The White Shepherd

Proud Haus Shepherds

Shylo Star Kennels

Furrari

Hallmark Shepherds

It was not until the 1930's. after the death of Max von Stephanitz, that white dogs were discriminated against. The discrimination increased with the rise of Hitler. During the 1960's, with the white German Shepherd becoming ever more popular, friction developed between breeders of the white German Shepherd and the standard colored German Shepherd. Genetic problems appearing in the German Shepherd Dog were increasingly blamed on the white German Shepherd, and Germany began a campaign to outlaw the white color. One charge against the White German Shepherd was that the color white was responsible for "fading color" or "washing out" of the darker dog's color. This point has been refuted innumerable times by leading breeders and geneticists. However, in 1968, following Germany's lead, the white German Shepherd was disqualified from the conformation show ring in America when AKC accepted the change in the breed standard from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America listing white as a disqualifying fault. To its credit, the AKC has not bowed to the demands of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America that it cease registering the white dog.

The White Shepherd originated from the United States, Canada and Europe. It was a direct descendant of the German Shepherd Dog, and is a German Shepherd Dog. The White Shepherd has not been mixed with any other breed of dog since its introduction to North America. Certainly, there has been no other breed or breeds added in order to make them white. The gene that controls the white color is a natural component in the total color genetic makeup of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The White Shepherd is registered independently with the American White Shepherd Association in the United States of America.

Health concerns in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia (be sure both parents have their hips certified as OFA good); malabsorbtion syndrome; degenerative joint disease (including osteochondritis); megaesophagus; pannus and other forms of eye disease (not commonly seen); bloat; allergies (food, fleas or airborne); other skin or coat problems and missing teeth. Some lines of Whites are having problems with illnesses such as Lupus and/or other forms of autoimmune diseases. At this point in time, autoimmune problems are fairly rare in the breed.

Because of they are in fact German Shepherds, White Shepherds still may end up targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. The legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guardian dog should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable. Click the Breed Legislation link above to learn more about "banning" of breeds.

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