GSD variation compared to other breeds

[billsharp]

Was looking at the pix of the adorable blue GSD puppy in another thread, and musing on the tremendous variety in GSD colors. Most all that I've seen have the same basic bone and body structure, but there are the traditional black and tan saddlebacks (with varied patterns therein), the black, white, blues, sables, reds, etc.

I don't recall seeing any other breed with this much variety--most other breeds look much the same but with a few color choices only (e.g. blond, chocolate, black labs; white or black scotties, etc.)

How about it, breeders? Is any other breed as diversified in appearance as the GSD?

[LaRen616]

Akitas come in several different colors

Akita Colors & markings -

[LaRen616]

Both Basenjis and Shiba Inus come in 4 different colors.

[LaRen616]

Pomeranians come in a ton of different colors

Pomeranian Colors

[Lucy Dog]

All these other breeds come in different colors, but do they have all different lines as well like the GSD does?

I can't think of one breed who has so many colors, lines, lines within lines to serve different purposes like this breed.

[suzzyq01]

Siberian Huskies come in 15 different colors and have a multitude of patterns and eye colors as well.

I would say the husky is one of the top variety color/pattern dogs.

Colors of the Siberian Husky

[Xeph]

Scotties do not come in white...there may be wheatens that are so light they look white, but they're not white genetically. Scotties are Brindle, Wheaten, or Black.

There are 28 different colors in the English Cocker Spaniel.

Hounds have no real restrictions on colors or patterns.

Dalmatians come in several colors, but are only showable if they're black or liver

[Chris Wild]

The West Highland White Terrier is actually a white Scottie. Or at least, that's how the breed was created as white Scotties weren't allowed, but people liked them so voila, new breed!

Back to the original question, yes many breeds have as much, sometimes more, variety as GSDs. With GSDs it isn't just color and coat differences but vastly different types of bloodlines with very different structural, physical and temperamental characteristics as will. This is also true in many other breeds. Not that this is a good thing, but it is reality.

[Lauri & The Gang]

American Cocker Spaniels come in many different colors (some "allowed" and some not) as well as Show and Working lines (with VERY different features).

Labs also come in different colors and different lines.

Border Collies also come in different colors and have VERY different lines (show vs working).

[suzzyq01]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

All these other breeds come in different colors, but do they have all different lines as well like the GSD does?

I can't think of one breed who has so many colors, lines, lines within lines to serve different purposes like this breed.

This is true, although there are several lines of the Siberian Husky. Seppala is the orginal sled dog line for the husky which is bred for being a sled dog/racing. Then you have the AKC show-line Siberian husky which is far different looking and work ethic from the working line dog. Then you have the 1/2 and 1/2 Seppala/Showline.



Seppala Siberian Husky - working line sled dog


AKC Showline Siberian Husky



Mix of Seppala/Showline