I always call these dogs alsatians but could I ask a general question about them without anyone taking offence as it is a genuine query to someone who at the mo doesnt know much about dogs. We now have a house so can now own a couple of dogs which is what we have always wanted. I shall of course buy some books and find out about alsatians before we buy one but my husband has always wanted one (he especially wants a white coloured one if pos). I had a nasty experience as a teenager with an alsatian so if we do buy one from a breeder of course will it be a nice dog with children and other dogs (I do hope to have some grandchildren in the next few years). We have bought Barney, a lhasa apso, as I think two dogs should hopefully be company for one another. He was born on 5 Sept last so we were thinking of getting a GSD pup once Barney has grown up a little bit. Do you think they will get on well together. I do hope so as my husband is so looking forward to having the two dogs. Please dont think I have anything against GSD or alsatians as I call them as I am not frightened at all of any dog and would also like one but as I said had a bad experience of a lovely one "turning" many years ago. Your expert advice is awaited. Thanks Gina.

If your husband wants a white GSD then of course that is what he should get. But do make sure that the breeder of you GSD breeds for temperment and health and not just colour. I know little about GSD's of today but I'm sure you will get sound advice and may be some names. Jackie H

Like you Gina, I was always a little wary of GSDs because as a child I only ever saw them as Guard Dogs, and after 14 years with a Cocker it was hard to think I would own anything else. But I too went with my husband's wishes (he is not too keen on 'handbag dogs' as he calls them) and we have a GSD/Lab cross. She is big but she is no beast. She is gentle and kind; much more friendly and sweet natured than a lot of small dogs I know. Of course, I can't help on the breeder side of things because our dog is a rescue, but I just wanted to reassure you that not all the big dogs a re beastly dogs. In my humble experience it depends on their upbringing as well as breeding. If your GSD pup is familiar with children from day one it is much less likely to 'turn'. There is lots of advice of this site re introducing puppies, breeders, etc so read on from the experts on choosing a breeder to get your new pup.

Good Luck Jabba & Family

Hi

I've had GSD's for many years Strangely enough mine have always been from direct german lines even when no one else had them

Your wise to let your little dogs grow up & mature before you get another puppy

I've never found"white"GSD's attractive & very very few are actually white they are many cream or biscuit coloured & few have correct coats

It is very important to ensure the parents are good temperaments & Hip scored, the father blood tested & there is no epilepsy in the lines

Sadly most white GSD's go back to an epiletic gdog called Ingasohn Errol & it's quite common for them to develop epilepsy because breeders mate related dogs together

I would get some books from the library Nem Elliotts books are old but have been updated & are warts & all She was a very knowledgable lady

I would get some books on genetics as well(Dr Malcolm Willis has written some)

Good luck in your search

You will hopefully find the puppy that is right for you whatever the colour I have GSD's & Border Collies & mine play fine with small dogs & cats

thank you both. I will have a good look at this site and we do have a while to make up our minds. I dont think my husband really wants a "white" one as such just the light coloured ones he has seen in the street and out and about which he has thought were lovely. Regards Gina

My partner was petrified of GSDs till he met me, now they are his favourites. My present boy is the pale colour (silver sable and grey) and is superb with everyone, not so always so keen on other dogs but that was bad socialisation as he was a rescue pup, and with a lot of hard work he is getting there. We also have a GSP and jack russell cross and they all get along fine. Ingrid

Hi Gina,

I have a creamy white GSD longcoat, he has a wonderful temperament, very calm, loving and soft, I saw both his parents and they were both creamy whites, both big strapping gentle dogs, with no health problems whatsoever.
You will be told by people like Katie who only favour the short haired German types of the Standard colour ( which white or cream is not ) and lots of other people like her that most whites have health problems, bad temperaments etc, it is not true, if you are careful where you go, and see at least the parents of a litter, and if you can, any offspring from previous litters then you will get a nice white dog. There are many people breeding this colour now just for money and they don't care about health or temperament, but there are some people who do care, if you don't mind travelling, I can give you a few numbers for Scottish breeders who have excellent dogs, with no hip dysplasia or epilepsy, and I know this because I have seen many of their dogs. E mail me privately if you would like the numbers. Best of luck.

If you want the two dogs to get on then you need to socialize the puppy with other dogs a lot so that he is comfortable with other dogs around.
Choose your alsation from a reputable breeder who breeds for good temperament.

Hi guys,

My name is Brooke Taylor and I am President of the White Shepherd Association of Australia (WSAA). Many of our breeders are interested in importing whites from the UK and also New Zealand. These countries are favoured as they have low or no quarrantine restrictions, and therefore less stress for the pup/dog and also less expense.

I am joining the White & Longcoat GSD Society as a member soon (and have had correspondences with Linda Wilde - Membership Officer in the past - but I have emailed her recently & haven't heard back).

I am interested in other breeders of whites that x-ray and test their breeding stock. The dogs should also be Kennel Club registered.

Is there any action over in UK in regard to getting whites accepted as a separate breed with the KC? Here is Australia whites are only able to be registered with the Australian National Kennel Council if born from coloured parents, even then they are put on the limited register (just like longcoats are) so they cannot be bred from. The WSAA keeps our own pedigrees until we get the breed accepted - which (hopefully) isn't too far away. I understand that whites are still be able to be papered and bred from in the UK (you guys are lucky!!! LOL), but I think some action needs to be done in relation to whites being formerly recognised and shown in conformation in the UK if the breed (White Shepherd) is to prosper.

Welcome to the forum Brooke :-) Leigh