The German Shepherd Dog and the White Shepherd Dog are cousins. He is clever, brave, bold, and loyal.
The White Shepherd is a wonderful family pet who likes to spend time with all household members. Because of his protective tendencies, he makes an excellent guard dog.
He is instinctively apprehensive of strangers, but he only barks when he needs to warn someone. He’s eager to learn, so getting him up to speed should be simple.
The White Shepherd requires human connection and will grow despondent and even destructive when left unattended over an extended period.
If you work away from home all day, be prepared to spend more contact with your White Shepherd.
White Shepherd History
A pure German Shepherd Dog gave birth to the White Shepherd. The white hue is due to a gene present in all German Shepherd Dogs.
Although no other breed has been combined with the German Shepherd to generate the White Shepherd, the white coloration has long been considered a serious flaw. Such dogs have been eliminated from breeding programs and spayed or neutered.
It wasn’t until farmers in the USA and Canada discovered that the white hue appealed to them that the white color became popular. Any white coloration was thought inappropriate in the 1930s, as well as any canine that was solid white could not even be certified as a German Shepherd.
Breeders began intentionally mating to purebred white German Shepherd Dogs in the 1980s. Because solid white Shepherds remained barred from most conformation contests and breeding programs, the White Shepherd swiftly developed into its specific form and breed.
Although the White Shepherd is virtually indistinguishable from his predecessor save for color, he attracts a lot of attention from both fans and detractors of the breed.
The American White Shepherd Alliance was established because the German Shepherd Association of America refused to acknowledge solid white Shepherds. While the American Breed Standards does not recognize the White Shepherd, he has a loyal following and can do all of the German Shepherd Dog’s functions.
The White Shepherd was recognized as a separate breed by the United Breed Standard in 1999, and he was eligible to participate in all UKC recognized competitions.
White Shepherd Characteristics
The White Shepherd is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a somewhat longer body than its legs. Although a creamy tint is acceptable, his fur is pure white.
He has bigger ears that are trapezoidal and stand erect. His ear leatherette is robust and capable of supporting the ear’s weight. He has a low-set, somewhat curled tail that extends to his hock.
Gender differences are visible in the White Shepherd, with the female being less muscular & lighter-boned than the male. However, a thinner nose is okay. It is not desirable. He has a black nose.
How Big Can A White Shepherd Get?
A White Shepherd is a large-sized dog that stands 24 to 27 inches and weighs 77 to 88lbs.
How Long Can A White Shepherd Live?
The lifecycle of a White Shepherd is between 12-and 14.
How Much Does A White Shepherd Cost?
The average cost of a White Shepherd is between 1000$-1500$. That covers the puppy; it does not include things like a cage, immunizations, vet visits, a collar, food, water bowls, etc.
In reality, the cost of a White Shepherd could be much more or cheaper. A genuinely excellent example may easily cost $1200. Similarly, you could be lucky to get one in your area for just a few hundred dollars.
White Shepherd Personality/Temperament
The White Shepherd is a clever, brave, and fearless dog. He is loyal to his family & rapidly builds attachments, particularly with the person training him. To prevent him from being scared or hostile toward strangers, he must be socialized early.
He is naturally distrustful of strangers, and if he concerns for his or his family’s safety, he might turn hostile. White Shepherds become violent and uncontrollable due to a lack of training & socialization.
White Shepherd Nutrition
Each day, a White Shepherd requires only 3 cups of dog food, which should be full of protein & carbohydrates.
How Do You Groom A White Shepherd?
The White Shepherd is indeed not allergenic & sheds a lot during the season. You might expect to discover hairs drifting through the wind or accumulating on the floors or furniture throughout the year.
He should be groomed regularly using a smoother brush, metal comb, and deshedder to reduce the quantity of shedding.
Expect to brush him every day during seasonal shedding to remain on the hairline that seems loose and falls out. Only bath your White Shepherd when required, such as at the start of severe shedding, to release the undercoat.
When bathing your white dog, use a gentle shampoo designed specifically for white dogs. Clean his ears once a week and look for redness or a foul odor that might signal the start of an infection. Depending on how quickly his nails grow, he’ll need to get them clipped every few weeks.
Establish a dental program that includes weekly brushing and an annual professional cleaning to avoid gum disease.
White Shepherd Activity Level
The White Shepherd is an extremely trainable dog who enjoys human connection. To keep him happy, spend nearly 30 minutes per day playing these games or traveling for quick walks. When the weather isn’t suitable for outside activities, he can focus on running on the treadmill.
Dog activities such as training, agility, flyball, and even protective training would suit the White Shepherd perfectly. He will like doggy family game nights or outings to the park because he is a social dog. Make training enjoyable for both of you; it is a moment for you both to bond & appreciate one another.
White Shepherd Health Concerns
One of the most crucial variables to consider when purchasing a dog is the pet’s health. Crossbred dogs are typically less healthy than mixed-breed dogs, leaving them more susceptible to health issues.
On the other hand, the White Shepherd is an outlier.
This breed is relatively healthy, with only a few small health concerns to be aware of. Except for elbow and hip problems, this breed is free of all diseases.
Similar Breeds To A White Shepherd
Best Dog Food for White Shepherds
The best dog food for White Shepherd is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. This Blue Buffalo food is made of chicken and brown rice. It contains whole grains, fruits, garden veggies, and real meat. It provides a healthy lifestyle by its highly digestible formula with no by-product meals, wheat, corn, and soy.
- Improves immune system with antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals.
- Makes bones and teeth stronger through calcium, vitamins, and phosphorus.
- Contains carbs for higher energy levels.
Best Puppy Food for White Shepherds
The best puppy food for White Shepherd is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food. This puppy food by Diamond Naturals is crafted with lamb as the first ingredient. Lamb makes it rich in protein. Moreover, it contains artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Equipped with omega fatty acids to make coat shinier and skin healthier.
- Supports better digestion with probiotics.
- Antioxidants and nutrition in this food improve overall health.
Best Dog Crate for White Shepherds
The best dog crate for White Shepherd is MidWest Solutions Series XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Dog Crate, 54 inches. It is made of heavy-duty wires that make it secure for your pal to sleep. It prevents rust and makes it long-lasting.
- Easy to assemble due to the drop-pin construction.
- Makes it more secure with drop-pin assembly.
- Comes with a plastic tray for easy cleaning.
Best Dog Bed for White Shepherds
The best dog bed for White Shepherd is FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed is made of soft faux fur covers and egg-crate foam that makes it very cozy.
- Distributes weight from muscles and joints.
- Unique material makes it stay cool in summers and hot in winters.
- Offers easy entry with a step-on design.
Best Dog Harness for White Shepherds
The best dog harness for White Shepherd is Mighty Paw Padded Sports Reflective No Pull Dog Harness. This harness is made of weather-proof material that reduces strain on the neck and provides a comfortable walk.
- Attach leash with dual clip.
- Get higher control through padded panels.
- Provides natural shoulder movements.
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