The White German Shepherd: Is it a Recognized Breed?

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Have you ever heard of a White German Shepherd?  If you have, you are among a lesser population of people, as the majority are more familiar with its counterpart, the colored German Shepherd breed.  In fact, several countries do not even recognize the White German Shepherd a part of the German Shepherd breed, nor does the AKC.  The main reason for the AKC not considering the White version of the German Shepherd a true breed is simply because they wouldn’t make good sheep herding dogs (due to their white color, they would blend in with the sheep), which is what the German Shepherd’s were bred for.

Apart from the obvious difference in color, the White German Shepherd’s are basically the same as their counterparts; they have the same build, form, and personality.  They are generally just as loving, protective, and loyal as the others.  They possess an athletic build that makes them excellent sport dogs, and they are very easy to train, which is why they are used as military and disability dogs.  Contrary to other breeds, these dogs exhibit a pleasant temperament, which makes them a great addition to a family or a friend for the disabled. Many White German Shepherd owners state that their dogs tend to be more mellow than other German Shepherds.

Similar to all the other German Shepherd breeds, the White line also requires a lot of exercise to stay healthy.  They are very active physically and need the proper time to run around in a wide open area.  Otherwise, they do not require a lot of special treatment, though it is recommended to provide them with a well-balanced diet and regular grooming.  This breed tends to be quite vocal and communicates with you through barks, whines, and mumbles.

White German Shepherds are vulnerable to a great deal of hereditary health issues just like the other dogs of this breed, and they are especially at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia, though it is preventable as well as treatable.  Other common ailments they are at risk for are dwarfism, epilepsy, and keratitis, also known as cloudy eye.

So how did the White line become a new introduction to the world of German Shepherds?  The Europeans sought out to create this new breed with the intention of making them stronger with more enhanced traits.  The new breed carried a recessive gene for coloration that was different from the regular German Shepherds, making them white.  Because of the color change, Germany’s official German Shepherd dog club refused to recognize it as an official breed, leading other countries to soon to the same.

Overall, the White German Shepherds are not different from their colored counterparts except for the fact that they are white.  They are just as good at search and rescue, being guide dogs, and tracking.

4 COMMENTS

  1. The author of this periodical has no idea what they are talking about. The AKC does recognize the white german shepherd and there is not one single country that does not recognize it . I myself have 2 black german shepherds that had 2 whites in the last litter and had no problem getting the pups certified and registered. They are beautiful dogs and this author reminds me of my son in law. Reads one thing on wikipedia and then swears by it.

    • The AKC does not withhold registration from GSDs that happen to be white, but they do disqualify them in the GSD conformation ring.

      • I have had white german shepherds for 30 years, and I was always told the AKC does NOT recognize them either and none of mine ever came with papers, but I see people on sites saying they are AKC, mine were ACA eligible I was told, but I didn’t care about any of that anyway. I didn’t even know what ACA was.

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