White Shepherd facts and the historical discrimination against the breed
Also known as American-Canadian White Shepherd, Berger Blanc Suisse. A white shepherd that fits the breed standard is not an albino. Eyes, noses and pads should be dark pigmented. The present GSD is descended from a white dog, Grief Sparwasser, the maternal granddam of the first registered German Shepherd Dog in Germany: SZ-1 Horand von Grafrath
The Problem
As with any breed, unqualified and unscrupulous backyard breeders and puppy farms have unleashed into the genetic pool dogs that are not up to the standards of that breed. One can see from the listings in local newspapers of "dogs for sale" that there is an overabundance of "purebred" and "AKC registered" dogs available of any breed, at any price. Some German Shepherd Dogs seem to be sold "by- the -pound". Bigger is not better when breeding to fit standards. Breeding solely for color or looks is not acceptable. However, there are many knowledgable and professional breeders who are in the business of "bettering the breed" around the globe. Their standards are based on breeding the total dog with good temperment and health, as well as beauty and intelligence. That brings us to who sets those breed standards? Canine professionals and dog fanciers at kennel clubs around the world join together to set criteria and measure specific dogs to that standard.
The history
The first White German Shepherd was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1917. In the 1930's the White German Shepherd breed lost its standing among the club. In 1933 the coat color white was listed as a 'disqualifying fault' for that kennel club's German Shepherd Dog (GSD) in conformation show ring competitions (Morris, D,, 2002). For the details concerning the politics of 1959, see this webpage: http://www.awsaclub.com/history/1959gsd.htm (American White Shepherd Club (AWSA) was formed in 1995.) In the 1960's canine officials in Germany began a campaign against the White dog and the breed nearly disappeared from Europe. The history of the German Shepherd Dog's origins is truly a sad story, as its history is intertwined with the politics of the Third Reich. Hitler intervened with the breeding program of Von Stephanitz who had worked diligently for years to develop a hearty breed for herding in Germany. Within a year of having the breeding program ursurped by Nazis, Von Stephanitz died. Hitler did not accept the white line of German Shepherd Dogs at that time, either. The American GSDCA revised the Standard in 1968 to disqualify the white-coated German Shepherd Dog and would not accept it as a separate breed entry.. Following a backlash against the breed in 1969 the White German Shepherd Club of America was formed to develop the breed separately. The White German Shepherd Dog Club International was formed in 1977. The roots of the White Shepherd controversy are deeply planted in the past. When you examine the historical rationale for the controversy, it is alarming that it is as trivial as hair shedding and the mistaken belief that they are albinos. What I read between- the- lines of these historical records, is that the nature of the controversy was more of a social threat to the established male-dominated field of dog breeding, than any scientifically valid concern. Over the years the AKC standards for the GSD have changed to favor an increasingly angled and sloped hind quarters that has differentiated American GSD dogs from the rest of the world and is believed to contribute to increased hip dysplasia among American-bred dogs. Opinions change, as do the social contexts. More reputable White Shepherd breeders today are women, than men. Effective May 1, 1999, the United Kennel Club recognized the White German Shepherd as a separate breed known as the White Shepherd. http://www.unitedwhiteshepherdclub.org/ http://www.awsaclub.com/history/pastpresent.htm Reference Morris, D. (2002). Dogs.Trafalgar Square Publishing, Vermont.
Where does the White Shepherd breed stand today?
In September, 2000, the first White Shepherd Health and Genetics Survey was completed. Over 1000 White Shepherds were included in the survey. This data was collected by Judy Huston, Health and Genetics Chair of the American White Shepherd Association (AWSA) and was independently analyzed by Dr. George Padgett, DVM, professor of pathology at Michigan State University. This survey and database provides White Shepherd breeders valuable information about ways to select mates for their dogs. It is responsible breeding to track White Shepherd health and genetics, as it would be for all breeds. The intent is to avoid perpetuating genetic defects in the White Shepherd breed. According to the survey analysis, each White Shepherd of the 1000 carries an average 7.1 genetic defects.
Sadly, many well-meaning behaviorists and trainers believe that the White Shepherd is an inferior breed with unstable temperment and genetic defects. This opinion persists inspite of the current facts. I have been told that some trainers will not work with White Shepherds. My mentor taught me that genetics is indeed what "loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger"... Without a doubt, a puppy that has poor genes will never have the success of another pup that has more favorable genetic makeup! For 30 years, responsible and reputable breeders have made the White Shepherd's standard traits the "rule" rather than the exception. At a recent Temperament Test (conducted by Temperament Test Associates of Ontario), 80% of the White Shepherds tested attained their Temperament Test title. It is time that dog professionals and enthusiasts alike recognize that the White Shepherd, when bred to standard, is an exceptional working, show or companion dog. Martha Meacham, Ph.D APDT member since 2006
September 1, 2007 updated