If you have set your heart on the gorgeous White German Shepherds, the next thing you may want to know is their temperament. Are White German Shepherds aggressive? Is it a safe dog for your family and children? Will a White Shepherd harass your cats or get along with your other dogs? And will they protect you if they need to?
White German Shepherds are not aggressive dogs. White Shepherds are often bred to have a laid-back temperament which makes them softer, more mellow, and more sensitive personalities as compared to the standard German Shepherd. Hence, white Shepherds are not even used as police dogs or guard dogs.
However, the full answer is a little more complicated. For one thing, there are three closely related breeds that can be confused under the term “White Shepherd,” and they each have slightly different temperaments. So let’s take a closer look.
More on the White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd – the Ancestor of All GSDs
The White German Shepherds: Why Are They So Special?
The White German Shepherd: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know
How Much Does A White German Shepherd Cost?
Are White German Shepherds Aggressive?
White German Shepherd vs German Shepherd: What’s the Difference?
The Complete Guide to The White Swiss Shepherd
Are The White German Shepherds Aggressive?
The White German Shepherd is not an aggressive dog. In fact, White Shepherds are more likely to be timid or skittish.
Research by Deborah Duffy clearly shows that you are far more likely to be bitten by a Dachshund than a GSD.
What are the main differences between White German Shepherds and standard German Shepherds?
Genetically, there is no difference between white German Shepherds and standard German Shepherds.
According to the Journal of Heredity, the white coloring is due to a recessive gene in the German Shepherd bloodline. So essentially, it is only a color variation, and they are not albinos. They do not differ in terms of temperament or other physical traits
The term White German Shepherd literally entails several varieties of white dogs:
1. AKC White German Shepherd: The rare GSD with a white coat.
2. United Kennel Club (UKC) White Shepherd: Bred by enthusiasts in the USA and Canada to protect the white German Shepherd when it was banned.
3. White Swiss Shepherd: A Swiss breed of shepherd dog. It descends from North American White Shepherds imported to Switzerland.
Thus, there are three closely related versions of the White German Shepherd.
| AKC Standard German Shepherd | AKC White German Shepherd | UKC White Shepherd | White Swiss Shepherd (Berger Blanc Suisse) | |
| Origin | Germany | Germany | USA & Canada | Switzerland |
| Size | Male: 24″ – 26″ Female: 22″ – 24″ | Male: 24″ – 26″ Female: 22″ – 24″ | Male: 25″ Female: 23″ | Male: 22.8″ – 25.9″ Female: 20.8″ – 24″ |
| Weight | Male: 65 – 90 lb Female: 50 – 70 lb | Male: 65 – 90 lb Female: 50 – 70 lb | Male: 75 – 85 lb Female: 60 – 70 lb | Male: 66 – 88 lb Female: 55 – 77 lb |
| Coat | Double coat, usually medium length. Shorter or longer variations exist, with various textures including soft, silky, wiry, or woolly. | Double coat, usually medium length. Shorter or longer variations exist, with various textures including soft, silky, wiry, or woolly. | Dense double coat. Harsh outer coat with a fine undercoat. | May have a dense medium or long double coat. May have wavy or hard hair. |
| Color | Usually a strong color such as: sable, black, black and tan, black & red black & silver grey. May also be dilute blues or liver. | White (sometimes shades of cream) | Ideally pure white. Light cream to light biscuit tan is acceptable. | Pure white |
| Temperament | Bold, fearless, alert, self-confident, loyal & intelligent | Bold, fearless, alert, self-confident, loyal & intelligent | Laid-back temperament which makes them softer, more mellow, and more sensitive personalities | Shy, skittish, gentle, and discreet. |
| Availability | Widely available as a breed, but it does depend on the bloodline. | Relatively rare. White Dogs can be registered but not shown in AKC conformation trials. | Moderately available by contacting the United Kennel Club and joining a waiting list. | Moderately available by contacting the White Swiss Shepherd Club of America. |
| Cost of a puppy | Puppies can cost between $1500 & $3000. Adult working dogs may cost over $6000 | $2000 to $3500 | $2000 to $4000 | $1500 to $ 5000 |
Is the White AKC German Shepherd Aggressive?
The white AKC-registered German Shepherd is not hostile or aggressive. This is only an extremely rare color variation of the standard GSD we know and love, so this dog should be bold and fearless. They are still natural and alert guardians, even if their color means they can’t compete in the show ring.
Are UKC Shepherds Aggressive?
Bred in the USA and Canada to protect the white German Shepherd when it was banned, the white Shepherd shares the traits of confidence, poise, and bravery with the standard GSD. They are not aggressive but can be aloof with strangers. Although trainable, they may not share the same intensity as some standard working-line German Shepherds.
Is The White Swiss Shepherd Aggressive?
While the white German Shepherd is ideally bred as a self-confident, alert, and fearless dog, the White Swiss Shepherd is much more laid-back. They are also more likely to be anxious or shy than aggressive. However, as you can see in the video below, they can still be well-trained for protection and sport.
Are White German Shepherds aggressive to other dogs?
White German Shepherds usually get along well with dogs in their household. However, they can be aggressive with strange dogs since they have a strong defense drive. Because of this, early socialization is essential. Occasionally, you can experience problems with two adult dogs of the same gender.
Are White German Shepherds aggressive to cats?
White German Shepherds can absolutely become best friends with cats, especially if they are raised with them. However, some dogs can still chase strange cats as they have a high prey drive.
Are White German Shepherds aggressive to other animals (e.g. rabbits, squirrels, etc)?
Many white German Shepherds have a strong prey drive or urge to chase and catch small fluffy animals. How strong this urge is can differ from dog to dog; many dogs can be raised and trained to be safe around smaller animals. However, some may always need supervision or to be kept separate.
Are White German Shepherds aggressive toward children?
When it comes to their family, your white German Shepherd is one of the safest dogs you can have. In general, they are great with kids. However, remember, they are still powerful dogs. Regardless of breed, always supervise your dog and your child together and learn to read your dog’s body language for signs of stress.
Will A White German Shepherd Protect Me?
A white German Shepherd is usually a relatively protective dog. That said, dogs don’t always naturally know what to do in stressful situations. So if you want a white German Shepherd to protect you, it’s best to invest in a good bloodline and in loads of professional training.
What could cause a White German Shepherd to become aggressive?
Sadly, there is some bias against German Shepherds, with veterinarians voting them and Rottweilers as the most aggressive breeds (source: New Zealand Veterinary Journal).
Despite this opinion, research into breed differences in canine aggression doesn’t show that the German Shepherd (whether they are white or not) is particularly aggressive.
They are a bit more aggressive toward strangers than the average breed, which is why vets sometimes have a tough time with them. But they are nowhere near as aggressive to strangers as the Daschund or Chihuahua.
With their owners, the white German Shepherd actually has below-average levels of aggression. The Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Havanese, and Siberian Husky are just some breeds more likely to bite you than a white GSD.
But, several factors can cause a white German Shepherd to become aggressive. So let’s take a closer look at what may go wrong.
Medical conditions
Any aggression can have an underlying medical cause. Dogs with joint pain may be annoyed if they’re touched on where it hurts. Other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can cause behavioral changes that can lead to aggression.
Genetic Issues
One problem that may arise with white German Shepherds is when a breeder breeds solely for color or when a backyard breeder ignores the temperament of their dogs.
Suppose a breeder does not prioritize temperament. In that case, you can get a white GSD with behavior issues such as:
- Fearfulness
- Anxiety
- Fear-based aggression
- True aggression
- Or resource-guarding
Guarding and defense drive
White German Shepherds are often both naturally careful of strangers and may have a strong urge to defend their family. In some cases, this can mean dogs that become overzealous in defending their territory and two-legged pack members.
Prey drive
The German Shepherd often has a strong prey drive. They want to chase after squirrels, rabbits, chickens, and anything that runs. This drive can also exist in the white dogs and can sometimes pose a danger to your neighbor’s chicken coop or any passing stray cats.
Resource duarding
Although this isn’t true aggression (and it has a genetic component), some white German Shepherds can develop anxiety over losing their food, bed, or favorite toys. This can escalate into guarding these “high-value” items. If owners don’t intervene to stop this behavior, they may get a nip or worse.
Poor socialization
Perhaps the most common reason a white German Shepherd may be aggressive, especially with strange people and dogs, is that they weren’t socialized as puppies. Since this is a powerful breed, socializing them in that crucial window between 3 and 16 weeks of age is critical to preventing unwanted and dangerous aggression later on.
How To Prevent My White Shepherd Puppy From Being Aggressive?
So if you want a white German Shepherd but you’re nervous about aggression, there are some steps you can take to ensure a good temperament.
#1 Choosing a reputable breeder
Adopting a dog is great, and with some luck, you may find a white Shepherd needing a home in your area with a great temperament. However, if you decide to buy a puppy, stay away from backyard breeders. Always contact the AKC or UKC, and make sure you visit your breeder and meet the parents. A good breeder will usually place you on a waiting list.
#2 Introduce early socialization and Training
Never neglect your white German Shepherd’s socialization and training. Both of these should be lifelong. They are working dogs, and they thrive on exercise and having a job to do. Neglecting to exercise, train, and socialize them may cause behavior problems like aggression.
#3 Understanding your dog’s body language
Most of us know that growling and raised hackles mean a dog is telling us to back off. But more subtle signs such as yawning, showing the white of their eyes (whale eye), or even lip licking can signal a stressed dog. Always ensure you can read the subtle signs that indicate when you need to remove a dog from a situation before it can escalate.
Conclusion
Regardless of breed, the color of a dog does not have any negative effect on its temperament. To truly understand the significance of the White Shepherd, see our article “White German Shepherd: The Ancestor Of All GSDs.”
Further Questions
Are White German Shepherds Loyal?
White German Shepherds are absolutely among the most loyal canines in the world. As they are a color variation of the standard GSD, they are just as likely to defend their owners.
What is the Bite Force of a White German Shepherd?
The white German Shepherd has the same average bite force as the more traditional colors. They bite with roughly 238 PSI (pounds per square inch), enough to break bones.
Are White German Shepherds Good Guard Dogs?
White German Shepherds are pretty good guard dogs. They are alert and make great visual deterrents. Like all dogs, however, they need adequate training and the right temperament to be an effective guard dogs.
