Truth about white German Shepherds

The White German Shepherd has been the cause of much controversy among breeders and owners for quite some time. You deserve to know the facts about white German Shepherd dogs.

The White Shepherd is a direct descendent of the German Shepherd Dog. The White Shepherd was recognized by the UKC in 1999 and the F.C.I. recognized the breed as the "Berger Blanc Suisse" in 2002. The colour white in German Shepherd Dogs was one of the original colours found in the breed. The developer of the breed, Max Von Stephanitz, owned several White German Shepherd Dogs and one of the first GSDs imported into the United States carried the gene that produces the white coat colour. In 1968, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) made the colour white a disqualification in the German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard. After the GSDCA and the German Sieger Verein disqualified the colour, many countries followed their lead, including Canada. Today, the White German Shepherd Dog is still recognized and registered as a German Shepherd Dog under the AKC and the CKC. However, because the colour white is a disqualification, they are no longer eligible to be shown in the conformation ring. Because of this and because many German Shepherd Dog breeders will not breed to the white dogs, White Shepherd clubs in North America have been pursuing the goal of breed separation, in hopes of attaining the proper recognition that these dogs deserve. Through careful study of the breed worldwide, it has been determined that there is a sufficient gene pool to support a separate breed.

Differences between breeder ideologies has separated this breed from its black and tan cousins.

The Breed Standards developed for the White Shepherd Dog are very similar to that of the Breed Standards for the German Shepherd Dog except, of course, colour. According to the UKC Breed Standard, the ideal coat colour is a pure white. However, colours ranging from a very light cream to light biscuit tan are acceptable. Skin colour should be pink to grey, with grey preferred. The nose, lips, eye rims, and pads must be fully pigmented and black in colour. Albinism is a disqualification.

Like the German Shepherd Dog, the White Shepherd is well known for his intelligence and faithfulness. He shares the same versatility and is known as a family companion, Guide Dog, Police Dog, Search and Rescue Dog, Drug and Bomb Detection Dog, Herding Dog, and Tracking Dog to name a few.

The White Shepherd's physical characteristics are also similar to that of the German Shepherd giving an impression of strength, agility, and balance. He should be well-muscled, alert and appear athletic and fit. There should also be a distinct difference in males and females whereby the dog is definitely masculine and the bitch, feminine.

• Mith
  White German Shepherds develop more health problems and are sicker than other German Shepherds.
  
  Fact
  Because a German Shepherd is white does not mean that it is going to be unhealthy. No clinical evidence has been recorded showing the White German Shepherd at higher risk for health problems.
  
  
  
  
• Mith
  White German Shepherds are "mean".
  
  Fact
  White German Shepherds are not "mean". Coat color on a German Shepherd does not affect a German Shepherd's personality. White German Shepherds exhibit the same endearing personality traits as their darker counterparts.
  
  
  
  
• Mith
  White German Shepherds are albinos.
  
  Fact
  White German Shepherds are not albinos. Albino dogs do not have any pigment. White German Shepherds are simply born with white hair.
  
  
  
  
• Mith
  White German Shepherds cannot be registered.
  
  Fact
  White German Shepherds can be registered with the Kennel Club. However, they can not been shown in the show ring, but they can be shown in obedience.