If you’re like me, the most common German Shepherd adults and puppies I see are colored black and tan. When a friend of mine said he was thinking of getting a red German Shepherd puppy, I thought “What is that?” I’d heard of red poodles but not red German Shepherds! I had so many questions so I went ahead and did some research.
Red German Shepherd puppies cost between $500-$2000. Their uncommon coats are a rich mahogany red color combined with a deep black. Whether you’re looking for a sweet family dog or a protective guard dog, a well-trained red German Shepherd puppy is a great option.
While having a purebred red German Shepherd puppy may be a top concern for you, you will also want to ensure the dog itself is right for you, your family, and your lifestyle. To learn more about German Shepherd puppies’ coats, how to care for them, and where to find the best breeder, continue reading.
What Is a Red German Shepherd Puppy?
A Red German Shepherd, also known as a Black & Red German Shepherd, is one of the varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC recognises 11 color varieties for the German Shepherd, each with a specific registration code for dog shows. You can view most of these color varieties on Geliebt Shepherds website (German Shepherd breeders).
Most Back & Red German Shepherds have a black “mask” over their face as well as a black “saddle” over their back, with the remaining coat being a brown-red/rusty color. Black and Red German Shepherd puppies are typically show dogs because of their bloodline.
The Black & Red German Shepherds that are a rich mahogany red color and deep black are the highest quality of color in Show World. The darker – the better and when you see the “red”, you know it.
Source: Geliebt Shepherds – German Shepherd breeders
Don’t get the red color mixed up with tan/light brown (like I did) which is the more common coloring for a German Shepherd.
History of the color red in German Shepherd puppies
German Shepherd puppies originally had coats ranging in colors from dark to light, and even shades of red back in the 1800s. Back then, they were not pet dogs. Instead they were bred in Germany to herd sheep.
Red Coat color combinations
A “red” German Shepherd puppy is defined by the color combination of black-deep red or black/red (lighter red than the deeper red). You can also find puppies that are black/red/tan. Some sables can feature red fur.
Sable German Shepherds have banded fur, meaning the individual hairs have multiple colors in one strand. Red is fairly uncommon, but not impossible to find.
The gorgeous red coat can show up in a variety of ways.
- The richness of the coat – Some German Shepherds will have a deep, rich reddish-brown coat, while others have more of a strawberry blonde color to them.
- How much red is on their face – Most red German Shepherd puppies will have black on their face, though some will have little to none.
- Age of the dog – Because German Shepherds grow fairly quickly, the coat color changes as the dog ages. Below is a chart showing the average weight and color change for red German Shepherds up to one-year-old.
| Age | Birth | One week | Eight weeks | Six months | One year |
| Weight | 0.8 – 1.3lbs | 1.6 – 2.1 lbs | 11 – 20lbs | 55 – 70lbs | 71 – 79lbs |
| Color Change | Some color change | Most visible color change | Somewhat visible color change | Somewhat visible color change |
Red German Shepherd Puppies Price
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 US dollars.
Below are some of the main factors to keep in mind that can influence the Red German Shepherd puppies price.
- Age – As with most dogs, the younger the dog is, the more expensive the cost will be. Puppies between the age of 8-12 weeks will cost the most because they’re able to be more easily trained.
- Bloodline – Purebred puppies are more costly, so unless you plan on entering your puppy in a show, this extra cost may not be worth it for you.
- Location – Shopping for puppies in smaller cities can save you some money. Also, take a look at the breeding regulations in the area, which could affect the cost.
- Certifications – While it seems reasonable that breeders with certifications should cost more, this isn’t always the case. Be sure to do your research to make sure the breeder is actually qualified.
- Warranties – though this will likely factor into the cost, this is something to look out for. If any issues come up, you want to know you chose a breeder that allows you to return the puppy.
Red German Shepherd Puppies Breeders
When purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, you will want to avoid shopping at a puppy mill. Purchasing a sick puppy or puppy with behavioral issues is somewhat common with puppy mills. This results in extra expense and hardship down the line.
To prevent potential problems, pay attention to any red flags that may come up. For example, if the breeders don’t seem to care much about your lifestyle or how well you will be able to care for the dog, it’s probably a puppy mill.
Reputable red German Shepherd breeders take good care of their puppies, and in return, want to find good homes for them.
What to ask the breeder
To ensure the best puppy buying experience, there are a few questions you may want to ask the breeder.
- Do the parents have any health issues or allergies I need to be aware of?
- Am I able to meet the German Shepherd puppies prior to making a decision?
- Have any of the puppies acted aggressively toward other animals or children?
- Will the puppies be crate and potty trained prior to purchasing?
- Which vaccinations are taken care of, and which vaccines will I need to get?
- How do you socialize your puppies prior to selling?
You may even ask a breeder if it’s possible to talk to others who have purchased puppies from them to get an idea of their experience with them.
The breeder should also ask you about your lifestyle and have a conversation with you about the proper care of a German Shepherd puppy.
Red German Shepherd puppies near me for sale
Many of the breeders in the table below will ship your German Shepherd pup anywhere in the USA and even overseas!
| Name of Breeder | Location | Contact Name | Contact Details |
| Rotterbarental* | Riverside, Southern California | DeeAnn Noland | (951) 903-49884 FamilyCompanions@msn.com Website |
| Central Coast | Paso Robles, California | Unsure | (805) 610-7269 Website |
| Lundbord-land | Southern California | Linda Lundborg | (951) 443-4318 linda@lundborg-land.com Website |
| Nadelahaus* | Corning, Northern California | Traci Needles | (530) 624-7850 nadelhaus@aol.com Website |
| Fleischerheim* | Sacramento, Northern California | Bill Fleichsher | (916) 791-9175 billdgsd@aol.com Website |
| West Coast | Sun City, California | Barbie Di Bernardo | (951) 775-2534 westcoastgsd@gmail.com Website |
| Geliebte* | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Serge and Veronika Geliebte | (715) 505-7639 belovedgsd@gmail.com Website |
| Wolfgang Haus | San Antonio, Texas | Rebecca | (210) 584-7547 becgsd@hotmail.com Website |
| Big Red | Lockhart, Texas | Unknown | (512) 360-7755 bigredtxgermanshepherdsranch@gmail.com Website |
| Elite | Texas | Unknown | (512) 767-4000 elitegsdz@yahoo.com Website |
| Sparer | Crowley, Texas | Sam | (714) 553-0844 sparerkennel@gmail.com Website |
*Specialize in breeding Black & Red German Shepherd puppies only
In terms of where to find red german shepherd puppies for sale in California, I found 5 German Shepherd breeders in California.
If you are hunting for red German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, I located 4 breeders.
How to Get Your Home Ready for a German Shepherd Puppy
Adding a dog to the home is always an exciting time. But before getting your new German Shepherd puppy, you will want to make sure you have your home ready to go.
What are the hazards for a German Shepherd puppy?
Like most puppies, German Shepherd puppies will curiously sniff through anything in your house and possibly get into it.
Keeping anything toxic out of sight in a place your puppy won’t be able to reach will keep your curious pup safe.
Inside your home
Below are a few hazards to keep in mind.
- Cleaning supplies
- Herbs and spices
- House plants
- Electrical cords
- Small objects
- Breakables.
Your backyard
German Shepherd puppies will have a lot of energy and will enjoy running and playing in the backyard.
You’ll want to remove or hide anything similar to the indoor items above. Weed or insect killer is toxic for dogs and will want to be put in a safe place.
Having a fenced-in yard is ideal, so your new pet can have plenty of space and freedom, especially if you don’t have time to take them on multiple walks.
Keep in mind, that German Shepherds enjoy digging.
By safeguarding before your puppy arrives, you can be one step ahead.
Ongoing Care for German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies have basic needs that have to be met on a regular basis.
It is essential to meet all of these needs for the puppy to grow up strong and healthy.
Exercise
Black & Red German Shepherd puppies will need to go on at least 1-2 walks per day, even if they have a big yard to play in.
Playing with toys (and you) or going on more walks may also be necessary if your yard is smaller.
Grooming/Shedding
Because red German Shepherd puppies are a double-coated breed, they require regular brushing and grooming. The undercoat is softer and lighter-colored than the topcoat. German Shepherds have two layers of fur not hair.
Brushing at least once a day and bathing once a month is advisable.
Health Concerns
As with most dogs, keep an eye on their skin for any irregularities that may indicate an allergy or other skin issue. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Costs of Owning a German Shepherd
The average cost of owning a German Shepherd is over $10,000 over the dog’s lifetime.
It will cost an estimated $1200 to $1500 a year to care for your GSD. This cost includes:
- Food
- Vet bills
- Treats.
- Toys
There can also be additional costs depending on your particular situation. These costs include:
- Boarding
- Daycare services
- Pet deposits to your landlord if you rent where you live.
Related Questions
What kind of care does a German Shepherd puppy require?
German Shepherds are high-energy and smart dogs.
If they don’t get plenty of exercise, they could get bored and chew up your things or dig holes in the yard.
Since these dogs are overprotective of their family, proper socialization early on is a must.
Should I purchase a male or female Red German Shepherd puppy?
As with most dogs, male German Shepherds tend to be more territorial and protective of their family, making them great protectors.
Female German Shepherds tend to be friendlier to strangers.
For a dog that will make you feel safe, you may opt for a male. If you are looking for a sweet family dog, a female may suit you better.
Why do breeders charge so much for German Shepherd puppies?
Breeders need to pay upwards of $8000 to take good care of a German Shepherd litter.
Between food expenses, training, and vet bills, it gets expensive.
Cheaper puppies from non-reputable breeders may have unforeseen health issues, which will cost you more in the long run.
Conclusion
Though red black German Shepherd puppies were originally bred to care for sheep and be working dogs, they now make great pets. Purchasing and caring for red German Shepherd puppies can get pricey, so be sure to check with red German Shepherd breeders to ensure you are getting a healthy, socialized puppy.
German Shepherds Make Great Outdoor Companions
We’ve written a couple of articles about this wonderful outdoor breed. Click on the articles below to have a read and enjoy!
- Find out if German Shepherds can swim
- German Shepherds and their sense of smell: how strong is it?
- We found 19 dog breeds similar to German Shepherds
- Love trail running? Take your GSD with you!