| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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Originally bred and loved by the Habsburgs, the White Swiss Shepherd is a calm and balanced dog.
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog can be considered a Swiss version of the German Shepherd, characterized by its beautiful white coat. The resemblance between both breeds in terms of appearance and character is unquestionable. The White Swiss Shepherd may be the ideal breed if you are a German Shepherd Dog lover, and if you have always dreamed of having a white one instead of a brown-beige one.
It would be the Swiss cousin of the Commissar Rex. Although it does not attain the popularity of the German Shepherd, it is a well-known and widespread dog in Switzerland, naturally, but also in nearby Austria. It is also recognized and sought after in the northern United States and Canada.
But how else does the White Swiss Shepherd Dog differ from the German Shepherd, beyond its lighter coat? In this article, we will give you a detailed description of this breed’s main characteristics to find out if this may be the dog you are looking for.
Let’s start with its name, which will help us to know the origins of this breed. The White Swiss Shepherd is also called Berger Blanc Suisse or Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund. The latter name is the original name under which it can be found in the sheepdog group. Internationally, this breed is also known as Swiss Shepherd.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Origins
After clarifying the terms used in canine encyclopedias, let’s travel back in time to discuss the origins of the White Swiss Shepherd Dog.
Formerly the name of this breed was “White Canadian Shepherd Dog”. You’re probably wondering why “Canadian” and how did we end up so far from Switzerland? The truth is that the circumstances and the reason for this alleged Canadian paternity are unknown.
All other sources place this breed in old Europe. Apparently the first evidence relating to the White Swiss Shepherd Dog comes from the Alsace-Lorraine area, where these “white bears” were treasured and bred by no less than the Habsburg kingdom.
However, the neutral Switzerland won the paternity of this breed. Today this country can proudly boast an indigenous variety of a Shepherd dog.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Physical Characteristics
There are two varieties of White Swiss Shepherd Dog, according to the length of the coat of each dog.
- The long-haired White Shepherd Dog and,
- The medium-long haired White Shepherd Dog.
Both bear a clear resemblance to their German “buddy”. Long-haired dogs also have an undercoat that requires a little more care.
Aesthetically, there is a clear difference: The long-haired Swiss Shepherd has a sort of mane at the level of the neck, a rather thick sabre-shaped tail and slightly longer hair on the back of the hindquarters.
However, we are not talking about bulky dogs: even the long-haired White Swiss Shepherd is still a “compact” dog. Both types of White Swiss Shepherds can have a wavy coat.
Below, we will detail the average weight and height of this breed. Females stand 22-24 inches (55-61cm) at the shoulder, while males are 24-26 inches (60-66cm) tall. Therefore, they are classified as large sized dogs.
The weight of the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is:
- 55-77 lb (25-35 kg) for females,
- 66-88 lb (30-40kg) for males.
Now we will talk about facial features. The head and muzzle are well proportioned. The nose is dark. Although it is noticeable, it is not very striking. The eyes are slightly almond-shaped. The ears are raised, quite large and triangular in shape. In short, is it an “albino” partner of the German Shepherd? It could be, but with a more elegant coat.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Temperament
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is somewhat different from most other sheepdogs. It is a calm and balanced breed that can adapt to many different contexts. This breed is more affectionate and docile. These characteristics make it easier to train. In addition, it has an outstanding intelligence.
On the other hand, it is not submissive: the Swiss Shepherd Dog has a strong temperament but no bad intentions. It is difficult to see it showing his teeth. This is a non-violent and non-aggressive breed. In fact, it is quite the opposite: It is obedient and loyal to its owner, always maintaining its self-respect and independence. The White Swiss Shepherd Dog may be a bit reserved or shy with strangers. It is usually very polite in the presence of other people.
While with the members of its family, we could define it as a “nice guy”. It is affectionate and cordial with everyone, including children, as long as they do not bother it too much and exceed its patience.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Health
Being an extremely gluttonous breed, it is necessary to control the amount of food given to it. Besides, the Swiss White Shepherd Dog eats whatever it finds. Therefore, you should avoid leaving “human food” or “appetizing objects” close to it. Taking care of your four-legged friend’s diet will be essential for it to live a healthy life.
Beyond this, the White Swiss Shepherd is usually in very good health. Robust and long-lived, this breed can be easily affected by chronic superficial keratitis. It is an autoimmune disease that, unfortunately, requires lifelong treatment. However, if properly controlled, it does not imply major health hazards for the animal. Cases of this pathology are more frequent in females.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Price and Breeders
If you decide to adopt a White Swiss Shepherd puppy, you should know that this is not an apartment dog and that even if you have a garden, unless it is really big, this dog will need a lot of exercise.
This is a working dog, which means that it always has to be doing something. Walks should be long and frequent. It is a dog that needs to burn energy, and if you don’t give it the chance, it can become depressed.
There are several breeders in the United States and Switzerland. A specimen may cost from 1100 dollars and up, about 900 English pounds. However, you may find your puppy in Canada, England, and Australia. Figures suggest that this is a growing dog breed, both in terms of population and popularity.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog: Puppies, and Puppies For Sale
If you are thinking of taking home a Swiss Shepherd Dog, you should know that besides having a splendid temperament, this breed does not require too much maintenance. It is easy to train as it is a quick learner and discipline is part of its DNA. Although its coat is not delicate, it should be kept clean to highlight its white color.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Briard
- Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog
- Greenland Dog
- White Swiss Shepherd Dog
- Labrador Retriever
- Bobtail
- Alaskan Malamute
- Bloodhound
- Bavarian Mountain Hound
- Basset Hound
