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American White Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about American White Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank513
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American White Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an American White Shepherd known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
White Canadian ShepherdAmerican White Shepherd
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an American White Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

American White Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an American White Shepherd? Learn how big the American White Shepherd breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an American White Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the American White Shepherd breed.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an American White Shepherd?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the American White Shepherd? American White Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an American White Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

American White Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an American White Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting American White Shepherd costs.
$1800-$2500
If you choose to purchase the American White Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a American White Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the American White Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a American White Shepherd? How many American White Shepherd are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

American White Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an American White Shepherd? Discover the American White Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The American White Shepherd ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an American White Shepherd? Learn about the American White Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
American White Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an American White Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the American White Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
American White Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the American White Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an American White Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the American White Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
American White Shepherd dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

American White Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an American White Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic American White Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
AloofAlertSelfishFearlessEagerCompanionableConfidence
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? American White Shepherd sensitivity:
American White Shepherd dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an American White Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: American White Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the White Canadian Shepherd need? American White Shepherd social needs:
American White Shepherd dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the American White Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does American White Shepherd roam?
American White Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does American White Shepherd have high prey drive?
American White Shepherd dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

American White Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an American White Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical American White Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The American White Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an American White Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the American White Shepherd breed.
The American White Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an American White Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the American White Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep American White Shepherd indoors.

American White Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an American White Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the American White Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Average: American White Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an American White Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the American White Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
American White Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

American White Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an American White Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the American White Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The American White Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an American White Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the American White Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
American White Shepherd dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but American White Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an American White Shepherd bite? Learn about the American White Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

American White Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force American White Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an American White Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This American White Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. American White Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an American White Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The American White Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the American White Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an American White Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

American White Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an American White Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the American White Shepherd breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of American White Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an American White Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the American White Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an American White Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the American White Shepherd breed.
American White Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an American White Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the American White Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The American White Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

American White Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an American White Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the American White Shepherd breed.
American White Shepherd dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an American White Shepherd need? How much exercise do American White Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do American White Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

American White Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the American White Shepherd breed need?
American White Shepherd dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

American White Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an American White Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the American White Shepherd's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The American White Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the American White Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an American White Shepherd need daily? Learn about the American White Shepherd's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

American White Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an American White Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the American White Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
American White Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an American White Shepherd come in? Discover all possible American White Shepherd color variations.
White Light Cream
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an American White Shepherd need? Learn about American White Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The American White Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your American White Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does an American White Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the American White Shepherd's drooling habits.
The American White Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the American White Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the American White Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an American White Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the American White Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The American White Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an American White Shepherd have? Learn about the American White Shepherd's fur characteristics.
Wavy
Bathing Needs
How often does an American White Shepherd need baths? Learn about the American White Shepherd's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do American White Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the White Canadian Shepherd? Do American White Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
American White Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

American White Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an American White Shepherd good with children? Learn about the American White Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
American White Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an American White Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the American White Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
American White Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? American White Shepherd temperament with other people:
American White Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do American White Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the American White Shepherd breed live with a cat?
American White Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is American White Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do American White Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
American White Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is American White Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is American White Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
American White Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are American White Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do American White Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
American White Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do American White Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the White Canadian Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are American White Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
American White Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

American White Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an American White Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the American White Shepherd's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

American White Shepherd is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an American White Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the American White Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

American White Shepherd is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an American White Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the American White Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

American White Shepherd is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an American White Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the American White Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The American White Shepherd is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an American White Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the American White Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

American White Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an American White Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the American White Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

American White Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an American White Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the American White Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

American White Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an American White Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an American White Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the American White Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female American White Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an American White Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

American White Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an American White Shepherd in? Learn about the American White Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an American White Shepherd in? Learn about the American White Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

American White Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: American White Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The American White Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The American White Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: American White Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Compatibility: American White Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: American White Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: American White Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: American White Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: American White Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: American White Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: American White Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: American White Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

American White Shepherd History

The American White Shepherd is thought to be originated from the United States of America, and from Europe combined. The breed is a direct offspring of the popular German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd itself was developed in Germany in 1899, by a German cavalry officer named Max von Stephanitz. It was created by crossing the local herding dogs and other European herding and hound breeds. From this batch, the original German Shepherd emerged, in various colours, but mostly in the signature black and brown colour.

Interestingly, once in a while one or two all-white specimens appeared in the litter. However, according to the German registration rules, since the 1930s, these specimens could not qualify for registration as a purebred German Shepherd. Despite the registration ban, many German Shepherd enthusiasts appreciated the beauty and the uniqueness of the pure white specimens, consequently, there were a couple of breeders who started to focus on breeding solely the white variant of the German Shepherd. Due to these dogs’ exclusion from most of the national German Shepherd breeding programs, the American White Shepherd quickly distinguished itself enough to become a separate breed. For the reason that the white-colored coat is a recessive gene, the breeding process was quite easy, because, in order to produce a white-colored litter, breeders just needed to mate two parents who were white-colored consistently. Fascinatingly, the American White Shepherd still remained purebred, because of the fact that the gene that controls the white colour is a natural component in the total colour genetic makeup of the German Shepherd breed. Thus, there was no need to introduce another breed to the gene pool.

Initially, the white-colored German Shepherds were banned from competing in dog shows as German Shepherds, thus a few people knew about their existence. So later, with the intention of increasing their popularity, breeders imported the breed to the United States of America and to Canada and started to breed them there too. Fortunately, during the 1970s, more and more people started to prefer white-colored dogs, over others, so the interest for the American White Shepherd began to increase significantly. This increased interest encouraged breeders to establish their own kennels and clubs, and eventually to showcase the American White Shepherd in dog shows. These specimens were only allowed to compete as so-called “white-coated German Shepherds” at that time because they were not recognized as a separate breed yet. So, in order to avoid confusion, people started to refer to them as American White Shepherd.

In 1998, the Canadian Kennel Club officially denounced the color white from the German Shepherd breed, which prevented the American White Shepherd from competing in any events, yet this clear distinction made their recognition as a separate breed easier in the long run. The UKC (United Kennel Club) recognized the American White Shepherd in 1999, moreover, the breed also gained registration from the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) too.

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American White Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Diego

    Apr 2, 2020, 5:33:46 AM:

    Super smart, friendly with children and a better dog to protect my familiy. It´s strong and endurance. I´m very happy with him.