American White Shepherd

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The American White Shepherd dog breed is from the White coat lines of the German Shepherd Dog. The American White Shepherd is also known to be called White Shepherd Dog, White German Shepherd Dog, WGSD, Berger Blanc Suisse, White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Weisser Schweizer Sch�ferhund, Berger Blanc Swiss, American-Canadian White Shepherd and White German Shepherd.
These dogs are always ready for anything whether it be playing, working or protecting. They should never be left alone in the house for too long. White Shepherds crave interaction and involvement especially with their humans. They are very protective of their homes and families but they can get along well with other house pets. These dogs are known to herd children or bark protectively.

Color

The dog's coat color should always be solid White. Other acceptable colors range from very light Cream to a light biscuit Tan but are not preferred.

Coat

The American White Shepherd's weather resistant double coat is medium in length, dense, harsh, close lying and straight. Their undercoat, on the other hand, is soft, thick and fine. The head and ears are covered with a smooth, somewhat softer hair while the hair covering the legs and paws has a harsher texture. The body coat's length does not exceed 2 inches. The coat at the dog's neck may be slightly longer and heavier especially in males. Hair is slightly longer than in the front for the back of the legs.

Personality

The dog has a diverse personality marked by self-confidence. They are usually poised but if need be, they are alert, eager and ready to serve their masters in any capacity. The breed normally demonstrates protective and herding instincts. The dog is open and friendly with familiar people. On the other hand, he would be observant and a little aloof but confident when it comes to strangers. These dogs enjoy playing fetch, running or any vigorous activity with their family. The dog is naturally active, joyful, intelligent and easy to train working dogs that are adaptable to any kind of social event or situation. Very loyal and can be especially protective of the young of various species is another wonderful trait of the White Shepherd. They make great companions for their playful and curious personalities although some do have the tendency toward being quite vocal by exhibiting moaning, whining and grunting.

Care

The dog's coat requires minimal maintenance. Regular brushing and combing should help remove dead hair and will assist in the shedding process. These dogs shed bits of hair constantly and are heavy shedders seasonally. Regularly check their ears for dirt or infection and their claws for dirt or splinters. Their nails should be kept trimmed as this may grow long if they are not getting enough outdoor activities. Bathing should only be done when necessary as too much water can cause drying or skin irritation as the skin?s natural oil is lost. These dogs are sometimes prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, malabsorbtion syndrome; degenerative joint disease (including osteochondritis); megaesophagus; pannus and other forms of eye disease (not commonly seen); bloat; allergies (food, fleas or airborne); other skin or coat problems and missing teeth; Lupus and/or other forms of autoimmune diseases, as well as Congenital Spinal Disease.

Training

The White Shepherds are very intelligent dogs and are fairly easy to train as they do learn pretty quickly. However, they could possibly be difficult to housebreak. Crate training technique would be the best way to make them successful in housetraining. Training should be done in a firm and consistent way as these dogs has an authoritarian attitude. These dogs learn quickly but their training should be done with a variety of responsibilities as they do not respond to repetition. These dogs should be given training with a diversity of mental and physical challenges. It is also be to start training the dog at a very young age with a gentle but firm handler. They will enjoy being close to their handlers and are very eager to work. The dog is obedient but they should never be trained harshly. These dogs can compete in obedience, Rally obedience, dog agility trials, Schutzhund, showmanship, flyball, tracking and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. American White Shepherds that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

Activity

These dogs love vigorous activities. They would prefer it to be combined with training of some kind since the dog is very intelligent and desires a good challenge. A daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle or skate is required. The dog must be made to heel beside or behind the handler to condition the dog's mind that they are pack members and the human handler is their pack leader. Playing ball or Frisbee is a game that these dogs enjoy. Daily walks along with play should drain the dog's energy and gives him the feeling of being useful. Constructive exercises like ball chasing, Frisbee catching, obedience, training, participation in a canine playgroup or just waking long walks/jogs, should be provided to these dogs. Their daily exercise should always include walking or jogging to fulfill the dog's primal instinct to migrate. The dog can develop a restless or destructive behavior when they are not provided with sufficient exercise. The dog does best when they are given a job to do. These dogs can be fine in apartment or small space living if they are given enough exercise. They are inactive when indoors and will do best with at least a securely fenced large yard where they could run and play in.