The White German Shepherd The White coat colour by the "official" ANKC breed standard is not acceptable as a result of political beliefs stemming from Europe some 50 years ago. The White coat itself is nothing more than just a coat colour, and it is not a true fault of the breed, nor is it a genetic abnormality. When a white shepherd is born it has a white coat with a pink nose and paw pads, hence the misinterpretation that they are albinos. However as they grow the pigmentation turns to black and their eyes open dark brown. Hence a white shepherd is not albino at all. The pigmentation changing process is similar to a Dalmation getting its spots!
Registration As the Whites do not fulfil the ANKC breed standard for German Shepherds or White Swiss Shepherds, they cannot be ANKC registered. However there are now 2 bodies governing the registration of White Shepherds; the White German Shepherd Alliance of Victoria (WGSAV) and the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Club Australia (WSSDCA). Having these registries allows for the issue of White Shepherd dogs with valid pedigrees, which in turn also helps to closely monitor and control the breeding program. Hip and Elbow Displaysia Hip and elbow displaysia is a devastating disease, that can range from mild to crippling. It is where the hip or elbow socket joint does not form properly. This causes abnormal movement in the joint which then causes the continued degeneration of the bones associated with the joint and also pain. Adjacent are two photos of dogs hips, on top one of a nice normal joint and below of a degenerated hip joint, where you can see the socket has been ground away and the balls are somewhat deformed. The end result is arthritis in the joint as well as the continued degeneration. Displaysia is a genetic disease. We hip and elbow score every pup we breed in order to maintain an entire view of the dogs we are breeding. So far in these bloodlines we have had no issue with displaysia and we very carefully select against it in our breeding program. No one wants to have to make the decision between an unaffordable $15,000 operation or putting your dog down at a young age due to careless uninformed breeding, which could have been avoided. This disease is not something we will ever be able to say we are 100% free from, however by maintaining our strict breeding regulations and x-ray procedures we are minimising all risks and aim to never see the disease present itself in our bloodlines. For any more information on this issue you can visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTwi8TRs6z8 and watch the short tutorial video. | 
 The X-ray above is a good example of a normal hip joint. The ball of the hip fits into the socket nicely, both surfaces apear even and smooth. The gap between the ball and the socket is even and minimal.  This above X-ray is an example of a degenerated hip joint. You can easily see the socket of the joint has been worn away and does not cup the ball of the joint at all. The gap between the socket and ball is uneven and grossly enlarged in some parts. The ball of the joint is not a smooth surface, but has been ground down and is rough and uneven |
