Description

The White Swiss Shepherd dog, also known as the Berger Blanc Suisse, can be considered to be a white German shepherd dog, as German shepherd dogs were used as the founding stock for this young breed. The White Swiss has a well-proportioned, wedge shaped head. This breed’s muzzle is of moderate length, and meets the skull at a tasteful angle resulting in a soft but clearly visible stop. The White Swiss’ signature scissor bite is shrouded by close fitting, dark lips. A pair of slanted, almond-shaped, brown eyes give the impression of intelligence and attention. A pair of triangle shaped erect ears crown this breed’s skull.

The White Swiss’ muscular, long neck anchors the head the dog’s withers. The White Swiss’ muscular, elongated body is characterised by a straight back, deep chest, muscular back quarters and a tucked up belly — features which contribute to this breed’s streamlined, athletic look. A bushy sabre like tail is carried high when the dog is active. The White Swiss’ legs are strong and muscular without being heavy boned and should fall squarely under the dog’s body.

Origin: Switzerland.

Look

The White Swiss shepherd dog comes in medium and long haired varieties. Both coats have a dense double coat that serve to insulate the dog from the harsh outside elements. In the long haired variety, the hair at the neck and thighs is especially long to form a mane and trousers. Long haired White Swiss shepherd dogs also have a bushier tail.

The White Swiss’ coat only comes in white. Dark pigmentation of the skin is allowed specifically around the lips and rims of the eyelids.

The White Swiss’ double coat needs daily brushing to keep its shedding under control. This breed goes through periods of heavier seasonal shedding.

Health

Properly bred White Swiss shepherds are considered to be healthy dogs. However, some breeding lines suffer from a number of health conditions. These are:
• Hip Dysplasia.
• Elbow Dysplasia.
• Malabsorption syndrome.
• Degenerative joint disease.
• Megaesophagus.
• Eye disease.
• Bloat.
• Allergies.
• Missing teeth.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Congenital Spinal Disease.
It is wise for White Swiss shepherd owners to take their dogs to the veterinarian for a yearly check-up. Ask the veterinarian to perform radiographic examination of the dog’s hips, spine and elbows to find out if a puppy has any of the above abnormalities. Managing a White Swiss’ weight will also reduce mechanical strain on the dog’s joints and helps keep them in good shape. Feeding the dog small meals three times a day also helps prevent the incidence of bloat due to stomach torsion.
At Newdoggy.com we promote puppies coming from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. Newdoggy.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted puppies are in good health.

Learning

The White Swiss’ love for learning makes it an ideal candidate for those who wish to take dog training seriously. The White Swiss is courageous and confident, while still being calculating and clever. Owners should consider enrolling this breed to obedience classes and other dog sports. Obedience classes would especially benefit the White Swiss as it helps the dog build a healthy relationship with its owner. Although the White Swiss is bred to be a family dog, it might still harbour some shepherding instincts that can be developed by attending shepherding classes.

Temperament

The White Swiss shepherd is very faithful and attached to his family, but can be a bit reserved with strangers. It is therefore wise to socialize White Swiss puppies as early as possible in order for them to develop into well-balanced, confident individuals that enjoy human interactions. It is important for this breed to have a calm, confident owner that does not hesitate to establish rules and boundaries and enforce them consistently. These intelligent dogs will challenge the authority of a weak willed owners, giving rise to undesirable behavioural problems that will sabotage an otherwise satisfactory relationship with their dogs.

Living with

The White Swiss shepherd does not mind living in an apartment if adequately exercised. A house with access to a large yard would be an ideal home for these dogs. A simple, long, brisk walk is usually not enough for these dogs to wind down, and they often need a higher intensity workout such as Frisbee or a long jog.