Someone asked if Max is a white Swiss Shepherd this sent me down a rabbit hole of exploration A "white German Shepherd" is a German Shepherd with non-standard white coloring, while the White Swiss Shepherd is a separate, recognized breed with its own standards. The key differences lie in their physical structure, temperament, and pigmentation. White Swiss Shepherds typically have a straighter back, are more slender, and tend to have a more gentle, family-oriented temperament, whereas German Shepherds have a more angled back and are often bred for work, making them more intense and protective.