White Swiss Shepherd Dog

Character of the White Swiss Shepherd

Sporty, intelligent, diligent and at the same time empathetic, loyal and attentive – one can only wish for such a companion. The White Shepherd (or Berger Blanc Suisse), as it is officially known, combines all these outstanding qualities, epitomising the “best friend of humans.”

Despite its pronounced will to work and spirited nature, this Swiss breed is very sociable, forming an exceptionally close bond with its family. 

Closely related to the German Shepherd, with which it shares a common origin, it exhibits similar traits.

The Shepherd dog owes its rise to the most popular working and service dog in the world, primarily due to its efficiency and its strong human connection, making training considerably easier. 

Both a Working and Family Dog 

Little wonder then that the Shepherd dog has become a very popular family dog. Its somewhat lesser-known white relative matches it in this regard. The Berger Blanc Suisse is incredibly friendly and balanced, never nervous, fearful or even aggressive, and remains steadfastly loyal to its family in all situations.

Thanks to its peaceful yet not intrusive character, the White Shepherd is also highly suitable for families with children.

However, despite its love for children, it must always “stay a dog,” meaning it should be allowed to express its will to work and its ingrained desire to actively help humans. 

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White Swiss Shepherd: Only for Active People 

The fact that it belongs to the Shepherd dog breed reveals that this dog wants more than just to be a pretty companion for its family. As a traditional working dog, the Berger Blanc Suisse wants to be employed and not merely lie idle on the sofa – although it can certainly enjoy downtime after a hard day’s work.

If it is not being trained as a guard dog, service dog or rescue dog, but instead kept purely as a family dog, it should at least be given alternative activities, such as dog sports.

Shepherd dogs are true agility masters and can also excel in other dog sports. What’s crucial is that this large Swiss dog is physically and mentally challenged – this allows it to develop its full personality, becoming a “friend for life” for its family. 

Appearance of White Swiss Shepherd

The typical distinguishing feature of the Berger Blanc Suisse, as its name suggests, is its pure white fur, which can be either short-haired or long-haired. Its brown to dark brown eyes, dark eye rims, and black nose stand in beautiful contrast to its distinctive coat colour, which is rare among dog breeds.

It has triangular, erect ears and a long, bushy rod. 

More Than Just “Beautiful” 

Of course, the White Shepherd is not just “beautiful,” but also a versatile working dog, as evidenced by its strong, muscular build. Compared to the breeding tendencies of the German Shepherd, which often show a steeply sloping backline and excessively angulated hindquarters (especially in beauty breeding), the breeding of the Swiss variant places great importance on a natural and healthy physique.

Like the wolf, this breed should have a straight backline and normally angled hindquarters. 

How Big and Heavy Does the White Shepherd Get? 

The dimensions of the White Swiss Shepherd barely differ from those of the German Shepherd. Like its famous relative, the Swiss dog stands between 58 to 66 cm at the withers for males and 53 to 61 cm for females, placing it among the medium to large dog breeds. The weight should be proportionate to its size, not exceeding 40 kg for males and 35 kg for females. 

History Behind the White Swiss Shepherd

The history of the Shepherd dogs reaches back far. As early as the 7th century, the short-haired ancestors of today’s breed were tending and driving flocks of sheep, protecting their shepherd’s property. However, the official breeding of the breed only began at the end of the 19th century when the Prussian cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz devoted himself to these versatile dogs.

Initially, with performance being the sole criteria, breeders did not differentiate between short-haired, long-haired, brown-black or white Shepherd dogs. 

White as a Fault? 

At the beginning of the 20th century, however, white offspring fell more and more into disrepute. This was due to new scientific findings that a high white percentage in the coat was linked to an increased risk of deafness and other genetically inherited diseases. Indeed, many animals show a genetic correlation between a high white percentage and certain hereditary defects.

However, modern research shows that the white colour in White Shepherds is due to a different genetic constellation, posing no higher risk of defects than Shepherd dogs of other coat colours. 

In 1933, unaware of these latest genetic discoveries, German Shepherd breeders decided to remove the white coat colour from the breed standard, deeming it a fault. Fortunately, Canadian and American breeders continued to breed white Shepherds despite the German standard, albeit with less success, as the history of the American Canadian White Shepherd illustrates.

In 1968, American breeders finally followed suit, banning the breeding of white Shepherds. 

Rebirth in Switzerland 

Thanks to a group of Swiss cynologists, the White Shepherd did not go extinct. Driven by the bans in its German homeland and in America, they began in 1972 with the pure breeding of solely white Shepherd dogs. With the help of suitable breeding animals from Canada and the USA, they established a healthy breeding stock.

In 1991, the “Berger Blanc Suisse” was recognised as a new dog breed in the Swiss Stud Book. Finally, on 4 July 2011, the FCI, the world’s largest canine organisation, officially recognised the white Shepherd dogs as an independent breed. 

Breeding and Health of the White Swiss Shepherd

The Berger Blanc Suisse is now considered a robust and healthy breed. Nevertheless, like the German Shepherd, it can be prone to certain hereditary diseases. These include the often-dreaded [hip dysplasia (HD)], eye diseases, MDR1, degenerative myelopathies (DM) and malignant hyperthermia.

In reputable breeding, all animals undergo a genetic test before being used, which indicates the risk of passing on specific hereditary diseases. Dogs with a high genetic predisposition are excluded from breeding.

The health risks associated with a steeply sloped backline (“streamlining”) and excessively angulated hindquarters, found in German Shepherds, do not apply to the Swiss variant, as the Berger Blanc breeders prioritise a natural body structure modelled after the wolf. 

Where to Buy a White Shepherd? 

Those wishing for a purebred and healthy White Shepherd should purchase from a reputable breeder. Ensure all recommended tests have been conducted and request to see the results.

A reputable breeder will gladly provide information and answer any questions regarding health, feeding, care and training of the breed. Arrange a personal appointment with the breeder, and inspect the breeder, the breeding facility and, of course, the puppies first-hand.

It is understood that a healthy puppy, sufficiently tested for hereditary diseases, vaccinated, dewormed and well-socialised by the breeder, won’t come at a “bargain price.”

© Grigorita Ko / stock.adobe.com

Feeding a White Swiss Shepherd

Naturally, no breeder can guarantee that a puppy will remain healthy for its entire life. However, as a buyer and future owner, there is much you can do to ensure your dog grows up healthy, stays fit and alert for a long time, and leads a life with minimal issues.

For example, the risk of hip and joint problems can be reduced by appropriate feeding during the growth phase, preventing rapid growth, and avoiding excessive strain (like frequent climbing of stairs). Always adjust your dog’s diet to its needs. 

What Food is Suitable for a Swiss Shepherd? 

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what a Swiss Shepherd requires as a dog’s nutrient needs vary significantly depending on factors like size, weight, age and activity level. Special situations, such as a puppy’s growth phase, a pregnant female, certain diseases or specific physical activities, necessitate special diets.

In case of doubt, consult your breeder or veterinarian about the right food for your dog. 

Raw, Dry or Wet? Which Feeding Method Suits Your Dog? 

In principle: As a descendant of the wolf, a dog needs sufficient meat. It serves as its primary protein-protein source and should make up about 70% of its diet. A certain amount of vegetables, fruit and fats must also be present in a balanced diet.

Many Swiss Shepherd owners now swear by feeding their dogs raw food, yet high-quality ready-made food, wet or dry, can also keep your dog healthy without needing additional vitamins or minerals. Today, different foods cater to the needs of puppies, adult or senior dogs, large or small, or active dogs.

Additionally, some foods are particularly suited for light-coloured fur like the Berger Blanc’s, containing fewer carotene, copper and vitamin a to prevent excessive yellowing of the fur. 

No matter what food and feeding method you choose, it is vital it suits your dog’s needs and your personal preferences concerning preparation, storage and handling. 

White Swiss Shepherd Care 

In terms of coat care, the Swiss Shepherd, thanks to its short-haired coat, is easy to care for. Regular brushing is necessary, however, to maintain a healthy coat structure and sheen. Routine deworming and vaccinations at the vet are also essential.

Additionally, you should pay special attention to your dog’s ears, eyes and claws. These require occasional cleaning or trimming and should be checked by a vet if any changes are noted. 

On the other hand, the Berger Blanc Suisse requires a lot of time for exercise. As an active working dog, it loves long, extended walks with its owner, allowing it to exert itself physically and mentally (e.g., learning specific commands, tricks or certain games).

Additionally, it is advisable to train the energetic Swiss in rescue, therapy or service work or through dog sports. Information and opportunities are available from clubs or dog schools. 

Is the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Right for You? 

Every potential dog owner should carefully consider whether they have enough time for a dog. This is especially true for an active dog like the Berger Blanc. Those with demanding jobs or those who are less mobile due to physical constraints should reconsider getting this Swiss breed.

The Swiss Shepherd is an ideal companion for active people and families with the time and inclination to spend outdoors in nature or on the training ground with their dog.

The dog feels especially at home in a rural environment, offering various opportunities for varied excursions. 

Furthermore, some know-how in dog handling and training is certainly advantageous. Those who can lovingly, yet firmly, handle their dog with a good understanding of its personality will likely find a “best friend for life” in the Swiss Shepherd.