White German shepherds - Page 1

I was always under the assumption that the white GSD was not related to the black and tans, sables and blacks. I found this statement on another board and it quite frankly got me all confused. Is there any truth to this statement? Please check out the link: http://shepherdcentral.14.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?p=21537&highlight=#21537 peg

color is just color, whites are considered "washouts" or bad pigmentation. blacks are even considered "bad pigmentation" or lack of "color pattern" color is just color They are all GSD's some with "more desireable" "color traits" than others but all are GSD's. just like the workingline showline thing, some are bred for drive, some are bred for confirmation, But all are GSD's. Hope that helps.

Echomeadows is right. At a certain point it was just deemed undesirable and was (by some) bred out and by others preserved.

The white GSDs have always been part of the breed, literally since the beginning- Horand's grandfather was white, and so were some of his descendants. Early in the breed's development, owing mainly to limited knowledge of color genetics at the time, the white color was viewed as a fault and thought to contribute to washed out coloration in the breed. This is a misconception, as white was later found to simply be a masking gene; the white GSDs can carry any of the standard GSD colors, and often have very rich pigmentation of nails, nose, and paw leather. A lot of post-hoc justifications were thought up as to why the white color was detrimental in and of itself, but they don't have much proof to them.

Ditto, EchoMeadows. My understanding is that the white colour (or lack of pigment) was acceptable from the beginning of the breed until a time during the 30's or early 40's when the breed's founder Captain Max von Stephanitz decided that the white colour was not desireable as the dog would stand out too much when working the streets and not stand out at all while tending sheep in a snowy pasture. The genetic makeup for white is still present in some GSD's and is perhaps present in all of the GSD's that are alive today. We still see the evidence of this by the presence of a white (not cream or light tan) diamond pattern on the brisket or a white underbelly combined with white inner thighs of some show-line dogs. While this is seen very often in the Ambred show-line it does appear in many West German show-lines as well. We accept all of these things as poor pigmentation and lack of genetic vitality, and base our grading of pigmentation strength on the presence or absence of the white colour and/or markings. The white GSD, or "American" Shepherd is still around and produced on purpose by some breeders. I believe that Switzerland recognises the white GSD as a separate breed, and there may be other countries and/or kennel clubs who do likewise. As far as the A.K.C. or G.S.D.C.A. is concerned the animal is still classified as a GSD. I do not know how many inquiries that I received over the years asking whether I had any "whites" for sale. I think that most of us on this messageboard, including me, agree that white is not an acceptable colour or marking for any of the show-line or working-line GSD's. But that is our our opinion and evidently the market disagrees just a bit. Bob-O

I appreciate all the posts on this subject. It is quite informative. I have been lurkin around for a while on this site to get info about the GSD in general since, I am considering getting one in the near future. You guy's have any suggestions on good breeders?

Peg, There are so many good breeders out there, there are some that would mislead you as well. The best advice I can give you is DO YOUR HOMEWORK !!!! Call the breeder... Call some past buyers... Call the breeders Vet !!!! GO VISIT THE HOME OF THE BREEDER !!!! Read Read Read, Many Guarantees... There are so many differences in Guarantees, Read 10 or more different guarantees from different breeders, Get an Idea of what you want and the guarantees in my Opinion say alot about the breeder and they're integrity. first though you have some decisions to make Pet or Competition.. show/working high drive low drive male female color pattern/ color... this is a prefference thing Price Range... your affordability of purchase AND continued health care. If you have an idea of what you want, contact several breeders, describe your intentions with the dog and your desires/expectations of the dog and ask, "do you feel your dogs can be what I have described" ?? Don't be affraid to ask questions and if the breeder seems annoyed... RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND THE OTHER WAY. Any good breeder will have several phone consults with you and WILL invite you to they're home to meet ALL of they're dogs. The above are just my opinions and suggestions, Others may view things differently and that is NOT a bad thing, Here you will find diversity in opinions and that is a good thing that proves very helpful/insightful more often than not. BOB-0 Care to add ?? I have much respect for Bob-0 's opinions/suggestions !! Good Luck !! Peg, and TAKE YOUR TIME !!!!

Thanks EchoMeadows! I was thinking os getting a sable female pup for agility, maybe even other sports a well.

PEG, Probably thee most important thing in a new pup is that it is healthy and sound. Maybe you get one and it doesn't work out for Sch or show. maybe you decide Sch or show is not for you. But in the end, a good healthy sound dog is what you want as he/she will be a life long companion even after the cheers of the crowd have faded. In your research just to add to what echo said, look at past message board post, though there is always two sides to all stories there are some that just keep poping up that people have had problems with. Good Luck in your search, mike

I do appreciate everyones advise. I usually do not sign up on any web boards (just read them), but I am glad I signed on this one up today. Some good advise on here, also great explanation and info about the white GSD.