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A Case For Recognition of our Local Lines

Even though we’d love recognition of our dogs with the ANKC, they have requested us to still refer to them as White German Shepherd Dogs. Until such a point in time where the ANKC comes into line with the rest of the world and recognises our locally-bred lines, we should still refer to all of them as German Shepherd Dogs. In the meantime, before we lobby for breed recognition, we are building quality and focussing heavily on diversity for a genetically sustainable future.

Main points for recognition of Australian White GSDs as White Swiss Shepherd Dogs

· The 1^st officially registered White Swiss Shepherd Dog was in Switzerland, ‘Lobo White Burch’. He is considered the progenitor of the breed by the FCI and all their associated organisations who accept the breed. This dog was imported from America and came registered as a German Shepherd Dog, colour white with the American Kennel Club. His type was heavily set and all-breed German Shepherd in style. He was not pure white with jet black nose pigmentation. This important fact is left out of the breed’s description in the FCI Breed Standard.

Above: 2 photos of ‘Lobo White Burch’. Registration Numbers SHSB 185624 and AKC WA727466

· There are no other breeds, other than German Shepherd Dogs of white colour that made up the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Breed. Until recently, the breed was unregulated by official kennel clubs, so now that they are being officially judged, we might see more of a correct ‘type’ develop. Until then, variations in type and standard are still being seen.

· Many Australian White GSDs have been exported and re-registered as White Swiss Shepherd Dogs by overseas controlling bodies without any problems. They (and their progeny) have been awarded titles and have many show ring achievements.

· Some Australian lines go back to ANKC registered German Shepherd Dogs of white, sable and black/gold colours. Due to the ANKC ceasing registration of whites in 1995, many pedigrees stopped being recorded, leaving many pedigrees with limited information. Though shouldn’t be a huge problem considering the ANKC has recognised several new breeds that don’t have full pedigree history. Though, if acceptance ever happens, knowledge of certain Australian lines having other breeds in them will need to be divulged to the ANKC, so those lines are not included in the registration. We are still advocating a purebred breed of dog and credibility of purebred status is still of utmost importance.

· Every other country in the world, except Australia, officially registers their local White Shepherds as White Swiss Shepherd Dogs or White German Shepherd Dogs (US, Canada and the UK).

NB: All dog breeds have been developed as a result of selecting different traits, cross-breeding with different breeds and focussing on a desired type. Though, selecting a breed based on colour alone and calling it something “new”, does not disbar the fact that all whites have the same origins and are genetically identical. The Cairn Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier used to have the same situation, where breed separation was achieved based on coat colour. The ANKC recognises both these breeds.

Though, the argument as to whether it’s right or not to name a breed a new one, based on coat colour over a specific amount of time, holds no weight. The authority of the FCI has made it clear that this is acceptable and every FCI affiliate and associate affiliate in the world (except Australia) have followed suit and registered their local dogs.