German shepherds, known as Alsatians in Europe, are among the most identifiable dogs in the world. Even people who don't know much about canines recognize these black and brown dogs. However, there's also a white version of the breed, a color not recognized for showing by the American Kennel Club.
White Alsatians
Besides color, there is no difference between the white and standard German shepherd, or Alsatian. White German shepherds whose parents were both registered with either the American or Canadian Kennel Clubs can also be registered, but their color is considered a "disqualifying fault" by the AKC and "less desirable" by the CKC. That means they can't show in AKC conformation classes and aren't encouraged in CKC breed classes. However, they are eligible to compete in any AKC or CKC performance events.
Origins
According to the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America, white was one of the breed's original colors. It states that the breed's founder, Captain Max Von Stephanitz, had several white shepherds and considered the color an important element in the breed. During the late 19th century, Von Stephanitz observed the working shepherd dogs of Germany, who had shepherding in common but varied in size, type and color. His goal was to create a smart, sound dog who could serve as shepherd and companion.
The Horand Line
Von Stephanitz began breeding the best shepherd dogs he could find to achieve his dream. Among the first was the white-coated Grief. According to the WGSDCA, Grief was related to Horand, the first entry in the Verein fur Deutsche Shaferhund stud book in 1899, when the official breed was formed. "Horand carried the white gene and sired many white pups and many colored pups with the white recessive gene," according to the WGSDCA.
1900-1930s
The Alsatian rapidly became a popular working dog. The first Germans shepherds arrived in the United States in 1912, and in 1917 the AKC registered white German shepherds. Rin Tin Tin became an international movie star. However, by the 1930s Nazism arrived in Germany. The Nazis' bizarre racial theories extended to dogs, with white Alsatians seen as inferior. They were banned from the German show ring.
The Post-War Years
Even after the defeat of Nazism in World War II, some misconceptions about the white German shepherd dog continued. The White German Shepherd Dog Club International states that, in the 1960s, the recessive white coat gene was mistakenly blamed for genetic issues in some bloodlines, leading to Germany's attempt to "outlaw" the white Alsatian. In 1968, the AKC changed its rules regarding the breed, labeling the white color as a disqualifying fault. The following year, the WGSDCA was formed.
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Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.