Colors of GSD - Page 1

I have a puppy that can't be registered even though both parents are. (not that i care)  She is 5 1/2 months old and is a very dark liver color, almost a dark brown as is her nose. Anyway, I love her very much, she is a super smart dog and Jenny Craig has nothing on the weight loss plan this puppy has me on...kidding. The vet says she looks great, great confirmation, wonderful temperment, etc. so why is liver looked down on so much? I had someone literally tell me I shouldn't take my dog out in public because she is a "poor specimen for the breed". I should blow it off but it really bothered me that my wonderful dog should be shunned due to color,  Does color affect anything really? Is there something wrong with her? Physically, mentally, emotionally? To me she is one of the best dogs I've ever lived with, I just want to make sure I know as much about her as possible. any feedback would be appreciated

Don't worry what people say Peachie, if you think this dog is wonderful and  one of of the best you have ever owned, then that is exactly what she is!  If there was a Breed Standard for humans, how many of those people sneering at your dog would measure up well?  Especially in Temperament if they have no sensitivity your feelings.

Margaret N-J

"The vet says she looks great, great confirmation, wonderful temperment, etc. so why is liver looked down on so much?"
 
Because there are a lot of ignorant, stupid people in the world. This is simply a form of racism, which appeals to simple-minded people. They don't have to think, which is hard for them. "Duh. Wrong color. Bad dog/person. Duh." See how easy that is? No brains needed.

"I had someone literally tell me I shouldn't take my dog out in public because she is a "poor specimen for the breed"."
 
Rude people like this should not go out in public because they are such poor human specimens.

"Does color affect anything really? Is there something wrong with her? Physically, mentally, emotionally?"

Nope. Sounds like she's a fabulous dog and you're lucky to have her. There's some useful info about GSD colors at:

http://www.4gsd.net/colours.html

http://www.kerstoneshepherds.net/colors/colors.htm

The second website sums it up very nicely:

"No good dog is a bad color" -- Max von Stephanitz (breed founder)

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE NO HEALTH, GENETIC, OR TEMPERAMENT PROBLEMS IN A GERMAN SHEPHERD JUST BECAUSE OF ITS COLOR!! THESE ARE ALL SIMPLY DIFFERENT VARIATIONS OF COAT COLORS & PATTERNS!

Enjoy your dog and ignore the fools.

if the parents are AKC it can be registered? the problem with obscure colors is they are almost always the result of breeding that lacks any type gentic clearences or pedigree ,,as long as shes spayed and is a good pet  I certainly wouldn't worry about taking her out in public

http://hauspharao.com/breeding/colorgenetics.html

BTW once she is spayed, you should be able to register her with AKC under their PAL program.  It's for dogs that are of a recognized breed but for one reason or another can't be registered otherwise.

Melissa,

there is no reason it cannot be registered if the parents are registered, AKC offers liver a color choice on the reg application

Your dog's liver coloring only DQs her from conformation shows, it does not preclude her from being registered, nor does it prevent her from competing in any performance events.   Many times, breeders choose  to place  non-standard pups with a pet home (usually at a much reduced price), rather than cull, but registration will be withheld until such time as they are provided with proof the dog has been altered,  because they want to make sure the dog in question is not bred. 

Thank you all for the feedback. She will be spay within the next month and then I'll look at other options I have. I have found a nearby Schutzhund club and think we might try it for fun, it'll give Shasta something to do rather than just mall the min pin. Now that I know not everyone feels the way the man who looked down on her feels, I will be taking her out more often.

Great link from susanandthek9s - I shared it with my husband and it was great learning more about this beautiful breed.

Again, thank you all

Schutzhund is a lot of fun,  but be forewarned, it's extremely addicting! 

All breeds have standards that limit what is, or is not acceptable within that breed.  Off colors, ears that don't stand, long coats without undercoats, albinos are all DQ faults, and trying to breed only those dogs that conform to the standard certainly does not make anyone a racist. 

People who disagree with the standard should work to change it. People who wish to see the standard changed are not  served by breeders who choose their breeding stock soley on the basis of it's ability to throw pups that do not conform to the standard.