In the world of German Shepherds, few topics spark as much heated debate as the white coat color. Some argue that white German Shepherds are a genetic mistake, a sign of weakness or impurity in the breed.
Others defend their place, insisting that coat color has no bearing on a dog’s health, intelligence, or working ability. As the controversy continues, it’s time to look closely at the facts behind these striking white dogs.
What does the science say about the genetics of white German Shepherds? How did they come to be, and why do they remain a point of contention?
The Origin of White German Shepherds
White German Shepherds have been part of the breed since its early days. Greif, the grandfather of Horand von Grafrath, the dog recognized as the foundation of the German Shepherd breed, was a white herding dog. (ref)
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Even the breed’s creator, Max von Stephanitz, included a photo of a white German Shepherd in his 1921 book “The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture.”
Despite this early acceptance, the white coat color fell out of favor in the 1930s. In 1933, the German breed standard was changed to exclude white as an acceptable color, labeling it a “defect.”
This decision was based on the belief that the white color was a sign of genetic weakness or impurity, although no scientific evidence supported this claim.
The Genetics of White Coats
Contrary to popular belief, white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their white coat results from a recessive gene that masks the dog’s true color. When two German Shepherds carrying this recessive gene are bred, some puppies may be white. (ref)
The same gene responsible for German shepherds’ white coats is also found in other breeds, such as Boxers and Bull Terriers.
Despite this gene, these breeds do not face the same stigma as white German Shepherds.
Health & Temperament
One of the most persistent myths about white German Shepherds is that they are less healthy or intelligent than their colored counterparts. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
White German Shepherds are just as smart, trainable, and capable as any other color of German Shepherd.
While some health issues, such as deafness, are more common in white dogs, responsible breeders test their breeding stock to minimize the risk of these problems.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, common concerns in the German Shepherd breed, affects white and colored dogs equally.
Recognition & Controversy
Despite the lack of evidence supporting the idea that white German Shepherds are inferior, the color remains a point of contention.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and most other major kennel clubs do not recognize white as an acceptable color for German Shepherds. However, the United Kennel Club (UKC) does allow white German Shepherds to be registered and shown. (ref)
In some countries, such as Switzerland, white German Shepherds have been developed into a separate breed called the White Swiss Shepherd or Berger Blanc Suisse.
These dogs have their breed standard and are recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.