Why a White German Shepherd?

So you want a white German shepherd, or, in Australia they are most commonly known as white Swiss shepherds. Read about this confusion earlier in this blog.

A white shepherd is similar in temperament to German shepherd – some are aggressive or shy and others are outgoing and friendly. It is important to research the lines of the puppy you purchase so you have some idea of what types of temperaments and any health problems that have arisen within that particular line. That way you can make an informed decision.

Particularly look for hip and elbow dysplasia in the lines. This is something you do not want, and while there is a chance your pup may not be affected, these diseases are heartbreaking and best avoided. Make sure you see the hip and elbow scores of all the dogs in your pup’s line. The best scores for elbows are 0:0 and for hips the same, but these score cause political as well as health issues when it comes to the white German shepherd in Australia and is a subject for another series of articles.

If, regardless of everything you still have your heart set on a white shepherd then think about the commitment you are making to a living bering. Why do you want a white German shepherd? Are you prepared to:

1. spend a lot of time with your dog?
2. train your white shepherd?
3. have your white shepherd inside and as part of your family?
4. clean up white hair almost daily?
5. exercise your white shepherd regularly?
6. spend the next 15 years looking after your white shepherd?

If you answered yes to all these questions then a white German shepherd could be the right dog for you. Also consider the following facts about white shepherds, are you prepared to take the appropriate action or put in the training if your white shepherd:

1. is aggressive towards other animals
2. rowdy and express joy by jumping on everyone
3. is an incessant barker
4. digs up your backyard

A Well-balanced White German Shepherd Puppy

To ensure your white shepherd grows into a well-balanced dog mental stimulation, exercise and socialization are the three most important things when puppy comes home.

If you are not prepared to put the effort and time into your shepherd then this breed is not for you. Seriously, any shepherd needs time and consistent training and patience, especially during the first 3 years of its life.

And shepherds excel at working for you and look to their pack leader for direction and leadership. There is nothing a shepherd loves more than spending time with their human – learning tricks, going for walks, training at dog obedience, playing ball, learning agility, a run on the beach.

Young German shepherds are exuberant and show off their joy for life by bouncing around and they may not suitable for households with small children or elderly family members unless they are supervised.

Shepherds, white or otherwise were never born to be locked in backyards with little human interaction. This is a surefire way to end up with behavioural problems such as separation anxiety and incessant barking. Do yourself a favour, if you want a German shepherd be honest with yourself. Do you really have the time your shepherd needs to become a well-balanced, sociable member of our society. If not, a dog may not be the right choice for you at all, but certainly consider other breeds.

And most of all - love your shepherd.