White Shepherd vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison

The German Shepherd and the white German Shepherd are the same dog - the only thing is that their coat colors vary.

The White Shepherd evolved because people were looking for a working companion dog with a high degree of intelligence and a white coat.

The development of the White Shepherd began at the time of the 19th and 20th centuries. A breeding program was started but in 1933, the white coat color was made a disqualification in the German Shepherd Dog breed standard.

Not to be deterred, it was in 1969 that the U.S. and Canada formed White German Shepherd breed clubs and the breed was actually recognized by the UKC in 1999.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known as an achondroplastic, a dwarf breed, and they come from Pembrokeshire in Wales. Not much is known of the dog's history but it is believed that the dogs came over with Flemish weavers who settled in Pembrokeshire way back in the 12th century already.

This dog breed has always been a cattle herding dog. Their fame has come from them being a favorite dog breed for the British royals and particularly of Queen Elizabeth II.

The White Shepherd is a true beauty and is a medium to large-sized dog that is muscular and strong. He stands at between 55 and 65cm in height and weighs between 35 and 40kg.

He is somewhat longer than tall. The double coat is medium length, dense, straight and white. He is a fairly heavy shedder. He has an intelligent face, a long muzzle and erect ears. The long tail is low-set.

Temperament:

This beautiful dog’s face tells you that he is highly intelligent. He can be easily trained. The bright eyes are eager and alert and he is ready to be an excellent guard dog and take his role as protector and guardian seriously.

The White Shepherd loves his human family and isn't overly enthusiastic around strangers. They’re playful dogs and will make great playmates for children. They also aren’t aggressive with other dogs and will get on well with other pets in the house.

The Pembroke Welsh stands at between 25 and 30cm in height and weighs between 11 and 14kg.

The coat is thick and shortish and can be fawn or a mix of colors such as white, cream, tan and black. The coat sheds quite a bit. Some of these dogs are born with their tail naturally short while others have the tail docked to give it that distinct look.

Temperament:

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loving dogs and with their human families, they want to become involved with their lives. They like to please their owners and are therefore easy to train and socialize, becoming very obedient and amicable.

They’re alert, intelligent dogs and make great watchdogs too. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as children.

The White Shepherd is such a beautiful dog and he has some great characteristics to match his good looks.

He is friendly and amicable with his human family and is a great protector as well. He isn’t aggressive yet he makes a great watchdog.

He is loving and loyal and forms strong bonds with his human family. Bringing him into your home and heart is guaranteed to confirm the opinion held that dogs are man's best friend.

British royalty has always loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and why not? He is loving, energetic, feisty, gentle, calm, friendly and intelligent.

Able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside, he will however need to be exercised every day as he has always been a herding- and working dog, used to working.

If you’re willing to bring the Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, he’ll show you what a splendid pet and companion he can be for you too.

The White Shepherd shares health problems much the same as the German Shepherd, and one of these is hip dysplasia.

These dogs are at risk of getting hip dysplasia. It’s a congenital disorder with dogs inheriting the disease from their parents. Some young dogs can get the disease too. Because they are such active dogs, the White Shepherd is at risk of dysplasia. There are a number of signs you can look for in your dog and some of these are -

trouble standing up

limping

favoring the use of one particular leg

reduced activity

weight gain

Your vet may want x-rays to examine your dog's hips. Your vet will want to slow the development of the disease and also ease the pain in your pet. There are other steps the vet will suggest to you that can make it as comfortable as possible for your pet.

Pembrokes can live to be between 12 to 15 years. With good care they can live to be a ripe old age, but just like with any other dog, they can become ill with any of the many common dog illnesses there are.

Some of these diseases are hip dysplasia, monorchidism and degenerative myelopathy. Being a small or short dog, they are also prone to obesity.

Monorchidism:

This is a condition where only one testicle descends and the other isn’t able to descend into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by 2 months of age. Monorchidism is usually genetic and you may find your dog licking his genital area quite a bit.

If you suspect your dog has monorchidism, you will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Degenerative Myelopathy:

This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord and is usually seen in older dogs, starting with your dog losing coordination in the hind limbs.You’ll notice your dog dragging his feet.

As the disease progresses, the limbs weaken and the dog even has difficulty with standing. Eventually the dog is unable to walk. With time your pet even suffers with urinary and fecal incontinence. Fortunately it isn’t a painful disease but you will want to speak to your vet for advice.

Grooming:

The White Shepherd's weather-resistant double coat will need to be brushed regularly as he is quite a heavy shedder. When brushing him, check for ticks and fleas as well as any unusual lumps.

Exercise:

This beautiful dog was developed from a herding breed so he is very active. He will love a walk every day but that won’t be sufficient. He just loves ball games, and if you take him to the park, he’ll love you throwing sticks for him or the frisbee.

Because of his intelligence, he will require mental and physical stimulation. You get some toys for dogs where you can put some kibble in the toy and he has to figure out a way to get the food out.

Diet:

The White Shepherd is an active dog, so to keep him that way, ensure he gets good food which has the right balance of vitamins.

There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market, but the idea is to know how to choose the high-quality ones and to avoid the ones that can actually jeopardize your dog’s health.

Always read the write-up on the packaging and choose according to your pet’s age and his activity levels.

It is always a good idea to give such a dog some home-made food too. Not any kind of home-made food either because you have to be careful with dogs to avoid them suffering from abdominal pain. They like their food plain and simple – boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Some raw meat occasionally is also good. Don’t forget to ensure a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

If you bring a puppy home, make sure he gets his puppy vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Your puppy requires 4 meals a day. Make sure to always give your pet the best quality food there is to ensure his health. Avoid giving him spicy, human food. Dogs like simple, consistent diets which don’t upset the stomach. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, buy the best quality one that isn’t full of preservatives, colorants and fillers. Try and mix in some homemade food occasionally such as chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots. A little bit of raw meat occasionally will do wonders for your pet and he will have more energy, a shinier coat, less skin allergies and less inflammation.

Always ensure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Brush the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s hair twice a week. Feel for any unusual lumps while doing this. Check inside and outside his ears for ticks and fleas and ear infections.

Trim his nails.

Make sure if he goes outside that he has a shady spot to lie down in.

Exercise him. Take him on walks.

Give him your love and attention.

Take him to the vet when you can see that he is sick.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t intend for it to have puppies.