The white German Shepherd is known for its intelligence, plush white coat, and aesthetic body. White GSD is bred from German Shepherds; that’s why they have the same characteristics. If you don’t know much about White German Shepherd dog, this article is for you. Here we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this dog breed, such as their history, lifespan, appearance, food, exercise needs, etc. So, without any further ado, let’s start.
Everything You Need to Know About White German Shepherd
No doubt White German Shepherds are stunning dogs. If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, look no further because White German Shepherd can be the best choice. So, let’s learn more about this unique dog breed.
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History of White German Shepherd
Genetically, there is a difference between the standard German Shepherd and the White German Shepherd, but White GSD has a fluffy white coat. The main reason behind these coats is that they carry the recessive white-furred gene. But for most people, color doesn’t matter; therefore, it never became as popular as other colors of German Shepherds are.
According to American Kennel Club (AKC), the German shepherd is the second most registered dog breed, but unfortunately, AKC doesn’t recognize the White German Shepherd. But still, they’re very popular, and there are various reasons for their popularity because they can be used as herding, police, and military dogs. Moreover, their loving and protective nature makes them great family dogs. Let’s move forward.
Characteristics of White German Shepherd Dog
As mentioned earlier, many of their characteristics are similar to standard German Shepherds. They’re born in litters of around 5 to 10 puppies.
Appearance
White German Shepherds are adorable, and they look like little balls of fluff. Remember, these dogs grow very quickly, and within 4 months, they reach 50% of their adult size. The best practice is to buy them from a reputable breeder.
When we talk about weight, they can weigh between 50 to 80 pounds. As you know, most male dogs weigh more than female dogs, so the same is the case with White German Shepherds. They’re listed among the tall dog breeds because they can grow 22 to 26 inches in height.
They were bred for their working capability; that’s why they have a muscular and athletic build. Their ears are erect, and they wear a proud posture. White German Shepherd puppies have big feet, so you can guess how big the feet of adult dogs will be?
Coat
They have two different types of coats. The first one is a short coat, and the other is a long coat. If your dog has a long and thick coat, it’ll require more grooming. One thing is crucial to know about their coats. When they’re puppies, their coats are usually super fluffy. But as they get older, the coats become coarse. More importantly, they have double coats that protect them against harsh weather.
Color
As the name indicates, their coat color is white. White color makes them a unique breed. White German Shepherd closely resembles their white wolf ancestors.
The Temperament of the Pure White German Shepherd
As mentioned earlier, they’re loyal and loving companions. They put their lives at risk when it comes to protecting their owners. They have cheerful, well-balanced, and tranquil personalities. Moreover, they’re obedient, faithful, and confident dogs.
They were bred as working dogs so you can use them to protect your family and as herding dogs. Generally, they have a well-poised demeanor, but you can expect an instant response from them whenever there is a threat.
White GSDs are shy of strangers. The best thing about this dog breed is that it can adapt to various social events and situations. They have playful nature and always love to play with toys and their owners. Bring some fetch toys for them to keep them fit.
The Lifespan of White German Shepherds
If you want a long term companion, this is an ideal dog breed. They live relatively long when compared to other dogs. White German Shepherd can live between 12 to 14 years.
Health Issues
Almost all dog breeds suffer from health issues sooner or later, so White GSDs are no exception. These dogs suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. Dogs can suffer from dysplasia at any age, but you’ll notice these symptoms when they get older. They can also suffer from allergies such as fleas, food, or airborne allergies.
Whenever you notice that your dog has developed health issues, the best practice is to visit a vet. The vet can perform tests and diagnose the issue. In this way, you can keep your dogs healthy for a long time and improve their lifestyle.
Remember, you need to buy dogs from a reputable breeder to ensure that your dog is less prone to the health issues mentioned above. Don’t forget to get a health clearance certificate because it can help when you travel with your pet.
Food/Diet Needs of White German Shepherd
Since White GSDs are large, so their diet needs are also high. The best practice is to purchase a diet formulated for large dog breeds. Please consult your vet to get an idea of how much should you feed your dog according to their weight. When White German Shepherd is a puppy, provide them three times a day. But once they get adults, you can reduce it to two times.
If you don’t want your dog to gain extra weight and suffer from health issues, ensure that you provide them with a healthy and nutritious diet. Make sure that your dog doesn’t consume more than 1500 calories per day.
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Exercise Needs of Pure White German Shepherd
If you own a White GSD, you must be familiar with their exercise needs. But if you’re planning to bring one home, one thing should be clear they need plenty of exercise. You’ll need to take them for a walk, exercise, hiking, and jogging to keep them fit. The good news is they can be excellent workout partners. They’re high energy dogs, and you need to find some activities for them to burn this energy. Otherwise, it can lead to boredom and frustration.
Training and Family Compatibility of White German Shepherd
As we mentioned at the start, these dogs are known for their intelligence which means they’re easy to train. As they’re easy to train, it makes them good family dogs. Ensure that you start training them when they’re young. Moreover, you need to use positive reinforcement to train them.
White German Shepherds are known to be stubborn so never punish them. Instead, use treats and praise them during training.
Grooming Needs of White GSD
White GSDs have a thick coat, and they shed all year round. Therefore, their grooming needs are high. Ensure that you brush their coats at least twice a week. Clean their teeth to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. Moreover, try to start grooming them when they’re young. It will help them get used to the grooming process.
White German Shepherd Price
White GSDs usually cost between $800 and $1200. As mentioned earlier, the best practice is to purchase them from a reputable breeder.
FAQs About White German Shepherds
Although we have discussed everything that every pet owner needs to know about White German Shepherd, if you still have any questions, they will be cleared after reading the following FAQs.
Do White German Shepherds Exist?
Yes, they do, but they’re not as common and popular as other German Shepherds. There is a slight difference between standard German Shepherd and White GSD, but still, they’re not recognized by AKC.
Is White German Shepherd Rare?
When they’re compared to other colored varieties, they appear to be rare.
Do White German Shepherds Make Good Pets?
Yes, they do. They’re loyal and protective. That’s why they’re used as guards and herding dogs. They love to be around their owners, which makes them good family pets.
How Much Is a White German Shepherd?
On average, White German Shepherd puppies cost around $800 to $1200.
What Is the Rarest German Shepherd’s Color?
Isabella is the rarest German Shepherd color. You might ask why because they have a recessive combination of blue and liver.
Are White German Shepherds More Calm?
Overall, they have a more sensitive, mellow, and softer personality, but we can’t say that they’re calmer than other German Shepherds.
What Is An Isabella German Shepherd?
It’s the rarest color that a German Shepherd has. You’ll not see too many dog breeds in this color. That’s why Isabella is considered the rarest color.
Summary We can conclude the article by saying that there is no genetic difference between a standard German Shepherd and a White German Shepherd. White GSDs are loyal family companions. They love to be around their owners, and the good news is they have a longer lifespan. With proper diet, regular exercise, and vet visits, you can maintain a healthy and happy dog.
