The genetics and health status of the White German Shepherd Dog

Abstract

White German Shepherds have been in existence since the early foundations of the breed. The German Shepherd has its roots in Germany, where the countryside was populated by herding dogs that were greatly cherished by their farm families for their protective nature, ability to manage hundreds of sheep and their companionship. White shepherds were common at that time, as well as the better recognized black and tan patterned dogs that are seen today. The White GSD has a complicated past, present and future in terms of breeding and recognition. In the 1960's, with the increasing popularity, friction developed between the standard German Shepherd breeders and the white-coated devotees. The recessive white coat gene suddenly became erroneously blamed for the genetic problems existing in the German Shepherd bloodlines. This led to Germany's trying to outlaw the white dogs altogether. The aim of this Thesis is to examine in detail the full history of the White GSD relating to its breeding efforts and difficulties; its genetic problems and also desirable traits.