I have met a lot of white GSDs. All of them have had some sort of temperment issue. Many are soft dogs that you barely correct and they scream like banchies. I just saw a white GSD in obiedience class on Sunday. She was VERY dog aggressive. My trainer's opinion is that they can be more difficult to train and many have low drives.
If all you want is a house pet, and you're wife is dead set on a white GSD, then I would look for one out of standard coated parents. I would NOT consider a breeder who "specializes" in white GSDs. When your main concern, as a breeder, is the color of the coat, you aren't going to breed sound dogs.
When all other friends desert, he remains.--George G. Vest
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
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I've seen many dogs of all types that display/act in an undesirable way. I'm now convinced it's a matter of puppy selection, ground work and imprinting. Ed has excellent articles on all three. I guess I'm turning into an Ed acolyte <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Dennis, I agree that it's about selection. I just think that some types of dog are more prone to temperament problems, especially when irresponsibly bred.
When all other friends desert, he remains.--George G. Vest
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
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I agree, and in other posts I already mentioned that white GSDs are totaly unsuitable for military and law enforcemnt. so lets make them a toy breed, I'm having loads of fun with mine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I never liked all white dogs myself. I never liked the look and never got close enough or cared to see what the white shepherds are like.
Now for my question(s).. Doesn't the dog have the same recessive gene's whether it was from two colored GSD's (working and show lines) or if it was intentionally bred from a pair of White Shepherds?
And if a good working or show line have been unaffected but are found to carry the gene, should they and their offspring be discontinued fom breeding because of the increased risk of more dogs carrying the recessive disease?
If death comes like a thief in the night, my dog and I wont be surprised.
I've been reading Temple Grandin's book "Animals in Translation" (an excellent read, BTW), where she states that temperament problems are common to ALL white domestic animals. The problem appears to be related to their relative lack of melanin, which not only creates colors other than white, but is also essential to the development of the midbrain where emotion and temperament are based.
Amazon still has my copy on back order until mid-February. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I flipped through a copy in Borders and it looke pretty interesting. I may have to go back to Borders and sit in the aisle to read it if Amazon doesn't cough it up soon.
Ed Frawley Administrator Reg: 07-11-2001
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I am going to close this thread. I personally think the White German Shepherds are good looking if you see one with nice bone and heads - but no amount of posts will change the fact that these animals are nothing more than nice pets. If thats what people want - who are we to tell them they are wrong.
The only problem is when breeders of these animals try and claim their dogs have the nerves and drive to protect the families they live with. That simply is not true. There is nothing else that can be said other than "this is not an accuate statement" and if people say this then how can a customer believe anything else they say.
I dont say this with disrespect - just as a matter of fact.
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