Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 10 and 14 years. A suitable diet, regular activity without excess during growth, maintaining a healthy weight and preventive veterinary follow-up promote a long and active life.
Build
A robust breed?
It is a dog with a rather solid build, well suited to activity and outings. Its robustness nevertheless remains average due to joint and genetic predispositions to monitor. The quality of the selection of breeding dogs and the screenings carried out in breeding have an important influence on the individual risk.
Watch points
What to watch for
Increased vigilance is recommended during growth and throughout life. Lameness, stiffness, persistent digestive disorders, visual abnormalities, progressive weakness of the limbs or unusual reactions to a medication warrant a prompt veterinary consultation.
Hip dysplasia : Poor congruence of the joint can lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis, with an increased risk due to overweight or unsuitable exertion during growth.
Elbow dysplasia : This joint developmental disorder can cause lameness of the forelimbs and early osteoarthritis.
MDR1 drug sensitivity : A genetic mutation can make certain medications toxic, sometimes at very low doses, hence the value of screening and systematically informing the veterinarian.
Progressive retinal atrophy : This hereditary degenerative disease of the retina causes a progressive decline in vision that can lead to blindness.
Degenerative myelopathy : This progressive neurological disorder can cause weakness and then loss of coordination of the hind limbs in older dogs.
von Willebrand disease : This hereditary clotting disorder can present with prolonged or spontaneous bleeding.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Like other large dogs, it may be exposed to this digestive emergency characterized by a swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, and sudden lethargy.
Allergies : Skin or digestive reactions may occur and require identifying the trigger with the veterinarian.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense undercoat gives it good resistance to cold. It tolerates heat more moderately and must then have fresh water, shade and outings during the least hot hours. Intense exertion should be avoided during periods of high temperature, even if its white coat absorbs less solar radiation than a dark coat.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its high activity level helps limit weight gain, but the ration must remain adjusted to age, size, neutering and actual expenditure. The ribs must remain palpable without being protruding. Regular weighing and taking treats into account prevent overweight, which would increase the load on the hips and elbows.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the hips, elbows, eyes and MDR1 sensitivity screened.
- Report potential MDR1 sensitivity before any prescription.
- Maintain a healthy weight to protect the joints.
- Limit jumping and repetitive efforts during growth.
- Brush the teeth and check the ears and eyes each week.
- Ensure regular parasite prevention.
Vaccination
White Swiss Shepherd Dog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a White Swiss Shepherd Dog? Like all cats, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for White Swiss Shepherd Dog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult White Swiss Shepherd Dog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your White Swiss Shepherd Dog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy White Swiss Shepherd Dog
Before breeding, it is recommended to check the hips and elbows, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to discuss with the veterinarian the available genetic tests, notably for MDR1 sensitivity, degenerative myelopathy and certain hereditary diseases. Routine follow-up also includes examination of the teeth, ears, eyes and locomotion.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
