The GSD breed and black dogs

German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors including acceptable colors such as black/tan, sable, black and also unacceptable colors such as liver, blue and white. Most people are familiar with the black/tan color as that tends to be the most commonly seen.

Some backyard breeders will try to lead you to believe that black dogs are rare or more special. While black may be seen less often than black/tan dogs, it is simply because black is a recessive color. It is not rare, it is not more special than the other colors and should not be advertised or marketed as such.

Black is the most recessive of the acceptable German Shepherd Dog colors. In order for a black puppy to be born both parents must either be black themselves or carry the black gene recessively. Sometimes you will expect black puppies if both parents are black or you know both parents carry the black gene recessively. Other times a black puppy may pop up in a litter when you did not expect it. This is because the black gene can be passed on recessively for several generations. If the other breeding partner does not carry the black gene, no black puppies will be produced, but the black recessive gene can still be passed on to the puppies in the litter.

Color is usually a personal preference, some people like black GSDs while others may not be fond of them. Regardless of your preference, you should never choose a dog on color alone. There are many more important qualities that should determine your decision such as health, temperament and working ability.

Black GSDs may be completely black or they may have a few brown hairs on their feet/toes or a white spot on their chest. If the puppy is born with brown under his tail, he will not be black but will end up as a bi color (mostly black with just some brown/tan on their feet and lower legs).

You are most likely to find black GSDs in the German/European working lines rather than West German show lines. You may also find black GSDs in the American show lines or backyard bred / pet lines.