Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
White German Shepherds are famous for their fluffy white fur, strong bodies, and smart minds. They are a special type of dog that comes from breeding German Shepherds, but they have a gene that makes their fur white. Michael Smith says,
“The elegance of the White German Shepherd is matched only by its unwavering devotion.”
The White German Shepherd is a German shepherd dog in Great Britain, also called the Alsatian. These dogs are strong and smart and are used for many jobs like herding and protecting. They began to be bred in clubs in Germany in 1899.
Some German Shepherds are born with white fur. But in the 1930s, people breeding these dogs thought white fur meant the dog wasn’t as good. So, they stopped letting white German Shepherds join competitions. Andy Rooney says,
“The White German Shepherd tends to be friendlier than most people.”
But in places like the U.S. and Canada, people still liked them and kept breeding them. In 1999, the United Kennel Club agreed that white German Shepherds could be their breed and started accepting them. In this article, we will discuss White German Shepherd.
Appearance Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherd puppies are incredibly adorable with their fluffy appearance. They reach about half their full size by around 4 months old as they grow. By the time they’re 1 year old, they’re usually as tall as ever.
It’s important to get a White German Shepherd from a trustworthy breeder. Sometimes, breeders might try to sell mixed-breed dogs as pure White German Shepherds.
White German Shepherds can weigh anywhere from 50 to 85 pounds, with males typically weighing more than females. They’re considered large dogs and stand between 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are shorter than males.
These dogs are muscular and strong, built for working. They have a proud stance, straight ears, and big feet while still puppies.
Coat Of White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd can have either short or long coats. If it’s a long coat, it’s usually longer than other German Shepherds’ fur. The fur is thick and straight, so regular grooming is needed.
As puppies, their coat is fluffy. It gets coarser as they grow, but their ears stay fluffy. Their double coat helps protect them from rough weather like wind or rain.
Colour Of White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd stands out because of its white coat colour, which makes them unique. Their white fur comes from a recessive gene, which only affects their fur colour, not their skin or eye colour.
This simple colour makes it easy to spot a White German Shepherd, similar to their wolf ancestors. Besides the colour, they look like regular tan German Shepherds with dark brown eyes.
Temperament Of White German Shepherd
Like all German Shepherds, the White German Shepherd is known for being loyal and protective. They make great guard dogs and are very loyal to their families. They love being around people and are good at working, too.
Since they’re protective, it’s important to socialize them. Otherwise, they might get aggressive around strangers as they try to protect you. They might bark at strangers, but it’s just because they want to keep you safe.
White Shepherds are active dogs and need mental stimulation. They were originally bred as working dogs, so they enjoy being outside, running, and playing. They don’t like being alone or stuck in a small space like an apartment. If they get bored, they might start chewing things up.
Daily Life Of White German Shepherd
Now that you understand what makes White German Shepherds special, let’s explore what it’s like to live with them daily. We’ll talk about what to feed them, how much exercise they need, and how to keep their coat looking good. These dogs need a lot of care, but they bring so much joy that it’s all worth it!
Food And Diet Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds are big dogs; they need a lot of food. It’s best to give them a diet made for large breeds. Check the back of the dog food bag to know how much to feed based on their weight.
For example, Royal Canin’s Breed Health Nutrition for German Shepherds is specially made to meet the needs of your purebred dog. It’s designed to give them all the right nutrients to stay healthy and happy.
Experts suggest that White German Shepherds should eat about 1500 calories a day, which is roughly 3 cups of food. When puppies need to eat three times a day, but as adults, two meals a day usually work. If you’re busy, one meal a day can be enough.
Their food should contain everything they need, like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a good choice, but some people prefer feeding them raw food.
Exercise For Your White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds are known for being very active and needing lots of exercise. They’re working dogs and are often used by the police, so they need both physical and mental activities to stay happy.
Ensure your German shepherd gets 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. This includes walks, playtime, and mental games. They’ll also appreciate having a big yard to run around in, so living in a small apartment might not give them enough space to burn off their energy.
They might start showing unwanted behaviours without enough exercise because they’re bored or frustrated. So, keeping them active is important for their well-being.
Family Compatibility Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds are great for families. They’re loyal and protective, so they make good guard dogs. But they need to learn the real danger to avoid barking too much.
These dogs need lots of exercise and playtime because they’re active and smart. They love being outside, so having a yard is important. Living in a small place might make them unhappy.
They like kids but might chase them because of their instincts. So, it’s essential to teach them how to behave around children.
They can be shy around new things as they age, but they’ll still fit in well with your family and other pets.
Training Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds are smart and easy to train, which makes them great for families, couples, or individuals. Start training them when they’re young, and always use positive methods like praise and treats to encourage good behaviour.
Since they can be stubborn, never punish or scold them. It’s also helpful to let them burn off energy with exercise before training sessions.
They love using their noses, so hiding treats for them to find is a fun game and a great way to train them.
Grooming Of White German Shepherd
White German Shepherds shed a lot because of their thick coats, so you’ll need to brush them about two to three times a week to minimize loose hair. They don’t need baths often, only when they’re visibly dirty. Keeping their teeth clean is crucial for dental health, so brush them regularly and offer dental chews daily.
Start grooming them when they’re young to make it a positive experience. This helps them get used to it and prevents them from being afraid of grooming later.
What Causes A White German Shepherd?
A recessive “masking” gene causes the white coat colour in German Shepherds. This gene hides the true colour pattern of the dog, resulting in a white coat. Interestingly, a white German Shepherd can still carry genes for other colours and patterns found in the breed, such as black, black, tan, ebony, and bi-coloured.
White German Shepherd Price
The average price range for a White Shepherd is between one thousand and two thousand dollars. One must always ensure they purchase from a breeder with a good reputation. You can always go to your neighbourhood shelter and ask if any White German Shepherds are looking for a new home.
White German Shepherd Vs German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd and the German shepherd belong to the same dog species, Canis lupus familiars. However, they have some noticeable differences.
Appearance: The main difference is their coat colour. White Shepherds have mostly white coats, while German Shepherds come in black, tan, and sable colours. White Shepherds typically have softer and longer fur than German Shepherds’ shorter and coarser coats.
Size: Both breeds are medium to large, but German Shepherds are usually larger and more muscular. On average, White Shepherds stand 22-26 inches tall and weigh 50-90 pounds, while German Shepherds also stand 22-26 inches tall but weigh between 65-90 pounds.
How Rare Is A White German Shepherd?
White German Shepherds are considered relatively rare compared to the more common black and tan or sable coat colours. They result from a recessive gene, so while they can naturally occur in German shepherd litters, intentional breeding for this specific colour has made them less common.
Are White German Shepherds Good Dogs?
Yes, White German Shepherds are generally considered to be great dogs. They’re intelligent, courageous, and loyal to their families. They form strong bonds, especially with their trainers. However, like all dogs, they need proper socialization from an early age to prevent fearfulness or aggression towards strangers.
Are White Shepherds Friendly?
Yes, White Shepherds are generally friendly dogs. They share many characteristics with their German Shepherd ancestors, such as being lively, alert, and intelligent. However, they tend to be even friendlier towards strangers compared to German Shepherds. Overall, they are clever and quick-thinking working dogs.
Are White German Shepherds Dangerous?
No, White German Shepherds are not typically considered dangerous dogs. They are not known for being aggressive. If they do have any temperament issues, it’s more likely to be timidity or skittishness. However, early socialization can make them confident and friendly towards strangers and new situations.
Health Issues Of White German Shepherds
Like all dogs, White German Shepherds can have some health problems. Many of these problems are similar to those seen in other German Shepherds. One common issue is called elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.
This means the joints in their elbows and hips don’t form correctly. It can be very painful for the dog and worsen over time. Getting them from a good breeder is important to lower the chances of your puppy having these problems. Make sure both parents have health clearances. Also, watch your dog for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups.
White German Shepherd Puppy
White German Shepherds are similar to other German Shepherds. They come in litters of about five to ten puppies when they’re born. If you want one, It might cost between $750 and $1000. These puppies are cute and fluffy, just like any other puppies. They have a special white coat that makes them stand out. A White German Shepherd could be a great choice if you’re considering getting a dog.
Pros
- Highly intelligent breed
- Easily trainable and exceptionally loyal
- Brave and excel as working or guard dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding of hair
- Require ample space and extensive exercise
Conclusion
White German Shepherds are loyal, friendly, and protective dogs. Despite their genetic similarity to tan German Shepherds, they exhibit the same protective instincts and affectionate nature. They excel as working dogs and make excellent guard dogs while enjoying being cuddly companions at home.
Although they require regular grooming and plenty of exercise, the joy they bring to your life makes them well worth the effort. Owning a White German Shepherd would enhance your life with their companionship and devotion.
FAQs
What Is Lifespan?
The White German Shepherd enjoys a relatively lengthy lifespan, from 12 to 14 years on average.
Are White German Shepherds Different From Other German Shepherds?
No, genetically, there’s no distinction between White German Shepherds and other variations of the breed, like tan German Shepherds. White German Shepherds carry a recessive white gene, similar to how some humans carry a gene for blonde hair.
Source
Unleashing The Charm Of White German Shepherd
Everything You Need To Know About The White German Shepherd
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
