My thoughts on Panda shepherds and other colors - Page 1

The Panda gene does not surprise me. Take in that in the begining when the GSD was being created there were all sorts of dogs even a Merel colored shepherd. Thats where I am thinking the blue colors are coming from even the liver color. Some one said what are the chances of a panda being born in the GSD. Well what are the chances of a 2 people caring the same gene that cause a rare defect in the child? It happens. here is that sight that I got my info off when the GSD breed was first created.
http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com/index.php
This was interesting stuff I read. I am not saying to go out and breed The Panda German Shepherds. But I am not saying not to. Maybe this is an old gene that is now popping up and people want to get the word out there that GSD just do not come in Black and red/tan. If I ever get me a panda I will have him or her fixed. I like all the colors. I am not racist on colors. There is a peoson I know that has an Isabella colored GSD. Colors or patterns do not make the dog bad. As for whites GSD's, Whites are a masking gene. It will mask colors. The Irish gene is the gene that you see on the toes or the chest of the dog, Blue is a dilute gene that dilutes the black. Liver gene is a blocking gene. The gene blocks that black. And the Panda gene is almost like the sable gene. One parent has to be a sable to produce sables or pandas. And in the Isabellas (lilac) color both parents have to be carring the blue and liver genes. But as for the pandas go. I do think they are a purebred GSD. Maybe someday the AKC will put down the panda as a marking or color. But as I see it there is no white in Franka's background. Just WH for watchdog.

Cindy

There are several reasons on several levels why such colors are not included in the standard. Do you know what they are?
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com

Next question: "Why to have a standard?"


Could you point me where the website talks about the colors?
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com

I think people that breed for color or pattern need to have a standard. I know that color is out of the standerd but the health of the dogs and the way it stacks and so on. Color should be the last factor on the list. I do know a lot of people that breed colors but breed for health, temperment, and so on first. I am open minded to having colors. Just not open minded to poor breeding. Like people breeding dogs with HD or other conditions that could cause puppies to be sick or crippled in the long run. here is a site that talks about colors and patterns. She shows whites in the UKC show ring.
http://www.kerstoneshepherds.net/colors/patterns.htm

I would never breed for colors or the panda. But I do think they are nice looking.

Cindy

Yah, I stick with the standard.. I believe there were "other" things attached to the colors than just the colors. I would have to dig out my old book where it talked about genetics. I was too young to understand but I got that information out of it (stick to the standard) lol
P

"There are several reasons on several levels why such colors are not included in the standard. Do you know what they are?"

Are there some "bad traits"  and "bad health" associated with the off color genetics?

A white or spotted GSD will be easily seen and will not make a good patrol or war dog?

Hans - please tell us.

If it's not broke don't try to fix it! It appears to me that there a number of people on this board that have no idea what they are talking about. Now it's "Panda colored." If you do not know what you are doing I strongly suggest you stop breeding German shepherds and spend some time learning more about the breed.
It amazes me that people can be so stupid.