American White Shepherd

Pronunciation
American White Shepherd
Description
The American White Shepherd looks almost exactly like a German Shepherd except for the color. It has a stiff, long, or long-haired coat. The long-haired types do not have an undercoat. The color is always white.
Temperament
The White Shepherd is friendly, watchful and loyal. It is very protective of its family in appropriate situations. Can be standoffish or even somewhat suspicious of strangers, but should never be aggressive. They are eager to work and like to be close to their handler. Very intelligent, these dogs are easy to train and learn quickly. White Shepherds can be sensitive almost to the point of timidity. They are usually quite obedient and harsh training methods should not be necessary, nor should they be used with this breed. In this regard, they are very different from many lines of GSD, especially the imports. It is very important that the young dog is socialized well and has lots of positive encounters with many different animals, people, things and situations to help it grow up to be a well-balanced animal. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They generally get along well with other dogs and children. They only bark when it is necessary. They will get along with cats if they are socialized with them as a puppy. These dogs are very vocal. Some are known to hold "conversations" with the dog next door. They make a wide range of sounds and like to use their voices. To be successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coercive or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life.
Height, Weight
Height: 24-26 inches (60-65cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (55-60cm.)
Weight: 77-85 pounds (35-40kg.)
Health Problems
Some of the diseases that have been found in this breed are 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.
Living Conditions
White Shepherds will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard.
Exercise
Some kind of daily exercise is very important for this breed. This is a very intelligent breed. Try to put some variety into it so the dog does not get bored. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Whether it is ball chasing, frisbee catching, obedience training, participation in a canine playgroup or just taking long walks, you must be willing to provide some form of daily, constructive exercise.
Life Expectancy
Around 12 years.
Grooming
The White Shepherd is easy to groom. When the dog is shedding they should be brushed and combed every day, otherwise occasional brushing will do. The ears should be checked regularly. The claws should be trimmed short. This breed is a seasonably heavy shedder.
Origin
Originated from the United States, Canada and Europe. It was a direct descendant of the 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.
Group
Herding
Recognition
WGSDCV, FCI, UKC, NKC, AWSA, APRI, WSSDCA
The White Shepherd is registered as a White Shepherd with the American White Shepherd Association (AWSA) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized it as a Berger Blanc Swiss in 2002, which is the same name the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Club of Australia (WSSDCA) uses (in translation). The Swiss recognized the White GSD as a separate breed first, which is why Switzerland was credited as the country of origin and the breed name changed to reflect this.

Most other clubs register it as a German Shepherd Dog (white) calling the white color a disqualifying fault.