Are you looking for a Sable German Shepherd puppy? These dogs are known for their striking appearance and exceptional loyalty. However, finding a reputable source to purchase or adopt one is crucial to ensuring the health and well-being of your new companion. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Sable German Shepherd puppies, their origin, genetic traits, common health considerations, and most importantly, where to find these captivating puppies.
What is a Sable German Shepherd Puppy?
A Sable German Shepherd puppy is a specific color variation of the German Shepherd breed. Sable German Shepherds have a coat that features a mix of black, tan, and gray hairs, giving them a distinctive and striking appearance. It can range from light tan to a rich, deep brown, often with a lighter color running along the dog’s underside.
What Does a Sable German Shepherd Puppy Look Like?
Sable German Shepherd puppies have a beautiful, unique coat that sets them apart from other German Shepherds. Their fur can range from light tan to dark black, with a characteristic overlay of gray hairs. As they grow, their coat may change in color and pattern, but the sable coloring remains prominent. Their eyes are typically dark, and their ears stand erect, giving them an alert and intelligent expression.
Origin
Like most German shephereds, the Sable German Shepherd breed originated in Germany and was initially used as a herding and working dog. Over time, they have become popular as family pets, guard dogs, and in various working roles due to their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility.
Genetics
The sable coloration in German Shepherds is a result of specific genetic factors. It is inherited as a dominant trait, meaning that if one or both parents carry the sable gene, their offspring are likely to exhibit the sable coloring.
Common Health Issues
Like any other purebred dog, Sable German Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues. Some common concerns include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease)
- Allergies
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
You should work with a reputable breeder who screens their breeding stock for these conditions and provides health certifications.
Are Sable German Shepherd Puppies Rare?
Sable German Shepherd puppies are not considered rare, but they are less common than the traditional black and tan or solid black variations. However, their popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years, making them more widely available.
How Much are Sable German Shepherd Puppies?
The price for sable German shepherd puppies can vary quite a bit depending on several factors:
- Breeder reputation and location – Well-established breeders who have a good reputation for producing healthy puppies from champion bloodlines will typically charge higher prices, often in the range of $1,000 to $2,500 or more. Prices also tend to be higher in certain regions.
- Pedigree/show vs pet quality – Puppies bred specifically for the show ring or with an exceptional pedigree will be more expensive than those sold as pet quality dogs.
- Demand for sable color – Since sable is a less common coat color, breeders may charge a premium. Supply and demand factors into pricing.
- Health/genetic testing – Responsible breeders test breeding stock for genetic diseases and hip/elbow issues, certifying puppies are healthy. This screening adds to their costs.
- Age at purchase – Breeders often sell puppies between 8-12 weeks old, with pricing sometimes lower at the higher end of that range.
As a general price range, from reputable breeders, most sable German shepherd puppies tend to sell for $800 to $3,500. But pricing at either end of that range or even higher is possible depending on the factors above. Going through a breeder with a good reputation is advisable versus choosing a puppy based solely on the lowest price.
The Best Places to Buy Sable German Shephered Puppies
Here are some of the best places with Sable German Shepherd puppies for sale:
- Ritterhund K9s (ritterhundk9s.com): Located in Santa Margarita, CA, Ritterhund K9s is a German Shepherd breeder with a focus on working Czech line and DDR German Shepherds. They offer solid black and black sable puppies with top AKC pedigree bloodlines. The price per puppy ranges from $3300 to $3500, and they provide in-house transportation services. The puppies come with AKC full registration, a purchase contract, health warranty, vaccinations, and microchipping.Â
- Sable Rock German Shepherd Dogs (sablerockgsd.com): Based in Saint Peter, Minnesota, Sable Rock breeds sable-colored German Shepherds. They are an AKC registered breeder with over 20 years of experience and focus on producing world-class German Shepherds. The breeding dogs undergo genetic health testing, and the puppies are raised in a home environment on a 7-acre property.
- Vom Banach K9Â (vombanachk9.com): Vom Banach K9 is a leading breeder of health and hip guaranteed German Shepherd puppies from imported DDR/Czech and West German working lines. They are known for their loyal, well-socialized, and confident puppies with rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. They ship their puppies throughout the U.S.
- True Haus Kennels (truehaus.com): True Haus Kennels, located in Oroville, CA, is known for breeding working line German Shepherds. The owner has over 10 years of experience in the field.
- K-9 Specialists (k-9specialists.com): K-9 Specialists offer black sable German Shepherd puppies and are located in Ocala, Florida.
We’ve selected these breeders based on their reputation, experience, and commitment to responsible breeding practices. When considering the purchase of a Sable German Shepherd puppy, you should conduct thorough research and ensure that you are acquiring your new companion from a reputable and ethical source.
You can also buy from dog shows and events or adoption and rescue centers, like Front Range German Shepherd Rescue.
Conclusion
Sable German Shepherd puppies are a captivating variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed. Their unique coloring, combined with their intelligence and loyalty, makes them an attractive choice for dog lovers. When considering adding a Sable German Shepherd puppy to your family, you should do thorough research and ensure that you are acquiring your new companion from a responsible source.
READ ALSO: How the Vibrating Collar for Deaf Dogs Works
FAQs
What is the average lifespan of a Sable German Shepherd?
The average lifespan of a Sable German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years, similar to the overall lifespan for the breed.
Are Sable German Shepherd puppies recognized by major kennel clubs?
Yes, Sable German Shepherd puppies are recognized by major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC), as a variation within the German Shepherd breed standard.
Do Sable German Shepherds require special care or grooming?
Sable German Shepherds have similar grooming requirements as other German Shepherds. They have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat clean and healthy.
Are Sable German Shepherds good family dogs?
Like other German Shepherds, Sable German Shepherds can make excellent family dogs when properly trained and socialized. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature, making them well-suited for households with children and active families.
Are Sable German Shepherds easy to train?
Yes, Sable German Shepherds are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They excel in obedience training and various canine sports.
