The Panda German Shepherd: A Truly Unique Looking Dog

Have you ever heard of a Panda German Shepherd?  Don’t worry if you haven’t, a few weeks ago I didn’t either.  But one day while looking around the internet at different types of dog breeds, I was taken by surprise when I saw a picture of a Panda German Shepherd.  If you have never seen one before, you will be amazed the first time you look at these very unique looking animals.  So what makes these dogs look so different than the standard breed?  While not a different breed of dog at all, the truth lays in its genetics.  So let’s take a look at what makes these animals look so different from the rest.

These Unique Looking Dogs Will Take Your Breathe Away

The coloring of these animals is simply awe inspiring and it comes from its genetic makeup.  Being 35% white and rest a mixture of both black and tan, these dogs have a very different color pattern that resembles a Panda Bear.  In fact, when they are puppies they often look more like a bear than a dog.  This uniqueness is referred to as piebald and is very different than the standard breed color coat.  This is why these animals are so highly sought after. But not many breeders specialize in these animals. So it may be hard to find one if you are interested in one of these very beautiful dogs.  But if you are willing to spend the money on shipping, you can probably find one of these adorable animals online.

Are There Any Health Issues When It Comes To These Dogs?

Unfortunately, these dogs do suffer from some health issues due in part to extensive breeding practices.  Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in these animals which can later become an issue when they get older.  Not every dog will have this defect but there have been many reported.  Another health issue is digestive problems that may be a result of a nervous animal.  Blood disorders have also been found in these dogs.  But with proper and selective breeding practices many of these dogs will avoid this genetic related health issues. If you are interested in one of these animals make sure to find a breeder that has a proven track record of producing high quality animals that will remain healthy throughout its life span.  With proper care, these animals can live upwards of 13 years or more.

Image via Rayya The Vet at Flickr.com