What philosophical difference in breeding goals reinforces the evolution into two distinct tracks for the white gene carriers?
Show-line GSD breeders focus on strict color standard for championship points, while White Shepherd breeders may prioritize working aptitude and health.
The philosophical division between breeding paths significantly reinforces the divergence of the lines. Breeders focused on the standard show-line German Shepherd often concentrate their efforts on achieving championship points, which requires strict adherence to the color standard. Conversely, breeders dedicated to the independent White Shepherd line may place greater importance on measurable traits like working aptitude and specific health markers, viewing the white gene simply as a viable allele that does not inherently produce fault, thus emphasizing function over a specific aesthetic requirement.
