The White Swiss Shepherd (Berger Blanc Suisse) is a dog breed that comes from the family of the German Shepherds, but with a striking white fur color. It was originally bred as a variant of the German Shepherd, but white dogs were excluded from the breeding of the German German Shepherd over time because they were considered less essential. It was not until the 1960s that when white shepherd dogs returned to Europe from America and Canada, breeders in Switzerland began to systematically breed these dogs again. In 2011, the White Swiss Shepherd was officially recognized by the FCI.
Important milestones in history
- 1899: The German Shepherd “Hector on the left Rhine” (later “Horand von Grafrath”) is bought and establishes the basis for the breeding of the White Swiss Shepherd.
- 1933: White dogs are excluded from the breeding book of the German Shepherd.
- 1966: The breeder Agatha Burch brings the first white Swiss German Shepherd from the United States to Switzerland.
- 1991: The White Swiss Shepherd is registered in the Swiss dog mammal.
- 2011: The Berger Blanc Suisse is officially recognized by FCI.
Character traits and suitability of the white Swiss shepherd dog
The White Swiss Shepherd is known for its high intelligence, agility and loyalty. These properties make it an excellent family dog and a sporty companion. Nevertheless, the dog has a strong need for exercise and mental occupancy, which is why it is particularly suitable for active families.
Important characteristics
- Intelligence: The White Swiss Shepherd is very capable of learning and can be trained well.
- Loyalty: He is extremely loyal to its owners and has a strong protection instinct.
- Agility: The dog is active, fast and needs regular physical utilization.
fitness
- Ideal for families with children.
- Very suitable for sporting activities such as agility and retrieving.
- It is not recommended for people who have little time for movement and employment.
Health and care of the White Swiss Shepherd
The health of the White Swiss Shepherd can be supported by regular preventive examinations and a healthy diet. Some genetic diseases, such as hip -joint dysplasia (HD) and epilepsy, can occur in the breed, which is why careful choice of breeders is particularly important.
Health problems and provision
- Hip dysplasia (HD): A common illness in large dog breeds.
- Epilepsy: occurs occasionally, especially in certain breeding lines.
- Progressive retinaatrophy (PRA): an inherited disease that can lead to blindness.
- MDR1 defect: A genetic disease that can affect medication.
Need for care
- Fell care: The white Swiss shepherd has an easy -care fur that requires occasional brushes and combing. Fell care should be intensified, especially during the change of fur.
- Skin care: Occasionally skin diseases or allergies can occur that require regular care and control.