Expected and Current Litters

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Below is an example of Color Change in Black/Tan German Shepherd (Same dog in all photos, Flora)

The whole package must be wrapped up in a coat which is capable of withstanding temperatures ranging over a 150 degree variance. Animals working in the tropics must tolerate temperatures of well over 100 degrees, while those in the Canadian north may face temperatures of minus 40, so cold that exposed skin can freeze almost instantly. Obviously then, the amount of undercoat a dog carries will depend entirely on the climate he lives in, and should be judged accordingly. A very short or mole coat may be less attractive, but it could cope with extreme heat better (Fig 12). Normal coated dogs who possess the recessive long coat gene seem to show a little extra plushness and density (Fig 13). True long coats, which are no longer acceptable under the standard, can vary from an apparently normal coat with a bit of fringing at the ears and behind the legs, to a coat that a show collie would envy (Fig 14). The latter can be a chore to groom, and is not really practical, but it is weatherproof. I've never seen a coat which had no undercoat at all, but I've noticed that in very long coats, the long, soft undercoat mingles with the long, soft guard hairs so that they can be very hard to tell apart. The coat should be flat, not kinky or curled, but this is probably more esthetic that strictly practical. There are any number of hardy, cold weather breeds with curly and broken coats that have braved icy waters and winds for generations. While no one would want to see a kinky coated shepherd, a little wavy hair over the back or croup is not uncommon and is of no practical consequence whatever. -- Linda Shaw MBA

Are you curious as to the different colors that are produced in German Shepherds and what it may signify in temperaments? Answers below are my genral observation based on extensive research and ownership of the different "types".

Answer: There are two major types of German Shepherds, Working and Show.

Typical Working: sable, solid black, bi-color and/or darker features. Have higher drive and agility. Performance is key. Blockier stout bodies and/or heads. Often viewed as unusual or "not purbred" to the those who are unfamiliar to the GSD breed and have Hollywood's version inprinted on them. "I was there once." Pros=Workable. Cons=Color

German Show: black and red. Usually have substantial drive but wont excel in agility as well as working lines due to the German show ring promoting gait and roach backs. They usually have good size structure and excellent rich colors. Pros=Color. Cons=Topline

American Show: black and tan/cream. American show snubs working GS dogs in their show ring and prioritizes body length, angulation, and their custom bred flying trot. American show lines usually have a lower drive and are better suited for less active people or show fanciers. Pros=AKC Conformation. Cons=Limited abilities

Fact: Founding German Shepherds were not saddle back, had little to no angulation, and did not weigh over 70 lbs. They were a strong working breed bred for health and temperament.

Below is breed weight for German Shepherd Puppies/Dogs. This chart is taken from AGSDC and German Schtz club standards.

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