Kerstone Shepherds - History of the White Shepherd

White was one of the original color variations of the German Shepherd Dog. In fact, the maternal grandsire of Horand von Grafrath (the first registered German Shepherd Dog), named Grief, was white. When he was bred back to his granddaughter, the white gene was solidly established into the breed. Max von Stephanitz strove for a dedicated, versitile, working dog that could perform any task given to him and coat color did not affect the dog's working ability at all. As time went on, breeders of colored German Shepherds began to dislike the white color. In 1959, the dogs that were predominantly white were disqualified by the GSDCA. It was thought that the white color caused color paling in the dark dogs and in 1967, dogs of white color were disqualified by the GSDCA. Breeders of colored GSDs tried to wipe out the white color completely and still today breeders around the world believe that white puppies should be destroyed. The breeders of "White Shepherds" have striven to reproduce the original qualities of the German Shepherd Dog. They focus on preserving good health, temperament, and working ablility, as well as the less angulated body style. Because White Shepherd breeders have been breeding towards different goals than those of the show German Shepherd world this breed has developed its own "type". White Shepherd males should be 25 to 26 inches tall and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. Females should stand 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 60 to 75 pounds. Today, the White Shepherd is a highly trainable, extremely intelligent, loyal, versitile dog that thrives on being with and pleasing its owners.