Brindle German Shepherds are one of the rarest forms of The German Shepherd Dog breed.
Image credit: greystonegsd
They generally have a unique color pattern of Brindle and some other colors including Black, Grey, Sable, and Tan.
They are quite rare and expensive and are decreasing with every passing year.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Brindle German Shepherd and see if you should consider owning one of them.
Overview
The Brindle German Shepherd is a unique variation of German Shepherds.
What makes them really stand out is their stripe-filled coat that ranges between black, red, and brown color.
They are very rare in comparison to German Shepherds of other colors.
Brindle German Shepherds come in four different shades, that are:
- Black Brindle German Shepherd
- Brindle Grey German Shepherd
- Brindle Tan German Shepherd
- Brindle Sable German Shepherd
Size & Appearance
Brindle German Shepherds stand between 22-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 70 pounds.
Their body appears tan with black stripes all over them.
This gives them a unique tiger-like-looking coat.
Overall, they look quite stunning and more unique than most of the large dogs out there.
| Gender | Male | Female |
| Height | 24-26 inches | 22-24 inches |
| Weight | 65-90 pounds | 50-70 pounds |
Source: American Kennel Club (AKC)
Traits & Characteristics
Here are some characteristics of The German Shepherd Mastiff based on different categories.
(Note: The following ratings are given on a scale of 5 stars/☆☆☆☆☆)
Family Life & Adaptability
- Adapts Well With Family – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Adapts Well With Kids – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Suited For Novice Owners – ☆☆☆
- Adapts Well With Other Dogs – ☆☆☆
Physical Needs
- Sensitivity Level – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Shedding Level – ☆☆☆☆
- Energy Level – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Exercise Needs – ☆☆☆☆☆
Friendliness & Socialism
- Allover Adaptability Level – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Friendliness With Strangers – ☆☆☆
- Protective Nature – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Playfulness Level – ☆☆☆☆
Personality
Just like German Shepherds of other colors, Brindle German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective.
They adapt well with children and dogs of other breeds.
They are good at learning and are easy to train.
However, the best thing about Brindle German Shepherds or German Shepherds as a whole is their protective and guardian-like nature.
With one of them in your home, you can stay carefree regarding any stealing or robbery.
Personality Traits & Characteristics
- Easy To Train – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Intelligence Level – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Barking Level – ☆☆
- Mental Stimulation/Arousal Needs – ☆☆☆
Health & Care
Since they are German Shepherd, they can suffer from diseases like hip dysplasia, megaesophagus, or even diabetes.
Some other notable diseases include:
- Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy
- Hemophilia
- Nodular Dermatofibrosis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
These diseases, especially diabetes, can lead to some long-term consequences.
However, with proper training and exercise, they can lead a healthy life.
Healthcare & Grooming Needs
- Overall Health – ☆☆☆
- Drooling Level – ☆☆
- Easy To Groom – ☆☆☆☆☆
- Potential For Weight Gain – ☆☆
Brindle German Shepherd History
Brindle-colored German Shepherds have a patchy history.
Since they are not a particular breed or even a hybrid, they don’t have any relevant history.
There is, however, an origin story of them.
It goes back to the registration of the very first German Shepherd, named Horand von Grafath.
Breeders believe that Horand had 33 sons, out of which at least 2 were Brindle colored.
And from that point, Brindle German Shepherds started to emerge.
Some Vital Stats For The Brindle German Shepherd
- Bred For – Hounding, Guarding
- Coat Information – Medium Sized, Double Coat
- Color – Brindle, Brindle/Sable, Brindle/Tan, Brindle/Grey, Black Brindle
- Markings – N/A
- Average Life Expectancy – 7-10 Years
- Nicknames – ‘Brindle Shepherd’, ‘The Holy Grail’
- Suited For Domestic Life – Yes
- Club Recognition:
-
- American Kennel Club – Herding Group
- United Kennel Club – Herding Group
- Best Suited For – Families
Some Interesting Facts About Brindle German Shepherd
- Brindle German Shepherd is a very uncommon variation of standard German Shepherd. There are mainly four types of Brindle German Shepherd – Black Brindle German Shepherd, Brindle/Grey German Shepherd, Brindle/Tan German Shepherd, and Brindle/Sable German Shepherd.
- Brindle German Shepherds are one of the most expensive German Shepherds out there. This is mainly due to how hard it is to find one of them. The average cost of a Brindle German Shepherd is between $500 to $1500, but it can go up.
- Though Brindle German Shepherds have a unique coat, they still shed a lot. You may find remnants of their fur on the furniture, on the floor, and possibly even on your clothes. Therefore, you would need to brush your Brindle GSD regularly, or otherwise, they’ll turn your home into a mess in a few days.
- People often get confused about if Brindle German Shepherds are a different breed than Standard German Shepherds. That is, in fact, completely wrong. Brindle German Shepherds are German Shepherds but with a different color. Aside from a difference in their coat, they are completely the same.
15 Name Suggestions For Brindle German Shepherds
Finally, here are some fancy name ideas for your Brindle German Shepherd.
- Autumn – The season of falling leaves called ‘Autumn is a feminine given name procured from the Latin word ‘autumnus’.
- Aria – ‘Aria’ is a female name and means ‘song’, or ‘air’ in Italian origin. It would be a great name for your female German Shepherd.
- Andy – Andy is a common dog name derived from the Greek name ‘Andreas’, which means ‘manlike’ or ‘strong’.
- Bruno – Bruno is a masculine given name procured from the German name ‘Brun’, meaning ‘brown’.
- Chloe – ‘Chloe’ is a famous female name of Greek origin meaning ‘blooming’, or ‘fertility’.
- Eddy – The word ‘Eddy’ is a diminutive of the English name ‘Edward’ which means ‘wealthy guardian’.
- Laura– The name ‘Laura’ is a female form of the Latin word ‘laurus’, which means ‘bay laurel plant’.
- Leon – Leon is a famous male name of Greek origin and means ‘lion’.
- Marie – Marie is a female name of Latin origin and means ‘star of the sea’.
- Max – The word ‘Max’ is a short form of the English name ‘Maxwell’, which means ‘the greatest.
- Rosy – ‘Rosy’ is a female name referring to the rose flower. A common but beautiful name for pets.
- Ryder – Ryder is a given name of old English origin and means ‘horsemen’.
- Sophie – The name ‘Sophie’ is derived from the famous Greek name ‘Sophia’, which means ‘wisdom’.
- Thor – ‘Thor’ is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin and means ‘thunder’.
- Venus – Venus is a feminine name of Greek origin meaning ‘Goddess of Love’.