White German shepherds - Page 2

To start with, if you want to learn more about whites, you would need to go to the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America. http://www.wgsdca.org/ This will tell you everything you need to know about the white german shepherd dog. All whites do not have bad pigmentation, some have the darkest black skin, eye rims and noses you have ever seen. Like it was said, white is a masking color. One of my males who is a bi-color has excellent pigmentation and his mother is a white. You guys remember when it was said 'No good dog is a bad color'?? Guess who said that?? :) that is so very true. Some of the top white breeders here in the USA now are not just breeding for show lines, but they also incorporate the working titles into the breed also. Many of them herd, do protection work, are therapy dogs, and some are doing schutzhund. I USED to think that the whites were gorgeous, but I thought, like many do, that the whites had more health problems than the colored GSD's do, that has been proven wrong. I am involved with the White Shepherds Genetics Project where the people are so open about what their lines carry and they welcome anyone who owns a GSD to join. Peggy Knightenhaus

Peg, Your welcome, and Glad you've joined us !!! Hope you stay around a while !! don't let anyone discourage you, sometimes there are very negative posts here, However lately they have been really good !! I hope it stays that way, :-) don't hesitate to ask for help here, you may find most people are really good to give you sound advice that will help you with whatever your quest.

Peggy, I agree with you, I don't think the color has anything to do with the dog, good or bad. Like I said earlier, Color is just color and has nothing to do with the dog as an individual and the dog is still GSD. :-) Hope I did not say anything wronly, I did say "considered" as washouts, that may have been misleading I should have stated my Understanding is that they are considered. As that "was" my understanding. However I may have to reconsider after what you all have provided here today. I do appologize for that misleading statement. :-)

amen for the staying good Echo !!!!stay with us Peg ! This is the place to see the light!!!!! We are never to old or blind to learn something new everyday and to find out how much we dont know and how much fun learning about this fabulous , intelligent and 9999 other adjectives in the EN and german language affords.

Good Post Bob-O

Ditto to Bob-O agree

A white German Shepherd can either have great pigment or not, just like any other color. The problem, is getting a well bred one. Look at all the trouble one has in obtaining well-bred saddles, bi-colors, sables--and there are thousands of breeders. The limited number of breeders for white coats certainly lessens the chances for premium dogs. Personally, I love them, even though I have never owned one. Remember the original version of the movie, "Village of the Damned", in B&W, from 1960. The lead character had a white GSD--that's what stood out to me. I bought the movie a few years back for that reason. Peg--I'm not really sure if you're inquiring about white GSDs, or obtaining advice as a new buyer. Therefore, if you've never had a GSD before, find out the type of dog that will suit you best before buying. From what I see on this site, so many people purchase a dog when influenced by big talk--whether it be show or sport. What kind of dog would best suit your lifestyle? Do you have the capability and patience for a high-drive dog---and irregardless of what you hear---these dogs are in both show and working lines. If you have never owned one before, or recently---look up info on when dog shows and shutzhund trials will be in your area. Go and observe the dogs, and there temperaments (which is a word that has several interpretations). If you are a new to the breed, I would recommend getting a dog with lower defense and prey drive. See dogs you like, and can handle. When you go to the breeder's house, are the dogs non-stop movers and jumpers--or do they settle down without being told to do so. Bring someone along to help pick out the pup--someone that can read the personalities. And, watch them move. Are they gliding around the floor with no problem? But, most of all---take the one that makes you smile--he always will. No matter how tempting, a dog with high drives is not a joke. He is a powerful, relentless ball of energy. Even a GSD with low to moderate drives is still 'more' dog than other breeds. No matter what I've heard on the board, I have never even seen a lazy GSD. Maybe it's just me--but mine have always managed to wear me out. There's a saying that I hear over and over again--and only with GSD's---Is it a dog you can live with? Whatever color you choose, they are all German Shepherds---the quality of the dog is another matter. Good luck in your search.

LMH, Thank you! I have had GSD's in the past and got interested in them again when a friend of mine introduced me to his sable GSD. What a wonderful animal he owns. I do have the time and resources to take care and train one. The only reason I asked about the white GSD was, because I have been told by many (not my friend) that they are a different breed all together. When I came across this thread about the white GSD today (by accident), it sparked my interest and curiosity that's all. peg

Peg: I would stay away from the whites because most are bred for color first, which is a big mistake. You need to do a lot of research & should visit breeders, schutzhund clubs & even shows. You need to be very honest with yourself. A working bred GSD requires a huge commitment, & even requires a job, not just a daily walk around the block in order to be a happy dog. We aren't talking about a little obedience or agility training either. Otherwise you end up with an unhappy, distructive & possibly dangerous animal. If you want a dog that will primarily be your family pet, be sure & get a low drive GSD, maybe from a showline breeder & you won't go wrong.

Sue, Now not to be mean or contradictive, But... I disagree with making blanketed statements such as that.. "Otherwise you end up with an unhappy, distructive & possibly dangerous animal. " statement that you made. Not that your not entitled to your OP, You certainly are but I would use caution making a blanket statement that includes Dangerous Dog. That's the problem with the working/show lines split, working went overboard, and show went overboard, Golden Middle is definately the way to go, and that statement just reaffirmed that in me. :-)