| The dog over there looks like a German | | | | that they are easier to groom than other colored |
| Shepherd, has the pointed ears and expression of | | | | Shepherds. German Shepherds, no matter what |
| a German Shepherd, is the same size as one - | | | | their color, often come in some varieties of coat |
| but the dog is totally white, with a pink nose. | | | | length and thickness. The official breed standard |
| What kind of dog is that? Believe it or not, they | | | | states the coat should be double layered to |
| are called White German Shepherds (and often | | | | protect them from the elements. A lot of White |
| American White or Berger Blanc Swiss). They are | | | | German Shepherds lack this double layer coat. |
| everything other German Shepherds are - except | | | | Since most pets today live indoors, not having |
| they aren't recognized by most kennel clubs in the | | | | such a thick coat has proven to be a blessing. |
| world. | | | | Sadly, not everyone appreciates the uniqueness |
| There is a strange color prejudice in the world of | | | | of a White German Shepherd, and many |
| dog breeding. Despite having purebred parents, | | | | thousands are abandoned every year. Although |
| grandparents and great-grandparents, a White | | | | there are many fine dog rescues, there are some |
| German Shepherd or a White Boxer are not | | | | groups devoted to specifically rescuing White |
| considered breed standard. Then again, this is the | | | | German Shepherds. They will often take the time |
| same world that chops off many dog's tails to a | | | | to get to know, train and medically help the dogs |
| prescribed length or crops naturally floppy ears | | | | under their care before they consider putting |
| into pointed ones for purely cosmetic reasons. | | | | them up for adoption. |
| Perhaps the White German Shepherds and White | | | | If you are looking for a predictably good-hearted |
| Boxers are the luckiest breeds of all. | | | | dog, don't mind dog hair and have room in your |
| White dogs are not albinos, although they have | | | | heart, home and wallet, the White German |
| white fur and often a pink nose. Their eyes are | | | | Shepherd is for you. Please don't buy one from a |
| dark instead of pink or red as with true albinos. | | | | pet store, as they get all of their puppies from |
| Most breeds of dog do have white varieties, and | | | | inhumane puppy mills. You can get a puppy from |
| it is thought the White Shepherd is just a | | | | a breeder, but there are not as many breeders |
| reflection of the normal diversity of dog's genes. | | | | of this breed as for other German Shepherd |
| The American White Shepherd Association is the | | | | types. Go to and adopt a wonderful companion |
| parent organization of the breed, even though the | | | | from one of the many dog rescue groups in this |
| American Kennel Club does not sanction them. | | | | country. |
| Many representatives of this striking type claim | | | | |