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Barney – The White German Shepherd Although the White German Shepherd is now recognized as a separate breed, I once owned one named Barney. He was a registered German Shepherd Dog and was given to me as a gift from a friend who decided that I needed a companion after my girlfriend moved away. The white shepherd is the result of a genetic defect. Because of this some of these dogs have health issues as puppies. This was true in the case of Barney as well. Shortly after I got him he became ill and had to spend a few days at the vet and received an IV. Afterwards, however, he remained quite healthy. I lived with a friend at the time who owned a 90% wolf. The two grew up together and Barney exhibited several learned behaviors that he picked up from his friend, Cesar. For example, he learned to howl exactly like a wolf. The two would sit in the backyard howling at fire trucks and other sirens they heard. It was so funny to listen to. It also shows you that a German Shepherd can get along with each other quite well with other types of dogs if they are socialized properly. Although the White German Shepherd Dog is now considered a breed of its own, these dogs do exhibit the same traits and characteristics of your normal German Shepherd dogs. These dogs love a challenge and especially enjoy obedience training. I could take Barney anywhere and we would get along with anybody. Because the breed is so unique and rare, especially where I lived, I decided to learn more about these dogs. It was interesting to find out that the first German Shepherd Dog Club of America was started in 1913. Many white shepherds were imported and produced. In 1917, Ann Tracy of New York bred shepherds and produced the first four white shepherds to be bred and born in the United States. They were also the first to be registered with the American Kennel Club. These dogs were also owned by famous individuals including Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge (recognize the name?). She imported several white German Shepherds as well as German Shepherds. Slowly these dogs became prominent throughout the country and popular in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In the 1920's, these dogs were used in vaudeville acts because their white coats made them easy to see and recognize. It is also interesting to note that the genes that are required to breed the White German Shepherds are the same as those that occur in the Arctic Wolf. Many breeders prefer the "wolf-like" appearance of the regular tan and black German Shepherds, but this information shows us that these dogs were also descendents of wolves as well and that they contained the arctic wolf jeans, which is why an occasional litter of tan and black dogs will also produce a white. Despite being a different color, Barney was the typical German Shepherd who loved his dog obedience training. He was a friendly dog that was able to adapt to anything. He was confident and loyal to his owner as well. Give these dogs a good job and a loving home and they will be perfect companions for years to come. |
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