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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
Other Names
What other names does the American White Shepherd have?
White Canadian ShepherdAmerican White Shepherd
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

American White Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is an American White Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do American White Shepherd get?

What is the average size of an American White Shepherd?

Large
Weight
How much does the American White Shepherd weigh? How much should an American White Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of an American White Shepherd? How much does a full-grown American White Shepherd weight?
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
How much does the American White Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an American White Shepherd in the United States? How much money is an American White Shepherd?

Where to buy an American White Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the American White Shepherd? Is the American White Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are American White Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an American White Shepherd?
American White Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is American White Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do American White Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the American White Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The American White Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do American White Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my White Canadian Shepherd bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is American White Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an American White Shepherd in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: American White Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an American White Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave an American White Shepherd alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the American White Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an American White Shepherd? How much bite force does an American White Shepherd have? How strong is an American White Shepherd bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do American White Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the White Canadian Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a American White Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the American White Shepherd do?
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.

American White Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do American White Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
American White Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the American White Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the American White Shepherd see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do American White Shepherd dogs live? How old can a American White Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the American White Shepherd? How many years can the oldest American White Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an American White Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of an American White Shepherd?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of American White Shepherd: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

American White Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the American White Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the American White Shepherd?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an American White Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an American White Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for American White Shepherd? How much food should I feed my American White Shepherd?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? American White Shepherd risk for obesity:
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.

American White Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the American White Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Wavy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper American White Shepherd coats?
White Light Cream
Grooming
How to groom the American White Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my American White Shepherd to the groomer?
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.

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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the American White Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give an American White Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my American White Shepherd every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the American White Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the American White Shepherd drool?
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.

American White Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do American White Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are American White Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are American White Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? American White Shepherd temperament with children:
American White Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a American White Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can American White Shepherd be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where American White Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

American White Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an American White Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the American White Shepherd breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the American White Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the American White Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an American White Shepherd have? How many puppies can an American White Shepherd give birth to?
5-10 puppies

American White Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is American White Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is American White Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

American White Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: American White Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The American White Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The American White Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: American White Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: 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 Issues: American White Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: American White Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: American White Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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.