Do you know all German Shepherds are the descendants of a white German Shepherd? And during WWII, Germany had even banned white German Shepherds from the conformation ring and the breeding pool.
The white German Shepherd is not recognized by the American Kennel Club because the white color does not meet the AKC‘s breed standard of a German Shepherd. However, this doesn’t stop the white German Shepherd dog from being one of the most sought-after shepherds in North America.
In this article, we will share with you 10 interesting facts you didn’t know about the White Shepherd.
The White German Shepherd at a glance
| The White German Shepherd | |
| Coat | Double coat, long coat is more common |
| Color | Pure white, cream |
| Temperament | Balanced Loyal Playful |
| AKC Recognized? | Yes |
| Puppy Price | $1500 – $3500 |
| Size | Male 24” – 26” Female 22” – 24” |
| Weight | Male 65 – 90lb. Female 50 – 70lb. |
1. The White German Shepherd was the ancestor of all German Shepherd Dogs
In the “beginning”, there was a white German Shepherd with the name of Grief, which was born in Frankfurt in 1879.
Grief was paired with a bitch named Lotte. They both came from the tribes Thuringia and Frankonia known for their wolf-like ears and wolf-like color.
Greif and Lotte then gave birth to Lene.
Lene and was paired with a dog named Kastor. Then they birthed the famous dog Horand von Grafrath. This very dog was then registered on September 20 in the same year, under a new breed registry – making Horand von Grafrath the first German Shepherd Dog.
The rest is history.
2. White German Shepherds were preferred for herding in the early days
The White German Shepherd is a dog 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.
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 early Shepherds were white because that was preferred by shepherds since thieves and wolves couldn’t distinguish a white Shepherd from the sheep.
3. The White German Shepherd is considered a separate dog breed from the German Shepherd Dog
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 German Shepherds 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 – they are genetically the same dog breed.
Unfortunately, the White German Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC. And therefore, White German Shepherds are not allowed in competitions. However, this doesn’t stop the white German Shepherd dog from being bred and they are recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club.
4. Both white and non-white German Shepherds can produce white German Shepherd puppies
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.
Also read: 26 Critical Time in a GSD’s Life That Every Owner Must Be Aware of
5. The White German Shepherd is not an albino dog
An albino is an organism that has deficient pigmentation, which causes pink eyes, pale skin, and colorless hair.
The White German Shepherd has pink or black skin, gold or brown eyes, a dark nose, and white or cream fur – which are not the characteristics of albino dogs.
6. The white color has no negative effect on its temperament
Regardless of the dog breed, the color of a dog does not have any negative effect on its temperament.
However, the White German Shepherds are bred to be more sociable and calmer than their multi-colored counterparts.
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.
7. The white fur does not create any extra health issues
Similar to the Black German Shepherd, the White German Shepherd carries a recessive gene that determines its coat color.
Since the White German Shepherd has no genetic difference as compared to a standard GSD, the white fur does not create any extra health issues.
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.
A healthy White Shepherd can live up to 12-15 years, depending on the lifestyle, food, and location.
8. Long coat is more common in the White German Shepherds
The coat of a White German Shepherd is either medium or long in length, long hair is more common. Both are double coats with a dense layer to protect them from nearly anything weather or environmental conditions.
Shedding is a natural and constant process that replenishes fresh and new coats to keep your GSD healthy. Just because they have white coat does not make them shed lesser than any of their colored counterparts.
Related post: How to Deal with German Shepherd Shedding? (Other Than Vacuuming)
9. White German Shepherds are 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.
That said, if you are looking to buy a White German Shepherd puppy, be prepared to pay a little bit more. Breeders charge more for rare colors in high demand.
10. White German Shepherds are more expensive
Given their rarity, White German Shepherd puppies are more expensive than colored ones.
While the price for GSD puppies can start anywhere from $1250, the of puppies White German Shepherd with a good bloodline and health certifications could cost between $1500 – 3000.
Final thoughts
The snowy-white coat (sometimes in cream) of the White German Shepherd is so distinctive and loveable. They are often bred to have a softer, more mellow, more sensitive personality than their multi-colored counterparts.
Given their rarity, the White German Shepherd has become a very sought-after kind of GSD – for good reasons.
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
Further Questions
What is the life expectancy of the White German Shepherds?
A healthy White Shepherd can live up to 12-15 years, depending on the lifestyle, food, and location.
What does a white dog symbolize?
A white dog symbolizes love, respect, and gratitude. A white dog ushers in a time of peace in your life, perhaps after some turmoil, and assures you that you are protected. (Source: Dog Dream Meanings (Complete Dictionary for Dreams About Dogs))
Why don’t police use white German Shepherds?
White Shepherds are often bred to have a softer, more mellow, more sensitive personality. Because of this sweeter temperament, white Shepherds are seldom used as police dogs, guard dogs, or to participate in protection dog sports such as Schutzhund. (Source: White Shepherds: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em)
