White GSDs Dog Breed – White German Shepherd Puppies
Many aspiring pet owners continually seek clarification when distinguishing White German Shepherd species (GSD) from Swiss breeds and their standard counterparts but confuse them in the long run.
White German Shepherds have unsullied white fur. The coats not only give them conspicuity but also add to their beauty. Standard Shepherds are less striking and sensational in appearance, owing to the colored nature of their furs.
Besides, the fur of a White Shepherd is longer and creamier than that of an average Shepherd. Also, on most occasions, White German Shepherds have double coats.
Before acquiring a White Shepherd pup, make sure you know the different German Shepherds and how to distinguish their breeds.
A pure Swiss Shepherd and White German breeds look so alike that you most likely will mistake the two.
The two breeds are pretty similar because both Shepherds can stay vigilant for long hours, provide reliable protection, and tend to lust for challenging exercises.
Despite the confusing similarities between White Swiss and German Shepherds, the appearance, behavior, and general classification of Swiss breeds differentiates them from White German Shepherds.
This piece aims to inform readers on the traits, origin, and lifestyle and answer your questions concerning White German Shepherds.
We shall also make some contrasts and comparisons with standard and other Shepherd breeds to help you distinguish the wondrous Shepherds anywhere, anytime.
Where do the White German Shepherds originate?
White Shepherds originally protected farmers’ sheep in European farmsteads as herding dogs. Croppers loved the Shepherds owing to their unrelenting loyalty and obedience.
In addition to their reputable fidelity, the white coats of the Shepherds blended perfectly with the livestock. Farmers could easily spot the colored fur of a wolf or coyote. Colored coats were easily distinguishable from the pallid coatings of sheep and their protecting white Shepherds.
The regressive gene common in modern German Shepherds and responsible for all their colors comes from Sparwasser, one of the first Shepherds to have lived.
Howard is the direct grandson of Howard and the earliest White German Shepherd in history. Descendants of Howard now live across the globe after first landing in Canada and North America from Europe.
Despite the continued use of the name ‘German Shepherd’ when referring to the white breed, experts and regulators still disavow the creamy-furred species as official German Shepherds.
In the early 1930s and through to the end of the Second World War, German Shepherd associations in Germany and North America perpetuated the discrimination of White Shepherds.
The association in Germany officially recognized only the brown and black species as German Shepherds.
In 1968, an American pup organization restricted White Shepherds from participation and inclusivity in compliance shows. In the following year, White German Shepherd owners and enthusiasts formed a club for the species.
The clubs in Canada also allowed the White German Shepherds to showcase and perform in their displays.
In 1998, the kennel club in Canada barred White German Shepherds from participating in compliance events.
The plight for the recognition of White German Shepherds finally fell on listening ears, when in 1999, the United Kennel Club officially accepted the species into their organization.
Where do White German Shepherds get their white coats?
White German Shepherds get their white coats from regressive genes. The dormant genes present in every German Shepherd prevent the normal black fur from showing hence the white coating.
Many people often confuse the appearance of an albino animal with that of a German Shepherd. Albino pups lack melanin; thus, their blood vessels show beneath their skins, and their nails, eyes, and coats materialize as pink.
The melanin composition in White German Shepherds is intact, their furs lighter, thus their nature of complexion.
White Shepherds produce pups of their color when both Shepherds are white.
The birth of a white Shepherd only happens if all parents bear the same regressive gene.
Price, rarity, and aggressiveness of a White German Shepherd
A breeder charges more for a white puppy because the color is rare. White Shepherds occur when both progenitors carry the regressive gene. The rarest types of White Shepherds are those with long coats.
When purchasing a white pup, ensure that the Shepherd carries a healthy blood system. Also, check for health credentials as a perfect record warrants a stronger future immunity for your puppy.
Healthy pups should cost between $700 and $2,000. Make sure you acquire your puppies from a trusted breeder. Some breeders lack proper skills and often market unhealthy Shepherds that can cost you a great deal not only on treatment but also maintenance.
White Shepherds can only get as angry as archetypal German Shepherds. Both species get mad when provoked, mistreated, and when feeling the urge to defend.
A white shepherd often lives in a pack. Shepherds stick to their kin and will fight tooth and nail to protect smaller members of the family, especially the children. Shepherds become aggressive when they sense that a member of the family is under profound threat.
Keeping a white Shepherd as a pet
A White German Shepherd makes the best pet when nurtured in a dynamic surrounding. Families that love outdoor environments provide the best atmosphere and perfect lifestyle for the healthy development of white shepherds.
Nonetheless, an open environment alone cannot improve the reflexes of a white shepherd. A family that devotes enough time for training will most likely nurture a responsive and fun-loving pet.
White Shepherds love children and make the best pets and friends. Besides their loving attributes, white Shepherds are loyal and can play, watch after, and associate freely with both young and old children.
Please spare some time and take your shepherds for frequent walks long enough to keep them fit at least once each day.
A white shepherd is almost five times the size of a Chihuahua. If you live in a small apartment, take time in the evening or early morning to walk around the hood with your Shepherd, as a mile or so a day will keep the pet active and happy every day.
Bigger houses and homes with large backyards are however more ideal for white shepherds, as they provide enough space for their free movement and unrestricted activity.
Will white fur cause health problems?
The white coating is only a color and not a trait related to a genetic disorder of any kind. White shepherds won’t contract diseases or suffer complications because of their fur color.
How do I know that my dog is a White German Shepherd?
Despite their large masculine sizes, white shepherds have lean bodies. The black nose of a white shepherd rests farther on a long mouth, and their eyes often shaped like almonds carrying tans of richness. The ears of the white pets are triangular, upright, and alert at all times.
White shepherds can have either mild creamy furs or white coats, both of which guarantee weather resistance and grow as double coatings.
Upper coats exhibit waterproof abilities and are slightly wiry when touched. Fur in the deeper skin is, however, shorter, softer, and keeps the body of the Shepherd insulated in both cold and hot weather conditions.
The size and weight of a white shepherd
A fully grown male can weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. When standing, their height measured up to the shoulder can range from 24 to 26 inches.
The height of a grown-up female when standing is between 22 and 24 inches. On average, the weight of a female shepherd ranges between 60 and 75 pounds.
The average lifespan of a White German Shepherd
An ordinary white shepherd has an expectancy between 10 to 14 years. However, in unusual circumstances, shepherds can live between 7 and 16 years.
Human-beings can live long past their average expectancy period with regular exercise, balanced diets, and frequent checkups. White German Shepherds will as well live longer when treated with proper care and provided with balanced nutrition.
Temperament and behaviour
Just like their coloured counterparts, White German Shepherds will counter accordingly to defend their kin. The white breeds are often calm but get aggressive when mistreated or provoked.
In the presence of strangers, the shepherds become extra vigilant and withdrawn to keep an eye over their kin. White shepherds are so brave that they will protect young children without deliberation.
A white shepherd loves fun, outdoor games, and playing in general. Tug ropes, Frisbees, and tennis balls make the best collection of outdoor playing items for your White Shepherd.
German shepherds can get extremely vocal when they bark. However, with continuous training, owners can train the loud woofing out of their German Shepherds.
Even after training them to bark less loudly, shepherds hardly abandon their only way to communicate: barking. Total silence can hardly prevail in a house where Shepherds live.
White shepherds love their kin and owners, and they will express this through woofing, whining, moaning, and groaning.
Training a White Shepherd
A white shepherd loves to impress and is a pretty intelligent pet; globally, the German Shepherd ranks as one of the smartest dogs. White German Shepherds are loyal and obediently follow instructions by completing assigned tasks.
Please make sure that you give socialization equal and top priority as teaching your Shepherds decent character and immediate response to reflexes. White Shepherds are fast learners. Besides teaching the Shepherds admirable character, make sure they learn proper and free socialization with other dogs as well as people.
When you expose White German Shepherds to different outdoor environments, they not only become more confident but also learn to interact comfortably in any public place.
The most effective technique in training white shepherds and dogs, in general, is showing them the actions we want and using the outcome to teach them what we despise.
In case you don’t know the steps to follow when training white shepherds, find a professional trainer in your hood who can help. Besides teaching your little friend, the instructor can show you all the tricks to keep your Shepherd happy, lively, and healthy.
Grooming White Shepherds
The double coating of a White Shepherd is pretty thick thus the need for a wire bridle brush to keep the inner fur from shedding. The outer coat is wiry and waterproof, whereas the inner hair provides thick insulation against heat and cold.
Brushing the outer fur with a bridle brush guarantees effective straightening of each strand and prevents tangling of hairs. Ensure you brush your Shepherd at least once a day to minimize the risk of shedding.
During spring, Shepherds lose lots of hair from their deeper coats, most of which will fall and roll all over the floors of your house.
Undercoat combs will reduce the rate of shedding because they disentangle the deeper fur beneath the outer coat.
Shepherds sometimes roll in mud and dirt and get dirty. If brushing doesn’t eliminate the dirt, bathe the White Shepherd with conditioners and shampoos recommended particularly for dogs.
Douses made for humans can quickly dry and cause itchiness or rashes if used to bathe White Shepherds.
White German Shepherds sometimes chaw on toys. Consider brushing your Shepherd’s teeth at least thrice a week if they hardly champ on toys.
However, regularly watch your dogs while playing to monitor their risk of injecting tartar. Besides, talk to your household vet for professional advice on the right toothpaste for your White Shepherd.
If your Shepherd spends little time running around outside, visit your local pet store and purchase a nail clipper. When dogs stay indoors for long, their toenails grow so long that it becomes painful for them to walk.
However, some Shepherds hate clippers because of their crackling sound. Nail files work just as comfortably as clippers except for the scary grinding sound, thus a preferable acquisition.
Despite their erect ears, White Shepherds can still easily suffer terrible infections within their ears.
Inflammations and periodical discharge from the dog’s ears will indicate the onset of an ear infection.
When cleaning your Shepherd’s ears, use a clean cotton plug or consult a veterinarian for an ear-wash sample.
Frequent health problems that affect White German Shepherds
All German Shepherds regardless of their fur color, can suffer any of these health complications:
- Obesity– Overfeeding a Shepherd and ignoring regular exercise routines can cause a significant increment in weight. An obese White Shepherd will also suffer the risk of arthritis.
- Skin problems– Familiarize yourself with all the allergies likely to affect your Shepherd. An allergy can cause itchiness, rashes, and a dry coat.
- Digestive problems– Some Shepherds have sensitive stomachs that require superior nutrition and stress-free lifestyles.
- Cancer– Common signs for cancer include: swelling lymph knobs, limping or general body weakness, sudden loss of weight, gut complications, and difficulty in breathing.
If you spot any of these symptoms, make haste and avail your White Shepherd to a veterinarian.
- Bloating– Probably the most dangerous complication, bloating is characterized by excessive gas in the stomach. The gas forces pressure upon the diaphragm, making it impossible for the Shepherd to breathe.
In extreme situations, the stomach can twist and result in shock or death.
Treatment, diets, and renowned breeders
Administering vaccines will protect your Shepherds from contracting contagious illnesses.
Regularly visit a veterinarian who will recommend a lifelong list of inoculation.
Besides vaccination, ensure you administer a regular treatment plan against ticks and fleas.
A white Shepherd is an active dog species and requires more than 2,000 calories a day. On average, a grown Shepherd needs between 3 and 5 cups of nourishment.
I would recommend foraging your Shepherd meals in smaller and frequent breaks because it minimizes the risk of bloating. A higher percentage of protein and fat and a low carb content guarantees a Shepherd’s active and healthy development.
The rarity of White German Shepherds not only makes them costlier but also a viable profit-making niche for slippery breeders who would do anything for the money. Make sure you have your research carefully updated before storming the market.
Here is a list of some trustworthy puppy breeders:
- Rolling H Farm – Tennessee.
- ASJ White Shepherds – Connecticut.
- Bellevue German Shepherds – Northern California.
- Great White German Shepherds – South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina.
Conclusion
If you are still undecided whether to acquire a White German Shepherd pup or not, take a short moment and reflect on your life and habits in general.
Do you love outdoor life? Are you an active and outgoing person who loves running or walking daily? Do you have kids? If any of your answers are “YES!” look no further.
Besides loving the outdoors, White Shepherds are fond of people and value their presence. The rare white Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and the best mates to keep around, only if you wouldn’t mind keeping a large dog around.
Owning a White German Shepherd is an exciting and life-changing experience. In addition to the fun, White Shepherds have quite a reputation when it comes to protection. Every White German Shepherd owner has a thing or two to teach about their learning experience.
What’s your learning experience? Find yourself a White German Shepherd today, and share your life-changing experiences with us and the rest of the world.
