The Silver Sable German Shepherd is a recognized and fancy variety of the German Shepherd breed. The Silver Sable color is the fanciest and rare coat color of all shepherds.
Table of Contents
| Category | Range |
| Height | Males 24-26 inches | Females 22-24 Inches |
| Weight | Males 49-100 pounds | Females 37-90 Pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Colors | Silver Sable |
| Suitable for | Active lifestyles, protection, work tasks |
| Temperament | Devoted, affectionate, protective, intense, loving |
Silver Sable German Shepherd, also known as Sable German Shepherd, is a coat color of the German Shepherd breed.
But, what makes this silver or Silver Sable?
It is not actually a gray or silver gene.
Responsible genes can be found in the A series Agouti genes and the German shepherd wolf turns gray and black. Sound interesting?
Below we describe other interesting things like how silver sable German shepherds were created and how and where to adopt Silver Sable German Shepherds.
What is the Silver Sable German Shepherd?
Silver Sable German Shepherds and light Shaded Sable German Shepherds are mostly the same.
They are German shepherds, their coat is slightly lighter in silver color, combined with black hair or black hair.
The original color gene was not the silver gene, but the agglutinin gene, combined with a sable hair dilution gene (turns into a silver sable).
Genetic Explanation of the Silver German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is not one of the dog breeds that have the G series graying gene, which is slightly lighter and turns into a silver sable.
So, how do you genetically obtain Silver Sable German Shepherds?
Well, the Gray and Silver German Shepherds actually came from the A-Series – Agouti Series.
This is the same series that produced the Sable German Shepherds.
They are born when there is at least one agglomeration in this series, and they are not paired with the dominant sable allele.
Also Read: Black Australian shepherd: 12 Important Things to Know
In its simplest form, Agouti is almost identical to Shaded Sable – with the exception of Banded Hair and Pattern.
Agouti pairing When combined with red hair thinning, Agouti becomes more distinctive as red hair becomes creamy or gray.
The result is like a wolf gray dog, a male gray dog , and a female silver sable dog.
This way you get the Silver Sable German Shepherd.
Silver Sable German Shepherd Temperament
The color and coat of your Silver German shepherd will have no effect on their temperament. They are very loyal and have a very family-oriented nature.
Since they are working dogs, they believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are alert and vigilant, sometimes barking when they feel in danger.
Although socialization is important for the dog at any age, proper socialization for the German shepherd ensures that they can communicate properly with the family. Socialization around youth is also important.
These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside to exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation because they are very intelligent and do not like to be alone.
If they are alone for too long in their crate or a wooden house, they may become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so it is important that they spend more time with people or train them properly to understand what behaviors are desirable.
Silver Sable German shepherd LifeSpan
The average lifespan of a Sable German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years.
The lifespan of a Silver Sable German Shepherd is generally comparable to that of a normal German Shepherd. On average, both can live anywhere from 9 to 13 years, although some individuals may live longer or shorter lives depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare.
It’s important to note that the Silver Sable German Shepherd is not a distinct breed but rather a variation of the traditional German Shepherd breed. The term “Silver Sable” refers to a particular coat color pattern in which the dog’s coat is primarily silver or gray with black markings, similar to the standard black and tan German Shepherd, which has a black saddle with tan markings on the face, legs, and chest. The coat color alone does not significantly impact the dog’s lifespan.
However, there are factors that can influence the lifespan of any individual dog, including those with Silver Sable coats:
- Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in determining a dog’s overall health and longevity. Responsible breeders aim to produce healthy puppies with good genetic backgrounds to reduce the risk of inherited health issues.
- Healthcare: Regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and preventive measures against common canine diseases can contribute to a longer and healthier life for a Silver Sable German Shepherd.
- Diet and Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for any dog’s health. Feeding a balanced and high-quality diet tailored to the dog’s age, size, and activity level can have a positive impact on lifespan.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Adequate exercise and mental stimulation are vital for a German Shepherd’s well-being. Regular physical activity and mental challenges can prevent obesity and promote overall health.
- Socialization and Training: Proper socialization and training help reduce behavioral problems and can ensure the dog’s safety and well-being, indirectly contributing to a longer life.
- Stress and Environment: A safe and stress-free environment is essential. Reducing stressors and providing a loving home can positively influence a dog’s lifespan.
- Breed-Specific Health Concerns: German Shepherds, including Silver Sables, are prone to certain breed-specific health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings and genetic testing to minimize these risks.
Silver Sable German Shepherd Health Issues
Here’s a chart outlining some common health issues that can affect Silver Sable German Shepherds:
| Health Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to pain and mobility issues. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Abnormal development of the elbow joint, causing lameness and arthritis. |
| Degenerative Myelopathy | Progressive degeneration of the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and paralysis. |
| Bloat/Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) | Life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, causing rapid bloating and potential organ damage. |
| Allergies | Hypersensitivity reactions to certain foods, environmental factors, or other allergens. |
| Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) | Inadequate production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas, resulting in malabsorption and malnutrition. |
| Epilepsy | Recurrent seizures, often with no known cause, which can be managed with medication. |
| Hemangiosarcoma | Aggressive cancer of the blood vessels, often affecting the spleen, liver, and heart. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Degeneration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and potential blindness. |
| Von Willebrand’s Disease | Inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, which helps with blood clotting. |
Unfortunately, like any dog, a sable German Shepherd is prone to certain health problems.
The most common health problems for German Shepherd dogs are elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition and joint disorder found in very large dogs. Joints can become very painful and cause sagging over time.
The best way to make sure your puppy is less likely to have any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and get health records from their parents.
You should check your dog frequently for signs of these problems and take him to the vet regularly for checkups.
Silver Sable German Shepherd Exercise Requirements
As a breed that is often used as a working dog and a police dog, the German Shepherd needs a lot of mental and physical motivation to keep them happy.
It is not surprising that this breed of dog is very active and has high exercise requirements.
You need to make sure your German Shepherd is exercising 60 to 90 minutes a day. This includes walks, games, and mental games.
Your dog also wants to run in the large backyard, so if you live in a small apartment they may not get the exercise they need.
Without enough exercise, they can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors due to depression and boredom.
These dogs love to go hiking and walking with their owners and even swim, so make sure you have time to spend time with them before buying this breed dog. They can do perfect exercise dude!
Since this breed is a large breed, you should be more careful about over-exercising when these dogs are puppies.
Excessive exercise is detrimental to their skeletal development. As a rule, you should only exercise about 5 minutes each month at their age until they are adults.
For example, if your GSD is 5 months old, you should exercise them for twenty five minutes.
Silver German shepherd Family compatibility
Sable Shepherd makes an excellent family dog. Because they are so obedient, they want to protect you from any malicious things, which makes them an excellent watchdog.
However, you need to train them from an early age to understand that not everything is a threat; otherwise, they can roar for hours!
It is not a lie that this puppy needs a lot of exercise and grows up in an active family that loves to spend time playing with them.
They need both physical and mental stimulation and they can benefit from a large yard and they can benefit from people who want to teach tricks.
This species naturally has a high bait drive, so you need to be careful when introducing them to children for the first time.
Needless to say, when properly socialized, German Shepherds love children and will take your children under them as well.
They also get along well with other family pets, so there will be no problem and they will become beloved family members.
Silver Sable German Shepherd Training
The Sable German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog and therefore very easy to train.
You are supposed to train them from a very young age, say it could from the day 1 you got him to the home and always use positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques.
It includes verbal praise and delicious treats to show them that they are doing a good job.
German shepherds are a little stubborn, so you should never punish or curse them. They will also do very well if you give them a lot of time to exercise before you decide to conduct a training session.
They are also great detectives, so hiding treats and sniffing treats can help them play a fun game!
Silver German Shepherd Socialization Need
The fact is that the socialization of any German Shepherd is very important. This is because they are working dogs and believe that it is their job to protect you.
It is good to introduce your Sable Shepherd to new sounds, places, smells, people, and other animals from a young age in a calm and controlled manner so they know there is nothing to fear.
Continuous socialization throughout their lives will help them develop into all-rounded dogs.
Grooming Requirement for Silver Sable German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has a double coat and is very time-consuming. They are mostly removed twice a year and you can expect shedding to decrease during the rest of the year.
Grooming them properly will always help with this. You can also visit a dressing salon to help you manage your dog’s coat more.
If you are lucky and have a medium-coated silver sable German Shepherd dog, you can get rid of it by brushing twice a week.
However, if your dog has long hair, you should brush them daily to prevent knots and tangles.
Remember to brush their teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, however, you can give them tooth chewing every day to help keep their teeth clean.
You should also check their upright ears as they are more likely to catch dust and dirt.
Silver Sable German Shepherd Price – What is their price?
On average, you can pay $ 1500 to $ 3500 for a silver sable German shepherd from a breeder.
It is always advisable to go with the reputed breeder as this type of breed and color combination is very rare.
When adopting a gray or silver Sable German Shepherd, you can pay $ 50 to $ 500 – which covers adoption fees.
Here is a rough estimate of the price range for Silver Sable German Shepherds as of my last knowledge update in September 2021.
Please note that these are approximate prices, and the actual cost may differ:
| Type of German Shepherd | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Silver Sable Puppy | $800 – $3,000 |
| Silver Sable Adult | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
Now, let’s create a comparison chart between normal and other color coats of German Shepherds, including the Silver Sable:
| Characteristic | Normal (Black and Tan) | Silver Sable | Other Color Coats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat Color | Black and Tan | Silver with black markings | Various colors, including solid black, solid white, and more |
| Price Range (Puppy) | $800 – $2,500 | $800 – $3,000 | Varies widely based on coat color and lineage |
| Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, protective | Intelligent, loyal, protective | Intelligent, loyal, protective |
| Size | Medium to large | Medium to large | Medium to large |
| Exercise Needs | High | High | High |
| Training Ease | Intelligent and trainable | Intelligent and trainable | Intelligent and trainable |
| Grooming | Regular brushing and occasional grooming | Regular brushing and occasional grooming | Regular brushing and occasional grooming |
| Health Concerns | Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and others | Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and others | Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and others |
| Popularity | Very popular | Popular | Popular |
| Suitable for Families | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Remember that the prices and characteristics listed here are general estimates and may have changed since my last update in September 2021.
When looking for a Silver Sable German Shepherd or any other color variant, it’s essential to research reputable breeders and consider the specific traits and needs of the individual dog rather than just their coat color.
Additionally, always prioritize the well-being and health of the dog when making a decision to bring one into your family.
FAQs on Silver Sable German shepherd
Are Silver Sable German Shepherds recognized by breed standards?
Yes, Silver Sable German Shepherds are recognized by most kennel clubs and breed standards. However, it’s worth noting that coat color is a secondary consideration in breed standards, with more emphasis placed on overall structure, temperament, and working abilities.
How big do Silver Sable German Shepherds get?
Silver Sable German Shepherds are a medium-to-large-sized breed. On average, they stand between 24 and 26 inches (61-66 cm) tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 49 and 100 pounds (22-45 kg). However, individual dogs may vary in size.
Are Silver Sable German Shepherds good family pets?
Yes, Silver Sable German Shepherds can make excellent family pets when properly trained, socialized, and given the necessary attention and exercise. They can be protective of their family members, including children, and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Do Silver Sable German Shepherds require a lot of exercise?
Yes, Silver Sable German Shepherds are an active breed that requires regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are essential to prevent boredom and maintain their overall well-being.
Do Silver Sable German Shepherds have any specific grooming needs?
Silver Sable German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and maintain a healthy coat. They typically shed moderately throughout the year and may experience heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are also important parts of their grooming routine.
Conclusion
Silver Sable German Shepherd is a loyal and loving dog that makes a wonderful member of the family.
Despite the dominant gene that gives them an amazing coat, these puppies have the same amazing temperament as their GSD brothers and sisters and also make a guard dog along with an amazing working dog.
Although they have high dressing requirements and exercise requirements, you will love spending time playing games in your GSD outdoors and they are an excellent companion for running and hiking.
