There are really three dog breeds that could claim the name White Shepherd.

(1) AKC German Shepherds who happen to be white

The very popular breed that we call a German Shepherd comes in a variety of colors, including white. For several reasons (not necessarily good reasons), white dogs aren't appreciated by the German Shepherd's national breed club nor by German Shepherd breeders who compete at dog shows. Despite their disapproval, a white puppy who pops up in a litter of German Shepherds can still be registered with the American Kennel Club as a German Shepherd.

So if you're considering acquiring an AKC-registered German Shepherd who just happens to be white, you can expect a similar temperament and behavior as if he were a more familiar black and tan color.

(2) UKC White Shepherds

In the United States, instead of registering a white German Shepherd puppy with the American Kennel Club, you might choose to register him with a different association called the United Kennel Club. The UKC offers separate registration to white dogs under their own breed name: White Shepherd.

If you're considering acquiring a UKC-registered White Shepherd, you need to find out whether the breeder's goal was to make the temperament of his dogs the same as (or different from) normal-colored German Shepherds.

White Shepherds are often bred to have a softer, more mellow, more sensitive personality. Because of this sweeter temperament, White Shepherds are seldom used as police dogs, guard dogs, or to participate in protection dog sports such as schutzhund. A White Shepherd can certainly be a very good watchdog, but his "watching" is usually limited to alerting you that someone is coming. White Shepherds are not typically aggressive.

In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. White Shepherds need a great deal of early socialization to build a confident attitude toward strangers and strange situations.

White Shepherds do need plenty of physical and mental exercise. This smart breed should not be relegated to a home that simply wants a casual pet to walk around the block.

White Shepherds can be quite vocal, tending to whine, mumble, and grumble.

Though they seldom have dominant personalities, White Shepherds still need a confident, consistent owner who will establish and enforce rules.

(3) White Swiss Shepherd (aka Berger Blanc Suisse)

Finally, there is another breed, based in Europe and registered with an international association called the FCI. This breed is called the White Swiss Shepherd (Berger Blanc Suisse) and it differs from both AKC German Shepherds and UKC White Shepherds in key areas of appearance, temperament, and health. I'm currently working on an article about that breed.

If you want a dog who...

Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking

Has a "softer," more mellow personality than a traditionally-colored German Shepherd

Thrives on challenging activities and exercise

Is exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and versatile – when well-socialized and well-trained, can learn and do almost anything

Makes a sensible watchdog and is not inappropriately hostile A White Shepherd may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with... Providing plenty of exercise and interesting things to do

Skittishness or shyness in some lines, or when not extensively socialized

Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough

Potential aggression toward other dogs, especially of the same sex

Constant heavy shedding A White Shepherd may not be right for you.

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

More traits and characteristics of the White Shepherd

If I was considering a White Shepherd, I would be most concerned about...