* Sable: This is a rich brown color with black tipping, often with a black mask and saddle.
* Black and Tan: The most common color, with a black back and tan markings on the legs, chest, and face.
* White: While rare, white German Shepherds exist and are considered a variation of the sable color.
* Liver: This is a dark brown color, often with a liver-colored nose and brown eyes.
* Gray: Some German Shepherds can have a grayish coat, often with darker markings.
The bushy tail is also a characteristic of German Shepherds, so this further supports the possibility.
However, it's impossible to determine the breed with certainty based only on your description. Here are some other breeds that might share some features with your dog:
* Swiss Shepherd Dog: They come in black and tan, sable, and gray.
* Belgian Malinois: They can have a sable coat and bushy tail.
* Australian Shepherd: They come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, sable, and white.
To get a definitive answer, you could:
* Consult a veterinarian or a professional dog breeder: They can examine your dog and offer their expert opinion.
* Consider a DNA test: There are kits available that can tell you the exact breed makeup of your dog.
No matter the breed, your dog sounds like a beautiful and unique companion! Enjoy getting to know him better.