COAT COLORS

The color of the German Shepherd is in itself not important and has no effect on the character of the dog or on its fitness for work and should be a secondary consideration for that reason.  Coat color should always be subordinate to health, temperament, and structure, and should never take precedence over the working abilities of the dog.

	Black and Tan This is the most recognized color in the United States.  It comes in 3 patterns, saddle, blanket, and bi-color. This dog has the saddle pattern.
	This dog is a black and tan in a blanket pattern.
	Here is a black and tan in the bi-color pattern.
	Sable (Grey) This color is very common and highly prized in Germany.  This dog is a dark sable.
	Black The gene for this color is recessive.  Both parents must carry this gene in order for any puppies to be born black.

COAT LENGTHS

There are 2 recognized coat lengths for German Shepherds.  The first is the short stock coat and the second is the long stock coat.   The preceding pictures are all short stock coat.  The next pictures are examples of long stock coat.

	These are two examples of long stock coat.  On the left is a black and tan bi-color.  On the right is a sable.

Trish Sansbury- Owner
Locherie Shepherds
Cleveland, Ohio
Member of United Schutzhund Clubs of America
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or call me at 216-692-3522 eves   216-486-4856 days