Origin
The Berger Blanc Suisse or the White Swiss Shepherd (as it is called by others) is a Swiss dog breed that is closely related to the more popular German Shepherd. In1899, the first German Shepherd Dog (named Horand Von Grafrath) was officially registered.
Originally, German Shepherds were mostly white. German Shepherds were used by shepherds for herding cattle and sheep. White-colored herding dogs were highly valued because shepherds could easily distinguish those dogs from the wolves in the field.
However, during the early 20th century, dark-colored herding dogs became very popular. The white-colored herding dogs were accused of the color alteration of the black-colored breeds, leading to their exclusion from the breed.
After these dogs were falsely blamed for destroying the German Shepherd’s standard appearance, they nearly became instinct all over Europe in the 1930s.
In 1970, the first White German Shepherd Club was formed in America and Canada after these two countries successfully tried to breed their White Shepherds. Both the character and the anatomy of the White Shepherds became so distinct from that of the German Shepherd.
White Shepherds were then imported to Switzerland where they were further bred and recognized in the year 1991. Finally, in January 2003, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted full recognition of these dogs as a separate breed.
Traits and Behavior
The Berger Blanc Suisse is a breed of dog that has initiative, confidence, and vitality. It has a strong sense of responsibility in protecting its master’s flocks without human assistance or guidance.
With a remarkable sense of sight and hearing, they are very intelligent and can be taught easily. However, they might choose not to carry out someone’s orders on few occasions.
Many agree that these dogs are not the perfect pet choice for everyone, especially for people who had no experience in taking good care of animals.
Also, this large breed is not recommended to live in small quarters, together with young children as they might accidentally injure these children when they get excited.
Not surprisingly for a guard dog, the Berger Blanc Suisse is suspicious towards strangers.
They tend to bark at night in response to the slightest movement or faintest sound. When its owner isn’t home, it is very much unlikely that it’ll allow its master’s friends or extended family members (whom it has met before) to come onto its territory.
This is an issue that is particularly worrisome after the dog reaches adulthood. He needs a superior owner who is strong, kind, and would act like a boss at all times. Socialization must begin while they are still young.
It is very important to start training these dogs as early as possible because interacting with a fully grown dog may be too hard for an average person.
Pet Care and Diseases
All canine breeds have the potential to display genetic health problems as they grow, just as all humans are at risk of acquiring a particular disease that runs in the family.
Be sure to seek the help of a legitimate veterinarian who has enough experience in dealing with the Anatolian Shepherd dog to prevent the occurrence of such disease through screening and to ensure that your dog will always be in good health.
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens
- Von Willebrands Disease – a blood clotting disorder
- Bloat
The Berger Blanc Suisse has attractive medium-length fur that sheds dirt but also sheds hair.
Brush its coat at least once a week to get rid of dead hair and to keep both skin and coat in tip-top shape.
Bathe this dog only when it gets dirty or is needed, the rest is basic care. Trim the nails when your dog starts to scratch the floor or every few weeks.
Brush the teeth frequently with vet-recommended pet toothpaste.
This breed is not recommended for apartment life or in urban areas since it is large and relatively not active indoors.
Provide it with a wide area outside the house where they can run and play.
The front yard fence must be at least 5 feet tall so it wouldn’t be tempted to roam around the neighborhood.
Tip: Maintaining the weight of the dog within its normal limits is one of the easiest ways to prolong its life.
Appearance
Because Berger Blanc Suisse descended from the German Shepherd, it has almost the same physical standards, except the color of its coat and its more natural hip angulation.
The dog is slightly longer than it is tall, around 24-26 inches tall for the males while the females are about 22-24 inches tall. The males weigh approximately 66-88 pounds while the females weigh only 55-77 pounds.
It has a pure white coat and erect ears. The skull and muzzle of the dog are equal in length, parallel to one another and join at a moderate stop. The coat is slightly longer and heavier at the neck, especially in males.
The ideal color of the coat is as white as possible, with dark pigmentation on the nose, eye rims, nails, etc. The outer coat can be short or long but always has a weather-resistant undercoat.
General Information
These dogs have an average life span of 12 years. The average litter size is about 8 puppies. Other names include Weißer Schweizer Schäferhund and White Swiss Shepherd Dog.
Breed Club
Visit these dog club websites dedicated to White Swiss Shepherd Dogs. Click this link:
Featured Video
Watch this video: “Funny Dog Tricks with Aminah, The White Swiss Shepherd”