German Shepherd
BreedDog
Versatile working breed used in police, military, and service roles. Strong, agile, and highly trainable.
Trait profiles
Heritable traits and their typical frequency in this breed population.
Black (CBD103)
K
ky/ky required for Agouti expression. KB produces solid black. Both common in GSD population.
Long Hair (FGF5)
L
l/l (long coat) is AKC recognized as Long Stock Coat variety since 2021. Common in the breed.
Extension (MC1R)
E
Em (melanistic mask) is extremely common in German Shepherds. ee produces white GSDs -- AKC DQ.
Agouti (ASIP)
A
Multiple Agouti alleles present: aw (sable), at (black and tan/bi-color), a (recessive black). All are common in the breed.
Spotting (MITF)
S
Minor white markings (chest, toes) occasionally occur. Piebald absent. Mostly solid (S/S or S/si).
Intensity (MFSD12)
I
Affects richness of tan/rust points in standard-colored dogs.
Brown (TYRP1)
B
Chocolate (bb) = liver GSD. AKC DQ in German Shepherds. Rare in the breed population.
Dilute (MLPH)
D
Dilute (dd) = blue GSD. AKC DQ. Rare.
Harlequin (PSMB7)
H
Harlequin locus absent in German Shepherds.
Merle (PMEL)
M
Merle does not occur in German Shepherds. Any merle claim indicates crossbreeding.
Morph names & registry status
Breed-specific naming conventions and recognition status across major registries.
Black and Tan
Commonat/at + ky/ky. The classic black-and-tan/saddle pattern. AKC standard. One of the most common GSD colors.
Long Coat
Commonl/l (FGF5 long coat). AKC recognizes "Long Stock Coat" variety since 2021. Previously penalized in conformation. Now fully standard. Common in the breed.
Tri
CommonTan points pattern. AKC standard. In GSDs, "bi-color" (mostly black with minimal tan) uses the same at/at genotype as standard black and tan — expression varies with modifiers. Both are standard.
Red
CommonRich tan/mahogany coloration in the tan points. AKC standard. Darker tan marking intensity is considered more desirable in conformation.
Sable
CommonAKC STANDARD. In German Shepherds, "sable" refers specifically to the aw (wild sable) allele producing banded/agouti hairs with black tips. Produces the characteristic sable GSD pattern. Very common and popular.
Unknown
Significant white markings. Non-standard in German Shepherds. Excessive white is a fault.
Unknown
dd + at/at. Blue is AKC DQ in GSDs.
Unknown
bb + at/at. Liver/chocolate is AKC DQ in GSDs.
Brindle
Brindle not recognized in German Shepherd standard.
Blue
dd (dilute) = blue GSD. AKC DQ. Rare.
Chocolate
bb = liver GSD. AKC DQ.
White
ee (recessive red) produces white/cream GSDs. AKC DQ in German Shepherd standard. White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a separate AKC recognized breed for white-coated dogs.