This breed was one of the original colour variations derived from the
more easily recognized black and tan and coloured German Shepherd
Dog. In fact, Horand von Grafrath, the first German Shepherd Dog
registered by Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, had a
white-coated maternal grandfather, named Grief. When Grief was bred
back to his own granddaughter the white gene was solidly established
within the breed. When Max von Stephanitz first created the breed, he
strove to produce a versatile working dog, capable of performing
tirelessly and dutifully whatever task was put before him, with his
overriding trait being his incorruptible nature and total devotion to his
master. Coat colour was not considered as a deviation from the original
purpose of the breed.
Differences between breeder ideologies has separated this breed from
its black and tan cousins, but the breeders of the White Shepherd have
striven to reproduce the best qualities of the original German Shepherd
Dog.
The white male can be 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder while the females
are slightly smaller, ranging from 22 to 24 inches. Breeders focus on
preserving the functional "squarer" structure of the old-fashioned
shepherd, as well as the temperament that made it possible for the
White Shepherd to herd sheep and cattle.
Today, a very loyal, devoted and highly trainable dog, the White
Shepherd thrives on pleasing his owners and loves having a job to do.
Although happy to spend time with his family indoors, the White
Shepherd is an active breed which also requires outdoor exercise.
Please check out our Links Page for further information about the White
Shepherd.
