Dog Breeds: American White Shepherd

Sometimes called the American-Canadian White Shepherd, White German Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd, or simply the White Shepherd Dog, The American White Shepherd looks almost exactly like a German Shepherd. The real difference is in the color. American White Shepherds are always, always white. These beautiful dogs are directly descended from the German Shepherd. There is no other ancestor. The white color is naturally present in German Shepherds, and can it be bred for, so no other dogs were necessary to achieve the white color. All it took was breeding for white and only white. The White German Shepherd originated in the United States, Canada, and Europe all at the same time. So it really is a dog with multiple origins. It's breed standards, where it is an accepted breed, mirror those of the German Shepherd.

Like the German Shepherd, the American White Shepherd is fully of spunk. They are courageous, keen, alert, and totally fearless. These are eager to learn and have a sunny disposition. They're quite smart and love their families, but strangers aren't easily trusted. To avoid problems, make sure this breed is well socialized from the very start. Dogs who haven't been properly socialized can become aggressive with strangers.

The American White Shepherds are often used as police dogs. They are easy to train and very protective, making them a perfect fit for this job. They also only bark when they feel it's necessary, so they tend to be quiet most of the time. If this dog displays aggression, it is due to poor handling. Like German Shepherds, they can be a difficult breed for the first time dog-owner, but seasoned handlers will have little trouble with this intelligent and easy to train breed.

Standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds, this dog is large and well formed. He's solid and all muscle. They are always white, and the coat is long and stiff. Not exactly a longhaired dog, it's true, but the coat is not short and requires some grooming. He sheds constantly, and seasonally. So expect hair everywhere all of the time, and a lot of hair everywhere in the spring and fall. Brush him every day but don't bathe him unless you have to. Bathing too often can lead to skin irritation.

This dog needs exercise. You can have him in an apartment if you are willing to get outside for hours a day, but he does better with a large yard. White Shepherds absolutely adore activities most of us would consider strenuous, so be prepared to move. A basic walk may not do it. Try running, biking, or even rollerblading with this dog to help him burn off energy. If you get tired before he does, get a ball or Frisbee. Teach them to fetch the ball or catch the Frisbee and you'll be playing all day. They need this kind of exercise or they tend to become destructive. They will eat your couch if they're bored, so keep them entertained and try not to leave them home alone all day. White Shepherds need attention and exercise.

This breed is used for more than just police work. Their intelligence and willingness to learn new skills means they're suitable to agility, herding, obedience, tracking, and they even make decent hunting dogs. The American White Shepherd is multi-talented and makes a good family dog as long as it has a strong pack leader and gets plenty of exercise.