Opinions on White GSDs - Page 4

Just for GSDtravels, the Supershrimp:

 

The dog of many names, including Crimson Ribbon.

Here are a few of our intense white dog, doing what she does best...flying at top speed after a frisbee.

Prager, the type of white that we are talking about in the GSD (recessive ee) does not affect the pigment of the skin etc*.  Eumelanin pigment remains intact here, it's just removed from the hair.

Also the notion that loss of pigment is a sign of degeneration, is outdated.  The pigment that affords best protection from the elements in terms of wear & tear is black eumelanin as this produces the strongest hair structure (no coincidence that many sea birds have black wing tips).  But strong hair structure is not everything.  The wolf in the arctic for instance is better served by having a seasonal change in pigment to a winter white coat.  Not genetically the same as a white GSD, but likewise, suffers no degeneration from of loss of pigment.

* I'm not sure about the nails.  As the construction is of keratin, as in hair, it could be that nails are usually pale too in whites.  Does mean that they will be structurally softer as they lack black eumelanin, but this is common in many dog breeds and may be an advantage in normal pet situations where nail overgrowth can be a problem.

Thanks Crimson!  Too funny, love it! 

Joanne Chayani of Hoofprint Kennels in Canada has an excellent reputation, and has been breeding white GSDs for many years.

And in answer to Yoshy, the REAL fans of the white GSD keep a genetic database on their dogs, the likes of which I have never seen before. They do NOT breed 'only for colour'!

I'll post the link if I can find it.

Here are the links:

www.hoofprint.ws/


www.hoofprint.ws/genetics.htm

Given Joanne's many years of experience, she would be the first person I would go to, even if I lived in the States. I am sure she could recommend a reputable breeder in your area.

great! Thank You Sunsilver :)  I appreciate the info.!

Crimsonribbon I love your pictures!  Abbie was a frisbee freak when she was younger too.  She would jump and flip and could go for hours!  My kids have asked to see the "Super Puppy" picture 3 times already and my four year old keeps pointing and saying "I want that mom..."  HAHAHA

Thanks again everyone :)

~Rooka

do the bump

Rooka,
Again let me say that I am sorry for your loss.
As for wanting a GSD of a specific color......there is nothing wrong with that.
Just as there is nothing wrong with wanting  a GSD of specific bloodlines or sex......it is only detrimental if & when that is the ONLY or MAIN criteria you require.
All breeders have a specific purpose in breeding...be it for bloodlines, size or color....just to name a few.
Some breeders choose to breed responsibly, and others do not.

The first thing, I ask a puppy buyer is....."What are you expectations, and what are your true goals for this puppy"?!
Make a list of things you expect and desire (be honest about it)...if color is a variable...then list it.
There are good breeders out there.......just use the knowledge you have gained about this breed, ask questions...and make the search.
I for one, am not a (personal) fan of whites or dilutes......but I would never condemn anyone from owning such.
I do not believe in breeding "specifically" for any one color...or any one trait.  I think this breed should have many excellent traits before it is considered breed worthy....(but that's another topic).
Best of luck in your search!
JMO respectfully,
Robin

FWIW...As a breeder myself, I consider Chris from Silbersee a very good breeder and has some very nice dogs.