In this article, we are going to tell you about White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Info. The White German Shepherd is distinguished by its fluffy white coat, athletic physique, and high intellect.
This one-of-a-kind dog is bred from German Shepherds and has many traits, but it also has the recessive white-furred coat gene. So, as long as you dont remember spending a little more time grooming your German Shepherd, youll have a loving and devoted friend.
Continue reading to learn more about this unusual breed of dog and if they are the perfect fit for you.
History Of The White German Shepherd
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Although it has a fluffy white coat, the White German Shepherd is genetically identical to a regular German Shepherd.
This is because the White German Shepherd has the recessive white-furred gene, similar to the recessive blonde-haired gene seen in certain people. Because this hue never truly caught on, the White German Shepherd never became as popular as other German Shepherd colors.
According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed (AKC).
Theyre well-known working canines who have served as police dogs, military dogs, and herding dogs. Because of their devotion and protective attitude, they are also trendy family dogs.
Breed Origin:
To comprehend the origins of the White German Shepherd breed, we must first understand the origins of the German Shepherd breed.
Von Stephanitz was the first to notice them when he saw a German Shepherd at a dog show and concluded that this breed was the ideal standard for a working dog. He adopted one of these dogs and called him Horand, He founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or German Shepherd Dog Society.
Horand was the original German Shepherd breed standard, and it was mated with dogs of a similar look to produce German Shepherd litters. They are believed to have first emerged in the United States in 1906, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized them in 1908.
Unfortunately, the AKC does not accept the white German Shepherd since the white hue does not satisfy the breed standard of a German Shepherd. This does not prevent the white German Shepherd dog from being produced, and the United Kennel Club recognizes them as a distinct breed.
Characteristics Of The White German Shepherd
Many of the features of white German Shepherds are the same as those of other German Shepherds. They are born in litters of five to ten pups and may cost anywhere from $750 to $1000 as puppies.
APPEARANCE:
White German Shepherd pups are very adorable and appear like tiny balls of fluff. They do, however, develop exceptionally rapidly, reaching 50% of their adult size by about four months.
However, They should have reached adult height by the age of one year.
Because some breeders attempt to pass off German Shepherd hybrids as pure white German Shepherds, you should always purchase from a reputable breeder. The White German Shepherd weighs between 50 and 85 pounds, with the male being heavier than the female.
They are a giant dog breed that stands between 22 and 26 inches in height at the shoulder. On average, women are shorter than men. They are a solid and athletic breed, which is understandable given that they were developed for working purposes.
White German shepherds are robust and have prominent ears, as well as a proud stance. Even as pups, their feet are huge!
COAT:
There are two coat kinds on the White German Shepherd: short coat and long coat. Your White German Shepherds coat will be considerably longer than the coats of other German Shepherds in the breed. The hair is thick and straight, and it takes a lot of care to keep it looking well, but well get into that later.
Their coat is usually very fluffy when they are puppies. As they get older, their hair becomes coarser, but their ears stay fluffy. Although, Their coat is also double-coated, which helps provide additional protection against strong winds or rain.
COLOR:
The White German Shepherds coat color is, of course, white! This is what distinguishes them as a distinct breed. The white coat recessive gene affects just the color of their fur and does not influence their skin or eyes.
This makes recognizing a white German Shepherd a breeze, and they also look a lot like their wolf forefathers. In every other way. They resemble an average tan German Shepherd, complete with the same dark brown eyes.
TEMPERAMENT:
All German Shepherds, including the White German Shepherd, are renowned for their loyalty. They are also very loyal and like being around humans, ideal family dogs, and working dogs.
Because they are so protective, socialization is necessary; else, they may turn violent towards strangers in an attempt to defend you. They may also bark at outsiders, but this is to protect you!
A White Shepherd is a high-energy dog that requires mental stimulation. As previously said, they were bred as working dogs and like being outdoors running and playing. They dont enjoy being alone, and being cooped up in a tiny space may lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
LIFESPAN:
A White German Shepherd has a reasonably long life expectancy. They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
KNOWN HEALTH ISSUES:
Unfortunately, just like any other dog, a White German Shepherd may have health issues. Many of the issues they are more prone to developing are the same issues that other German Shepherd breeds face. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are the most prevalent health problems in German Shepherd dogs.
Dysplasia is a disease characterized by a deformity of the joints that affects many big canines. The joints may become very painful, and the condition might deteriorate over time, resulting in lameness.
Buying from a reputable breeder and getting health certifications from both parents is the most excellent method to guarantee your puppy is less prone to any of these problems. You should also keep an eye on your dog for any symptoms of these problems and take them to the doctor for frequent examinations.
DAILY LIFE:
Now that youve learned all there is to know about the German Shepherd breeds features and attributes, and its time to learn about everyday living with them.
Well look at what to feed this dog, how much activity they need, and how this large breed should be groomed. It should come as no wonder that this dog breed requires much upkeep, but they are well worth it!
FOOD AND DIET:
Because the White Shepherd is a big dog, it requires substantial food. It is recommended that you give them a diet designed specifically for giant dog breeds, and you should continually check the back of the dog food package to see how much food you should feed them, depending on their weight.
According to experts, a White German Shepherd should consume about 1500 calories per day or around 3 cups of food. As a puppy, they should be fed three times per day, then reduced to two meals each day as they get older. If you have a hectic lifestyle, this may be reduced to one meal each day.
Their meals should be nutritious and healthful. It should include all of the nutrients required by a dog of this size. Such as proteins, lipids, and carbs. Although some dog owners give their pets raw food, high-quality dry kibble is a beautiful alternative.
EXERCISE:
Its no surprise that this white dog breed is highly energetic and requires a lot of exercises. They need a lot of mental and physical activity to keep them happy as working dogs and as a breed often employed as police dogs.
You should make sure your German Shepherd gets 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. This involves going on walks, playing games, and thinking about them. Your dog will also desire a large backyard to run about in, so they will not receive the exercise they need if you live in a tiny apartment.
They may develop undesirable and harmful habits due to irritation and boredom if they do not get enough exercise.
FAMILY COMPATIBILITY:
A White Shepherd is a beautiful family pet. They are excellent guard dogs since they are so devoted and will defend you from anything dangerous. However, it would be best if you taught them from an early age to recognize that not everything is a danger. Otherwise, they would bark for hours!
We have discussed how much exercise a German Shepherd needs. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation as working dogs. Therefore they are the ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Because of their tremendous energy, they make excellent hiking or jogging companions and will thrive in a highly active family setting. They need a lot of room since they are such big dogs. They will have access to a rear yard where they may run about.
Your German Shepherd will not flourish in a tiny apartment since they will feel cramped up and may begin to act out in harmful ways. Because this breed has a naturally strong prey drive, you should use caution when introducing them to youngsters.
On the other hand, White German Shepherds adore youngsters and will even take them under their wing if adequately socialized. It will be more difficult to expose your dog to new objects and people as they become older, but it is still possible. They also get along nicely with other household pets, so there will be no problems, and they will quickly become a beloved part of the family.
GROOMING:
Your White German Shepherd will, unfortunately, shed all year. Because of their thick coat, this is the case. Brushing them at least two to three times a week is one method to keep them from shedding. Bathing is only required when they seem to be filthy.
Moreover, Brushing their teeth is essential for preventing dental decay and gum disease, but you can also provide them with dental chews daily to aid in keeping their teeth clean.
Grooming your German Shepherd from a young age is one method to guarantee that it is not a painful experience for them. This will demonstrate to them that they have nothing to fear.
Facts of White German Shepherd:
1.In the beginning, White German Shepherds Were Favored for Herding:
The White German Shepherd is a breed that has been referenced in literature from before the birth of Jesus Christ.
Marcus Terentius, a Roman historian, first referenced the dog in 116 BC, describing it as an outstanding shepherds dog. Herding dogs were given duties that were quite different from what we have now.
They were supposed to keep the flock together, much as today, but their primary job was to protect the flock from predators and thieves.
Evidence indicates that early German Shepherds were white because they liked it since robbers and wolves couldnt distinguish between them and the sheep.
2.The German Shepherd Dog and the White German Shepherd Dog are Two Different Breeds:
As Max von Stephanitz, the German Shepherd Dogs founder, stated in one of his many theses in 1908, the color of the German Shepherd had no bearing on the dogs capacity to perform.
Apart from appearance, there is no discernible difference between white and colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, the AKC does not recognize the White German Shepherd. As a result, the White German Shepherd is not allowed to compete. Apart from their coats, there is little difference between the white and tan German Shepherds.
3.The White German Shepherd is not an albino German Shepherd:
While albino German Shepherds exist, the White German Shepherd is not one of them. An albino is a person who lacks pigmentation, resulting in pink eyes, pale skin, and colorless hair. White German Shepherds have a pink or black complexion, gold or brown eyes, a dark nose, and white or cream hair - none of which are albino traits.
4.Its Disposition is Unaffected by Its White Hue:
The color of a dogs coat has little bearing on its temperament, regardless of breed. On the other hand, White German Shepherds are developed to be friendlier and calmer than their multi-colored cousins. They may be an excellent family pet, particularly with children. White German Shepherds are also renowned for being devoted to and protective of their owners.
5.The White Fur Does Not Cause Any Additional Health Problems:
Like the Black German Shepherd, the White German Shepherd has a recessive gene that controls the color of its coat. Because there is no genetic difference between a White German Shepherd and a standard German Shepherd, the white fur does not cause any additional health problems.
Like other German Shepherds, they are more susceptible to Elbow and Hip Dysplasia than other dog breeds. These are, nevertheless, frequent problems in big dogs. A healthy White German Shepherd may live for 12-15 years, depending on the lifestyle, diet, and location.
6.White German Shepherds are More Likely to Have a Long Coat:
A White German Shepherds coat may be either medium or lengthy in length. Long coats, on the other hand, are more prevalent. Both have a thick covering on top to protect them from almost any weather or environmental conditions.
Shedding is a regular and ongoing process that keeps the German Shepherd healthy by replenishing fresh and new coats. The fact that their fur is white does not imply that they shed less than their colorful counterparts.
7.German Shepherds With White Coats are Uncommon:
A white pup can only be born if both parents have the recessive gene that causes them to be white. If a white GSD parent marries a non-white with the recessive white gene, having a white pup is just 50%.
However, if you want to purchase a White German Shepherd puppy, you can expect to spend a little more. Breeders charge extra for unusual and in-demand hues.
8.White German Shepherds are more costly than black German Shepherds:
White German Shepherd pups are more expensive than colorful ones because of their scarcity. While colored German Shepherd pups may cost as little as $1000, white German Shepherd puppies with a solid pedigree and health certificates can cost anywhere from $1250 to $2000.
Frequently Asked Question:
Q: Is it true that white German Shepherds are purebred German Shepherds?
A: White German shepherds are, in fact, purebred German shepherds. A recessive masking gene is found in white German shepherds.
This gene conceals or masks the dogs actual color pattern. White German shepherds come in various colors and patterns, including black, black and tan, black and red, black and silver, black and cream, blue, liver, sable, saddled, and bi-colored.
The white gene does nothing to shield a dog from poor genetics; it simply covers or hides the coat color. It does not create health issues or harm the genetic make-up of a dog unless there are health problems already in the line.
White German shepherds are often confused with the beautiful Swiss Shepherd or mistakenly assumed to have been crossed with another white breed to get their white coat, which is not the case.
Q: What is the best way to get white German Shepherds?
A: Only if both parents have the white recessive gene may the white recessive gene be visible in pups when mating colored German shepherds. When a white German shepherd is mated with a colored German shepherd that lacks the gene, none of the puppies will be white.
They will, nevertheless, have the white gene. Some of the kids may have a white coat if they are mated to a white German shepherd. White German shepherds will always produce white progeny when mated to white German shepherds.
However, Albino German shepherds are not white German shepherds. Albinos lack all pigment and feature black noses and dark eyes, as well as dark nails, paw pads, and the blackness around their lips. Websters Dictionary defines an albino as:
An organism with a lack of pigmentation. Especially a person who is born with a pigment deficiency and has milky or translucent skin, white or colorless hair, and pink or blue iris with a deep-red pupil.
Q: Why are there so few white German Shepherds?
A: White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Information is an image result for the blog article White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Information. Even uncommon is a long-haired white German Shepherd Dog! The coats of long-haired German Shepherds of all colors are due to a recessive trait for long hair.
Long-haired GSDs were formerly thought to be a genetic flaw. Long-haired dogs are unsuited for working because they lack a waterproof, insulating undercoat.
Q: Do German Shepherds with white coats bark a lot?
A: White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Information is an image result for the blog article White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Information.
After all, this is how dogs communicate. On the other hand, White Shepherds have long been bred as herding and security dogs, and barking is one of the ways they perform their duties. Shepherds also bark a lot because they are highly social creatures with intense feelings of camaraderie.
Q: Is a white German shepherd suitable for a family?
A: Socialization. A well-socialized White German Shepherd, mainly if it grew up with them, gets along swimmingly with other pets and even other dogs in the home. It has the characteristics of a herding dog, guarding its flock or herd.
Final Words:
In this post, we have discussed White German Shepherd Facts and Complete Info. White German Shepherds are a loving and loyal breed of dog. These puppies are genetically identical to a tan German Shepherd and are just as protective and like being around you. Your German puppy will become an excellent security dog as well as a loving friend to cuddle with on the sofa.
These fluffy creatures are worth it, despite their high grooming and activity requirements, and we know youd love to have one in your life.