White German Shepherd Dogs for Adoption in Valley Village, CA

White German Shepherds can be excellent dogs for active people who enjoy training and want a loyal, intelligent companion. They are devoted, capable and often good with their own families. They also need lots of exercise, mental work, early socialization and grooming for heavy shedding. In a home that meets those needs, many make wonderful partners.

White German Shepherds are large dogs, usually 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing about 60 to 85 pounds. Males are generally taller and heavier than females. Most reach adult height by around 12 to 18 months but continue filling out in chest and muscle until about two or three years old.

A White German Shepherd looks like any German Shepherd but with a pure white to light cream coat. It has a long, strong body, upright pointed ears, a wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped brown eyes and a black nose. Coats can be medium or long, and the bushy tail hangs in a gentle curve.

A White German Shepherd is a German Shepherd Dog with an all-white coat caused by a recessive gene. It shares the breed's intelligence, loyalty and working drive. The AKC treats white as a disqualifying show color, while the United Kennel Club recognizes these dogs as a separate breed, the White Shepherd, and Europe recognizes the related White Swiss Shepherd.

White German Shepherds come from Germany, where white-coated dogs were part of the German Shepherd breed from its beginnings in the late 1800s. After Germany barred white dogs from registration in 1933, the color survived in North America. Those dogs later founded the UKC's White Shepherd and, through imports to Switzerland, the White Swiss Shepherd.

White German Shepherds are uncommon because the white gene is recessive, so a puppy must inherit it from both parents. The AKC and the German breed club also disqualify white in shows, so the color has long been selected against. As a result, white dogs are concentrated in the separately recognized White Shepherd and White Swiss Shepherd, and only occasionally born to colored carriers.

No, White German Shepherds normally have brown eyes, ideally dark brown. Blue eyes are not typical and are a disqualifying fault in the United Kennel Club's White Shepherd standard. A white shepherd-type dog with blue eyes may have other breeds, such as Husky, in its background, or a different genetic cause, which a veterinarian can help explore.

White German Shepherds are not known to be prone to deafness. Their white coat comes from a recessive gene that masks pigment in the hair, unlike the extreme white spotting or merle genes linked to deafness in some breeds. Individual dogs can still be born deaf for other reasons, and a veterinarian can perform a hearing test if you have concerns.

White German Shepherds can be good watchdogs and guard dogs, since they are alert, loyal and naturally protective of their families. Their bark and size deter many visitors. Responsible guarding comes from socialization and training, not encouraging aggression. A well-trained white shepherd alerts you to strangers while staying calm and controllable around guests.

White German Shepherds are as healthy as other German Shepherds, which means generally sturdy but prone to certain inherited problems. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, digestive conditions and allergies. The white coat itself does not cause health issues. Screening history, a lean weight and regular veterinary care help reduce risks.

White German Shepherds are not necessarily inbred. There is no evidence white dogs are more inbred than colored German Shepherds, though any small, closed breeding population can concentrate inherited problems. The white gene itself is natural. When adopting, have a veterinarian check for joint, spinal or digestive issues.

Yes, White German Shepherds are very smart. German Shepherds are among the most trainable breeds and are widely used as service, search and police dogs. White shepherds share that intelligence and learn quickly with reward-based training. Their brains need daily work, though, and an under-stimulated shepherd may invent its own projects, such as chewing or barking.

No, White German Shepherds are not albino. Albino animals lack pigment entirely and typically have pink skin around the eyes and nose and pale eyes. White shepherds have black noses, dark eye rims and brown eyes, because their white coat comes from a recessive gene affecting hair color only. Albinism is a disqualification in White Shepherd standards.

Some owners describe White German Shepherds as calmer or softer than standard German Shepherds, but there is no scientific evidence that coat color changes temperament. Differences more likely reflect a dog's ancestry, training and individual personality. Any German Shepherd, white or not, needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled at home.

White German Shepherds are usually friendly and affectionate with their families, and many are polite with visitors once introduced. They tend to be reserved or watchful with strangers rather than outgoing. Good socialization from an early age helps them stay confident and welcoming. A shelter dog's history and temperament notes are the best guide to its sociability.

Many White German Shepherds get along well with other dogs, particularly when socialized early and introduced carefully. Some can be dominant or reactive with unfamiliar dogs, especially same-sex dogs. Supervised introductions, training and enough exercise help. Watch how an adoptable shepherd behaves with other dogs before you commit.

Yes, German Shepherds can have small white markings, often a spot on the chest or toes. These are minor spotting variations separate from the recessive gene that produces all-white dogs. They are a cosmetic variation that some show judges dislike, and they have no effect on health or temperament.

Yes, a normally colored German Shepherd can carry the white gene without showing it, because the gene is recessive. If two carriers have puppies, about a quarter of the litter may be white on average. Carriers can only be confirmed through genetic testing or by producing white puppies. Carrying the gene has no effect on the dog's health.

Two White German Shepherds will produce all-white puppies, because each parent can pass on only the recessive white gene. A white shepherd bred to a colored dog will usually produce colored puppies that carry the gene, unless the colored dog is also a carrier, in which case about half the puppies may be white.

A White German Shepherd may be right for you if you are active, enjoy training, and want a loyal, protective companion. It may not suit you if you are away for long hours, dislike frequent vacuuming, or want a low-energy dog. Consider space, time for daily exercise and willingness to train. The shepherds listed on this page are a good place to start.