German Shepherds can have white markings on their coats, but it's not a guarantee.
In fact, the breed standard for German Shepherds doesn't specify a particular amount of white on the coat.
Some German Shepherds are born with small white markings, while others have larger white patches.
The amount of white on a German Shepherd's coat can vary greatly from one individual to another.
German Shepherd Colors
There is no standard for coat color in the GSD, which means anyone can claim their dog to be a purebred white German shepherd without proof or documentation.
Many breeders prioritize making money over preserving the breed's history, and this is especially true for white German Shepherds.
Some breeders will try to convince you that their white GSDs are 100% purebred with no overo genes, but they often only go back a couple of generations when demonstrating the dog's pedigree.
There is often suspicion about these claims because the breeders can't explain why their GSD ancestors don't have any offspring registered with the club.
For those who care about the color, it's easy to see something different in litters of puppies that come from white parents.
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German Shepherd History
German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 1800s as a herding breed.
The first German Shepherd was bred by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899, who founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog) to promote the breed.
German Shepherds were initially used to herd sheep and other livestock.
Their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts made them a popular choice for herding.
The breed quickly gained popularity and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the German Shepherd as a distinct breed in 1912.
German Shepherds were used extensively in World War I as police and Red Cross dogs.
Their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability made them ideal for a variety of roles.
The breed's popularity continued to grow after World War I, with many German Shepherds being used as police dogs and family pets.
Their loyalty and protective instincts made them a popular choice for families.
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The breed's intelligence and trainability also made them a popular choice for search and rescue work.
German Shepherds were used extensively in World War II as military dogs.
Their bravery and loyalty in the war effort helped to cement their reputation as a loyal and dedicated breed.
The breed's popularity continued to grow after World War II, with many German Shepherds being used as police dogs, family pets, and service dogs.
Their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability made them a popular choice for a variety of roles.
The breed's loyalty and protective instincts also made them a popular choice for families.
Quick Facts
The White German Shepherd, or WGS, is a unique breed that's worth getting to know. They can be as tall as 26 inches, but should never be shorter than 22 inches for females and 24 inches for males.
Their weight is also a good indicator of their size, with WGSs typically weighing about 95 pounds, but never lighter than 75 pounds.
You might be wondering about their coat types. Well, White GSDs can have either short or long coats, with short-haired WGSs having a straight undercoat and dense outer coat.
Long-haired WGSs, on the other hand, don't have a protective undercoat, making them more vulnerable to temperature extremes. They're not ideal for the outdoors, especially in extreme weather conditions.
If you're planning to bring a WGS into your home, be prepared for heavy shedding, especially if you have a long-haired WGS. They "blow" twice a year, releasing a lot of fur in the process.
Despite their unique appearance, WGSs are known for their milder, nicer, and softer personality compared to their dark-colored brethren.
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White Markings Debate
The White Markings Debate is a contentious issue among German Shepherd enthusiasts. The controversy continues to this day.
Some people believe that white German Shepherds are a diluted breed, while others see them as a natural variation. The white vs colored German Shepherd Dog controversy continues to this day.
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognizes white German Shepherds, but the AKC (American Kennel Club) does not. This discrepancy has led to confusion among breeders and owners.
In some countries, white German Shepherds are bred for specific purposes, such as search and rescue or guiding the blind.
Color
Many people are drawn to the look of white German shepherds, but they're often unaware that it has no place in responsible breeding.
Some breeders will claim their dog is a purebred white German shepherd without any proof or documentation, as there is no standard for coat color in the GSD.
These breeders are in it for the money and don't care about the history of the breed or preserving it.
They'll try to convince you that breeding white GSDs is responsible, but they often can't explain why their GSD ancestors don't have any offspring registered with the club.
On a similar theme: How Often Should German Shepherds Be Groomed
White Color
Many people are drawn to the look of white German shepherds, but they're often unaware that white coat color has no place in responsible breeding.
There's no standard for coat color in the GSD, which means anyone can claim their dog is a purebred white German shepherd without proof or documentation.
Some breeders prioritize profit over preserving the breed's history, and they'll continue to breed white German shepherds even when they know it's not responsible.
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These breeders try to push the myth that there's no difference between a white German shepherd and a black one, suggesting it's all about the breeding.
Others in it for the money will try to convince you their dogs are 100% purebred German shepherds with no overo genes, but they often only go back a couple of generations in their pedigree.
For those who care about color, it's easy to spot something different in litters of puppies from white parents.
Other Colors
Brown is a rich and earthy color that can evoke feelings of warmth and coziness. It's a versatile color that can be found in nature, from the color of soil to the bark of trees.
Tans are created by mixing brown with white, resulting in a lighter and more neutral shade. This color is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in a room.
The color gray is a mix of black and white, and it's often associated with balance and neutrality. It's a popular color for interior design, as it can be paired with a wide range of colors to create a harmonious look.
Beige is a soft and gentle color that's often used in home decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a mix of white and brown, and it's perfect for creating a cozy and relaxing space.
Sources
- https://en.citizendium.org/wiki/White_German_Shepherd_Dog
- https://www.geliebteshepherds.com/colors-of-a-german-shepherd-dog
- https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-german-shepherd
- https://www.petside.com/white-german-shepherd-breed/
- https://creature-companions.in/white-german-shepherd-dog-breed-information/
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