The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and it makes an excellent worker and companion in family groups. There are many characteristics of this breed that make them charming.
The white color of the German Shepherd is very striking compared to the standard colors of this breed. There are some differences between white and standard colored German Shepherds; for example, they have longer fur, and it is very common for them to have several layers.
White German Shepherds fall into the herding group breed classification. This breed is very active, and they cannot be without doing an activity where they show all their energy. Although they are considered a working dog, as pets, they love, and with children, they get along very well.
The History Of White German Shepherds
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The origin of the white German Shepherd is located in European farms, where they were considered sheepdogs for their loyalty and obedience. The advantage of the white fur is that it allows this breed to mix with sheep and go unnoticed in the presence of wolves and coyotes.
The breed of the German Shepherd emerged in the year 1889 by Captain Max von Stephanitz. It was important for this military man to breed hard-working dogs and surpass the characteristics that already existed.
He made the capture of several primitive qualities and full of intelligence for the creation of this race. The first German Shepherds had short hair, and then the breed grew until various coat colors such as white appeared in this breed.
For several years German Shepherds were excluded, and it was not until 1999 that the United Kennel Club officially accepted these dogs.
What Is A White German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd owes its white color to a gene that masks the black coat. This coat color does not mean that this breed is albino or lacking in melanin. They have a lighter coat than other German Shepherds.
For a white German shepherd to have white puppies, both parents must be of this same color. But if a German shepherd of another coat color has a white puppy, it will be because he also carries a recessive gene.
What Are Some Basic Facts About White German Shepherds?
- The German Shepherd breed’s puppies are white because both parents carry the recessive gene.
- White German Shepherd puppies are slightly more expensive than other colored puppies due to their rarity.
- There are no genetic disorders that are related to the German Shepherd.
- This dog is a large breed, and its body is lean and muscular.
- Generally, white German Shepherds are more expensive than standard colored ones. And its price can vary between $ 700 and $ 1500.
Health Issue
White German Shepherds can also suffer from some health problems:
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Obesity
Lack of exercise in this breed can trigger obesity problems, and if this happens, the dog will be more prone to suffer from hip dysplasia.
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Hip dysplasia
It occurs when the ball joint is not formed correctly, and therefore, the joints slide instead of rubbing.
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Von Willebrand’s disease
This disease occurs in the blood due to a deficiency of glycoprotein. Adhesive glycoprotein is necessary for platelets to function properly.
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Skin problems
It is common for this breed to get dry skin, and as a consequence, there may be itching and irritation. Allergies can be one of the first causes of skin problems.
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Cancer
You should be careful of any bumps your dog may have and other symptoms such as lameness, sudden collapse, weakness, or weight loss.
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Heart disease
When the German Shepherd leads a very active life, he must be aware of the deceleration symptoms. If your dog is taking over 35 breaths per minute while taking his break, you should take stockings or take him to your trusted vet.
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Digestive problems
The white German Shepherd’s stomach is very sensitive, so they must have a healthy daily diet and a life without stress.
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Panosteitis
This condition occurs because of growing pains. It is a condition that occurs in young dogs temporarily and can cause lameness and pain in the bones of their legs.
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Bloating
It occurs when the stomach fills with gas, and as a consequence, there are breathing problems in the dog.
The Personality of White German Shepherds
All German Shepherds have the same temperament regardless of their color. The White German Shepherd is very calm, but he will always keep an eye on any circumstance to defend his pack. In the case of being mistreated, they can be aggressive to defend themselves.
German Shepherds love taking care of their family and are good friends with children. They love to play because they are so much fun, and they preferably feel more comfortable playing outside. This breed is very vocal, so their barks are very loud, and they will always be felt in your home.
This breed loves to be close to its owners, and through their barking, they can communicate and express their gratitude to those who treat them well. The German Shepherd needs to be in constant motion due to their energy, so taking them for a walk will benefit them.
German Shepherds should feel comfortable in a space suitable for them. It is also important that they are in a family group where there is time to dedicate and train them. As pets, the German Shepherd is the ideal dog because it interacts very well with children regardless of age.
How to Take Care of White GSDs?
During the spring and fall, White German Shepherds lose their undercoat, so you must use an undercoat comb that reaches all of their coats. This breed should only be bathed if necessary, and it should be only with its special shampoo and conditioner because human hair products will dry out its skin.
To keep your teeth healthy, you should brush your dog about once or twice a week. His toenails should also be trimmed frequently, and his ears cleaned to keep him healthy and very happy.
The White German Shepherd can have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, as long as they are treated appropriately to prevent disease. The probability is that this breed will die around 7 or 16 years, and for that to happen, you must take into account:
- A proper diet
- An exercise routine
- Your regular check-ups to review your health status
The German Shepherd needs even 1 hour of daily exercise, and of course, he cannot miss his obedience training. Experts recommend that having a white German Shepherd requires enough time to pay attention to them.
