[2024] American White Shepherd Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

American White Shepherd Dog Overview

As the name implies, this dog is a member of the shepherd family and is extremely similar to its cousin, the German Shepherd dog.

Its history and origins are similar to those of the German Shepherd, which is a crossbreed of several European dogs, including those with the white gene.

The Germans, on the other hand, saw white dogs as a severe flaw and eliminated them from the breeding program, neutering and spaying existing white dogs to prevent their spread.

Breeders purposefully began producing pure white German Shepherds despite the German Shepherd Club’s prohibition on their registration and breeding operations in order to preserve the gene.

As a result, American White Shepherds evolved into a distinct breed, which was recognized by the United Kennel Club.

American White Shepherd Highlights

American White Shepherd’s has average obedience intelligence. Patience is needed for teaching this breed to any tricks and commands though, but it’s worth the effort.

American White Shepherds are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.

The American White Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.

American White Shepherds are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family’s life. This breed isn’t considered as an aloof dog.

American White Shepherds are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.

American White Shepherds are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they’re consistent in their effort.

American White Shepherds strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don’t have to be afraid in case of danger.

American White Shepherds have an average prey drive, which means that they don’t have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

American White Shepherds do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

American White Shepherd Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 5 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

American White Shepherd Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs
Height: Male: 24-26 inches (60–65 cm) Female: 22-24 inches (55–60 cm)
Weight: 77-85 pounds (35–40 kg)
Life Span: 12 to 4 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: United States, Germany
DATE OF ORIGIN: Unknown
OTHER NAMES: White Swiss Shepherd, White Canadian Shepherd, White German Shepherd, WS, WGSD
Temperament: Alert, Aloof, Companionable, Eager, Fearless, Self-confidence
Activities: Agility, Herding
Color: White
Litter Size: 8 to 12 puppies

Puppy Prices: Between $1000 to $1500 USD on averagek

American White Shepherd Health:

Take measures to ensure your White Shepherd’s health and well-being. Health checkups, exercise, and healthy food are all critical investments in the quality of life of your American White Shepherd.

As is the case with any breed, there are a few health concerns to be aware of.

Your American White Shepherd can expect to live between 10 and 14 years with proper feeding, health treatment, and exercise.

American White Shepherds may develop elbow and hip dysplasia, which is unfortunately frequent in larger breeds.

Be careful that this breed has a nearly 1 in 5 chance of developing dysplasia. By choosing a reputable breeder, you may help mitigate this danger.

Additionally, skin conditions and allergies, autoimmune illness, vision difficulties, heart problems, cancer, epilepsy, digestive disorders, and bloat are possible.

To ensure your dog’s health and well-being, it is critical to purchase a comprehensive pet insurance policy. This pays the bills at a fixed monthly rate that is affordable.

American White Shepherd Grooming:

Due to the breed’s straight, medium-length double coat, constant maintenance is required.

Brushing your American White Shepherd dog’s coat helps maintain their appearance and strengthens the link between you and your pet. Because the breed is not hypoallergenic, it is not recommended for persons who suffer from allergies.

Seasonal shedding is significant. Brush everyday throughout these seasons of high shedding. This helps maintain the coat’s appearance and reduces shedding on clothing, furniture, and carpets.

During the rest of the year, light sheds and weekly brushing is sufficient.

Bathe the White German Shepherd on a limited basis with a gentle dog shampoo made specifically for dogs with white coats. Bathing prior to seasonal shedding will assist in loosening the undercoat.

Don’t forget to keep their nails trimmed on a regular basis. Some dog owners accomplish this on their own, provided they have the necessary equipment.

It is preferable to get this done at a grooming salon or during a veterinary examination. Cutting your dog’s nails too short can result in bleeding and discomfort.

Owners can clean their teeth at home. Dental hygiene is critical for general wellness. At the very least once a week, brush your dog’s teeth. Introduce grooming habits to the dog from puppyhood to keep stress levels low for everyone.

American White Shepherd Exercise:

Owners of White Shepherds will always explain why they adore their dogs.

They can’t get enough of a muscular and attractive pup that defends you and is a willing fitness partner on your runs, jogs, walks, and hikes.

However, you may want to emphasize that this breed requires a great deal of exercise. You can teach it to run on the treadmill if you keep it indoors or if the weather is not favourable outside.

Whatever you do, spend at least a half hour a day running and playing with it. This suggests that this pup will not be content being caged up in the house all day watching a movie.

Additionally, it is not the best dog if you are a sedentary individual or have a sedentary household.

If you don’t handle a White Shepherd’s energy levels, you’ll end up with a disgruntled, bored, and restless pup.

American White Shepherd Training:

White Shepherds are an excellent choice for obedience, tracking and protection, search and rescue, herding, guide dogs, medical alert, guarding, and therapy.

As a result, owners should begin training their puppies at a young age. Inadequate exercise and training can transform a White Shepherd into a fearful and nervous dog that is prone to fear biting and guarding difficulties.

The good news is that these canines are bright and highly trainable, which means that you can expect a dog to memorize commands nearly immediately after the initial training session.

It is preferable to understand the dog’s instincts and treat it with a little of natural authority on its attitude.

However, this youngster will not respond well to rigorous teaching, so ensure that you treat him with respect, fairness, reward, and consistency during training.

American White Shepherd Food and Nutrition:

The health of an American White Shepherd is contingent upon good nutrition and a diet rich in minerals and vitamins.

The majority of dog parents choose artificial feeding, which is perfectly acceptable as long as you provide your dog with good food. There is, however, a better option; you can prepare your own dog food.

Canines and humans co-evolved, which means they are essentially the same foods as humans and continue to do so now.

This does not, however, imply table scraps. Rather than that, provide your White Shepherd with a choice of low-fat fresh meats such as chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb.

Additionally, dairy products, cool, clean drinking water, vegetables, and fruits should be included on the meal. However, dogs are not vegetarians, so allow them a small amount.

Ascertain that commercial dog food has nutrients that are beneficial to dogs and avoid foods that are high in rice and other cereal grains. Additionally, the brands should be appropriate for huge dog breeds.

Unfortunately, because these dogs are prone to bloating, you may want to feed them twice or three times daily rather than in one massive piece.

Puppies require a high-nutrient, high-quality diet for development and growth, so it is recommended to feed them puppy food three or four times daily until they are ready to transition to adult food.

American White Shepherd Temperament and Personality:

American White Shepherds are devoted to their human owners and their families.

These pups have well-balanced temperaments, which has earned them jobs as guard dogs, herding dogs, search and rescue dogs, guiding dogs, and household pets.

By nature, they are happy, dedicated, serene, and non-aggressive, however they can have a serious disposition at times.

American White Shepherds are naturally suspicious of outsiders and will react immediately if a situation necessitates their protection.

American White Shepherd Care/Upkeep:

American White Shepherds are an active breed and will require an owner who can provide them with an average of eight kilometers of exercise every week.

If this does not fit your lifestyle, or if your home does not include fenced and accessible outside space, this breed is probably not for you.

The breed is intelligent and, with proper training, can be taught to run on treadmills and complete agility courses.

Any activity that allows you to spend time with the owner while also utilizing their brains or providing mental stimulation is a fantastic concept.

American White Shepherd Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Veteran dog owners recommend these dogs to any family in need of a devoted and loyal family companion capable of dropping its guard to defend them at any time.

They adore their family’s children and would not object to roughhousing. Always oversee their playtime, though, as White Shepherd dogs may be quite heavy for tiny children.

White German Shepherds make excellent companions since they are intelligent and eager to learn new skills.

They are adaptable to a variety of social situations and events, so anticipate a pup that can live in a variety of environments regardless of the conditions.

However, these pups must be socialized, as they may exhibit hostility and attack people if they are not properly socialized and trained.

White Shepherds are social animals and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.

They are equally playful and enthusiastic about expressing their playful side through retrieve, flyball, running, and other activities as long as they are done in the company of their family.

These dogs are pack animals, and you do not want them to assume the role.

As a result, you must be authoritative yet gentle, considerate, and consistent in your approach to raising your pup into a well-adjusted family pet.

A secure, socialized, trained, and well-adjusted White Shepherd gets along well with other dogs and animals on the whole.

Because breeders rarely breed these pups for aggressive dog activities, they tend to be softer and more placid than their German counterparts.

As a result, they have gentler temperament and fit in well with many multi-pet households, especially if they were raised alongside other household pets.

They can, however, be hostile toward other dogs of the same gender. As early as possible, socialize your dogs to ensure their coexistence.

American White Shepherd Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Buddy	Molly
02	Charlie	Bella
03	Toby	Coco
04	Jack	Luna
05	Oliver	Nala
06	Tucker	Ellie
07	Riley	Zoey
08	Oscar	Mia
09	Leo	Zoe
10	Bailey	Lulu

All About American White Shepherd

The White Shepherd is known as a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog that is slightly longer than tall.

It has a medium-length, pure white coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that typically reaches the hock and is carried in a little curve similar to a saber. The White Shepherd’s form is composed of smooth curves rather than angles.

The White Shepherd has a distinctive personality that is characterized by self-assurance. While the breed is poised, they are eager, alert, and prepared to serve in any position when the circumstance calls for it.

Both herding and protective tendencies are displayed by White Shepherds. The White Shepherd is outgoing and pleasant with people they know. With strangers, they are perceptive and may be slightly aloof but not fearful.

They enjoy running, fetching, and engaging in other activities with their human family.

This is a cheerful, lively, clever, and easily trainable working dog capable of adapting to and integrating into a wide variety of social activities and circumstances. A mature dog’s timidity or aggressive demeanor is not typical of this breed.

White Shepherds are extremely devoted and are especially protective of several species’ young. They make fantastic companions due to their playful and curious attitudes, yet some do have a propensity to be rather vocal, groaning, grunting, moaning, and occasionally wailing.

American White Shepherd History:

The American White Shepherd and the black and tan German Shepherd Dog share a genetic code. It is also known as a White German Shepherd or a White Shepherd in America, where it has its own breed association.

The American White Shepherd’s white coat is caused by a recessive gene in the German Shepherd Dog breed.

Since the 1880s, when the German Shepherd breed was founded, dogs with the white coat gene have existed. American White Shepherds are not albino dogs; they have dark brown eyes and a black or brown snout.

Greif, a German White Shepherd, is the first documented White Shepherd show dog. In the 1880s, he appeared at dog exhibits in Hanover, Germany.

Greif’s white coat recessive breeding line was established by one of Greif’s grandchildren. Max von Stephanitz, the creator of the German Shepherd breed, owned Greif’s grandson.

In the twentieth century, Germany’s ruling Nazi regime opposed White Shepherd breeding and eliminated litters with white coats.

Since then, White Shepherd dogs have fluctuated in popularity among breeders and owners worldwide.

While the American Kennel Club does not recognize the American White Shepherd as a breed, the United Kennel Club did in 1999.

This means that the White Shepherd now has a breed standard in the United States of America and is eligible to compete in UKC events. Breed enthusiasts continue to fight for complete breed acceptance in both America and Europe.

Where to Adopt American White Shepherd:

Check with your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to see if any American English Coonhounds are in need of a forever home.

National rescue organizations, such as the American White Shepherd Association, can provide valuable information that can assist you in finding your new best buddy.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

If you want to pet a similar breed, consider taking time in reading these:

American White Shepherd Fun Facts:

He is astute, brave, bold, and obedient.
American White Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
The White Shepherd is a terrific family companion and enjoys socializing with all family members.
Because of his protective tendencies, he makes an excellent guard dog. He is instinctively suspicious of strangers but rarely barks except to warn.
American White Shepherds are average friendly towards cats.
American White Shepherds are average friendly towards other dogs.
Tolerates warm and cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

The American White Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.

How much sleep does this fido need?

American White Shepherds sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they’re not considered as a lazy breed.