like other German Shepherds.
Do sable German Shepherds shed more?
The sable German Shepherd has a double coat that sheds a lot. However, regular brushing will help keep loose hair manageable. These dogs have two shedding seasons per year, which means they shed more hair than any other period. Some sable German Shepherds have medium and long coats, so if you want to raise this kind of dog and suffer from allergies, then you can choose medium and long coats, which can reduce hair loss.
Regardless if you have a sable, liver, blue, or black German Shepherd, this dog sheds its undercoat twice a year. Other factors can also affect the GSD’s shedding. These factors include the quality of your dog’s dry or wet dog foods, your dog’s skin, the quality of its winter coat, and more.
The Sable German Shepherd is quite a common variation of the breed. They resemble either the saddle coat or the pure black German Shepherd because their coats are black and white with different distributions of either color. Despite the similarities with the other variations, there are some physical differences. Here are some of these features that point to a purebred Sable German Shepherd – skull and facial structure. The Sable German Shepherd has the same facial features and head structure as all other purebred German Shepherds, including a narrow forehead, long snouts, and close-set eyes.
To get to know more about the beautiful color and characteristics of Sable German Shepherd’s, they have a distinctive coloring because their hair strands are black at the tips and light at the base. Typically, the lighter color is red or tan, but it can also be gray or silver.
Sable German shepherds are known for their rather unique color. Because of this, they’ve always been satisfying to look at, whether it’s a black sable German shepherd or a silver sable German shepherd. Their individual hairs vary in color, some are darker, some are light, and some are pure black. Their unique trait allows for a variety of shading in their coat color, which is what makes them attractive dogs.
Are all sable German Shepherds working line?
Sable German Shepherds are working dogs, such as police dogs. They are bred to withstand harsh conditions. The sable working line German Shepherd is typically healthier due to stricter health screening. Unfortunately, only a few studies connect color and behavior. Long-haired sables are more mellow and friendlier than short-haired. There’s no proof the sable gene affects health. Working line GSDs have a compact, athletic build unlike show dogs. If suited to active families, this is a loyal and loving breed.
In law enforcement, working line GSDs are often sable or black. Top breeders produce sable German Shepherds, sometimes black coats too. Their legs may appear bent if they have bad hips and arthritis. This causes an altered gait and walking lower. Lethargy and reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs shows arthritis. Following a healthy lifestyle and diet can delay this.
Regarding personality, working lines enhance drives like prey and defense to tightly bond with handlers, having the desire to work for them. Also being exceptionally clear-headed to follow orders. Show line GSDs are bulkier with a heavily criticized sloped back while working lines are thinner, more athletic with a straighter, acclaimed back.