White Shepherd
also known as American White Shepherd
History
The White Shepherd is a breed of dog that is closely related to the German Shepherd. The breed has a long and interesting history, and has played a significant role in the development of the modern German Shepherd.
The White Shepherd is believed to have originated in Germany in the late 19th century, when German Shepherds were first being developed as a breed. At that time, the breed was known as the "Berger Blanc Suisse," or "Swiss White Shepherd." The breed was developed by a group of Swiss breeders who were interested in creating a breed that was similar to the German Shepherd, but with a white coat.
The breed quickly gained popularity in Europe, and was recognized by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1909. The breed was also recognized by the International Sheepdog Society in 1911, and the breed standard was established.
During World War II, the breed was almost extinct due to the war and food shortages in Europe. However, the breed was able to recover after the war, and it regained popularity in Europe.
In the 1960s, the breed was introduced to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a working and companion dog. The White Shepherd was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the 1970s, and the breed standard was established by the UKC in 1979.
Over the years, the White Shepherd has faced controversy and criticism due to its close relationship with the German Shepherd. Some people argue that the White Shepherd is simply a variation of the German Shepherd, and that it should not be recognized as a separate breed. Others argue that the White Shepherd is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics and traits.
Despite the controversy, the White Shepherd has gained widespread recognition and popularity as a breed. It is now recognized by a number of major kennel clubs and breed organizations, including the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Breed Information
Is White Shepherd a purebred?
Purebred
What were White Shepherds originally used for?
Herding, Protection
How Long Do White Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for a White Shepherd? How long can White Shepherds live?
12-14 years
The average White Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
White Shepherd Height & Weight
How big is a full grown White Shepherd?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) | 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) | 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) | 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) |
| Female | 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) | 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) | 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) | 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 77-88 pounds (35 - 40 kg) | 35.0 pounds (16 kg) | 59.0 pounds (27 kg) | 82.5 pounds (37 kg) |
| Female | 77-88 pounds (35 - 40 kg) | 35.0 pounds (16 kg) | 59.0 pounds (27 kg) | 82.5 pounds (37 kg) |
Are White Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the White Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is the watchdog ability of a White Shepherd dog?
The White Shepherd dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
What are White Shepherds descended from?
German Shepherd Dog
When were White Shepherds first bred? How old is the White Shepherd breed?
1900s
White Shepherd Appearance
What color are White Shepherd eyes?
Brown
What color can White Shepherd nose be naturally?
Black
Brown
What color can White Shepherd coat be naturally?
Cream
White
How long is a White Shepherds coat?
The coat of a White Shepherd falls in the medium length category.
How Dense Is The White Shepherd Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a White Shepherd?
Straight
How many puppies can a White Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can a White Shepherd have in her first litter?
12-14 puppies per pregnancy
A White Shepherd can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
White Shepherd Health Issues
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a White Shepherd?
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Cobalamin Malabsorption
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to White Shepherds?
Allergies
Megaesophagus
Eye Problems
Skin Allergies
What are the occasional tests recommended for White Shepherd breed?
CERF
Blood And Urine Analysis
Yearly Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows
White Shepherd Needs and Activities
Do White Shepherds have a lot of energy?
White Shepherds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
How much exercise should White Shepherds get?
The White Shepherd needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments
How much does it bark?
White Shepherds tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
What do White Shepherds enjoy doing? How do I keep my White Shepherd busy?
Socializing, Flyball, Walk, Walking, Coddle, Fetch, Play, Walks, Dog Parks, Hike, Running, Relaxing
What is the energy level of a White Shepherd? How much energy does a White Shepherd have?
Medium
White Shepherds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a White Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should a White Shepherd walk every week?
8 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For White Shepherd, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a White Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does a White Shepherd need?
30 minutes
In general most White Shepherds usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a White Shepherd?
This breed is known for having high grooming needs.
How often should you brush a White Shepherd?
Weekly
White Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for White Shepherds?
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Costs
How many cups of food does a White Shepherd eat?
3 cups
For an average 77-88 pound (35 - 40 kg) White Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a White Shepherd Cost Daily?
$2.10 - $2.70 / day
The average cost of a White Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.
How Much Does a White Shepherd Cost Per Month?
$55 - $73 / month
The average per month expenses of a White Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
White Shepherd Characteristic
How intelligent is a White Shepherd?
The White Shepherd breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.
Are White Shepherd dogs affectionate?
Do White Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are White Shepherds OK with other dogs?
White Shepherds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.
Do White Shepherds like to play? Are White Shepherds playful?
The White Shepherd is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your White Shepherd is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Are White Shepherd easily trained?
The White Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intelligent
White Shepherds are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new commands and tasks quickly. - Loyal
White Shepherds are known to be loyal to their owners and can make great family pets. - Active and athletic
White Shepherds are energetic and love to play and exercise. They need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. - Good with children
White Shepherds are generally good with children and can be patient and gentle with younger kids. - Adaptable
White Shepherds are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living environments, including urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Cons
- Not Hypoallergenic
While beloved by many, White Shepherds may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions. - Early socialization
As with any breed, it is important to socialize White Shepherd puppies early to prevent them from becoming anxious or aggressive around unfamiliar people and animals. - Health issues
Like all breeds, White Shepherds may be prone to certain health issues such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Osteochondritis Dissecans, Cobalamin Malabsorption and Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat, and skin allergies. - Grooming
White Shepherds have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. - Barking
White Shepherds are known to bark when they sense something is wrong, which can be a con for those who live in an apartment or have close neighbors.