Livers, blues and their skin. - Page 1

I will freely admit I have a fascination with color variations that dogs can be produced in. Before I get flamed though, I will say that color alone is not a sound enough reason to produce a litter. I simply love to observe genetic phenotype variety. My only encounter with non-standard GSDs colors (aside from white shepherds) was a liver-sable working as a detection K-9 in one of the airports I passed through. He looked similar to this dog, but sable not bi-color, and much more intense pigmentation with a red nose the same shade as his fur and eyes.

 I have heard that livers / blues / (in all breeds) have more health problems, particularly with skin irritation, than their non-dilute and black-pigmented counterparts. I have not found evidence to confirm or deny this statement. If anyone can provide me with reliable info, not anecdotal stuff, I'd be greatly appreciative. I have always been a fan of the red (liver) doberman, and have not heard anything negative about their skin being more sensitive than a black dog's. I -have!- however heard that fawn dobes can be more prone to irritation and ailments. I don't know about blues.

• Is the skin condition therefore linked to the dilution factor more than the recessive color?

• Is there something in GSDs that makes our already skin-problem-prone breed even more susceptable to irritation when the dilution factor as per blue is thrown in?

• What about livers; they're non-dilute, but a recessive color. Would that have any negative impact on skin health? I can't see anticipate it doing such because I've typically found that seems to be soley the results of the dilution gene.

I'm looking for feedback from people who have actually owned livers or blues, but any input is appreciated.

Regards,

J.C.

PS.

For your viewing pleasure (or possibly horror): This breeder produces a fair number of liver dogs, and owns the one in the photo above.

Here is another breeder produces GSDs in all different colors. Collect the whole set! Also they have one of the first Panda Shepherd pups I've seen that hasn't been on Phenom's or Furrari's websites. [link]

Go to www.bluedogs.8m.com. She is extemely informative about the blue,liver,dilute genetics of GSD's. Although I would not breed recessives on purpose, as in the words of Max Von Stephanitz, "no good dog is a bad color".  I would also dispute the skin problems. I have talked to too many who have these dogs for years, without the problems. I many years ago, had 2 blue pups out of a litter, kept them, limited reg. no breeding, NO PROBLEMS. Same dogs, just diluted. Had them both til they were 12, wonderful dogs. Hope this helps.

Blue and Liver GSD Discussion Board @ http://www.gsdbluesnlivers.proboards58.com/
 

Alopecia or CDA is a genetic inherited condition that affects the dilute colored hairs (I have seen blue/white chihuahua's, blue spots had no hair,  but the white parts were fully colvered) NOT ALL DILUTE DOGS HAVE ALOPECIA.  there is a test that can be done on the breeding dogs to see if they are affected or if they carry alopecia.  most people who are breeding the blue/liver dogs and are trying to do it "responsibly" are doing this test to make sure their breeding dogs aren't carriers. 

In MOST breeds, the dilute dogs have poor coat condition, ex:dobermann or min pins.  majority of your dilute german shepherds DO NOT have this problem, except for the few who have CDA of course.  There are several yahoo e-groups who cover the blue/liver german shepherds.  I can also put you into contact with breeders.  I did personally own a very dark liver/cream bi color female.  she had a coat as thick as a husky.  absolutly no brittle hair or dry skin.   I did sell her because I have no interest breeding those colors,  but I can put you into contact with the lady who now owns her and also several other blue or liver dogs.

Jennifer