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WHITE SHEPHERD DOG — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Registries / Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information
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Breed Registries: |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
Note: The White Shepherd Dog is still recognized and registered as a German Shepherd Dog under the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC). However, because the colour white is a disqualification by the CKC and AKC, they are not eligible to be shown in the conformation ring. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the White Shepherd as a separate breed and the breed, known as the "Berger Blanc Suisse" or "White Swiss Shepherd Dog" is provisionally accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.)
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Breed Description
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Height: |
Male — 25 inches (64 cm) at the shoulder
Female — 23 inches (58 cm) at the shoulder |
| Weight: |
Male — 75 to 85 lbs. (34 to 39 kg)
Female — 60 to 70 lbs. (27 to 32 kg) |
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The White Shepherd is a direct descendent of the German Shepherd Dog. The White Shepherd was recognized by the UKC in 1999 and the F.C.I. recognized the breed as the "Berger Blanc Suisse" in 2002. The colour white in German Shepherd Dogs was one of the original colours found in the breed. The developer of the breed, Max Von Stephanitz, owned several White German Shepherd Dogs and one of the first GSDs imported into the United States carried the gene that produces the white coat colour. In 1968, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) made the colour white a disqualification in the German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard. After the GSDCA and the German Sieger Verein disqualified the colour, many countries followed their lead, including Canada.
Today, the White German Shepherd Dog is still recognized and registered as a German Shepherd Dog under the AKC and the CKC. However, because the colour white is a disqualification, they are no longer eligible to be shown in the conformation ring. Because of this and because many German Shepherd Dog breeders will not breed to the white dogs, White Shepherd clubs in North America have been pursuing the goal of breed separation, in hopes of attaining the proper recognition that these dogs deserve. Through careful study of the breed worldwide, it has been determined that there is a sufficient gene pool to support a separate breed.
The Breed Standards developed for the White Shepherd Dog are very similar to that of the Breed Standards for the German Shepherd Dog except, of course, colour. According to the UKC Breed Standard, the ideal coat colour is a pure white. However, colours ranging from a very light cream to light biscuit tan are acceptable. Skin colour should be pink to grey, with grey preferred. The nose, lips, eye rims, and pads must be fully pigmented and black in colour. Albinism is a disqualification.
Like the German Shepherd Dog, the White Shepherd is well known for his intelligence and faithfulness. He shares the same versatility and is known as a family companion, Guide Dog, Police Dog, Search and Rescue Dog, Drug and Bomb Detection Dog, Herding Dog, and Tracking Dog to name a few.
The White Shepherd's physical characteristics are also similar to that of the German Shepherd giving an impression of strength, agility, and balance. He should be well-muscled, alert and appear athletic and fit. There should also be a distinct difference in males and females whereby the dog is definitely masculine and the bitch, feminine.
He has a distinct personality with a direct and fearless expression. He is self-confident and with a certain aloofness, he does not make immediate or indiscriminate friends. He is however approachable, quietly standing his ground. Any signs of a lack of confidence or nervousness are not typical of the breed. The ideal Shepherd is a working animal with a reliable character that possesses a high degree of beauty and nobility.
The White Shepherd's double coat is weather-resistant with the outer coat being of medium length, dense, straight and close lying. The undercoat is short, thick and fine in texture. The ideal coat colour is a pure white but may vary from light cream to a light biscuit tan.
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Health Issues:
German Shepherd Dogs, as with other breeds, are susceptible to several health problems, some of a genetic nature, others viral. If you are considering the adoption of a German Shepherd puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC German Shepherd Video
Published by the AKC; Video Edition; Duration: 17 mins.
Summary: Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
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German Shepherd Dog: Structure Video
Published by Canine Training Systems; 1996 Video Edition; Duration: 85 mins.
This video is designed to illustrate, analyze and teach the German way of looking at the German Shepherd's conformation.
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German Shepherd Dog: Gait Video
Published by Canine Training Systems; 1998 Video edition; Duration: 60 mins.
A detailed analysis by Ricardo Carbajal of how German Shepherd structure contributes to strength, soundness and efficient movement. |
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Training Resources:
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Additional Information:
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