“Bolt” is a popular Disney movie from 2008 about a small white dog that plays a superhero on TV. He has jaw-dropping superpowers, like a sonic bark, and super strength that can wipe out entire armies.

Of course, Bolt isn’t a super dog, but he doesn’t know that piece of information at first. Eventually, Bolt wanders off set into the real world, only to learn the harsh truth. Fortunately, he also meets new friends who help him find his way back to his owner. It’s a cool premise for a fun movie, but it has had people asking about what kind of breed Bolt is.

The movie never states what kind of dog he is. But based on this pup’s physical characteristics and personality, it’s quite likely that Bolt the superhero dog is a white German Shepherd.

Bolt the Dog in Real Life

The white German Shepherd shares all of the physical features of a standard black and brown German Shepherd. A fully grown Shepherd stands around 25 inches tall and weighs up to 90 pounds (but can be smaller).

The most notable feature of a German Shepherd is the ears. They stand tall and proud, perfectly pointed on top of their head. The snout is slender and pointed. Overall, the general appearance of a German Shepherd is angular. This breed also has a squirrel-like tail. It’s not curly like a squirrel’s, but it’s long and frizzy.

We see many of these physical features in Bolt, especially the ears and tail. The only difference between Bolt and a white German Shepherd is the size, which is why many still debate if he’s a white German Shepherd.

What Are White German Shepherds Like?

Just like standard German Shepherds, white Shepherds are intelligent and confident. They’re also courageous and loyal, working hard to please and protect their owners.

In real life, German Shepherds are often used for law enforcement, security, and military use. They’ve earned the name as an “all-purpose” breed because they excel in so many areas. They make excellent guard dogs, herding dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.

Bolt personifies the German Shepherd’s personality perfectly, on and off the screen. In the movie, Bolt leaves the TV set because he believes that his owner, Penny, is captured by the Green-Eyed Man. This is the part in the movie where he learns that his superpowers are fake. Regardless, Bolt stays loyal to his owner by using his natural Shepherd instincts to locate Penny.

White German Shepherds Are Not (Yet) Mainstream

Many people love white German Shepherds, but this wasn’t always the case. When breeders started isolating the gene that made German Shepherds white, German kennel clubs didn’t like it because of health concerns. They ended up banning the color altogether.

Despite this, the white German Shepherds had already made their way to America and Canada, and everyone loved them. In 1964, California established the first kennel club dedicated to White Shepherds in Sacramento.

In 1969, another kennel club was formed, named the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America. The White German Shepherd Dog Club International, Inc. followed suit in 1977. The United Kennel Club recognized the dog as an independent breed in 1999. Since then, the breed has slowly become a mainstream breed. They still have a long way to go, but the movie “Bolt” shows us that they’re making progress!

Does a White German Shepherd Make a Good Pet?

It’s no secret that German Shepherds make excellent pets, regardless of color. These dogs adore their owners and will do anything to protect them from harm. With German Shepherds, their character stands out above all. However, it also helps to know about grooming, feeding, and other general care.

For starters, German Shepherds aren’t hypoallergenic. You’ll need to brush your Shepherd weekly, or the thick double layer underneath will shed fur everywhere. This goes for any Shepherd color.

Another aspect to consider is other dogs. Usually, German Shepherds do fine with other dogs, but every dog is different. Your German Shepherd may take a few meet n’ greets to be okay with another pet.

As for kids, German Shepherds usually love them. They’re gentle around families and will do everything to protect them.

In Conclusion

We can all agree that we don’t deserve a dog’s unconditional love, especially a German Shepherd’s loyalty. But they offer love, anyway, and push through the odds to make the world a better place for their owners.

Bolt is an excellent example of a German Shepherd’s courage and strength. We see heroism matched with humor throughout the Disney movie, thanks to Bolt’s furry friends who help him along the way.

Bolt shows us that dogs don’t need fancy superpowers to make a difference in our lives. The love and dedication they have for their owners are more than enough. Is it any wonder why that “Bolt” was a hit in theaters?

• Related Read: What Breed Is the Dog From Coco?

Featured Image Credit: Characters by Walt Disney Animation Studios.  All rights reserved to the copyright owners.