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Why does the name differ around the world?
Even in 2007 the contraversy over the white shepherd name continues in Australia and overseas.
Much depends on the controlling kennel council in the country on what the dog is registered as.
In England white shepherds are still registered as German shepherds colour white.
In America they can have dual registration, American Kennel Council (AKC) as a German Shepherd white and with the United Kennel Council (UKC) as a White Shepherd.
In other countries, including Australia, they were moved to the limited register (not able to register any offspring) in the 1980s.
During this time many Australian white shepherds lost their histories and pedigrees.
In European countries recognised by the FCI, they are known as White Swiss Shepherds, a breed unto its own right now separate from the German shepherd dog.
Even in 2007 the contraversy over the white shepherd name continues in Australia and overseas.
Much depends on the controlling kennel council in the country on what the dog is registered as.
In England white shepherds are still registered as German shepherds colour white.
In America they can have dual registration, American Kennel Council (AKC) as a German Shepherd white and with the United Kennel Council (UKC) as a White Shepherd.
In other countries, including Australia, they were moved to the limited register (not able to register any offspring) in the 1980s.
During this time many Australian white shepherds lost their histories and pedigrees.
In European countries recognised by the FCI, they are known as White Swiss Shepherds, a breed unto its own right now separate from the German shepherd dog.
Why are some called white Swiss shepherds?
Switzerland was the first country to officially recognise whites as a breed apart from the German Shepherd Dog.
In Australia white shepherds are known as white Swiss shepherds, white German shepherds and Berger Blanc Suisse.
Most Australian dogs are from the same parentage regardless of what name they go by.
See white shepherds bred in Australia since around 2000 here.
Switzerland was the first country to officially recognise whites as a breed apart from the German Shepherd Dog.
In Australia white shepherds are known as white Swiss shepherds, white German shepherds and Berger Blanc Suisse.
Most Australian dogs are from the same parentage regardless of what name they go by.
See white shepherds bred in Australia since around 2000 here.
Are White Shepherds pure bred?
White Shepherds no matter what name they go by have been bred from pure bred white shepherd dogs, with some progeny coming from coloured German shepherd dogs both in Australia and overseas.
They have not been mixed with any other breed of dog to get the white coat colour.
White Shepherds no matter what name they go by have been bred from pure bred white shepherd dogs, with some progeny coming from coloured German shepherd dogs both in Australia and overseas.
They have not been mixed with any other breed of dog to get the white coat colour.
Why can’t I show my Australian White Shepherd?
Australian white shepherd dogs have not been recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) so they can not be shown at ANKC Shows.
You can still trial your white shepherd in obedience, agility and other dog sports sanctioned by the ANKC.
Check with your local branch to find out ANKC requirements for registering your white shepherd in your state.
Australian white shepherd dogs have not been recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) so they can not be shown at ANKC Shows.
You can still trial your white shepherd in obedience, agility and other dog sports sanctioned by the ANKC.
Check with your local branch to find out ANKC requirements for registering your white shepherd in your state.
Where does the White colour come from?
The first dog to be registered as a German Shepherd Dog was Horand Von Grafrath.
His maternal grandfather was a white dog, named Grief. The white gene has been around since the very beginning of the German Shepherd Dog breed.
German shepherd dogs have many natural colour variations other than black and tan.
The white coat colour is caused by a recessive colour gene.
The first dog to be registered as a German Shepherd Dog was Horand Von Grafrath.
His maternal grandfather was a white dog, named Grief. The white gene has been around since the very beginning of the German Shepherd Dog breed.
German shepherd dogs have many natural colour variations other than black and tan.
The white coat colour is caused by a recessive colour gene.
Is the White Shepherd rare?
No. There are hundreds in Australia.
No. There are hundreds in Australia.
Is the White Shepherd an Albino?
No, the white shepherd is not albino.
The white shephed dog does not have the health concerns associated with albinos such as skin cancer, blindness or deafness).
The white shepherd has dark pigment around the eyes and lips and has a black nose. The preferred eye colour is dark brown (in albinos, this is blue or pink).
In black and tan German shepherd dogs, the white coat colour is carried as a recessive colour gene.
If two white shepherds are mated, all puppies will be white as both parents have the white coat colour gene.
No, the white shepherd is not albino.
The white shephed dog does not have the health concerns associated with albinos such as skin cancer, blindness or deafness).
The white shepherd has dark pigment around the eyes and lips and has a black nose. The preferred eye colour is dark brown (in albinos, this is blue or pink).
In black and tan German shepherd dogs, the white coat colour is carried as a recessive colour gene.
If two white shepherds are mated, all puppies will be white as both parents have the white coat colour gene.
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