How To Tell What Color Your German Shepherd Puppy Will Be

If you’re curious how your german shepherd puppy is going to turn out, then you’ve come to the right article! In this article, you’ll find out whether german shepherds can change color, as well as what colors a german shepherd can be!

So keep reading to find out everything you want to know

What Do German Shepherds Look Like?

German shepherds are a rather large dog breed. They can weigh anywhere between 65-110 lbs, and they can stand 22-26 inches tall. German shepherds can have short or long coats in many different colors.

They have long snouts and large ears that stand upright. Their long snouts are what make them excellent scent dogs. Their large ears, like many dogs, allow them to have amazing hearing.

Do German Shepherds Change Color?

Some German shepherds will change color while others will not. This depends on the mother and father of the littler, otherwise known as the dam and sire. Most German shepherds will change colors over the course of two years.

The most common color patterns for German shepherds are:

  • Black and Tan
  • Black and Red
  • Bicolor (black with cream-colored heels)
  • Blue
  • Liver and Tan
  • Sable or Gray
  • White
  • Black

With almost all of these common colors, your German shepherd puppy won’t look the same as they did when you first brought them home. It can take time for their color to develop as they mature.

Do Black German Shepherds Change Color?

Black German shepherds are one of the color patterns that you see in this dog breed that does not change over time. Unlike the other colors you see in German shepherds, a black German shepherd will be born black and remain black.

Many people are afraid of all black dogs and sometimes will not want a black German shepherd. Don’t let this color pattern fool you! Black German shepherds have the same temperament as any other color German shepherd and will make a great companion for you.

If you are wondering if your German shepherd puppy will be all black, simply look at the parents. If the dam and sire are black or have a mostly black coat, then there is a possibility that some of the puppies will come out all black.

Do White German Shepherds Change Color?

White German shepherds are like black german shepherds. They are born white and will stay white for the rest of their lives. There will be no color changes over the next several years.

If they end up being not a pure white German Shepherd, you will then see some color variation over time. Some people say that their pure white GermanShepherdd will get some yellowing coloring or “highlights” during the summer months.

If you want to learn even more about German shepherds, click here!

three seated shepherd dogs in different colors against white background

How To Tell What Color Your German Shepherd Puppy Will Be

There are different stages in a puppy’s coat life, and in this time, the coat can change dramatically. While they are growing up and learning, their coat is changing with them.

Here is a timeline of what their coat could look like at different stages:

German Shepherds at Birth

The puppies are born! This is the most exciting time in a puppy’s journey as it is just beginning. German shepherd puppies are born all black. At this point, it is hard to tell what color they will be, and they need to do some growing before we can be sure of their color.

The only exception to this rule is that if your puppy is born all white, they will stay all white, and there should be no further changes.

0-2 Weeks Old

This is the time period when you can really see changes to their coat. You will be able to tell if they will be an all-black German shepherd or if their coat will change. This is also the time period when you will be able to tell what type of coat they will have.

German shepherds can have shorter coats or longer coats. The most common coat a German shepherd will have is a medium-length coat. Closer to the end of the 2-week mark is when you will be able to tell for sure what type of coat your puppy will have.

3-8Weeks Old

During this stage, breeders often say that you will see some of the biggest changes in your dog’s coat. They can get lighter and darker during this time, sometimes returning to all black as well.

3-6Weeks Old

During this time, your puppy is growing and learning at an extraordinary rate. Your puppy will start to grow and even shed its coat in this time. Because there is rapid growth and shedding, your puppy’s colors will really come through and can change dramatically.

If your puppy has any red, brown, sable, or any other variations other than black, they should be showing up by now.

7-18 Months

Your puppy has matured into almost an adult dog by now. Even though your pup should be fully grown, believe it or not, their coat can still change at this time. With seasons changing and your dog blowing out their coat, it is not uncommon to see another change in their coats.

Their coats could have a small change or a drastic change. At this point, only time will be able to tell what your puppy will look like in the end.

19-24Months

This is usually the last time you will see the color of your GermanShepherd’ss coat change. Once they reach the age of two(or 24 months), you can almost be certain that this is what your dog is supposed to look like.

If you want even more common traits and specs for German Shepherds, you can check out the link here!

When Do German Shepherds Stop Changing Color?

As we mentioned, German Shepherds typically stop changing colors when they reach the age of two. There are rare cases, but sometimes they can go through another color change. It is unlikely though.

If your dog goes through another drastic color change, you may want to reach out to your veterinarian or the breeder you purchased your puppy from.

You can learn even more about a German shepherd’s coat here!

Should I Go to a German Shepherd Breeder?

Yes! It is best if you go through a breeder to get your German shepherd puppy. When you go through a breeder, they will be able to tell you any health concerns that this specific breed could have. They try to breed these puppies without any health concerns, and they will often have specific tests done to show that these health problems are not present in the litter.

You can find reputable breeders on the American Kennel Clubs website. If you go to a breeder and are not part of the American Kennel Club(AKC), they could be unreputable. When you go to a breeder from the AKC, your puppy should also come with a certificate of authenticity.

Can I show a German shepherd?

Yes! If your puppy is registered with the American Kennel Club(AKC), then you can show your puppy. Some breeders will have you sign a contract saying that they don’t allow their puppies to be shown, so make sure to read the contract carefully.

You will also want to get a dog with certain markings if you want to show your dog. Some German shepherds, like the sable coats and white coats, cannot be show dogs.

Want To Train Your Dog With Peace Of Mind?

If you haven’t trained your dog properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.

The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.

With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.

So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!

And in most cases, it’s still going to be:

  • Cheaper than hiring a professional.
  • Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
  • And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.

Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your dog completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.

And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!

So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!

(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)

Recap

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that will affect your german shepherds color! But the most important thing to remember is, that no matter what the color, all that matters is that you have a healthy and happy german shepherd!

If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise have a great day!