White paws...genetic? - Page 1

If you breed a dog who has white paws or ssocks, is it likely he will pass that on to his offspring?

 Not if you color them with potassium permanganate first........LOL

Seriously, the answer is that yes, color and markings are genetic. So you might see pups with white paws and some may not have them.

Are white paws, or a white paw a fault in show?

 Yes but a dog would simply be poorly ranked. Even a spot on the chest, not uncommon, will be something that might put the dog back some places, depending on the size of the spot. 

When I was considering buying a pup that had white markings on its chest and paws, everyone I asked told me "IT DOESN'T MATTER!" They will fade as she grows. And indeed, they have, although you can still see the white on the hind toes, and she has one white toenail.

A very well known GSD judge/breeder/handler told me this:  The "white markings" will not be anything to worry about. Back in 1999, there were half a dozen females in the top 20 of the Sieger Show who had more white markings than that. When I remarked about it, the judge took it as a personal criticism [as]  he had some partial ownership ties to some of them.

However, you must pay attention to HOW MUCH WHITE. Some white on the toes will likely be overlooked. An entire paw that's white will not, especially if the nails are white, and the pads pink.

I did buy the pup in question, and she has very nice structure, but her black pigment is faded: her saddle, nails and pads are all lighter than is ideal for the breed.   This may not be directly genetically linked to the white markings, but If and when I buy another GSD, I will look for one with little or no white markings, and as dark a pigment as possible.

Don't assume all white will go away.....sometimes it does not. The little girl I am keeping from my current litter has 2 white toes on her front right foot, just from the first knuckle down, and her nails are black. I am confident even if it doesn't disappear it won't be glaringly obvious, quite a bit of red is coming through the white already.  A small price tp pay for her outstanding temperment.

The case I am talking is an adult male so it's not going to fade.  Is it probable that pups from him will turn out with white socks.....as in 50% or better chance all pups will turn out with white paws?  What do yu guys think?

Mine has a tiny amount on one front toe, a little more on one hind foot.  I do see a white toe nail.   I dont care if it doesnt go away, but I didnt see this in photographs when I purchased the pup.   I kinda like little differences like this.  My other dog has a small black spot in the middle of her tongue, makes them unique to me.  I just wondered how significant it was in show.

 It depends as much on the mother as the sire. Pick a female who is darkly pigmented and has no white and no white in her immediate ancestors and hope for the best. It is not a simple equation genetically speaking, but yes, even with a dark dam, you may get white. The real question is what else does the dog have to offer the breed?

Hodie,

Looks aside, he has a lot offer.  Highly intelligent, eager to please, handler friendly, a1 hips...has a lot going for him.  He has very little training at this point, but I would want to Sch title him before breeding....or at least go for CGC and ......not sure what else.  So there are a lot of what if's.  And too, I'd just like to know for future knowledge...I was completely unfamiliar to the white paws.  Thanks so much!