White German Shepherds have a double recessive white gene that makes their fur to be completely white, which is the only difference between them and regular German Shepherds. The dog is genetically identical to the German Shepherd in every other way.
Read on to know about White German Shepherd history, temperament, appearance, health, dietary needs, and whether they are recognized by the AKC.
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White German Shepherd History
The white German shepherd, commonly known as the white Alsatian or white shepherd, is a cross between the ordinary German shepherd and the white Alsatian. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the recessive gene that causes this breed’s white fur was introduced into the gene pool in Germany. Horand von Grafrath’s grandfather had a white German herding dog named Geif, who is considered the origin of all modern German shepherd breeds.
The recessive gene for white fur in white German shepherd puppies passed down from the grandpa persisted through the bloodline, causing white German shepherd puppies to appear at random.
Temperament
German Shepherds are incredibly bright dogs who can be trained to an exceptionally high level. They’re also a devoted and protective breed that will bravely defend their home and loved ones from any perceived harm.
Even though German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds, they are not for everyone. They necessitate a great deal of focus, as well as exercise and strict, consistent instruction. Because they are large, strong dogs, they require a confident and strong-willed human who can sustain a consistent approach and maintain their dog in line.
White German Shepherd Appearance
Male white German Shepherds will weigh 65 to 90 pounds. From paw to shoulder, White German Shepherd’s coats are 24 to 26 inches tall. Females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall.
White German Shepherds have a long tail, large upright ears, and dark brown or black eyes, depending on the breed.
The undercoat is dense and fine in texture, while the outside coat is thick and straight. White German Shepherds have a double coat that keeps them warm. Although pure white is desirable, any tint from cream to light biscuit is acceptable. His skin should be grey, and while albinism is OK, it should not be the cause of his pink skin. All of his features, including his nose, lips, eye rims, and pads, must be black.
Diet
White German Shepherds thrive on high-quality dry dog food designed specifically for large dogs. There are a variety of pet food brands available online and in pet stores, and you should look for one that has a high amount of meat protein and has been created to give a complete and balanced meal.
It’s also a good idea to look for a food manufacturer that offers a variety of formulations for dogs at various phases of their lives. This will ensure that your dog receives the greatest nutrition possible from the time he or she is a small puppy to the time he or she is an aged or senior dog.
Price of white German Shepherd
Unfortunately, some breeders, like those who breed the Black German Shepherd, are simply interested in generating money. Due to the rarity of White German Shepherd puppies, breeders can charge a higher price. White German Shepherd puppies range in price from $750 to $1000, while ordinary German Shepherd puppies start at around $300 and go up to $900.
Are White German Shepherds Recognized By AKC?
To begin, you can register him as a German Shepherd with the American Kennel Club (AKC). You’ll register as a white-colored purebred German Shepherd. It’s worth remembering that the AKC still considers color to be a flaw. He won’t be able to compete in conformation shows anymore. However, he can compete in performance events like herding and obedience. Be warned, though, some German Shepherd enthusiasts favor the breed’s original or darker hues. As a result, it is predicted that white German Shepherds will face discrimination in performance tasks.
White German Shepherd Health
As previously said, there is a common belief that all white dogs have greater health issues, which is not true in the case of the white German Shepherd. He is regarded to be a generally healthy dog with an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
They can have abnormal development of the elbow and hip joints that can lead to significant joint pain and arthritis over time. In general, this is a sickness that affects many dogs as they get older.
Conclusion
While there has been debate about the origins and genetic makeup of this magnificent dog, there is no doubt that if properly taught, they would become fantastic family friends. Nevertheless, white GSD will set you back a little extra money. People are more likely to pay a bit more for the dog they want, especially if it’s a rarer breed variety.