Complete Guide To The White Swiss Shepherd

Are you considering buying a charming White Swiss Shepherd? If your answer is yes, then you might have landed at just the right place. Before you adopt this little furry baby, there are some things you should learn about the White Swiss Shepherd breed. So, let’s get started.

This luscious breed originated from Switzerland. Historically they are the descendants of American white shepherds that are imported to Switzerland. Plus, don’t get it confused with the white German shepherds, both of them have some distinct features. Shepherds are a working breed.

Von Staphanitz, a German captain, was the first to breed a German shepherd dog. And later on, this gave rise to other breeds of shepherds, including the white swiss shepherds, in 1931. Initially, White-coloured German Shepherds were not allowed for registration in their native country Germany.

However, as the white coat gained popularity in the United States and Canada, the white-coloured German Shepherds organisation was founded. And finally, in 1966, an American white shepherd dog born and imported to Switzerland was the first dog to promote the White Swiss Shepherd. 

It was in 2002 when The FCI granted provisional breed status to this White swiss shepherd, which evolved into a whole breed status in 2011. And in 2017, It was officially recognised by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.

You may have seen shepherds being stout and aggressive all the time. However, this breed is somehow different. It has a down to earth personality along with a powerful physique.

A white swiss shepherd is considered shy and gentle, which is the most probable reason you will never see any of them alongside military personnel. However, it does bark when some stranger shows up into your driveway but will later get curled up into its den and let you handle the rest.

Quick Facts About White Swiss Shepherd:

TRAITS	DETAILS
Life expectancy	12 years
Size	Medium-sized
Height	Male: 60–66 cm Female: 55–61 cm
Weight	Male: 30-40 Kg Female: 25-35 Kg
Energy level	High
Hypoallergenic	No
Grooming level	Medium
Shedding	High Shredder

Appearance

According to the Federation Cynologique International White Swiss Shepherds are just way too loved by everyone because of their lovey-dovey nature. And even children are huge fans of them.

As they belong to the shepherd family, you can expect them to be huge, ranging from medium to large. They have this appearance that is just precisely similar to shepherds, along with pointed ears. 

They are well-muscled and have this wolf-shaped forehead and a subtle muzzle. This breed has these beautiful brown colored almond-shaped eyes that look breathtakingly beautiful compared to the white coat.

Icy Color 

If you are going to adopt this dog, you have to keep in mind that it comes in white color only. As the name indicates, it is a white swiss shepherd that means that any other color, whether tan or black, will not belong to this breed.

Their shiny white coat may seem as if it is a woolen little furry buddy with legs. Besides, the white is not as white as you may think. It is a sort of white that has pigments in it and is not something that lacks melanin or what we call milky white.

Swiss Shepherd’s Coat

You can have the White Swiss Shepherd in two coat lengths: one in medium and the other in long. Both of them have a dense double coat with a bushy tail that might be slightly wavy. And you might not be surprised to learn that it has a long and medium coat so that it will be shedding hair all season.

The undercoat has a delicate texture and is short, thick, and thick. Besides, the coat may be significantly longer and heavier at the neck, especially in males. The hair is slightly longer on the front than on the back of the legs. 

However, you must consider the hair length according to your country’s kennel club.

Personality Traits 

If you have just adopted a new white swiss shepherd into your family, you might be worried why he is so aloof and not so active. You just don’t have to worry about this. White Swiss Shepherds are a bit shy in the beginning and may tend to get along better with training. Besides, they are not as aggressive as their fellow German shepherds. they are loyal, caring, and friendly buddies. They are just perfect to have curled around your feet after a tiring day.

Child Friendly

They are aloof buddies, and you can easily leave them alone with your kids. White Swiss Shepherds love to be around kids and protect them. They will play along with them and be way too excited when around them.

Sociable with Other Pets

We can never stop praising the friendly nature of this breed. They are intelligent and adaptable to any kind of situation. As they are sociable, they will get along well with your family pets. At times it may show some signs of being aloof due to the presence of unknown dogs, but you can always treat them with good training.

For First Time Owners

If you are going to adopt a white Swiss shepherd as your first-ever dog, then we have good news for you. White Swiss shepherds are easy to train, and most of the time, they will get along with you when you take it for a walk. Being withdrawn from strangers is one of its traits, but you can solve this problem with good initial socialization.

Apartment Friendly

If you live in an apartment and are thinking of adopting a White Swiss Shepherd, you might have to shift somewhere else. White Swiss Shepherds are known for their loud vocal abilities. They speak through the language of barking and may often bark while playing or when excited, which may not be tolerated by your neighbors; therefore, the breed isn’t suitable for apartment life.

Intelligence

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is brilliant. They can learn whatever you try to teach them as they have a strong desire to learn. Remember that loyalty is what makes the bond between you and your dog stronger, which will, in turn, help you train him better.

Barking Restraint

Being the social dog, the White Swiss Shepherds are not as loud as their fellow German shepherds. they might often bark if some stranger is approaching you or while they have a run. Apart from this, you will never get to notice them bark unusually and disturb the peace around them. For this reason, you can accommodate them in a family. The more people they have to interact with, the happier they are.

White Swiss Shepherd Temperament and Instincts

White Swiss Shepherds have some rare extinct. They are not hostile like other dogs. You might be surprised to know that this cutie is outgoing and calm most of the time. Besides, it has this obedient nature that aids you in training it just the way you want it. 

They are just loving buddies and love to be around everyone, especially kids. If you are a stranger, it may give you a tough time at first. To overcome his mild dislike of strangers, he needs to begin his schooling as soon as possible.

He is the dog you never have to worry about whether your guests will be afraid of him or his brawling.

Prey Drive

As the white swiss shepherd belongs to the family of shepherds, you need to remind yourself that they have huge muscle build-up and can catch anything thrown towards them. However, the thing about them which might shock you is that they can never be your perfect guard dog. They will surely notify you whenever something unusual happens, but they are never going to attack anyone.

How to Care For a White Swiss Shepherd

If you are just new to adopting a dog, then let us clarify that looking after your dog is not about bathing it daily. If you want your White Swiss Shephard to be healthy for a longer time, then you have to take care of it thoroughly. Read further to know some of the steps you need to consider while looking after your paw buddy.

Grooming and Shedding

As discussed before, the coat of the white swiss shepherd somehow tends to shed throughout every season. Being a double-coated dog with lots of furs, you need to groom your pup from time to time so he will look the best.

If, for instance, your White Swiss Shepherd is properly groomed and brushed 3-4 times a week, it will shed less fur. And this way, you can avoid hairball surprises at your home

Diet and Feeding

To keep your white swiss shepherd healthy, administer him with a high-quality carnivorous diet as every other dog. Make sure to read the label and ensure that it requires is low in absorbed carbs. Try to search for some good dry dog food that is low in carbohydrates.

Activity and Exercise Requirements

White Swiss Shepherds are energetic dogs, and you need to take them for regular exercise or a walk to keep them active. As often lack of exercise may make them dull, and they may end up acting aggressive.

How to Train Them?

They are sensitive dogs, and often you have to opt for reward-based training. Like you can reward them for each time they do something good, you can begin with early socialization training with them. As they are quick to respond and adapt, you will train them in no time. And when trained appropriately, they may become your family’s companion for life.

Health Problems

Daily Routine for a Happy White Swiss Shepherd

If you are a new puppy owner, you may have difficulty maintaining your puppy’s routine. However, with patience, you will gradually train your White Swiss Shepherd to be the good boy. The everyday routine can be summed up below.

Is It The Right Dog For You?

White Swiss Shepherds have been long known for their sweet and loving nature. So, if you are thinking to welcome a new member into your family, then the white swiss shepherd can be your ultimate buddy. They are not hostile and are just way too sensitive about their owners. However, do remember the aftercare factors mentioned above before you go for a white swiss shepherd.

Facts and FAQs about the White Swiss Shepherd

White Swiss Shepherd Facts and Figures Summary