The accepted colors of the German shepherd are sable, black and tan, and solid black. However, this breed comes in a much greater range of colors than most people imagine. Many of these colors are serious faults (dilutes) or disqualifying faults (white) when it comes to shows, but this doesn't make a well-bred dog of any color less desirable as a pet, companion, competitor, or working dog.

Dilutes

Dilutes are basically lighter shades of accepted coat colors, often with a grayish sheen to them. These colors can be quite beautiful, but they are not acceptable in the conformation show ring. Also, dogs with dilute coats generally have lighter colored noses and eyes, which are faults according to the breed standard.

Unusual markings, such as brindle (streaks or spots of a darker color), can also occur from time to time. This is not necessarily a negative sign; however, be forewarned that, if the dog comes from an unknown breeder (or someone who is not experienced in conformation, performance events, or working dogs), the unusual markings could be an indication that another breed has been entered into the mix. In other words, the pup could be a shepherd mix rather than a purebred.

White German Shepherds

Shepherds with white coats are gorgeous creatures, but they are not allowed to compete in the AKC show ring. (White shepherds are allowed to compete with their darker counterparts in UKC shows.) They make great pets, competitors, and working and service dogs, and they can compete in all AKC performance events. Among white German shepherds there are both dilutes and those with dark pigment (black noses and dark eyes).

Though white is a fault in the show ring, white German shepherds still make great pets and competitors.

The White German Shepherd Dog Club of America (WGSDCA) wants the GSDCA to accept white as a coat color, as it was prior to 1963. The White Shepherd Club of Canada (WSCA) and the American White Shepherd Association (AWSA) want white shepherds to be recognized as a separate breed and to have a closed registry (with whites bred only to whites). White Shepherds are currently registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC). For more information on these organizations, see Appendix A.