Length is proportional to the size of the head. The neck is strong, muscular, and dry. Except when at attention or excited, the typical carriage of the head is forward rather than up, particularly when the dog is in motion. Shoulders and upper arms are well muscled but never loaded. The upper arm appears to be equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an angle of about 102 degrees.
Elbows are close to the body.
From the pasterns to the elbows, the forelegs are straight and strong with oval-shaped bones that are substantial, but not excessive. A straight line drawn from the withers to the ground should pass through the point of the elbow. Pasterns are strong and springy, sloping at about 25 degrees. The length of the forelegs are equal to or just slightly greater than half the height of the dog, measured at the withers. The White Shepherd is solid without bulkiness and should be shown in lean, hard physical condition.