The American White Shepherd, also known as the American Canadian White Shepherd, the Berger Blanc Swiss, the White German Shepherd, or the White Shepherd Dog, is both beautiful and utilitarian. The breed has its roots in America, Canada, and Europe. They are a descendant of the standard German Shepherd. The breed is not albino, as some people assume it to be, but is simply graced with a gorgeous coat of white fur.
Today, this breed is accepted for registry in the WGSDCV, the FCI, the UKC, the NKC, the AWSA, the APRI, the WSSDCA, and the DRA. They are classified under the "herding" dog category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the monetary value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her. There are currently other registries that are working on getting these dogs accepted.
According to breed standards, the American White Shepherd should be between 22 and 26 inches tall, when measured from the ground to the withers, with males being taller than females. Their weight should be between 77 and 85 pounds. The American White Shepherd has a well-muscled and nicely proportioned body. The triangular ears are held in the upright, pricked position and are rather large. The lips are pigmented black. The nose is also black in color and the muzzle is relatively long. The jaw is strong.. The eyes are dark and rather almond-shaped, holding an expression of intelligence and alertness. The tail is held in the downward position when the dog is at rest.
The American White Shepherd has a thick, rough coat that is medium to long. Those with a long coat do not have an undercoat. According to breed standards, white is the only acceptable coat color for the breed. Their grooming is quite easy, especially for a coat of this length, but must be kept up to keep this dog looking its best. A weekly thorough brushing with a stiff, rubber-bristled brush and a shampoo when absolutely needed will suffice. The breed are medium to heavy shedders. During the yearly shedding season, it is recommended that brushing be done daily to help and remove some of the loose hair.
American White Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is good human to canine communication. Training must be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. This dog enjoys learning and working, and is quite happy when they know that they have pleased their owner, so high praise and reward is very helpful. If you are firm, consistent and calm, the dog will respond well to training and learn quickly.
The American White Shepherd is a dog that will do well as either an inside or an outside dog. They can be a working dog or a family pet. If you are acquiring the breed as only a companion dog, you will need to be sure that they are given plenty of opportunity to exercise, with at least a brisk walk daily and some time for running off the leash. This breed should be kept stimulated, both mentally and physically, to prevent them from becoming bored, which can lead to some very undesirable behaviors. They love being with their family and friends, and tend to do fine with both children and other animals, as long as they are well-trained and socialized.
They are excellent watch dogs, being very loyal to their families and alerting them to any sign of trouble. They will also guard the family fearlessly. These guarding traits lead them to being somewhat wary of strangers, so they should be well-socialized from an early age. This is not to imply that they are aggressive, only that they have the tendency to be suspicious of new people and this is just because they want to protect their loved ones. They are affectionate and loving, as well as charming and playful once they feel comfortable with someone. A spirited game of Frisbee or Fetch is never rejected by this dog. The average life expectancy of the American White Shepherd is around 12 years.