White Shepherd Dog

Breed: Shepherd

Height: Male: 25 inches (64 cm), Female: 23 inches (58 cm)

Weight: Male: 75 to 85 lbs. (34 to 39 kg), Female: 60 to 70 lbs. (27 to 32 kg)

Coat Type: Medium length and dense

 

Emerged from white coat lines of the German Shepherd, White Shepherd dog was recognized as a breed by the FCI on 26^th November, 2002. These are protective, alert and affectionate breed of dogs. Though playful in nature, White Shepherds love to work and help their owners. The breed has been found to be standoffish and detachable with strangers or those outside the family unit. The dogs are protective in nature, which makes them great house pets. White Shepherd is an intelligent and an energetic breed of dog which requires proper attention and training to get along well. This article provides you with all the information about the White Shepherd Dog breed. 

 

White Shepherd dog is the direct descendent of the German Shepherd. The white color in the German Shepherds was one of the original colors found in this breed. The founder of the breed, Max Von Stephanitz owned many white German Shepherds. One of the first German Shepherds imported to the States carried the gene that lead to the production of white color coat. In the year 1968, the German Shepherd Dog club of America made the color white a disqualifying factor for the German Shepherd dog breed standard, which led to the formation of the new breed standards for the White Shepherd dogs, which were very similar to that of the breed standards for the German Shepherd, except the color white. According to the UKC breed standard, the ideal coat color of the breed is a pure white. However, colors ranging from a very light cream to light biscuit tan are also accepted. The breed got recognized by the UKC in 1999 and the FCI recognized the breed as the ‘Berger Blanc Suisse’ in 2002.

 

The White Shepherd is a medium-sized, muscular well-balanced dog. It is a long dog of a medium length with a pure white coat, erect ears and a low set natural tail that reaches down the hock. White Shepherds have a solid, non-bulky and lean structure with smooth curvy outline, instead of angles. The head of the White Shepherd is proportional to its size, with the skull and muzzle being of the same length standing parallel to one another and joined at a moderate stop. The breed comes with a weather-resistant double coat, the outer coat being dense, of medium length, straight and harsh. The undercoat is short, thick and of fine texture. The coat can be slightly long at the neck, particularly in males.

 

This particular breed is defined by distinct personality traits. Their personality is marked by direct and fearless, but not a hostile expression. White Shepherds have a lot of self-confidence and they maintain certain aloofness. They are eager and alert when situation calls for and are always willing to serve as a companion, guard, guide or a herding dog, best to their abilities. They love their share of daily exercise and enjoy running, fetching games and all other activities with their family or pack. They are affectionate, loving and very good toward children. They can become a good pet and get along with children and other pets, if socialized properly. White Shepherd is an intelligent breed of dog. As such, if suitably trained, these dogs can master various tricks in no time.

 

Like any other dog breeds, White Shepherds are also susceptible to various health issues, some of them being viral and genetic in nature. Therefore, you need to be careful and indulge in a bit of research before going in to purchase the particular breed dog. Make sure that you approach a responsible and reputable breeder to purchase your puppy from.

 

White Shepherd is a heavy shedder during the shedding season. The dog requires daily brushing. Bathe your White Shepherd only when necessary, as over-bathing can cause skin irritation due to oil depletion. You need to check its ears and trim the claws whenever needed to avoid risk of any infection.