The White Shepherd is a direct descendant of the German Shepherd Dog. In the first half of the twentieth century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, created the German Shepherd Dog using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock. Initially, color was not considered as long as the dog demonstrated working ability. During the late 30's, however, the white color fell into disfavor.
There were, however, always breeders who appreciated the beauty of the white dogs and who continued to breed them. Because of their exclusion from most German Shepherd Dog breeding programs, the whites rather quickly evolved into a distinct type, and eventually into a separate breed.
The White Shepherd was recognized by the United Kennel Club on April 14, 1999.
The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence. The White Shepherd is poised, but when the situation demands, is eager and alert, ready to serve in any capacity. The White Shepherd is highly intelligent, energetic, hard working, curious, and loyal. The character of the White Shepherd is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when necessary, he is very willing and capable to protect his family.
White Shepherds demonstrate both herding and protective instincts. The White Shepherd will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves.
With those he knows, the White Shepherd is open and friendly. With strangers, he is observant and cautious but not apprehensive. The White Shepherd thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. They are playful, enthusiastic and eager to please. Because of their intense loyalty and love of children they make outstanding family dogs.
The White Shepherd sheds bits of hair constantly with seasonal heavy shedding. They require daily brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary; over bathing can cause skin irritation from oil depletion. Check ears and trim nails regularly. White Shepherds may be prone to such health issues as elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies, and digestive problems.
The White Shepherd has a weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat can be short or long and is dense and straight. The undercoat is short, thick, and fine in texture. At the neck, the coat may be slightly longer and heavier, particularly in males. The hair on the back of the legs is slightly longer than on the front. The coat on the rump and underside of the tail is longer and thicker than the body coat. The head and ears are covered with a smooth, somewhat softer hair while the hair covering the legs and paws has a harsher texture. This breed continuously sheds with seasonal heavy shedding.
The White Shepherd requires early socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient, eager to please and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency.
Because they are very athletic and like to work, they are ideally suited for many activities like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection. They are suited for use as guide, search & rescue, service, therapy, medical alert and guard dog.
This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require daily exercise and enjoy leashed walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. Some may do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention.
60-85 lbs lbs
Male: 24-26; Female: 22-24 inches inches
Ideal coat color is a pure white. Colors ranging from a very light cream to a light biscuit tan are acceptable.
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