Are There White German Shepherds and What You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 4, 2024

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White German Shepherd on the Snow
Credit: pexels.com, White German Shepherd on the Snow

White German Shepherds are a rare and unique variation of the breed. They owe their color to a genetic variation that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for their coat color.

In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the white German Shepherd as a distinct breed, but rather as a variation of the standard German Shepherd. This means that white German Shepherds are eligible to compete in AKC events as long as they meet the breed standard.

White German Shepherds are often born with a black or dark-colored coat, which then turns white as they mature. This color change is due to the fading of the original pigment.

Pet Care

If you're considering bringing a White German Shepherd into your family, you'll want to ensure you're prepared to provide the best possible care.

They require regular exercise, with a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day, to maintain their physical and mental health.

Credit: youtube.com, A Guide to White German Shepherds: A Video Journey | Cost, Personality, Rarity | World Of Dogz

Their thick coats require regular grooming, with daily brushing and occasional bathing to prevent matting and tangling.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great fit for active families or first-time dog owners who are willing to invest time and effort into training.

With proper care and attention, White German Shepherds can live up to 9-13 years, providing a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.

Information

The White German Shepherd (WGS) is a unique breed with a distinct appearance. They can be as tall as 26 inches, but should never be shorter than 22 inches for females and 24 inches for males.

The weight of a WGS can vary, but they typically weigh about 95 pounds, with a minimum of 75 pounds. This makes them a sturdy breed. Their weight and height are similar to those of a standard German Shepherd Dog (GSD).

The WGS can have either a short or long coat, but it's worth noting that long-haired WGSs are generally more vulnerable to temperature extremes due to the lack of a protective undercoat. They can be quite the shedders, especially the long-haired ones, and 'blow' twice a year.

Here are the typical height and weight ranges for WGSs:

Information and Pictures

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The White German Shepherd is a unique and lovable breed that's often misunderstood. They share their history with the Black-and-Tan and Black German Shepherd dogs, and their white coat is a result of a recessive gene.

White German Shepherds can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh around 95 pounds, making them a large and capable breed. They come in both short and long-haired varieties, but the long-haired ones are more vulnerable to temperature extremes.

One of the best things about White German Shepherds is their mild and nice personality. They're known to be loyal and loving companions, making them ideal family pets. They're also highly intelligent and trainable, which is why they're often used as working dogs.

White German Shepherds shed a lot, especially during the spring and fall seasons. If you're not prepared to deal with regular grooming, this might not be the breed for you. However, if you're willing to brush them regularly, they make a great addition to any family.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's characteristics:

Information

portrait of a white swiss shepherd dog in snow in winter
Credit: pexels.com, portrait of a white swiss shepherd dog in snow in winter

White German Shepherds are naturally protective of their families and can make excellent guard dogs.

They need regular mental and physical exercise to stay healthy and happy, so be prepared to spend time training and playing with your pup.

These dogs are intelligent and trainable, making them ideal for various types of work, including police and military roles.

White German Shepherds are also known for their gentle temperament, which makes them a great fit for families with children.

However, they can be shy and reclusive if not socialized and trained properly, so early socialization is key.

As pack animals, they need to see you as their pack leader, so be authoritative but gentle in your interactions with them.

White German Shepherds require regular grooming to manage their shedding, which can be a lot, especially during seasonal changes.

Despite this, they're a low-maintenance breed compared to some other long-coated breeds.

With the right care and attention, White German Shepherds can thrive as loyal and loving companions.

Photo of White German Shepherd
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of White German Shepherd

They're naturally curious and playful, so be prepared to engage in activities like fetch, flyball, and running with your pup.

White German Shepherds can adapt to various social situations and events, making them excellent traveling companions.

However, they do get attached to their owners and can become anxious if left alone for long periods, so make sure to provide them with plenty of attention and interaction.

Compatibility

White German Shepherds can make great additions to multi-pet households, especially if they're socialized at a young age.

They tend to get along with other dogs and cats, and are often calmer than their German Shepherd counterparts.

However, they can be aggressive towards other same-sex dogs, so it's essential to introduce them carefully.

With proper training and socialization, they can learn to accept other pets as friends and live harmoniously in a household with multiple pets.

Appearance

The White Shepherd, a medium-sized dog, is slightly longer than tall, with a medium length, pure white coat.

Credit: youtube.com, The Stunning White German Shepherd

Their coat is a weather-resistant double coat, with a dense, straight, harsh, and close-lying outer coat and a short, thick, and fine undercoat.

The White Shepherd's head is proportional to the size of the dog, with males appearing masculine without coarseness and females appearing feminine without being overly fine.

Males have a larger frame than females, and sex differences are readily apparent.

The White Shepherd's skull and muzzle are of equal length, parallel to one another, and joined at a moderate stop.

Their ears are erect, and their tail is low-set, reaching to the hock and carried in a slight curve like a saber.

The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles, giving them a lean and hard physical appearance.

Their movement is efficient, with a long stride driven by a powerful forward thrust from the hindquarters.

The rear leg swings under the foreleg and touches down in the place where the forefoot left an imprint.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.