The white German Shepherd is an outstanding dog. They have amazing white fur, pricked ears, and a trademark goofy grin. They are simply amazing. But how rare is the white German shepherd? Keep reading to find out more.
What is a white German Shepherd called?
The White German Shepherd is simply called a “White German Shepherd.” However, some people also refer to them as a “White Swiss Shepherd (Berger Blanc Suisse)” or “White Alsatian.” Regardless of the name used, they are still considered a German Shepherd breed and are recognized as such by most kennel clubs.
History of the white German Shepherd
The white German Shepherd dog has gone through a long and hard battle to earn its place as a purebred dog breed around the world. It takes a deliberate and consistent breeding strategy to reliably produce all-white German Shepherd puppies.
Historically, white pups would sometimes appear among a litter of pups with the more common shades of black and earth.
Breeders generally didn’t know what to make of these white puppies, and some (mistakenly) assumed that the white coloration denoted a weaker dog.
During World War II, Hitler himself decided that white was not a suitable coloration for the German Shepherd.
So they began to erase all traces of the white German Shepherd’s genes, but fortunately, this did not happen in many places outside of Germany.
Even today, breeders prefer the dark colors rather than light shades. A white coat disqualifies a German Shepherd from American Kennel Club shows.
Our understanding of the genes that control canine coat color is increasing all the time. But while we have some clue about the unique DNA of other famous white dogs (e.g., the Dalmatian and the white English Bulldog), the white German Shepherd remains a mystery.
There was a time when all white German Shepherds were considered albinos. Although the gene for albinism exists in the population, most white German Shepherds do not have it. They also don’t carry the extreme white piebald gene that gives Dalmatians their white base.
Read also>> How rare is a Blue German Shepherd? Find out here
White German Shepherd Genetics
The gene responsible for the white coat color in German Shepherds is the SLC45A2 gene. White German Shepherds have a double recessive gene mutation that causes a lack of pigmentation in their coat, making them white or cream-colored.
The white coat color in German Shepherds is considered a fault in some breed standards, as it is not the traditional color for the breed. However, there are breeders who specialize in breeding white German Shepherds, and they are recognized as a distinct color variation by many kennel clubs.
How rare is the white German Shepherd?
White German Shepherds are a relatively rare color variation of the German Shepherd breed. While the exact prevalence of the white coat color in German Shepherds is unknown, it is estimated that only around 10% of German Shepherds have a white coat.
Why is a white German Shepherd dog considered a rare breed?
Not a traditional color
Historically, the German Shepherd breed has been bred for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding ability, with less emphasis placed on coat color. As a result, most German Shepherds have a black and tan or sable coat color, which is the most common for the breed. The white coat color is not a traditional color for the breed, which contributes to its rarity.
Recessive gene
The white coat color in German Shepherds is a recessive trait, which means that both parents must carry the gene for the white coat color in order for their offspring to have a white coat. If only one parent carries the gene, their offspring may have a traditional coat color. This means that white German Shepherds are only produced when both parents have the recessive gene for the white coat color, which is less common.
Breed standard
The white coat color is considered a fault in some breed standards, as it is not the traditional color for the breed. This means that breeders who prioritize conforming to breed standards may be less likely to breed for the white coat color, further contributing to its rarity.
Popularity
While white German Shepherds have gained a following among dog enthusiasts and are recognized as a distinct color variation by many kennel clubs, they are still less popular than their traditionally colored counterparts. As a result, there may be fewer breeders producing white German Shepherds, further contributing to their rarity.
The white German Shepherd’s Appearance
In terms of appearance, the White German Shepherd is a medium- to large-sized dog, typically weighing between 50 and 90 pounds and standing 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a muscular and athletic build, with a straight back and long, pointed ears.
Their white coat is typically medium to long in length and is straight, dense, and harsh to the touch. They have a thick undercoat that helps to keep them warm in colder climates. Some white German Shepherds may have a slight cream or ivory tint to their coat, but overall they should be predominantly white.
The White German Shepherd’s eyes are usually brown or amber in color, but blue or different-colored eyes are also possible. They have a noble and alert expression with a confident and friendly demeanor.
Overall, the White German Shepherd is a striking and beautiful dog with a powerful and athletic build and a distinctive white coat that sets them apart from other German Shepherds.
Are long-haired white German Shepherds rare?
Do you think a white German Shepherd is rare? A long-haired white German Shepherd is even rarer! Long-haired German Shepherds of all colors owe their fur to a recessive gene for long hair.
Historically, long-haired German Shepherds were considered to have a genetic flaw. Also, long-haired dogs do not have a waterproof, insulating undercoat, so they are not suitable for work.
Short-haired white German shepherd
The short-haired white German shepherd is more common than the long-haired.
A short-coated German Shepherd has the same insulating undercoat as any German Shepherd, regardless of coat color.
These dogs are working dogs, excelling in guarding, herding, service, search and rescue, police, military, and protection jobs.
Their white fur helps to distinguish herd guard dogs from darker-furred predators such as coyotes and wolves.
How to care for a white German Shepherd
In terms of grooming, the short-haired white German shepherd has the same basic grooming needs as any other short-haired dog.
All German Shepherds shed a lot. But white hairs have a knack for showing up on floors and furniture. The long-haired German Shepherd will need more frequent grooming.
You will need to pay special attention to cleaning and preparing the ears. Also, bathing should always be done in moderation to avoid stripping away necessary oils. Excessive washing can cause dry skin, which can lead to irritation or illness, so invest in a mild shampoo.
White German Shepherd Temperament
The personality of the white German Shepherd is perceived as softer and gentler than the traditional German Shepherd. But there doesn’t seem to be any evidence to support this claim.
As with any purebred dog breed, it is important to realize right away that these dogs are not bred to be lap dogs. They demand a high level of work and interaction, or they will become bored and destructive.
Are white German Shepherds aggressive?
German shepherds of all colors are strong dogs. In the past, many people trained them to be wary of strangers and aggressive toward intruders.
Nowadays, most German shepherds are still wary of new people, and it takes time to get used to them.
However, there is no reason for a well-bred White German Shepherd to be aggressive.
Early, daily, consistent, and ongoing socialization as a puppy will give them the confidence to welcome new faces and situations calmly and confidently.
Do white German Shepherds have health problems?
Like all purebred dogs, White German Shepherds may be prone to certain health problems. However, the White German Shepherd is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 10–14 years.
Some of the health issues that are more common in White German Shepherds, or German Shepherds in general, include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and allergies. Other potential health concerns may include thyroid issues, eye problems, and skin problems.
To minimize the risk of health problems, it is important to obtain a White German Shepherd from a reputable breeder who screens their breeding stock for genetic health issues and who provides regular veterinary care. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog, including providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups with a veterinarian.
Does white fur affect hearing?
The color of a dog’s fur does not affect their hearing ability. The ability to hear is primarily dependent on the dog’s ears and inner ear structure, which are not affected by fur color.
However, it is worth noting that certain breeds of dogs with white fur, like the white German Shepherd, may be more prone to certain ear problems, such as ear infections, due to the structure of their ears and the way in which their fur covers their ears. This is because the long hair or fur around the ears can trap moisture and dirt, which can contribute to ear infections.
It’s important to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections and other ear problems. This can be achieved by regularly cleaning your dog’s ears with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and keeping the fur around their ears trimmed. It’s also a good idea to have your dog’s ears checked by a veterinarian during routine check-ups to catch any potential ear problems early on.
Do white German Shepherds make good pets?
Yes, white German Shepherds can make excellent pets for the right owner. They are loyal, intelligent, and trainable dogs with a friendly and outgoing personality.
White German Shepherds are typically easy to train and very obedient. They are known for their intelligence, and they enjoy learning new things and being challenged. This makes them an excellent choice for owners who are looking for a dog that can participate in various activities such as obedience, agility, and even search and rescue.
White German Shepherds are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are protective of their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are also good with children and other pets if they are socialized properly from an early age.
It’s important to note that White German Shepherds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are an active breed and need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and exercise. They also require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful white coat.
In conclusion, White German Shepherds can make great pets for active families or individuals who are looking for a loyal and intelligent companion. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure that this breed is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.