The dog over there looks like a German Shepherd, has the pointed ears and expression of a German Shepherd, is the same size as a German Shepherd – but the dog is totally white, with a pink nose. What kind of dog is that? Believe it or not, they are called White German Shepherds (and often American White Shepherds or Berger Blanc Swiss). They are everything other German Shepherds are – except they aren’t recognized as German Shepherds by most kennel clubs in the world.
White German Shepherd Dogs are also known as the American White Shepherd and as the Berger Blanc Swiss. The national kennel clubs of many countries, including the American Kennel Club, does not recognize them as breed standard, but they are a recognized breed in Switzerland and Australia. Whatever you call them, you can’t call them show dogs. But you certainly can call them great dogs, loyal friends and beloved companions.
White German Shepherds are truly white dogs, not albinos. They have dark colored eyes and often have black noses as well as pink noses. This German Shepherd type was developed in North America (giving rise to another name variant, the American Canadian White Shepherd) from purebred German Shepherds (a breed that actually originated in France, in the Alsatian province, hence their other popular name as Alsatians). The naming of these dogs is far more complex than the dog.
White dogs have played similar and predictable roles throughout mythology and folklore of nearly all nations on earth. They are loyal companions, wise beyond their species and often thought to be blessed with supernatural powers, such as being able to guide the dead to the afterlife or to recognize a corpse from a vampire. In art, white dogs are often expressions of the loyalty and good heartedness of the master or mistress they are depicted with. The White German Shepherd fits the bill.
White German Shepherds are just as intelligent and energetic as standard German Shepherd types of any color. They were originally bred to herd sheep in the outdoors in all weather and to attack any predators of their sheep.
They will often take the time to get to know, train and medically help the dogs under their care before they consider putting them up for adoption.
If you are looking for a predictably good-hearted dog, don’t mind dog hair and have room in your heart, home and wallet, the White German Shepherd is for you. Please don’t buy one from a pet store, as they get all of their puppies from inhumane puppy mills.
But most German Shepherd types are quite bold characters who will do whatever it takes to be the center of attention. You want a dog of this size and strength to think of you as a partner and not as a combatant.