(photo: novathepandashepherd)
The Panda German Shepherd is a unique breed, not known very well unless one is involved in the line of work that encompasses German Shepherd breeding. Here are the answers to 10 questions about the Panda German Shepherd, also known as the Piebald German Shepherd.
1. Panda German Shepherds are simply uniquely colored offspring in a Shepherd line.
These shepherds show unique markings of symmetrical black and white coloring, mostly around the face, often resembling markings of a panda bear. This coloring amongst other animals is known as Piebald. This is odd as, according to the AKC, the standard colors of the German Shepherd Dog are black and tan.
2. The first known “panda” was born in 2000 to purebred German Shepherd Dog parents with long lines of purebred heritage.
The breeder sent off the first Panda’s DNA to find out just that, she was purebred but with a mutated KIT gene. Out of that discovery, it was shown that future GSD breeding prospects could be tested in order to tell if they had a chance of producing panda offspring.
3. The only differences between Panda and “normal” GSD is in the coat color.
Therefore, Panda German Shepherds are the same as all other German Shepherd Dogs, they just have unique coloring.
4. Panda German Shepherds are just as healthy as normal colored German Shepherds
As stated before, Panda’s are technically just different colored German Shepherds. This means that they have the same health record as their lineage. The overall health is dependent on the breeder in which the Panda came from, as is with all purebred dogs.
5. Panda German Shepherds health depends on their lineage.
A responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the outcome and health of their dogs will not breed dogs that are predisposed to health issues. However, there are certain health issues that German Shepherds (including Pandas) can have due to their build. Such things as hip dysplasia can be bred out of a line but because it is so prominent, it can skip generations or even littermates. A common health issue among German Shepherds that cannot be bred out is bloat. This happens due to the size of the breed, and is found among other large and giant breed dogs with deep chests.
(photo: d_mann117)
6. Panda German Shepherds are considered purebred
If a Panda German Shepherd’s DNA is tested against a “normal” colored German Shepherd Dog’s DNA, there would be no difference other than the aforementioned mutated KIT gene.
7. Panda’s are not officially recognized by the AKC
This is a touchy subject. As mentioned above, the only difference between the Panda and the German Shepherd is their coloring. Per dogbreedinfo.com, the Panda Shepherd is 35% white, with the rest of their body being the standard black and tan. However, the AKC’s Official Standard of the German Shepherd Dog states: “The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious fault. A white dog must be disqualified.” Therefore, the Panda would not be considered a standard AKC German Shepherd Dog.
8. Panda German Shepherds are rare
The KIT gene mutation, where the Panda’s coloring is made, is not found in most GSD. Therefore, it is rare. And because of that rarity breeders who bank on the mutation often are not in it for the health of the dogs, unfortunately.
9. Things to consider before getting a Panda German Shepard
There are several things to consider if looking to adopt a Panda German Shepherd. The first, know what you are getting into! Have you ever had a German Shepherd before? While they are known to be loyal, confident, and make great guard dogs, they require a lot of exercise, training, and socialization. The owner of a Panda German Shepherd should not just be worried about the looks of the dog, although that is the main reason most people are attracted to the Panda.
10. When looking for a reputable Panda German Shepherd breeder it is essential that you do your research.
Find a breeder that is in it for the good of the breed. A good breeder will do health testing on all of their breed stock. A GSD breeder will focus on common health issues and temperament of their dogs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends German Shepherds be tested for both hip and elbow dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America also states that conscientious breeders are to breed for temperament, confirmation, and trainability. These are the major attributes of the GSD, whether Panda or Black and Tan in coat.
11. The average price of a Panda German Shepherd puppy ranges from $1000-$3000.
In comparison to a black and tan German Shepherd, this is rather expensive. It is no doubt that this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. Because the Panda is so rare, when born, they are often spoken for before their eyes even open.
While the black and white markings of the Panda German Shepherd are undoubtedly beautiful, are they worth paying the extra price? German Shepherds are highly driven dogs that need specialized care and are not suitable for uneducated owners. The Panda should be reserved for those that have a love for the breed itself and want to own a beautiful dog that they know how to properly care for. Once an ethical breeder is found, the prospective owner should be sure the Panda is healthy, has a good temperament, and is trainable. It is only then that a Panda should be owned, trained, loved, and cared for, by a responsible owner.
(photo: zoethepandashepherd)
Not a breed!
Well, genetically it is German shepherd with a genetic fault.
White hair, A trait that Max Von Stephanitz did not want passed along. Any dog with white was culled from the herd. The German breeding clubs in Germany would never allow any dog with this KIT marker to breed. Would spade, neuter or cull to ensure this trait did not pass along.
So it’s not hard to see why America has really has no true working breed shepherds ( excluding imported lines)
Max von Stephanitz was not opposed to white. It was when the NAZIs took control of the SV that white was no longer acceptable. Stephanitz made a famous quote. “There is no such thing as a bad color on a good dog.”
Nice dog! Is it yours or do you just use photos off Instagram with out any right to do so?
Looks like a shepard/spaniel mix. I can see why AKC won’t register them. Pretty dog though.
The AKC does register them. They are disqualified to compete in conformation. But they can be registered.
Hmmmm – in general Pandas are Tricolored? So much misinformation floating around, please do your homework before purchasing from a ‘breeder’. Many Pandas are mislabeled in the shelters and available because they do not match ‘breed standards’. Remember this is a genetic mutation so it’s impossible to get on a ‘waiting’ list unless you want to WAIT
It is a true breeding dominant mutation. But all pandas are descendants of Franka. So if a breeder had a Franka descendant which was panda, they could possibly have a waiting list for selling puppies.
Geez, how can you misspell Shepherd in point 9?
I have tri colored panda German Shepherds that are AKC registered. So they are registered but default to “show dog” time will Heal all wounds
David please do stud out or sell breeding stock thank you peggy
My rescued Panda is so stubborn but sweet. She’s hard headed and acts like a temperamental toddler. 14 months old, rescued at 6 months from a caged environment where she got little love or exercise. She’s now on a 200 acre farm, scared of noises but loves it outside.
Finding a panda in rescue is highly unusual. Pandas are only in a single bloodline descended from Lewcinka’s Franka von Phenom. They are highly prized by those who are involved with pandas and have far more people wanting them than there are puppies. Also, the panda breeders are selective on who gets one of their puppies. If you see a panda marked GSD in a shelter or rescue, it is probably a piebald, not a panda. Genetic testing can be done to be sure.
I am the proud owner of a 6 year old female Panda German Shepherd technically called a black and silver Panda GSD. She is in every way 100% GSD in stature, temperament and loyalty. We got her as a family pet when she was 10 weeks old. She is unique in appearance which I love because it strikes up conversation with folks when we are out in public.
I have a 16-month old tri-colored Panda. Extremely intelligent but hard-headed. I was wondering if anyone has any information on him becoming registered.
If it is a panda and not a piebald, you should have gotten a registration or registration application from the breeder. There is only one highly controlled bloodline of pandas. Highly unlikely to find a panda in rescue. But piebalds can look like pandas. Piebalds are sPsP on the S locus and are recessive. Pandas are due to a mutation of the KIT gene (P/N) and are dominant.
Max von Stephanitz was not opposed to white. It was when the NAZIs took control of the SV that white was no longer acceptable. Stephanitz made a famous quote. “There is no such thing as a bad color on a good dog.”