The White German Shepherds have a snowy-white coat (sometimes in cream) that is so distinctive to make it hard to take your eyes off of. They are also loyal, affectionate, and intelligent, just like other German Shepherds. That’s why it is a very sought-after kind of GSD.
A White German Shepherd puppy bought from reputable breeders can cost between $1500 and $3,000, depending on your location and breeder’s costs. Adopting a White German Shepherd could be less than $150 from animal shelters or around $150 to $500 from rescue organizations.
In this article, we will go through their appearance, genetics, temperament, and health so that you can understand why they are so special to make them more expensive than the other GSDs.
Click to see a rundown of all the things you need to know about the White German Shepherd:
The White German Shepherd vs German Shepherd
As Max von Stephanitz, the father of the German Shepherd Dog, wrote in 1908 in one of his countless theses, where he claimed that the color of the German Shepherd had no influence on the dog’s ability to work.
That said, apart from the aesthetic features, there’s no significant difference between White German Shepherds and colored German Shepherds.
Here’s a brief summary of the major similarities and differences between the two:
The Similarities
- Body: Large, muscular build
- Ears: Large and erect
- Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, protective, and energetic
- Coat: Double-coated
The Differences
- Color: White or cream in color
- Long coat is more common
A brief history of the White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd is a breed mentioned repeatedly in literature, where it dates back to before the birth of Jesus Christ. It was first mentioned by the Roman historian, Marcus Terentius in 116 BC, who described the dog as an excellent dog for shepherds.
Related post: The White German Shepherd – the Ancestor of All GSDs
The tasks for herding dogs were very different from what we know today. They should, like today, keep the flock together – but its main task was to defend the flock from predators/thieves.
Evidence suggests that the first German Shepherds were white because that was preferred by shepherds since thieves and wolves couldn’t distinguish a white German Shepherd from the sheep.
Appearance
The White German Shepherds were bred for herding in European farms.
Their white coat blended in with the school of sheep and makes it hard for wolves and coyotes to distinguish it.
Their coat is either in white or cream. They are double-coated with the undercoat being dense and fine in texture, and the outer coat being thick and straight. This double coat keeps him warm and protected from the elements.
The White German Shepherds have large erect ears and their eyes are either dark brown or black in color. Their noses are black as a puppy and gradually turn pink when they reach adulthood, while some remain black.
The recessive gene that make them white
The gene that makes the White German Shepherd white is a recessive gene.
A white pup only occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene (which makes them white). And if a white GSD parent mates with a non-white who carries the recessive white gene, there is only a 50% chance of producing a white pup.
If two non-white dogs with recessive genes produce a litter, they too could have a small number of white pups, but only if the parent both carry the recessive gene.
Temperament
The White German Shepherds are said to be more sociable and calmer. They can make a great family pet, especially good with kids. The White German Shepherds are also known to be very affectionate with and protective of their families.
They are very sociable, meaning they are not afraid to meet new people, dogs, or other animals.
That doesn’t mean they’re cuddly—oftentimes they’re not, except with their own family. And it doesn’t necessarily mean they want to play with other dogs, but they are mostly friendly and not aggressive.
Related post: German Shepherd Temperament – Everything You Need to Know
Health
A healthy White German Shepherd can live up to 12-15 years, depending on the lifestyle, food, and location.
Like other German Shepherds, they also suffer from Elbow and Hip Dysplasia more frequently than other breeds of dogs. Yet, these are complications that are common in large dogs.
During WWII, the White German Shepherds were blamed for all problems the colored German Shepherds were suffering from (aggressive behavior, diseases, light-skinned) – which was deemed as the consequence of too much inbreeding.
But this is not true.
Today, science and breeding history have proven that the white recessive gene masks the actual color of the dog, making them appear white, and brings along no health problems: in other words, the gene which causes white does not itself cause any other defect. They are otherwise genetically identical to colored German Shepherds.
(Source: White German Shepherd Dog Club of America)
Summary
Considering it rarity, you can expect to pay a little more to get your White German Shepherd from reputable breeders.
With the stunning appearance that turns people’s heads, plus all the desirabilities of the German Shepherd of being intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and more, the White German Shepherd is worth every penny.
Further Questions
1. Is the White German Shepherd rare?
A white pup only occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene, which makes them white. And if a white GSD parent mates with a non-white who carries the recessive white gene, there is only a 50% chance of producing a white pup.
2. Are White German Shepherds more expansive than colored German Shepherds?
Given their rarity, White German Shepherd puppies are more expensive than colored ones. While the price for colored German Shepherd puppies can start from $1,000, White German Shepherd puppies with a good bloodline and health certifications could cost between $1,500 – 23,000.
3. Is the White German Shepherd a separate breed from the standard German Shepherd?
Although proven to be genetically identical to colored German Shepherds, the White German Shepherd is recognized as a separate breed.
4. Are White German Shepherds prone to more health issues than colored German Shepherds?
Their recessive gene is only responsible for the dog’s color. And there is no scientific proof showing white German Shepherds have poorer health or temperament than colored GSDs.
Yet, the White German Shepherds do face the same health issues as the colored GSDs, the major concern being hip and elbow dysplasia.
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
