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A direct descendant of the German Shepherd Dog, the White Shepherd was once a color variation in the breed. However, early American breeders became concerned that the white-coat genes were diluting other coat colors, and thus the white-coated dog was made a disqualification in the AKC breed standard. However, while the white GSD is disqualified in the AKC conformation ring, it is fully registerable with the AKC and eligible to compete in all other AKC disciplines. The UKC elected to recognize the White Shepherd as a separate breed from the colored GSD. The Best of Breed winners of both breeds compete in the same Herding Group finals at UKC conformation shows. The breed’s weather-resistant double coat should be pure white, although it may vary from pale cream to light tan, with black nose, lips, eye rims and pads. This medium-sized, slightly rectangular, muscular dog is able to move quickly and suddenly or in an efficient, powerful trot. Ideally, the males are 75 to 85 pounds; females, 60 to 70 pounds. The White Shepherd's almond-shaped brown eyes show a keen, composed intelligence. This confident breed is an outstanding, eager working dog, but particularly adept at herding and protection work. It is cool and observant with strangers, but openly friendly with those it knows.

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