White Swiss Shepherd Dog

Switzerland is considered to be its country of origin, but the first known white dogs of the future new breed appeared in the USA and Canada. The history of the origin of the breed is not very well known. Regardless of the past, today the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a proven employee of various services, but also a faithful, intelligent and strong household pet, with whom we can feel completely safe.

FCI classification

Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Section 1 Sheepdogs
Without working trial
Other names:
- French: Berger Blanc Suisse
- German: Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund
- Italian: Pastore Svizzero Bianco
Origin: Switzerland

History of the breed

The first white German shepherds were spotted at the end of the 19th century. However, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that a special breeding program was developed to maintain white coat. The breed comes from white German Shepherds from Canada and the USA. The first breed club was established in the 1970s in the United States. Later, the white shepherd dog appeared in Europe, first in Switzerland, then in Germany and Denmark.

Over time, European cynological societies began to establish breeding books for snow-white dogs. In 2001, the FCI accepted it temporarily, and 10 years later officially accepted it. The United Kennel Club made this decision a little earlier, in 1999. Switzerland recognized the new breed in 1991, and the Netherlands a year later.

Characteristic

Appearance

The silhouette and the shape of the head very much resemble a German Shepherd Dog. The dog is muscular, elegant and strong. The shapely head has almond-shaped, slightly slanting brown eyes. Above the eyes are protruding, set high and held stiffly forward ears. Their shape resembles slightly rounded triangles at the top. The muzzle is crowned with a medium-sized nose. It is usually black in color, but can be bright, even snow-white. The strong body is adorned with a tail reaching the hock. When carried high, it bends saber-like, while at rest it hangs loosely.

Hair

The Swiss Shepherd Dog has a coat of medium length, which is composed of two layers. Both the short and fine undercoat and the thick, rough topcoat are pure white. There may be a slight waviness at times, but usually these sheepdogs have straight hair. As the hair is dense and coarse, regular brushing is recommended.

Temperament

Its character is dominated by friendliness and gentleness. Faithfulness, as well as patience and understanding towards children, make it a wonderful family dog. Due to its instincts, it will defend its family against intruders, but should never show aggression.

Its inborn caution prevents it from becoming acquainted with strangers. Thanks to this, he is a good guardian and protector. However, this vigilance should not be confused with shyness or timidity.

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog works well in rescue, searching for missing people, kynotherapy (therapy with the participation of a dog). A stable and hard temperament allows it to be successful in dog sports: agility, obedience, diving, flyball, tracking and many others.

Health condition

The breed does not suffer from any specific medical conditions. Sometimes there are problems common to many large breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye disease or spontaneous bleeding known as von Willebrand’s disease.

Detailed data and dimensions (size)

White Swiss Shepherd Dog

Height at the withers:
- males 60-66 cm (24–26 in)
- females 55-61 cm (22–24 in)
Weight:
- males 30-40 kg (66–88 lb)
- females 25-35 kg (55–77 lb)
Lifespan: 12 years
Coat: thick, of medium but variable length
Color: white