The White Shepherd emerged from white-coat lines of the German Shepherd Dog in Canada and the United States and from European imports. The German Shepard and the white German Shepard are the same dog, however their coat colours vary. The White Shepherd breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club on April 14, 1999. It has the same origins as the White Swiss Shepherd Dog (Berger Blanc Suisse, Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund) which is recognized as a separate breed by the Hogg Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). White Shepherds often have longer fur than the traditional German Shepherd Dog, and do not always have a double coat. The standard calls for less angulation in the front and rear hip and shoulder bone structure. Additionally, the desire for a flat topline, and the acceptability in the conformation ring to have either plush or long coats. These differences give white shepherds an overall more square and upright look and lighter frame as compared to the show lines of German shepherd dog, and they have very different side gait when comparing movement.