White Shepherd Dogs

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁶³⁾ Blue Star

A lot of people are unaware of a breed called American White Shepherd, White German Shepherd or more often, just White Shepherds. But what are some facts about this breed the star of the cartoon movie Bolt is based upon?

White Shepherds are basically German Shepherds, but bred to utilize the recessive gene that makes their coats white. Their stance, coat texture, large upright ears, size and other traits are the same as a German Shepherd Dog. Picture a German Shepherd, just white instead of the common black/brown/tan coloring. White Shepherds are banned from competing in most kennel clubs, with the United Kennel Club the only US Club that recognizes the White Shepherd as a breed. In the 1990s a group formed to promote the White Shepherd as its own breed. The American White Shepherd Association (AWSA) exists to promote world-wide acceptance of the breed, separate from the German Shepherd Dog.

White Shepherds are a medium-large sized working breed. They are trained as companions, guide dogs, guards, search and rescue dogs and herding dogs. White Shepherds are loyal and protective, which sometimes makes them appear threatening, but they are a gentle breed. A White Shepherd is not an albino animal.

White Shepherds are great family dogs, very intelligent dogs who love to please their human. Translate that into "easily trained". They need frequent brushing and shed heavily at times. With frequent brushing, baths are not often needed, but they love to play in the water. They tend to have some hip problems and can have arthritis, especially as they age. White Shepherds, without disease complications, should live about 12-14 years.

My White Shepherd is 10 years old. She is gentle, but as she gets older not as tolerant of new situations. In my humble opinion, she is the best dog on the planet. She really did follow me home when she was about 10 weeks old. At first, we thought she was a yellow lab, but the vet confirmed her traits fit with a White Shepherd, though, it is possible since we don't know her lineage, she could be a White Shepherd/Yellow Lab mix.

That's a brief, not technical summary of the American White Shepherd or White Shepherd. I hope this article makes you want to find out more about this breed.

Sources include my experience, Wikipedia and the AWSA web page at www.awsaclub.com/index.html.

Article submitted Sunday, May 03, 2009 & read 554 times.

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» left by Susan Collins from Pgh. Pa. (2 years 128 days ago.)

I had a white shepherd mix named Snowball for 15 yrs. and had to put her down this past March due to cancer, and i miss her terribly. I would love to get another white shepherd.
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁶³⁾ (2 years 128 days ago.)

Oh Susan, I don't know what I will do when my pup's time on this earth is over. She is my shadow and the first dog that has ever belonged to me. We have had other dogs, but we have a bond like no other. White Shepherds are great dogs! That would be my pick iagain in a heartbeat! I'm sorry for your loss...and while another dog will never take Snowball's place, there will be enough love to add a new one to your family. I'd love to hear how it goes when you get your new pet. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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