Silver German Shepherd dogs have a coat that changes the classic black and tan up to include a special silver sheen. You won’t find a totally silver German Shepherd puppy, but they can have a large number of shining hairs on their face, body and legs. At first glance they might look like an older dog that is going grey, but this recessive gene expresses from birth and isn’t a result of aging.
Contents
Strong, rich colors are generally preferred in this working bred dog. This may be why silver grey dogs are less common. Washed out colors, including blues and livers, are considered a serious fault. The white coat color is undesirable within the official description, and even leads to disqualification from the show ring.
Where Do They Come From?
The black and silver German Shepherd is essentially the same as any other color of German Shepherd Dog. It doesn’t have a distinct history separate to the rest of the breed.
The history of the German Shepherd Dog, of course, can be traced back to Germany. Cavalry Officer Max von Stephanitz decided he wanted to breed the ideal herding dog. Von Stephanitz spent 35 years dedicating his life to improving the breed.
The German Shepherd Dog, also frequently referred to as the GSD, has shown its versatility as a breed. Expanding from its pastoral herding roots to showing its utility as a service dog and in police and military canine units worldwide.
It’s likely silver German Shepherds have been cropping up for generations among this pedigree breed, but they can skip a few generations as the gene that produces the color is recessive and so can remain hidden in dogs that don’t have two copies.
The Genetics of the Silver German Shepherd
Coat color genetics are complex, with the exact genes responsible for silver coloration yet to be fully identified.
Within the German Shepherd breed, the gene for sable is dominant over all other colors and patterns.
The first registered German Shepherd Dog was sable in color. Despite this, it’s not seen as often as the black and tan preferred by many breeders.
Black and tan dogs won’t have the sable gene, which is why if two black and tan dogs are bred together, none of the puppies will be sable.
It’s likely that silver is a recessive gene, which could be why it’s not seen as often as some of the other colors.
There’s more color variation within working dogs, compared to dogs bred for the show ring. While you may see a working silver sable Shepherd, that would be a very unusual color combination.
Different colors
Bear in mind as well that the final color of a puppy will only be clear once the outer coat has fully developed. This means that a relatively dark coated puppy could develop into a mature black and silver German Shepherd Dog.
It’s important to emphasize that you should always prioritize the temperament and health of a puppy you’re considering taking home, rather than the color of their coat.
This quote from the founder of the breed, Max von Stephanitz, is an excellent one to bear in mind:
“No good dog is a bad color.”
Silver German Shepherd Appearance
The silver Shepherd Dog is no different to a GSD of any other color, their appearance is going to be in line with the breed standard.
They are large dogs, weighing between 50 – 90 pounds and standing between 22 – 26 inches tall. And have a muscular, strong body, with pointed ears and a dense double coat.
You may have seen parent dogs advertised as black saddle silver German Shepherds, but what does that actually mean? The saddle refers to the patch of darker colored fur, which covers the majority of the dog’s back.
Any German Shepherd Dog with silver coloration is less likely to have a silverback German Shepherd pattern. It’s more likely that they will have a darker patch across their back.
Grooming
The double coat of the German Shepherd does require brushing every few days to remove loose hairs. They will also shed twice a year, leaving a significant amount of hair behind!
Some German Shepherds have a long coat, but as this is a recessive trait it’s not as commonly seen as the shorter coated GSD. This means you’re much less likely to see a combination such as a silver long haired German Shepherd.
Color vs Temperament
There is no link between the gene for silver fur and the typical temperament traits of the dog.
German Shepherds have a reputation for being fiercely intelligent, intensely loyal, and enthusiastic about work or exercise. This is a brave and courageous breed, as well as being more aloof than some others.
All German Shepherds will bond quickly and strongly with their families, but don’t expect them to want to make friends with everyone they meet.
They are good around children they know, and often take on a guardian role for those within their own family. However as loyal dogs they don’t generally like being left alone for long periods of time.
Training and Activity
All German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, regardless of their coat patterns. Puppy training classes are an excellent way to start your German Shepherd’s education, as well as starting to socialize them with other people and dogs.
Their high level of intelligence means they are a joy to train, and enjoy positive, reward-based training methods.
These are active dogs, and require regular daily exercise. Those which don’t get enough exercise may start to display unwanted and destructive behaviors as a reflection of frustration and boredom.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for German Shepherds. Be sure to challenge yours with activities such as agility, or learning tricks, as a way to keep both their mind and body stimulated.
Health of the Silver German Shepherd
Unlike some other breeds, the coat color of a German Shepherd Dog has no bearing on its health.
Unfortunately, all German Shepherds can be prone to a range of health conditions.
It’s important to become familiar with these and to ensure that you speak to any breeders about health tests and their results.
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are both common in the breed. Parent dogs should have been given a score for their hips and elbows.
By selecting parent dogs with high scores, you can reduce the chances of your puppy developing these conditions.
GSDs are also prone to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). This is the result of abnormal cartilage growth.
Other health conditions that can affect this breed include:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Haemophilia
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Von Willebrands disease
- Bloat
Back Issues
Another issue that affects many German Shepherds is problems with their backs.
The modern shape of the GSD has changed quite dramatically since the breed was initially introduced.
The conformation for show dogs now favors a sloping back, with extreme angles shown in the hind legs.
Conformation related disorders can have a negative impact on dog welfare.
This is definitely something to bear in mind when viewing parent dogs of any puppies you’re interested in.
Even if you love the distinctive black silver German Shepherd color, we recommend selecting a dog based on its overall health and temperament, rather than on their color alone.
Linda says
Please lmk if there are any black/silver gs out there in Mass
Gabe says
In the 60’s I would have given almost anything to have a Silver shepherd. And now it’s been decades since i have even seen one. It’s getting hard to find a saddleback!
Toni says
My silver Sable gave birth to 14 beautiful babies recently! Best Dog I’ve ever had! Most loyal, intelligent and protective companion I’ve found on earth yet❤️
Janice says
Are they short haired? I am looking for a female silver puppy
Mary Collins says
I am looking for a male Silver German Shepherd puppy , please message me if someone has one , I live in Arkansas , but could travel some To Purchase . Thank you M E Collins
Barbara Magier says
We have been wondering the shepherd we have is a silver and black one. He is a big boy. Handsome I may say.
Ashley Marie says
In search of a silver or long haired silver. In Alabama but willing to travel. Please let me know!
Andrea says
We rescued a silver and black shepherd and by far the most intelligent fur child we’ve shared our life with. Wish I could share his picture! He’s now 3 years old
Hal Achee says
I was the proud and privileged owner of a black and silver for over 16 years. We had to put him to sleep just last weekend due to his hind hips giving out to (DM). DJ was the smartest, kindest, gentlest animal I’ve ever owned or even been around in my entire 60 plus years. Though he could be vicious when he absolutely needed to be, as when we were attacked by two dogs from another neighborhood, DJ bravely fought them off !!! We miss him dearly !!! God Speed My Boy !!!
John says
I been looking for a black silver German Shepherd
Any leads for me to find one, lm from California
Melissa Wilkerson says
I own a 3 yr old Sable GSD, when she was a puppy, people thought she was a Huskey her coat was so light. As she has gotten older her saddle has darkened. She is the first GSD I have owned that is stubborn, unmotivated by food and difficult to train. My other GSD were so into pleasing me. This time, I have had to earn her trust first. She is amazing but so different!
Phyllis Garrison says
It sounded like the sloped down back is worse as far as hip problems. Is that true?
Hal Achee says
I’m no expert or even a vet, but from what I have read is that it is a genetic trait in the bloodline of certain GSDs. Ask your breeder about DM before purchasing a pup would be my suggestion
Urianna says
My first true love of any breed was a German Shepard most loyal dog ever walked beside man kind
Jillian says
I wish I could share pictures! I just bought an AKC GSD silver sable puppy!
Astara says
Searching for Silver GSD. He would have Cleopatra eyes, diamond on the forehead, black saddle. Very Long personal search.
Joseph Vance says
Looking for a Blk & Silver GSD puppy. Can you tell me if/when there will be availability and the cost? Are parents and pups x rayed? What is your health guarantee?
WE have since 1964 owned 6 GSD. All have lived a minimum of 13 yrs and 2 lived almost 15 yrs.
Thank You
Amanda Gregory says
We have had 3 silver Sables in our last two litters. They are beautiful.
Dana says
Amanda, where are you located, and do you currently have puppies?
Thomas Dickens says
I want on, hopefully male
George Heath says
Because dark rich colors are more desirable the gene for silver has been selected against but exist in White Shepherds which show no tint of color in the ears or tips of the coat, WGSDs thatcare Snow White are homozygous for the i/i seldom seen in colored dogs typically I/I which stands for color Intensity
Brad Keil says
I have raised GSD’s since 1985. They are the most loyal and smart breed that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. George I do not if this holds true so much today, but years ago you would never find a true breeder who would ever admit to having a white shepherd. They would rather be burned to the stake because it was considered a flaw. I think there are no bad dogs, just bad owners. Thanks
Steve says
I am looking for a Black and Silver GS pup. It is a very personal and emotional hunt. Can you please help me? I am located in Fort Worth, Texas.
Patricia says
I am looking for a female silver shepherd puppy
Vernadine Jones says
I am also looking for a silver male German shepherd preferably long coat. If you have one available please contact me.
Thanks!
linda harrell says
i am looking for a black and silver male. do you have any. how much would he be.
thanks linda harrell
Jamie says
Linda, it’s still early, but i have a litter of pups that are 2 weeks old. 3 of the 9 puppies are black with silver chest and legs with a small white patch in the center of the chest. ONE of those 3 is male. We are in central texas.
Yuki says
Hello! Do the dogs still exist or have they all been sold already?
Kim Francis says
We had a litter of 11 puppies 2 years ago. The babies that stayed silver/black, sliver/tried colored and we had a solid long haired blue. They are born solid Grey/silver. The Blacks stayed black or changed into black/tan. They came from our solid black female and a Red/Tri colored male.
Kerry Casey says
I am interested in adopting a silver German Shepherd puppy do you have any available? If not do you know who might
James says
To anyone
I am looking exactly this color.
The search is for a 1 year old black and silver German Shepherd short hair
This has been a long search so any help would be great.
This is the dog I had in the Army.
Shaw says
I got a 40 days old silver GSD puppy. It has blue eyes and complete silver with only a white patch on chest and off white legs. I haven’t seen a silver GSD with blue eyes so far.