If you’ve ever seen a White German Shepherd, you’ve probably been struck by its unusual beauty. This dog really stands out at the dog park, that’s for sure! The resemblance to the traditional German Shepherd is definitely noticeable, but how alike are they?
A White German Shepherd is a rare genetic variant of the German Shepherd breed. The White German Shepherd is generally more playful and mild-mannered than a traditional German Shepherd. Because of its notoriety, the White German Shepherd is recognized as a separate breed under the United Kennel Club.
White German Shepherds and German Shepherds are both variations of the same breed, which is why it might be challenging to differentiate between the two beyond their coloring, especially when their differences cause them to be considered as separate breeds entirely by some kennel clubs.
White German Shepherds Origin
Though first bred in Europe, the German Shepherd (GSD) made its way to the United States in the early 1900s (Source: GSDCA). Soon after, they became one of the most popular and widely domesticated breeds of dogs in the entire world.
Max von Stephanitz developed a breeding standard for German Shepherds highlighting the different kinds of off-springs that could be produced when two German Shepherds mated.
Among the off-springs, there was one variation where a pup would have a homozygous genotype of the recessive gene that masks the dark color gene (typically dominant). The result would be a puppy with a white or cream-colored coat.
Differences Between Regular And White German Shepherds
Understandably, the foremost difference between the two variations of GSD’s is the fact that one has a white to cream-colored coat, and the other has a tan black to a solid black colored one.
However, another difference that stands out is their temperament. A White German Shepherd stands out because of its playfulness and generally mild-mannered temperament.
Although not in every case, this is the opposite of the traditional German Shepherd, who is known to be alerted and guarded at all times. Both varieties of German Shepherds are loyal to the core, and defend their family, human or canine.
Because of their calm nature, White German Shepherds are often recommended for novice or first-time pet owners because they require minimal domestication effort.
Here’s a list of characteristics of White German Shepherds:
- White to Cream-colored coat
- Generally friendly, playful and social
- Very vocal animals
- Require minimum domestication efforts
- Usually gentler and more relaxed than black and tan German Shepherds
- They shed – a lot!
Similarities Between Regular And White German Shepherds
Having established that they are both variations of the same breed, it’s safe to say there are multiple similarities between Regular and White German Shepherds:
| Shared Characteristic | Regular and White German Shepherd |
| Average Weight | Male: 77 lbs. Female: 60 lbs. |
| Average Height | Male: 25 in Female: 23 in |
| Major Health Concern | Elbow and Hip Dysplasia |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Litter | Once a year (up to 10 puppies) |
As far as general characteristics and size are concerned, the White German Shepherd is similar in every respect to the German Shepherd. Also, they both require the same amount of grooming, care, and attention.
Controversy Surrounding White German Shepherds
The White German Shepherd has faced discrimination throughout the world, Stephanitz had to advocate continuously for White German Shepherds after they were disqualified from the original GSD’s breeding standard by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. The White Shepherd was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999.
Why weren’t White German Shepherds recognized as a variation of the original GSD? And why were they discriminated against? The fact is, breeders and owners would associate the recessive gene that masked the dark coat with an albino characteristic. Therefore believing White German Shepherds were ill.
Albino dogs have a multitude of congenital conditions, such as:
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Joint Diseases
- Sun-Sensitivity
The chances of having a White German Shepherd are so relatively low, that breeders consider them as being ‘disabled’ dogs and therefore have them spayed or neutered.
White German Shepherd dogs are not albino dogs. They have dark oral cavities and dark-colored eyes, contrary to albino dogs with pinkish cavities and eyes. They can be breed further and will most likely produce traditional looking German Shepherd varieties, unless the mate has the recessive gene themselves.
White German Shepherd Purchasing And Breeding
The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club, mandate a strict standard of precautions for buyers and breeders when they’re looking to purchase or breed dogs.
Certain regulations have to be followed by sellers before they can list a dog up for sale or deem it old enough for breeding (for example, the dog has to be older than two years before it can mate).
Given how German Shepherds are ranked second in the list of popular dog breeds in the United States, Kennel Clubs advise the following when buying or breeding:
Purchasing
White German Shepherds might have had been ostracized by the kennel community. However, they are indeed seen as rare species. Therefore their prices start at $800 and go upwards of $2500. Compared to other varieties of German Shepherds that are sold for up to $1200 in most cases.
Given the price difference, pet owners have to be cautious when making a purchase. A White German Shepherd can be sold-off by tricky breeders for prices higher than necessary given their rarity but have underlying health concerns. (Here’s a link to my post about how much White German Shepherds cost)
Breeding
The fact that there is no reputable White German Shepherd Club or organization with the authority to mandate strict breeding practices isn’t much help either. However, general guidelines (that are pretty strictly regulated) require that all dogs used for breeding have to have a clean bill of health and must be over two years old before being bred.
Which German Shepherd Is Right For You?
Several distinct features set the White German Shepherd apart from a traditional German Shepherd. However, there are also many similarities between the two. Once you are ready to add a new member to your family, you should consider the following:
Family Pet
Both varieties of German Shepherds could be a great fit for any family:
- German Shepherds are generally known to be playful and very social. They tend to be friendly when they aren’t on the alert.
- If you have kids or are expected to have strangers over routinely, either German Shepherd can prove to be friendly. However, some sort of training is still recommended with any dog you bring into your family.
- If you are looking for a good guard dog, either German Shepherd would be a good option. Again, with the proper training.
For Breeding Purposes
Several misconceptions have gone around for decades (possibly one of the reasons why the White German Shepherds have been placed as a separate breed), but if your plan is to breed, there are a few points to remember:
- The recessive gene that gives White German Shepherds their characteristic color is a masking gene and not a diluting one. To put it simply, you cannot expect to breed a White German Shepherd with a tan one and have the litter with a diluted coat.
- The only way to ensure the off-spring has a light or white-colored coat is to breed a White German Shepherd with another White German Shepherd. All other matches will produce traditional looking German Shepherd unless they have the recessive gene.
The most distinct feature of a White German Shepherd is in their name: their white coat. In terms of mannerisms and temperament, it’s fair to say both dogs have many similarities, including strong loyalty, but White German Shepherds tend to be more playful, balanced and calm when not alarmed.
All things aside, the White German Shepherd might have been grossly misunderstood for decades, times are changing, and more people now recognize them for their worth.