White German shepherds are German shepherd dogs that have white coats with little or no color or markings on the body. They are not necessarily albino dogs but they just have a recessive gene that makes them white. White German shepherds are not acceptable in most shows and sometimes kennel clubs. The reason for this is because the lighter color of the white German shepherds disqualifies them from being effective guard and watch dogs. This is because white stands out from the darkness of the usual time when watch dogs and guard dogs are supposed to be difficult to see.History Of The White German Shepherds
White German shepherds were taken notice of in the early 20th century. During this time, the foundation of all German shepherd dogs' bloodlines (Horand van Grafrath) supposedly had a white grandfather, called Grief. Initially, German shepherd dogs with white coats were disqualified from shows especially shows where the breed standard is noted. In shows where the working performance of a dog is noted, they may enter. The main reason why these dogs are disqualified from the show is due mainly to the attributes that make their coat stand out at night when they are supposed to be guard dogs or watch dogs.The white German shepherd dog is now recognized by some kennel clubs all over the world with many exceptions. The standards for the white German shepherds are highly similar to those of the common German Shepherds. It is only the coat that brings about the difference between the two and most of the white dogs are bred to accommodate the preference of the white coat. These days, many people like the pristine appearance of the white dogs and they are growing in popularity slowly but surely.
Characteristics Of The White German Shepherd
The white coated German shepherd dog is descended from the same ancestors as the common German shepherd dogs. This means that the only difference between both breeds is the color of the dogs. While the common German shepherds have a variety of color combinations, a single color is unusual for most common German shepherds although there are some cases of solid black. White German shepherds on the other hand are characteristically white and they are bred to be pure white although some variety may be present in the color such as a light tan or light cream and fading may appear as the dog grows older. The ageing in the color may refer to some yellowish areas growing in the dog's coat but not all white coated shepherd dogs may experience this.The white coated shepherd dogs are described as medium built by most kennel associations in spite of its large appearance. It is longer in body than it is tall and its hind legs are noticeably powerful. Female white German shepherds are also markedly different in facial features than males. Females have a definite femininity while males are also more masculine in terms of a more bulky head. Overall the dog is made up of curves rather than an angular appearance hence the common sloping back may be present in most species. The dog's coat is made up of two layers of fur. His is common for most water resistant coats of dogs and it may take some time of lathering before the coat is fully saturated. The initial outer layer is longer, denser and coarser than the inner layer which is fine and soft to touch. Dogs with noses which are not predominantly black are not accepted in shows since white German shepherds are not a product of albinism, which results to a completely white nose.
Temperament
White German shepherds are similar to common German shepherds in terms of attitude and temperament. These dogs are highly intelligent and are not difficult to train. In fact, they are willing to do almost anything that their masters ask them to do with the right supervision and guidance. These dogs are also very good with children and are usually gentle with most members of their human family. They get attached to every member of the family, unlike some dogs that usually stay attached to just one master in spite having many family members. White German shepherds are basically stable dogs that are confident and well balanced dogs.