The White Shepherd is an American-bred variation of the German Shepherd. German Shepherds with white coats have been around in Europe since 1882, but the breed standard in their home country of Germany was changed in 1933, prohibiting white-coated dogs from being registered.
In this ultimate guide to White German Shepard, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a White German Shepard?
The United Kennel Club recognises the White German Shepherd as a distinct breed of shepherd dog. They can reach a height of 25 inches and weigh up to 40 pounds, making them medium to large dogs.
German shepherds that are white are extremely intelligent and active canines. Due to their history as working dogs, they enjoy both mental and physical stimulus..
Origin and History of White German Shepard
The White Shepherd dog’s origins can be traced to Germanic regions of Europe. The sheep fields, where strong herding dogs were required, gave rise to the shepherd breed.
However, due to their ability to blend in with the sheep, white-coated dogs proved to be ineffective herders.
In 1933, a significant change resulted from this. Germany changed the breed standard, prohibiting the White Shepherd from being classified as a member of the German Shepherd breed. The white shepherd dog didn’t become a recognised breed in its own right until 1969.
Although there are no genetic distinctions between white and ordinary German shepherds, the United Kennel Club recognises the white Shepherd as a distinct breed..
Appearance and Size
German Shepherds with white coats are medium-sized to giant canines with a strong build. Some White German Shepherds have long coats, despite the fact that most have short fur.
Male White German shepherds often stand 25 inches tall. If you reside in a small flat, they are not the greatest dog for you.
White German Shepherds, unlike albino canines, have pink skin and brown or gold eyes like all other dogs.
Coat and Grooming Needs
The double-white coat of the White German Shepherd causes it to shed a lot and needs to be brushed frequently. During the peak shedding season, a White Shepherd should ideally be groomed every other day, if not every day.
Personality and Temperament
The White German Shepherd is thought by many to have a more patient disposition than the typical Shepherd. They are eager to learn and win others over, and they have an intellectual and daring nature. These characteristics make them excellent family pets.
Shepherds are excellent working dogs because they have a strong nature. It is simple to understand why this breed is so frequently used by law enforcement due to its aptitude for learning and enthusiasm to work.
A loving and devoted dog, the White German Shepherd is extremely protective of its family and creates an instantaneous, unbreakable attachment with them.
All dog owners must fully comprehend the significance of training. Any breed of German Shepherd needs to be properly socialized and trained. Failure to do so causes issues with envy and mistrust of outsiders.
Training and Exercise Needs
Being a highly clever dog, the White German Shepherd is relatively simple to train. They make excellent family dogs as well as dogs for couples or individuals because to their simplicity of training. From a very young age, you should begin training them, and only ever utilise positive reinforcement. This can involve giving them vocal compliments and delectable treats to let them know they are doing a good job.
Because German Shepherds might occasionally be a little stubborn, you should never spank or chastise them. Additionally, if you give them plenty of time to work out before you decide to hold a training session, they’ll perform much better. They make excellent investigators, so concealing treats and having them find them is a lot of fun to play!
It is not surprising that this white dog breed has high activity requirements and is very energetic. They require a lot of mental and physical stimulation as working dogs and as a breed that is frequently used as a police dog in order to be happy.
Make sure to give your German Shepherd 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. This covers strolls, participation, and mental exercises. If you live in a small apartment, your dog won’t get the exercise they require because they will desire a large backyard to run around in. Without enough exercise, individuals risk engaging in negative behaviours out of boredom and frustration.
White German Shepard Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a White German Shepard puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
White German Shepard puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a White German Shepard puppy. Ask if there are any White German Shepard pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for White German Shepard
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your White German Shepard:
- As soon as you bring your White German Shepard home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your White German Shepard getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your White German Shepard can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
Unfortunately, White German Shepherds can develop some health issues, just like any other dog. Many of the issues they are more likely to experience are issues that also affect other German Shepherd breeds.
Elbow and hip dysplasia are the two health issues that affect the German Shepherd dog breed the most frequently. Many huge dogs suffer from the disease of dysplasia, which is characterised by a deformity of the joints. Lameness may result from very painful joints that may get worse with time.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder and making sure you receive health clearances from both parents are the greatest ways to make sure your pup is less likely to develop any of these illnesses. Additionally, you should frequently inspect your dog for any indications of these conditions and periodically take them to the vet for checks.
Choosing the Right White German Shepard for You
If you’re interested in getting a White German Shepard, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a White German Shepard:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A White German Shepard might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your White German Shepard is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How rare is a White German Shepherd ?
The White German Shepherd is a relatively rare dog. They’re an uncommon variety of German Shepherd. While they were banned from registration in their native Germany in 1933, North America proved something of a hotbed for these dogs and a breed club was formed for White German Shepherds in 1969.
Are white shepherds the same as German Shepherds?
Remember, white is just a coat color variety and not a different breed. White German Shepherds are the same as German Shepherd Dogs except they’re a white version. This color variety is strikingly beautiful with a gleaming white coat, black lips and mouth, and a total GSD appearance.
Are white German shepherds friendly?
White German Shepherds are a loyal and friendly dog. Genetically no different to a tan German Shepherd, these pups are just as protective and love to be around you.
How much is a White German Shepherd worth?
Based upon our research, White German Shepherds can cost between $2000 and $4000.
Which color German Shepherd is best?
Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring.