Thinking of adopting a Black German Shepherd but don't know where to start? Find out about their temperament, traits, puppy costs & more! Black German Shepherd Breed Origins and History The German Shepherd breed was first developed in Germany in the late 19th century by Captain Max von Stephanitz. The breed was originally used as a herding dog, but its intelligence, strength, and courage made it well-suited for other tasks such as police work, search and rescue, and military service. Black German Shepherds are a variation of the breed that have a solid black coat, which is a result of a recessive gene. While they were once ... What is a Black German Shepherd ? A Black German Shepherd is not a different breed but a color variation of the standard German Shepherd. Their pure black coat results from a recessive gene, making them rarer than their tan and black counterparts. Learn about the black German shepherd , a purebred dog that is solid black in color and has the same temperament as the German shepherd . Find out their history, appearance, personality, health, and how to train and care for them.