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German Shepherds come in several colors and variations of that color and in several patterns of color. Most people think of the traditional black and tan saddle patterned dog when they think German Shepherd. However, the breed comes in several colours and coat patterns including: Saddle Backed, Blanket Backed, Bi Colored, Sable, and Solid. There can even be such mixes as Sable Saddle Back patterns! Then there are whites, creams, liver, blue, black, sable. Dominant genes will be "dominant" and override recessive genes if both the dominant and recessive gene are present. Sable or agouti pattern is the most dominant in the GSD and overrides all the other patterns. At Cruaghaire we have a blue and gold girl Chani who has the traditional GSD pattern but she is blue or grey as some people would say. This blue colour is a double recessive gene which has a dilution effect on the black pigment not the pattern. This gives them lighter coats, eyes and noses than traditional GSD's. Sometimes it can also result in blue eyes and grey noses. This gene can be passed through the generations but will not result in a blue pup unless 2 blue gene carriers are mated, this is why it is called a double recessive gene. White is also a recessive gene but it is in an independent location from the location of black or other dilute genes. When white and other colors were deemed undesirable, the knowledge of genetics was in its infancy. White was mistakenly associated with albinism, and dilutions of color were associated with weakness. Dilute colors may not be as pretty to some people, but there are other people who prefer the dilute colors. In some breeds there are problems associated with whites, but these are different genetically from the white German Shepherd Dog. Dilute blues and livers in some breeds have a reputation for skin problems, but whether that is a breed trait in those breeds or merely a bloodline trait in those breeds, is still unknown. I am currently tracing back the blue GSD lineage so if you have any information or you have a KC reg blue dog get in touch. |
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