Pictures of White German Shepherd Dogs: Colors, Variations, and History

The white German Shepherd dog is a rare and striking variation of the breed. They have a double coat of fur, with a thick undercoat and a coarser outer coat.

Their white coat is the result of a genetic variation that can occur in any color German Shepherd. This means that white German Shepherds can still have the same intelligence, loyalty, and trainability as their colored counterparts.

In fact, the first recorded white German Shepherd was in the early 20th century, and since then, they've gained popularity as a unique and beautiful breed variation.

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White German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, bred to excel in herding and working roles. They're naturally inclined to please their owners and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Their high energy levels mean they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, ideally at least 1-2 hours of physical activity per day. Regular exercise also helps to keep their minds sharp.

With their high intelligence comes a strong desire to please their owners, making them highly trainable. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to developing good behavior.

Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, so regular grooming is a must to prevent matting and tangling. This includes daily brushing and occasional bathing.

White German Shepherds are naturally protective of their families, but with proper socialization, they can become confident and calm in new situations. Early socialization is crucial to prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors.

Their strong herding instincts mean they may try to herd children or other pets, so it's essential to teach them gentle play and boundaries. With patience and consistency, they can learn to play nicely with others.

Unique German Shepherds can be identified by their non-standard colors, which are considered faults by kennel clubs like the AKC and KC.

These colors are hard to find because most breeders try to minimize their production to focus on standard colors.

Non-standard colors don't mean the dog isn't a purebred German Shepherd, though - each color type is still a purebred dog with a unique shade.

Each unique color type is a result of genetic variation, making every dog a one-of-a-kind.

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The silver color is more uncommon among German Shepherds, but it's easier to find a reputable breeder of silver-colored German Shepherds than a breeder of gray GSDs.

A silver sable GSD exists, but it's not recognized as an official color within the breed because the shade seems more sable than silver.

Silver-colored GSDs are more common in the police and military as working dogs than in dog shows, where vibrant shades are preferred over dark colors.

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Most unique German Shepherd colors are hard to find because they are non-standard colors considered a fault. This is why many breeders try to minimize their occurrence.

Just because a color is regarded as non-standard according to organizations and kennel clubs doesn’t mean the canine isn’t a purebred dog. Each unique color type is a purebred German Shepherd, but with a distinctive shade that sets them apart.

Non-standard colors are often marked as a fault, which can make them harder to find. This is because breeders focus on producing dogs that meet standard coloring requirements.

Despite being considered non-standard, these unique colors don't affect the dog's purity or breed status. They're still German Shepherds, just with a special twist.

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The Albino is a unique and striking color variation in German Shepherds.

Most albino German Shepherds are white, but not all white canines are albinos.

Inspecting the eyes of the dog is a good way to determine if it's an albino type, as pink or red eyes and nose are a common trait.

Photosensitivity is a common condition affecting albino Shepherds, requiring protection from sunlight and UV rays to avoid side effects like exhaustion and skin rashes.

Albino GSDs can make incredible pets, just like any other German Shepherd type, and are known for being obedient and friendly family pets.

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The White German Shepherd has a rich history that's closely tied to the Black-and-Tan and Black German Shepherd dogs. They all share a common lineage.

The first White German Shepherd is unclear due to genetic factors, but it's believed that Horand's grandfather, Greif, carried the white coat recessive gene.

White German Shepherds were actually present before the modern world recognized the German Shepherd Dog as a dark-colored breed. Unfortunately, during the Nazi regime, the White GSD was disqualified as a true GSD.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognized colored GSDs as the breed standard, leading to the White GSD being shunned in many dog shows.

Despite this, a small group of breeders in the US and Canada formed the White German Shepherd Club in 1969 to promote the White GSD as an equal to the colored GSD.

The White German Shepherd's history is a fascinating one. The breed shares its history with the Black-and-Tan and the Black German Shepherd dogs, all coming from the same lineage.

Horand was mated with the GSDs of the other Phylax Society members. Thuringian, Franconian, and Wurttembergian dogs were bred with Horand to produce Heinz von Starkenburg, Beowulf, and Pilot.

It's believed that Horand's grandfather, Greif, carried the white coat recessive gene. This gene can never manifest unless one of Horand's mates also had the same gene.

Unfortunately, during the 1930s, the White GSD was disqualified as being a true GSD. This decision was made during the reign of Hitler in Nazi Germany.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America recognized only colored GSDs as the breed standard. This led to the White GSD being shunned in many dog shows.

In 1969, a small group of White GSD-loving folks established the White German Shepherd Club. This was an effort to promote the White GSD as an equal to the colored GSD.

Today, the White German Shepherd is still considered an outcast in the German Shepherd family.

The White German Shepherd (WGS) is a unique breed that's definitely worth getting to know.

The WGS can be as tall as 26 inches, but should never be shorter than 22 inches for females and 24 inches for males.

Its weight range is between 75 and 95 pounds.

You can get a WGS with either a short or long coat.

Long-haired WGSs are generally more vulnerable to temperature extremes because they don't have a protective undercoat.

Short-haired WGSs, on the other hand, have a straight undercoat and a dense outer coat.

Here's a quick rundown of the height and weight ranges for WGSs:

The WGS is a heavy shedder, especially the long-haired ones, which 'blow' twice a year.

Grooming is a big part of owning a White German Shepherd, especially for the long-haired type. You'll need to brush and comb its coat daily to prevent tangles and mats.

Regular grooming sessions can help minimize loose hairs on your furniture and carpets. It's also a great way to bond with your dog and keep them clean.

Brushing your White German Shepherd's teeth every day is ideal, although twice a week is enough. This will help keep their teeth clean and prevent any potential health issues.

Here's a quick guide to help you keep your White German Shepherd clean and healthy:

Exercise is crucial for White German Shepherds, as they have tremendous energies that need to be channeled. They love playing games like fetch with a Frisbee or a tennis ball.

A minimum of 60 minutes of walking twice a day is a must for WGS owners who don't enjoy playing with their dogs. This can be a substitute for formal exercise routines.

Playing and having fun with your WGS is the best way to provide them with the exercise they need. Vigorous playtime activities can be just as effective as formal exercise routines.

If you're not a fan of playing with your dog, walking is a must. For more options, you can check out our guides on dog frisbees and dog balls.

Grooming is a crucial part of caring for your White German Shepherd (WGS). Regular brushing is essential, especially for long-haired types, as it removes dirt, prevents tangles and mats, and minimizes loose hairs.

To brush your WGS effectively, use a deshedding tool, and consider investing in a dog shedding brush and dog flea combs. You should brush your WGS at least once a week, ideally every day.

Bathing your WGS is also important, but don't overdo it. Bathing once every 3 to 4 months is often enough, unless your WGS gets really dirty. Always use dog shampoo.

To keep your WGS's nails healthy, clip them every 6 to 7 weeks. You should also inspect their ears every week for signs of inflammation.

Here's a quick rundown of your WGS's grooming needs:

There are over 4,200 white German Shepherd stock photos and images available to browse through.

You can search for specific keywords like "white shepherd" or "yellow labrador" to find more great stock photos and pictures.

White German Shepherd pictures can be found with various backgrounds, including green, white, and even outdoor settings like fields and mountains.

Some stock photos feature the dogs standing or sitting in front of simple backgrounds, while others show them in more dynamic poses or settings, like playing in a garden or lying down in a park.

You can also find vector illustrations of German Shepherd dogs, including black and white and colorful options, which can be used for decoration, coloring books, or other creative projects.