The White Shepherd is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in the United States. Although white-coated German Shepherds have been known in Europe as early as 1882, in 1933 the breed standard was amended in their native Germany, banning white-coated dogs from registration.[1][2] In the United States and Canada the coloration had gained a following and in 1969 a breed club was formed specifically for white-coloured German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd.[1][2] The variety is recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club.[2]

White Shepherd
Other namesWhite German Shepherd
American-Canadian White Shepherd Dog
OriginUnited States
Foundation stockGerman Shepherd
Traits
Height Males 25 in (64 cm) ideal
Females 23 in (58 cm) ideal
Weight Males 75–80 lb (34–36 kg)
Females 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)
Coat Double coat that is straight and dense
Color White, off white
Kennel club standards
United Kennel Club standard
Dog (domestic dog)

According to the breed standard of the United Kennel Club, the ideal height of a White Shepherd dog is 25 inches (64 cm) and the ideal weight is between 75 and 85 pounds (34 and 39 kg), while bitches ideally stand 23 inches (58 cm) and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds (27 and 32 kg).[3] The breed standard states they have a straight, dense, weather-resistant double coat that ideally is pure white, although light cream or light tan is acceptable.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. pp. 569–570. ISBN 1-57076-219-8.
  2. ^ a b c Pickeral, Tamsin (2014). Dogs unleashed. San Diego: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781626862739.[page needed]
  3. ^ a b "White Shepherd: Official UKC Breed Standard" (PDF). United Kennel Club. December 1, 2014. Retrieved November 25, 2021.