WHITE 
SWISS 
SHEPHERDS

Origin: Switzerland (Official breed registration of Berger Blanc Suisse in 1991)
 

The first stud dog of what helped create the breed separation from the German Shepherd Dog was actually an American dog (white colored German Shepherd) born in 1966 who was then imported to Switzerland. Further imports from the USA followed to expand the gene pool and thus the strain was developed, eventually being recognized as a separate breed by the Swiss Kennel Club in in 1991 and later by the FCI - Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

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Dog Group: Herding (FCI Group 1)

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Size: Medium-Large size

Height (at withers/shoulders):

Males: 58 - 66 CM, Females: 53 - 61 CM

Weight:

Males: 30 - 40 KG, Females: 25 - 35 KG

 

Original function: Companion, family dog. Herding, protect livestock.

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General Appearance: White Swiss Shepherds have a body length that is visibly longer than its height (12:10 ratio). Ears should be typical Shepherd (erect, elongated) ears. In natural stance the top-line should be quite level. The tail is saber-shaped and ideally should not curl up (though some dogs may have curled tails, this is considered a fault in conformation). The modern day White Swiss Shepherd should be snowy white with a possibility of very little cream shading in certain areas. White Swiss Shepherd Dogs are not albino dogs. Their white coat appearance is a result of a "masking" gene, blocking the dog's true color and pattern and causing it to appear white. Black/dark pigmentation around the eyes, nose, and other areas is favored and sought after in today's breeding, however weaker pigmentation may pop up in certain bloodlines or naturally change as dogs age. Eye color that is darker in color is ideal as well. The coat has two lengths: short-coat (this is technically called medium/stock coat) and long-coat. Short coated White Swiss Shepherds will not have longer fur in the areas around the ears, backside of the front legs, or the tail. 

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Grooming: The White Swiss Shepherd is a double-coated, high shedding dog breed and requires regular brushing. Short coated dogs require less maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to the long-coats. However, because of the short coats length and coat texture, it is more difficult for dirt to fall off whereas the extra fluff on long-coated dogs help repel dirt and mud from staining and can easily be brushed out. Taking this into consideration, short-coated dogs are more susceptible to give off a cream / non-white illusion simply due to the dirt sticking onto their coats more easily. More information about groom & coat maintenance on our grooming page.

 

Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please, White Swiss Shepherds are highly trainable dogs. This breed excels in obedience and many pet owners have successfully proven their dogs in obedience trials. Agility and nose-work is also rising in popularity with White Swiss Shepherds and pet owners. There are some picky eaters out there but this breed is typically very food driven (and toy driven). Puppies especially, naturally have high interest in food and toys which helps aid in training. Harsh training methods are not recommended as they are a more sensitive breed.

 

General Temperament: While some White Swiss Shepherds are found to be aloof with strangers, this breed is commonly described as super playful and social by pet owners and breeders. The WSS very much enjoy interacting with other dogs and animals. They are loyal and extreme love bugs to their loved ones. A well-bred (and well-raised) White Swiss Shepherd should not be fearful or skittish. Similar to other Shepherd breeds, White Swiss Shepherds are attentive, alert, and very aware of their surroundings.

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As a relatively newer breed with split ideologies amongst breeders worldwide, this breed has a lot of variations in temperament. Therefore we highly recommend asking for a honest opinion about the temperament (of a specific dog or breeding stock) to your breeder of interest. Some White Swiss Shepherds are softer, people pleasers, while some are more head-strong and might be a better fit for more experienced dog owners. Despite their size and wolfish appearance they are quite the comedians and have this very non-serious, happy-go-lucky attitude. The White Swiss Shepherd is an excellent family dog because of their extreme love and devotion to their family.