In Europe, you almost never meet the white German Shepherd, but this breed is widely distributed in Canada and America. An animal with pronounced inclinations of a shepherd is noble, outward beauty and attractiveness. It is not by chance that these dogs, which are easy to train, are often filmed.
History of origin
White German Shepherd has common roots with individuals of a more familiar color. In dogs with a non-standard coat color, a recessive gene appears, which is inherent in the German Shepherd Dog breed as such. Snow beauties are not albinos in nature. With the exception of the coat color, there are no other “oddities” in their appearance.
The first white sheepdog is considered to be a dog named Verno, who was registered as a representative of the breed in 1913. His grandfather, by the way, was also white in color, used as a shepherd's dog. A man named Max von Stephanitz, who sought breeding, ideal from the point of view of herding qualities, took up the breeding of such interesting according to external data of four-legged animals.
In the German German Shepherd Club, white wool was recognized as an unacceptable deviation from the standard. Dogs with this color were disqualified.
However, the "breed" and there were supporters who did not consider the unusual marriage.
The formation of appropriate clubs began, attracting fans of the original breed. The registries of the dogs corresponding to her have been known since the 70s of the last century. The white German shepherd dog was recognized in the USA at the end of the last century as a full-fledged independent branch of development among the population of domestic animals. The breed returned to Europe under the name "American-Canadian White Shepherd Dog".
Since 1991, white shepherds began to register in the Register of the Swiss stud book. And in 2002, the concept of a white Swiss shepherd dog appeared, with very remote relation to Switzerland itself. Although this does not negate the fact that Many breeders around the world still consider the light wool of such dogs to be a disqualifying attribute.
Breed features
The white shepherd's coat with a thin short undercoat is usually long, thick and tough. To the touch it is coarser than that of ordinary German Shepherd dogs of dark color. The weight of a dog sometimes reaches 38-40 kg depending on the sex of the animal. Growth of individuals - 55-65 cm.
Color is not the only thing that distinguishes such shepherds on the background of traditional German. Unlike the usual, white croup is not oblique. The structure of the body is more harmonious:
- chest broad, muscular;
- pronounced withers;
- beautiful neck with a noble bend;
- elongated muzzle;
- nose color - black;
- brown almond eyes;
- powerful jaw, lips black;
- high and straight ears.
These dogs most often have no problems with the back and hind legs.
Character and behavior
The softness of character is one of the reasons why people give birth to the white German shepherd, and not the owners of the traditional black and gray color. In contrast to the usual ones, such dogs are practically not taken to the “police work”, since their guard capabilities are limited by warning barking at the approach of an outsider. White’s share of aggression in this occupation is not. But their character is enough to be a lifeguard or a guide.
Such beauties are often fearful, timid and even shy.So that they can adapt to life among people and their own kind, their upbringing should be started as early as possible. Then this creature will make a faithful companion.
These dogs "are different mind and wit, as stated in one of the popular Soviet cartoons. Engaging with a white friend is a pleasure. He is easy to get in touch with, he loves the difficult tasks that his master sets before him. In addition, it shows excellent "sports" opportunities. He gets joy if he is given the opportunity to swim, play with the ball, as well as take long walks and accompany him on his travels.
Thanks to the gentle disposition of "shepherd dog" Easily converge with children, patiently demolishing their immediacy and pranks. Small family members are treated as objects of guardianship - at that moment herding instincts are included in canine nature. With condescension and goodwill, they look at other pets, even cats.
Need frequent communication. “Talkativeness” is an interesting feature of their character. Such dogs are masters of complaining about life or expressing their opinions with intonations on one or another occasion that not everyone likes. But if he himself is sociable and always ready to talk with a four-legged friend, such a dog will be very useful.
When someone unfamiliar appears in the house, white shepherd dogs avoid contact with him. Instead, stay away from the guest. But if they see that the owner or children are in danger, they are able to show aggression towards the ill-wisher, and the reaction of the pet will be instantaneous. In this respect, whites are no different from their usual German counterparts.
Conditions for content
Not advised to start such a large dog owners small housing, as a four-legged inhabitant will be very uncomfortable in it. But in a separate house with a large yard, located in the private sector, the pet will feel at ease.
Keeping in the yard is not a problem just because white shepherd dogs have a warm fur coat. Do not have to worry about the fact that they freeze, if there is a reliable booth in which the wind does not walk. Many consider the yard lifestyle of a dog to be the most preferable, considering the fact that the beloved handsome sheds all year round.
If besides the apartment there are no other accommodation options for the pet, A powerful vacuum cleaner must be “attached” to the dog, as the wool will be all over the house, and it is very noticeable on any objects.
It is advisable to have a convenient walking place near the place of residence so that the dog always has the opportunity to physically load himself during movement, play and communication with the owner. "White-haired" can not be locked up very long, demanding activity and impressions. If they are constantly kept at home, they will ruin by barking, whining, and wistful songs.
Feeding
The German white shepherd in food is picky. It is suitable and special dry food from the store, and the usual food, cooked at home (but do not be confused with the remnants of the host dinner).
If you feed the dog with special food, it is undesirable to choose ready-made nutritional mixtures of promoted brands that lie in each supermarket. It is better to consult with the breeder in advance on this issue. You need to choose food, taking into account the weight and age of the animal, so that the diet is balanced. It is best to offer pet food. premium class Cheap options are able to provoke the development of gallstone, renal stone disease and even oncology.
In deciding to have a white German shepherd in the house, it should be borne in mind that it is basically impossible to save money on such a dog.
Even a puppy, so he turned into a strong healthy individual, every day you need to eat 200 grams of meat, a couple of eggs and 150 grams of cottage cheese. In addition, the diet should be bone meal, cereals and herbs.
How to care?
The well-being, visual appeal and life expectancy depend on the correct care of the dog. If you constantly show attention to the pet, he will be near a good 15 years, or even more.
- To the beloved dog did not suffer from dysplasia of the joints, typical of dogs of large breeds, up to 6 months of age, or even up to a year, it is better not to burden it with serious physical exertion during training and walking.
- Also, do not advise using drugs that stimulate the growth of the dog.
- For an adult white shepherd to feel fit, she needs a systematic run, including overcoming obstacles. If the energy does not find a way out, you can get ready for the fact that it will be sent to the "destruction of the house" when the bored dog wants to frolic.
- Do not pick up the deadly virus will allow strict adherence to the schedule of vaccinations, and hygienic procedures include the daily combing of wool.
- It is also possible to bathe a white pet, but not more often 3 times a month.
- Attention should be paid to the eyes of the white German Shepherd, especially if the pet is already aged. Over the years, representatives of the breed have become increasingly sensitive to the effects of dust and saline sea water. To prevent eye irritation, you will have to wash them with sparse tea or chamomile extract.
- Ears also need attention. They are systematically cleaned with a cotton swab.
Upbringing and training
The easiest way to deal with a little puppy. It is easier to accept the living conditions near the owner, quickly realizes what rules of behavior in the house should be strictly followed, easily mastered the basic commands. Thanks to this grown up dog is much easier to train. If she gets into the house as an adult, it is more difficult to establish relations with her and to make her follow the rules of behavior, although this is quite achievable.
It is very interesting to be engaged in training of a white German shepherd. She quickly remembers the team and rapidly replenishes her baggage skills. To use force on a four-legged friend is unacceptable, and meaningless. He is obedient by nature.
But if you are zealous in demonstrating your superiority over an animal, it will end in aggressive behavior on his part.
At the same time, if the white German shepherd does not devote enough time and attention, it again becomes aggressive - in relation to other members of the penguin, especially to individuals of its own sex. Her behavior can be unstable, with sharp attacks on the background of fear.
To avoid trouble, like when working with any dog, need to be consistent in their actions, patience and benevolence. And then for the behavior of the tail does not have to blush. Over the years, he will be a reliable friend and pet in the family.
All about the white German Shepherd look in the next video.