The White German Shepherd is a German Shepherd breed developed in the United States. Although white-coated German Shepherds were first seen in Europe in 1882, the breed standard in their homeland of Germany was changed in 1933, prohibiting white-coated dogs from being registered. This one-of-a-kind dog is bred from German Shepherds and shares many of their traits, but it also has the recessive white-furred coat gene.
According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed (AKC). They are well-liked working dogs. The United Kennel Club recognizes the breed as a distinct breed. White German Shepherds were never as popular as other German Shepherd colors.
Because the white color does not match the American Kennel Club’s breed standard for a German Shepherd, the white German Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC. This does not prevent the white German Shepherd dog from being bred, and the United Kennel Club recognizes them as a distinct breed.
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Body Characteristics
- Because they were bred for working purposes, they are a very muscular and athletic breed.
- They are powerful and have erect ears, as well as a proud posture. Even as puppies, their feet are quite large.
- Females are, on average, shorter than males.
- White German Shepherd pups are really cute and appear like little balls of fluff.
- They do, however, grow quite quickly, reaching 50% of their full maturity by roughly 4 months. They should have reached adult height by the age of one year.
White Shepherd dogs should stand 25 inches (64 cm) tall and weigh between 75 and 85 pounds (34 and 39 kg), with bitches standing 23 inches (58 cm) tall and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds (27 and 32 kg). They have a straight, robust, weather-resistant double coat, which is preferably pure white but can be light cream or light brown. Your White German Shepherd’s coat will be substantially longer than the coats of other German Shepherds in the breed.
Their coat is generally incredibly fluffy when they are puppies. As they grow older, their hair becomes coarser, but their ears stay fluffy. Their coat is also double-coated, which helps to protect them from strong winds or rain.
The white coat recessive gene affects only the color of their fur and has no effect on the color of their skin or eyes. This makes identifying a white German Shepherd a breeze, and they also look a lot like their wolf forefathers.
Behavior
Although white German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds, they are not suitable for everyone. They require a lot of attention, as well as exercise and tough, persistent instruction. They require a confident and strong-willed owner who can maintain a consistent approach and keep their dog in line, as they are large, powerful canines.
Because they are so protective, socialization is necessary; else, they may become aggressive around strangers in an attempt to defend themselves. They may also bark at outsiders, although this is only in an attempt to protect you. A White Shepherd is a high-energy dog who requires mental stimulation. They dislike being left alone and can grow bored and disruptive as a result.
Caring
Positive reinforcement works best for white German Shepherds, and they prefer training that includes play and/or food rewards. Agility training and dog sports are two activities that a white German Shepherd will appreciate. Advanced training may be fun for both the dog and the owner, and it’s a fantastic way to get your dog some exercise and cerebral stimulation.
Because all German Shepherds, especially White German Shepherds, are bred to be working dogs, they require a reasonable amount of daily activity. This should ideally involve at least an hour of outdoor action per day, as well as a nice long walk or run.
The white German Shepherd sheds all year. Because of their thick coat, this is the case. Brushing them at least two to three times a week is one technique to keep them from shedding. Bathing is only necessary when they appear dirty. It is critical that they brush their teeth to avoid dental decay and gum disease.
Health
White German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues. Many of the issues that they are more prone to developing are the same issues that other German Shepherd breeds face.
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy are the most frequent health problems in German Shepherd dogs. A White German Shepherd has a rather long life expectancy. They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
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