Are White German Shepherds Recognized By The Akc
The main purpose of the American Kennel Club is to maintain a pedigree registry of purebred dogs. However, there is often confusion around the white German Shepherd, albeit purebred.
The American Kennel Club recognizes a white German Shepherd as long as both parents are also registered no matter their color. The confusion is that white dogs are disqualified from the conformation ring, but they can still participate in herding, tracking, and obedience.
In the late 1960s, the American Kennel Club banned the white German Shepherd from the show ring. The official breed standard prefers strong, rich colors. Although the UK Kennel Club recognizes the white German Shepherd, they state they are highly undesirable for conformation.
This is where things start to get a little complicated! Allow me to elaborate
Advances in science proved that the white recessive gene did not cause albinoism. Scientists also proved that the white German Shepherd was not accountable for any other health issues or the paling of color-coated dogs.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, supporters of the white German Shepherd Dog began to form their own breed clubs and registries. They pledged to defend the breed and changed the dogs name to White Shepherd.
This led to the United Kennel Club recognizing the White Shepherd as a separate breed in 1999 portraying it as a direct progeny of the German Shepherd Dog.
White German Shepherd Breeders
As weve seen, white German Shepherds are frowned upon by purists.
But their striking looks are gaining legions of fans among a new generation of GSD lovers.
Its very important when breeding puppies for a recessive trait like white fur, to resist breeding from individuals who are too closely related.
But for unscrupulous breeders, this is exactly the way to get the litter they want, without travelling to reach a breeding partner who is unrelated enough.
Good breeders will:
- Provide the results of hip and elbow dysplasia exams, and well as other health tests.
- Show you the full family tree of their puppies, and their co-efficient of inbreeding.
- Invite you to meet mom with her puppies, and dad if possible.
- Offer references from the buyers of previous litters, if this isnt their first litter.
Training Goal #: Begin Obedience Training
The German Shepherd Dogs work ethic is legendary, and you can encourage your dogs best working traits with early and ongoing training. GSDs excel at obedience, so begin teaching your puppy basic commands like sit, down, and stay, as well as loose-leash walking, from an early age. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class can be extremely helpful both for teaching these commands as well as socialization, and its not too early to begin thinking about CGC training as well.
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Puppy Prices & Breeders
The cost of German Shepherd puppy is, on average, between $1,000 and $1,500. Generally, you can expect to pay towards the higher end of the scale for White German Shepherd puppies as they are rarer. These uniquely colored pups cost upwards of $1000. This is relatively cheap for a purebred dog, however, this is down to this specific bloodline being relatively new.
Despite the controversy, if you are considering getting one of these white fluffy pups, you have the choice between a traditional German Shepherd breeder who may focus solely on the color white, or you can source your pup from a German Shepherd specific lineage enthusiast.
The best way to ensure the health of your pup is to buy him from a reputable breeder. Regardless of their allegiance to the classic White German Shepherd, or specific lineage view of the White Shepherd, a good breeder will always introduce and show you to the parents, as well as provide you with health certificates.
If the specific shepherd lineage has piqued your interest then the American White Shepherd Association lists reputable breeders by state and should be your first port of call when looking into finding a pup of your own.
Features Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherd puppies look like little balls of fluff and are extremely cute! However, they grow very quickly and reach 50% of their adult size normally by around 4 months. By 1 year of age, they should be at their adult height. You should always buy from a reputable breeder because sometimes breeders try pass off German Shepherd mixes for pure white German Shepherds.
The White German Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 50 to 85 pounds with a male weighing more than a female. They are classified as a large dog breed and stand tall at 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Again, females are normally shorter than the males. They are a very muscular and athletic breed, which is no surprise because they were bred for their working capabilities. They are very strong and wear a proud posture and have erect ears. Their feet are big too, even when they are puppies!
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Are White German Shepherds Good Pets
In conclusion, a white German Shepherd Dog can be a fabulous canine companion.
However, having the most successful experience will depend greatly on doing your research into a puppys history.
Meeting the parent dogs and making sure a vet has conducted appropriate genetic tests on both parents.
Your puppy will also need lots of time and interaction with you and plenty of physical activity daily. Socialization and ongoing training, as well as a whole lot of exercise, are also essential.
All GSDs need a home where someone is around during the week as well as at weekends, to prevent them becoming bored and destructive.
If you can provide these essential needs, then a white German Shepherd may be a fun and rewarding pet dog choice for you!
Gunther White German Shepherds Puppy Guarantee
Congratulations on the purchase of your new white German shepherd puppy! Everything has been done to insure he/she gets the best start possible. The puppy has been started on its vaccination series, dewormed, vet checked, and given lots of T.L.C.
1) In the event this puppy has a life threatening genetic defect, within three years of purchase.
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The White German Shepherds Origin
The White German Shepherd was an important European farm animal because of its obedience and loyalty and its excellence as a herding dog.
Most early herdsmen preferred these canines because their pristine white coats blended into flocks of sheep and livestock, making it easier to spot black wolves among the flock.
White Shepherds are the direct descendants of the GSD, a purebred developed by a German army captain named Max von Stephanitz. Von Stephanitz first GSD, named Horand von Grafrath, is the genetic basis for the German Shepherd breed we know today.
Horand had a maternal grandfather named Greif von Sparwasser, a white-coated German Shepherd. Greifs white fur is caused by a recessive gene that has always been present in the genetic pool of all German Shepherds.
White GSDs today come from a line of white-coat German Shepherds that were initially from Europe and were later brought to Canada and the US. These dogs eventually spread out through the rest of the world.
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German Shepherd Service Dog Price
Because of their hard-working demeanor they are a common choice for K9 police work or military work.
These dogs are focused and have an incredible amount of strength which makes them perfect for any job which they are trained for.
Dogs that are chosen for these positions are bred very carefully.
Breeders must carefully choose their parents for the perfect temperament and puppies begin training from a very early age.
There is an immense attention to detail that is required to raise a German Shepherd service dog.
This means you have to pay a lot for one of them.
Typically these dogs are sold for $10,000-$20,000 each.
A price like that guarantees you will have a diligent worker for their entire lifetime. In addition you will have to pay for on-going training throughout their life .
Are White German Shepherds Good Family Dogs
White GSDs make great family pets. German Shepherds are very loyal, and even White German Shepherds have been known to protect their family at all costs. White German Shepherds are no more aggressive than any other dog, but they are very strong.
Dogs who are well socialized, respected, and treated as a valued member of the family are far less likely to exhibit any aggressive behaviors. And of course, it is very important to teach children to respect all dogs. Pulling on a dogs ear or tail, getting too close to their face, or startling them when they are eating or sleeping is behavior that should not be tolerated.
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History Of The White German Shepherd Dog
Believe it or not, these beautiful dogs almost never came to be. Much of their history is shared with the more traditional German Shepherd Dogs that are brown and black in color. They were predominantly used as herding dogs in northern Germany during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
During this time, white German Shepherds occurred merely by chance. It was commonly thought that these oddly colored shepherds were weaker and less healthy. Even Adolf Hitler held strong opinions about white German Shepherds.
He felt they were not proper German Shepherd dogs, and mistook them for albino. He even went as far as to encourage breeders to rid their dogs lines of the genes that could result in white coats. Fortunately for us, breeders of German Shepherd dogs located outside of Germany didnt agree with Hitler. In fact, many breeders began selectively breeding in an attempt to get more all-white GSDs.
The White German Shepherds History
The history of the German shepherd can be traced back to its days as a herding dog in northern Germany. Each region had its breed of herding dog, and in the late 1800s, you bred the best of these to create the German shepherd we know and love today. Horand von Grafrath was the name given to the first known German shepherd, born in 1895.
Greif, his paternal great-grandfather, was a black Thuringian Shepherd. The white gene has its origins in Greif, a small town in northern Germany. Since then, litter has included white German shepherds. However, they infrequently appear, either due to genetic drift or as a result of selective breeding. Since then, scientists and dog lovers have been working together to understand better the genetics of the breed and the dog itself.
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Who Do White German Shepherds Live With
German shepherds were bred to stay with humans and help them out. They were bred keeping in mind their working ability. The white German shepherd’s ancestors are those dogs. So, they have been living with humans since the beginning. They can seem to be alert around strangers. But these dogs love the families they stay with and will even give their lives for their owners. They can also get along pretty well and live with other animals in their house. But they tend to be a little intolerant towards the same gender dogs of their species.
Adopt A White Shepherd
White German Shepherds are a bit pricey, but just as loving and joyful as any other German Shepherd. You wont have to worry about additional health issues in comparison to a standard German Shepherd, either. Just make sure you choose a reputable breeder to ensure that the White Shepherd you adopt is healthy and ethically bred.
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Are White German Shepherds Albino
Many myths exist about white-coated German Shepherds and the gene that determines their coat color. When some people see them, they think they are an albino. But are they?
White German Shepherds are not albino. Albinos lack all pigment, whereas white German Shepherds have black noses, black pigment around their mouth, black paw pads, and brown eyes. Their eye rims and nails also have dark skin. The white gene is recessive and is only responsible for coat color.
Although the albino can exist in German Shepherds, it is extremely rare. This genetic mutation causes a complete absence of pigmentation. Most albino dogs will have skin that appears pink around their eyes, giving the appearance of pink eyes when their eyes will usually be blue in color. You will also be able to spot the pink nose easily.
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What Makes White German Shepherds Special
White German Shepherds can be traced back to Germany, as they share the same bloodline as common shepherds. Historically, German Shepherds were typically white or black and tan. White German Shepherds are different from standard German Shepherds in only one way, apart from their color. White German Shepherds are known to have longer, stiffer hair than standard German Shepherds.
Swiss White Shepherds Versus White German Shepherds
The White Swiss Shepherd is also known as the Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund, or Berger Blanc Suisse, and is from Switzerland.
The Berger Blanc Suisse is currently not recognized by the AKC but is recognized as a breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in Europe.
The White Swiss Shepherd originates from the German Shepherd Dog, which creates a lot of overlap in the breeds history and characteristics.
The size and the structure of the White Swiss Shepherd are the same as a standard German Shepherd.
The White Swiss Shepherd and the White German Shepherd are almost identical in appearance. The most significant difference between the two breeds is in their stance.
White Swiss Shepherds stand more upright while White German Shepherds have more severe angulation in their stance.
The coat of the White Swiss Shepherd is slightly longer and heavier on the neck than a traditional German Shepherd.
The outer coat may vary between short or long, but the White Swiss Shepherd should always have a weather-resistant undercoat, and the coat color is ideally as white as possible.
The disposition of the White Swiss Shepherd is generally mellower and has a more gentle personality than a standard German Shepherd.
Like a traditional shepherd, the White Swiss Shepherd is highly intelligent, loyal, athletic, and likes to work. They excel in sport work, search, and rescue, therapy work, or as service dogs.
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Registration Of The White Gsd
Many dog owners across the world like to enlist their pooch with kennel clubs for several reasons. Benefits could include gaining official certificates, eligibility to take part in competitions, and local events. Its also beneficial for achieving recognition titles such as a therapy dog, or search and rescue dog status. If registering your white German Shepherd is important to you then there are 2 ways in which you can do this.
Firstly, you can register him with the AKC as a German Shepherd. Youll register as a purebred German Shepherd that happens to be of the white color. It is important to remember that the AKC still considers the color to be a fault. Youll be disqualified from competing in conformation shows. However, he is still eligible to compete in performance-related events such as herding and obedience. Be aware though that German Shepherd fanciers prefer the traditional or darker colors of the breed. As such, its claimed that the white German Shepherds would likely be discriminated against in performance tasks.
Alternatively, you can register him with the UKC as White Shepherds. The UKC recognizes White Shepherds as a breed in their own right. As a result of this, they allow him to compete in conformation shows unimpeded. They can compete in any other event linked to this classification. However, in order to be registered as such, you must be able to prove that he is of third-generation.