Isabella German Shepherd is one of the most unique and rarest GSDs in the world.
They are also called Lilac German Shepherd. Isabella refers to the coat color of these German Shepherds.
It is a beautiful and gorgeous dog which is also quite rare to come across.
In this detailed guide, we will take a look at Isabella German Shepherd. We will cover everything you need to know about this amazing breed. What kind of dog is Isabella? How to take proper care of Isabella Shepherd, how to train them, and what to feed them? How big do they get and what is their average life span? What are common diseases among them and how to get an Isabella German Shepherd?
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 10 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
What is an Isabella German Shepherd?
Isabella is a GSD dog having a rare coat color which appears to be lilac or lavender. In reality, it is darker brown. Lilac is one of the most gorgeous and rarest colors in dogs.
It is also very expensive and you can’t find many dogs in this color. Isabella GSD looks similar to Blue German Shepherd but they have different characteristics.
Lilac German Shepherd is a great family dog that is perfect for your children. They are very intelligent and easy to train. They are loyal and protective of their owners.
On the negative side, Isabella is a very active dog and their exercise and workout requirements may be too much for some people.
Also, they suffer from some serious health conditions. They don’t like to be left alone as well.
Isabella dog is just like any other GSD. If you want a unique and rare color that you can proudly show to your friends and family, then go for it. But keep in mind that it’s basically every other German Shepherd.
Please note that this breed is not recognized by American Kennel Club and there are penalties imposed on its breeding. That’s why breeders are not too keen on Isabella German Shepherd.
History of Isabella German Shepherd
Isabella as a color is associated with Queen Isabella of Spain in the late 15th century. She once proclaimed that she would not change her dress unless Spain emerge victorious in the Siege of Granada.
So, her dress changed to reddish color with a little white and black. Some historians think that the word ‘’Isabella’’ may have originated from the word Zibellino which was used to describe animals pelts in the 1600s.
In the 1800s, the term was popular and used to refer to animals and birds of this color. Keep in mind that Isabella is a breed-specific color. Although Isabella German Shepherd and Lilac English Bulldog are the same color, they are referred to as different names.
Isabella Colored German Shepherd
How do you recognize a German Shepherd Isabella? That’s a good question as Isabella and Blue German Shepherd may appear identical.
The biggest clue is to look at the nose of the GSD. If the GSD nose is of brown or liver color, then it is an Isabella Shepherd. The dilution of the genes causes the mix to have a brown-colored nose as opposed to the standard black color nose in the GSD.
Liver dogs don’t have black hair and Isabella GSD puppies may have a pink or dark grey nose. Also, the pups will have light eyes like blue, green, or amber.
Variations of Isabella German Shepherd
Isabella German Shepherds come in different variations. Let’s take a detailed look at them:
Isabella Panda German Shepherd
Just like Isabella, Panda German Shepherd is a very rare GSD breed. Isabella Panda German Shepherd is one of the most unique combinations in the German Shepherd breeds. They look gorgeous and are very hard to find.
Sable Isabella German Shepherd
Isabella Shepherd with any black color is impossible to find as liver dilution causes the black color to not appear.
However, as Sable is the most dominant gene it can still appear in Isabella GSDs. These German Shepherds will have darker color on the tip of their hair but not a full black coat.
Blue Isabella German Shepherd
One of the most common Isabella color combinations, it is the result of double dilution on black and tan German Shepherds.
Solid Isabella German Shepherd
This is the rarest of all color combinations. These Lilac GSDs will have a purple shade on their fur and no other markings. These dogs usually will have light green eyes. In some cases, blue eyes are also possible.
Liver Isabella German Shepherd
Even though all Isabella German Shepherds can be considered Liver Isabella German Shepherds, these dogs would have much lighter light eyes and brown nose.
Isabella and Tan German Shepherd
The difference between a regular black and tan GSD and an Isabella and Tan GSD is that the latter will have a brown or pink nose.
Isabella German Shepherd Characteristics
To know more about the Isabella GSD, let’s take a look at its characteristics.
Size
Lilac GSDs are medium to large size dogs. Male lilac GSDs can grow up to 24-26 inches and female Lilac GSDS can reach 22 to 24 inches.
Male Isabella GSDS can weigh up to 77 to 5 lbs and female Isabella German Shepherds weigh around 55 to 73 lbs.
Appearance
Lilac German Shepherds are very athletic and sturdy dogs. The nose is usually brown.
A liver GSD has a pink or brown nose while a blue GSD has a grey-colored nose.
With a long puzzle, Isabella GSD has light green eyes.
Coat
The Isabella German Shepherd can have a medium or long coat. They have a double coat which can help them in winter.
Please note that like other GSDs, Lilac German Shepherds also shed a lot.
LifeSpan
As Lilac GSD is a very healthy breed, they can live for anywhere between 8-12 years. Take good care of their diet and health and you will have many awesome years together.
Temperament
Liver German Shepherd has the same qualities as the purebred GSD dog. It is a loyal, confident, and strong dog.
Willing to obey your commands, Isabella dog is easy to train, it has a charming and loving personality.
They love to socialize and play with other people. Get them to socialize from a very young age.
If you leave them alone for a long time, Lilac Germans Shepherds can become sad and depressed. They can also develop destructive behavior like ruining the yard or scratching the furniture.
They are very good with other pets and children.
Grooming
Just like other GSDs, Liver German Shepherd’s grooming requirements are the same.
They shed a lot and can blow out their coat twice a year. Brush them regularly and keep their coat clean.
Bathe them when they get dirty like rolling in mud. Only use vet-approved canine shampoo. Trim their nails and clean their teeth regularly.
Exercise
Isabella Shepherd is a very athletic and energetic dog. They need daily exercise. You can get them to play for at least 90 minutes daily.
They love to run, swim and can also hike. However, when they are in the puppy phase, take it easy on them and don’t expect them to become instant champions.
If Isabella GSD does not get enough exercise, he will become frustrated and can become depressed.
When you leave them alone for a while, you can give them toys to play with so they can remain busy and entertained.
Feeding
German Shepherd Isabella is a very active and energetic dog. They need lots of calories daily. Feed them high-quality foods (meat or kibble) so they can keep up their energy.
You can feed Isabella GSD puppy three to four times and adult Isabella dog two times daily.
If you make any changes to their diet, please consult a veterinarian first.
Training
Training a lilac German Shepherd is an easy task. They are naturally easy-going and obedient dogs just like other GSDs. Train them from a young age and give them rewards and treats.
Get them to socialize with other dogs and people from puppyhood.
Is Isabella German Shepherd good with children?
Yes, Isabella GSD loves to play with children. In fact, they require constant attention.
Some people even reported that they couldn’t keep up with their Isabella German Shepherd.
They are very active and confident dogs so they love to run around and have fun.
Is Isabella German Shepherd a Good Guard Dog?
Of Course, Isabella is just the color of the GSD. The other characteristics of the dog are still the same. As you know, German Shepherds are amazing guard dogs.
They are used heavily in police and armed forces. GSD is the best guard dog you can have.
Liver GSD is an amazing guard dog who will protect you and will not let any harm come to you.
What are some of the most Common Diseases in Isabella German Shepherd?
Just like any other German Shepherd, Isabella dog is also prone to many serious health problems.
As this stunning breed is not very popular, there is not much crossbreeding which makes them healthier. The natural gene which appears in Isabella Shepherd also prevents many health concerns in these dogs.
Some of the most common diseases among Isabella German Shepherds are Pannus, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cancer, Osteoarthritis, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Bloating, and Progressive retinal atrophy.
Take good care of your German Shepherd Isabella and take them to the veterinarian if any health concern arises.
How much does it cost to buy an Isabella German Shepherd?
If you are looking to buy an Isabella German Shepherd puppy, then you must consider the following. It’s tricky to evaluate the price of Isabella German Shepherd.
Some breeders may be looking for a much higher price than usual because they know that it’s a very rare color. The people who adore this color could pay anything the breeder will ask.
On the other hand, breeders know that this color is considered faulty by Kennel clubs, so they may ask for a lower price.
According to our research, you may find a breeder selling Isabella GSD puppies for anywhere between $900-1500 (€800 – €1300).
Where to get an Isabella German Shepherd?
Always get a dog from a reputable breeder. Do not buy any type of dog from questionable places like Craigslist. If you buy a cheap puppy from places like these, chances are that the dog will be abused or have some health issues.
German Shepherd Isabella is not a very common dog breed. However, due to accidental mating, some breeders are likely to sell these puppies.
You can buy a Liver German Shepherd puppy from a serious breeder. Always make sure to ask a lot of questions about the puppy’s health and make sure that they are healthy.
As this dog is quite rare and also expensive, you may be put on a waiting list by a breeder who sells them.
Is Isabella German Shepherd Right for you?
If you are looking to own a rare GSD, then it is a perfect choice. You can show off your dog to your friends and family.
As it’s a rare GSD, people will be amazed at its gorgeous and amazing color.
However, keep in mind that the characteristics of this dog are just like any other German Shepherd. This breed is expensive compared to other GSDs.
Isabella Shepherd needs a lot of attention and exercise. If you have time and space for your dog, then you should get them.
But if you don’t have a lot of time on your hand and stay indoors a lot, then it’s not a good idea to get Isabella German Shepherd as it will become depressed and sad.
Conclusion
Isabella German Shepherds also known as Lilac German Shepherds are one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. They are not very popular.
However, some people want to get their hands on this beautiful and adorable breed. You can get an Isabella puppy from a reputable breeder but keep in mind that they may have some health concerns.
Isabella GSD is just like any other GSD: strong, loyal, confident, and sturdy. It is just unique in its coat color.
They are very playful and obedient. You can train them easily. They need lots of exercises so only get them if you have time on your hands.
Isabella German Shepherd will be a great companion to you if you treat them well.
