The White German Shepherd Dog

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the White German Shepherd.
 

Q: Is the White German Shepherd an albino?

A: No, the White GSD is NOT an albino. Albinos have no pigmentation whereas the White GSD has black pigmentation on the nose, eye rims, paws and around it's mouth.

Q: Does the White GSD have a lot of health problems?

A: The White GSD does not have anymore health problems than it's coloured counterpart. In many cases they are healthier as White GSD breeders do not breed for over angulations (as seen frequently in the coloured dogs).

Q: Don't White GSD have bad temperament?

A: The colour of the GSD has nothing to do with it's temperament.

Q: Is the White GSD recognised by the Kennel Club?

A: The White GSD can indeed be registered in this country under the description of "German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian)", but is not recognised in the show ring due to the fact that in 1968, the German Shepherd Club of America made the white coat a disqualifying fault in conformation. The White GSD is also recognised by the American Kennel Club and are registered as "German Shepherd Dog, Colour White"

Q: Are White GSD harder to train than their coloured counterparts?

A: The difference lies in the individual animal, not the coat colour. The White GSD is used in sectors such as the Police, Armed Forces and Security. They have even broken out into stardom and have been used in both film and videos!!

The Reign Of Von Stephanitz

When Max von Stephanitz (recognised as the father of the breed), began a crusade in 1889 to standardise the GSD, he culled litters to achieve the colour he desired - the black and tan. Although White GSD were present, they found disfavour with von Stephanitz.

Thus the opinion of on man quite possibly shaped the future of the GSD.