The White Swiss Shepherd Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The history of the Berger Blanc Suisse begins in Germany around 1890, when Max von Stephanitz undertakes to establish the type of the German Shepherd dog. White puppies appear in certain lines, but this color ends up being excluded from the German Shepherd standard and the dogs concerned are gradually set aside in Europe. The white variety is nevertheless maintained in North America, notably in the United States and Canada, before being reintroduced in Europe. Breeders' clubs are formed from the 1980s. Switzerland then carries the file for international recognition of the breed, standardized by the FCI in January 2003 and then definitively recognized in 2011 under number 347.

The Berger Blanc Suisse is a powerful, well-muscled and harmonious dog, whose silhouette recalls that of the German Shepherd while being slightly more elongated. Its wedge-shaped head has a slightly domed skull, a moderate stop, a generally black nose and almond-shaped eyes that are more or less dark brown. Its triangular ears, set high, are erect and directed forward. Its back is horizontal and its bushy tail, set low and carried in a saber shape, can hang below the hock. Its double coat, medium-long or long, is always entirely white.

Very attached to its owners, the White Swiss Shepherd is gentle, attentive, curious and particularly intelligent. It seeks human closeness and readily shows itself playful. Aggressiveness is not part of the temperament expected by the standard. Well socialized, it generally lives alongside children and other animals. Vigilant and protective, it can be a good guard dog without having to show itself excessively harsh. Its great sensitivity and low independence nevertheless make it vulnerable to solitude.

On a daily basis, this shepherd likes to take part in household life and observe the activities of those close to him. He needs regular walks, games, training and opportunities to expend energy outdoors. A garden is appreciated but does not replace outings or interactions. He can adapt to different living environments if he stays close to his family, but an apartment life with long days alone does not suit him. His guarding instinct and his tendency to vocalize also require a consistent framework.

His intelligence and his taste for work make learning easier, provided that a firm, consistent and gentle method is used. Brutal corrections are counter-productive with this sensitive dog. Socialization, getting used to absences and learning calm must begin very early in order to prevent hyperattachment. He benefits from gradually discovering people, animals, environments and varied noises. Versatile, he can practice obedience, tracking, dog sports and various utility missions, notably search or patrol.

The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the selection, the parents' health screenings, the pedigree, the breeder's reputation, the puppy's intended purpose and the guarantees included. A consistent price should come with identification, health documents, transparent information on the breeding dogs and serious follow-up from the breeder.

The Berger Blanc Suisse is generally robust and can live up to around 14 years, but its selection requires particular attention to the joints, the eyes and certain hereditary conditions. Drug sensitivity linked to the MDR1 gene must be known to the veterinarian before any prescription. Regular prevention against ticks and fleas, a stable weight and annual monitoring help preserve its health.

The Berger Blanc Suisse needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its age, its weight and its activity. A high quality of animal proteins and a controlled proportion of assimilable carbohydrates suit its profile as a large active dog. The ration must support its musculature without excessively accelerating growth or promoting overweight.

The Berger Blanc Suisse was long called the American White Shepherd or the Canadian White Shepherd, in reference to the bloodlines that made its preservation possible. Its German name is Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund and its English name White Swiss Shepherd Dog. Despite its obvious resemblance to the white German Shepherd, it is today a breed recognized in its own right by the FCI under number 347.