Mary Allen
The Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as the White Swiss Shepherd Dog, is a breed of dog originating from Switzerland. The Berger Blanc Suisse breed has been recognized by the FCI since 2011 and classified in Group 1, the herding and cattle dogs. Here you can find the Berger Blanc Suisse again in section 1, the shepherd dogs.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog Breed Information
Size: 55-66cm
Weight: 25-40kg
FCI group: 1: herding dogs and cattle dogs
Section: 1: German Shepherds
Country of origin: Switzerland
Colors: white
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Suitable as: family, companion, protection, herding, and rescue dog
Sports: –
Personality: Demure, Attentive, Companionable, Fearless, Eager, Confident
Leaving requirements: high
Drooling Potential: –
The thickness of hair: –
Maintenance effort: medium
Coat structure: medium-length, dense, well-lying hair
Child friendly: yes
Family dog: yes
Social: rather yes
Origin and Breed History
Around the turn of the 19th century, regular breeding of the German shepherd dog increasingly resulted in the birth of puppies with pure white fur. This coat color was quickly equated with genetic faults and hereditary diseases such as deafness and blindness, so white coats in German shepherd dogs were considered a breeding fault from 1933 onwards. White puppies should be killed immediately after birth at this point.
Some of the white shepherd dogs, which had already been exported to the USA and Canada, saved the future Berger Blanc Suisse population. Targeted breeding even began with the dogs known there under the name White German Shepherd. It was not until 1960 that the white shepherd dogs were re-imported to Switzerland, where the breeding of the Berger Blanc Suisse began with the help of a healthy strain without genetic defects or diseases. Finally, in 2011, this breed was officially and internationally recognized by the FCI.
Essence and Temperament of Berger Blanc Suisse
Due to its actual breeding as a shepherd’s helper, the nature and character of this breed are designed for cooperation with humans. Therefore, this breed likes to bond closely with its people and is usually very social. In addition, the Berger Blanc Suisse is considered to be very intelligent, docile, attentive, and loyal. He is a motivated worker through and through and willingly and conscientiously carries out the tasks assigned to him.
Due to its well-balanced nature, this breed is also suitable as a family dog, far from being used as a working dog. The shepherd dog does not show nervousness, fear, or aggression. When dealing with children, he is peaceful and cautious.
What Temperament Does a Berger Blanc Suisse Have?
The temperament of these dogs has many fans as they are known to be affectionate, agile, attentive, loyal, and friendly.
The Appearance of the Berger Blanc Suisse
Dogs of the Berger Blanc Suisse breed belong to medium-sized to large dog breeds. Their height at the withers is between 53 and 66 centimeters, with males usually a few centimeters higher than the females of the breed. A healthy and fully grown white shepherd dog weighs around 30 kilograms and therefore has a lot of physical strength.
The long and thick fur is snow-white, but the underlying skin is darkly pigmented, almost polar bear-like. The outer layer of the fur consists of strong hairs, the so-called stick hairs, which stand straight up. Underneath is a dense and protective undercoat that keeps the dog warm even in cold temperatures, snow, and wet conditions. The eyes and nose are dark and the facial expression of these dogs is always alert and intelligent. The ears stand out from the head in a triangular shape, but the tips of the ears are slightly rounded.
The head of this breed is strongly built, as is the rest of the body. The stable neck transitions into a straight back. The body of the Berger Blanc Suisse falls slightly towards the croup, as is usual for German shepherds. Nevertheless, when breeding this breed, much more value is placed on an overall rather straight physique than with the German Shepherd Dog. This also significantly reduces hip problems. The tail of the Berger Blanc Suisse is carried like a saber. The chest and legs are muscular and powerfully built. Despite the strength that you can already see from the dog’s physique, it looks very elegant and well proportioned.
Upbringing and Husbandry of the Berger Blanc Suisse – This is Important to Note
The active dogs are characterized by a great will to work and a high level of docility, which makes their upbringing and training with them very pleasant. The Berger Blanc Suisse breed is incredibly versatile and suitable for almost all areas of dog sports. The gentle breed is also suitable as a therapy dog. Physical and mental workload are essential for an active dog like this one and should be integrated into everyday life to a sufficient extent every day.
A calm and consistent personality is the key to success when training with the Berger Blanc Suisse. Socialization should already take place in puppyhood and be as varied as possible since dogs learn most easily in their formative phase and thus a basis for a relaxed adult dog can already be created. Depending on its size, a Berger Blanc Suisse dog needs enough space in its living environment and plenty of opportunities to exercise. A small apartment is therefore unsuitable for keeping them. The white shepherd would be very happy about a garden to run around in.
How Much Does a Berger Blanc Suisse Cost?
A purebred puppy from reputable and controlled breeder costs around $1000.
Nutrition of the Berger Blanc Suisse
The diet of this dog breed is relatively easy as they are neither fussy nor have a sensitive stomach. The amount and type of food depend largely on the activity of the respective dog and how much energy it needs for this activity. The most important thing when choosing the right food is high quality and a balanced distribution of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The main component of the feed should be a source of protein, supplemented by the other relevant nutrients. The largest component of the feed is therefore usually meat, supplemented with vegetables and valuable sources of carbohydrates. Whether wet or dry food is used plays a subordinate role and should be chosen by each owner according to their individual preferences.
Since shepherd dogs in general, and therefore also the Berger Blanc Suisse, can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, correct feeding in puppyhood is particularly important. The puppies should not grow disproportionately fast to avoid such diseases. Adequate feeding is therefore very important. There is also special food for white dogs that contains less copper, vitamin A, and carotene, which could cause the white coat to have a slight yellow tinge. If you are not quite sure about the right food or the amount to be fed, you can get advice from the food retailer or talk to your veterinarian and get valuable tips from them.
Healthy – Life Expectancy and Common Diseases
In general, the long breeding of the Berger Blanc Suisse has made the breed very robust and less susceptible to diseases. However, they share with the German Shepherd a certain predisposition to joint diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Especially when they are growing, these dogs should not have to climb stairs, as this activity can have a particularly negative effect on the development of the musculoskeletal system.
In a good and reputable breed, the parent animals are tested for possible hereditary diseases in order to avoid spreading them. As with all dog breeds, it is advisable to have an annual check-up at the veterinarian to rule out possible diseases and to carry out vaccinations and deworming.
Dogs of this breed tolerate cold much better than excessive heat due to their thick fur. On particularly warm days, care should therefore be taken that the dog from Switzerland does play and exercise in the cool hours in the morning or evening and rests in the strong midday heat in a shady place with sufficient water.
The life expectancy of the Berger Blanc Suisse is around 12 years. Good care can make a significant contribution to reaching this age.
How Old Are Berger Blanc Suisse?
Dogs of this breed live an average of twelve years.
Maintenance of the Berger Blanc Suisse
The robust stick coat goes a long way towards making these dogs not nearly as difficult to groom as their long, white coat might suggest. Dirt is of course much more noticeable in a white coat than on dogs with darker hair. However, the dense stick hair of the Berger Blanc Suisse repels dried dirt almost by itself, so it is actually not necessary to bathe this dog breed more often than average.
Regular brushing of the fur removes dirt quite effectively while providing a silky sheen. They should be brushed often, especially when they change fur, so that the dense undercoat, which is not necessary in summer, is pulled out of the coat. Who brushes more often also avoids the distribution of hair in the house or apartment. Eyes and ears should be cleaned with a damp cloth every few days to avoid infection.
Berger Blanc Suisse – Activities and Training
The Berger Blanc Suisse should only be in the hands of active people who can spare a lot of time for exercise and training this breed in their everyday work. This dog breed is not enthusiastic about lying around on the sofa for hours, even if a Berger Blanc Suisse naturally enjoys some rest after the work is done. But first and foremost he wants to move. Whether this happens on long walks, accompanying you while jogging or cycling, or maybe even as a companion dog next to the horse is secondary for this breed. Dog sports also arouse the enthusiasm of these dogs. Agility in particular is a canine sport in which the nimble German Shepherds often excel, but just about any other sport is also suitable. The Berger Blanc Suisse is very versatile. The main thing is that he can let off steam, use his clever head and show what he can do.
Good to Know: Special Features of the Berger Blanc Suisse
One advantage that white shepherds have over their tan relatives, the German shepherds, is actually their coat color. In the event of an attack on the flock of sheep to be guarded, the white shepherd dog can be better distinguished from the attackers. This can be of great use to the shepherd, especially in hectic situations.
How Big is a Berger Blanc Suisse?
The Berger Blanc Suisse is between 53 and 66 centimeters tall and is, therefore, one of the large dogs.
Cons of the Berger Blanc Suisse
The shepherd dog only has a few disadvantages. The great nature and enthusiasm make the Swiss dogs wonderful and active life partners. However, for people who do not like to be active, this activism can become a disadvantage. Therefore, the Berger Blanc Suisse breed is absolutely unsuitable in this case.
Dogs that are not fully utilized according to their nature can tend towards behavioral problems due to their dissatisfaction, which makes dealing with and living with them significantly more difficult or even make it completely impossible. A Berger Blanc Suisse who lives in a small apartment is left alone a lot and doesn’t get the exercise he needs can quickly vent his frustration on furniture or develop unnatural barking behavior.
Is the Berger Blanc Suisse Right for Me?
The Berger Blanc Suisse is the perfect partner for anyone who likes to exercise a lot, leads an active life, and has enough time in everyday life to keep such a happy and agile dog. You will never find him in the lapdog category. Therefore, this breed is not suitable for people with limited fitness, such as seniors.
The Berger Blanc Suisse wants and needs to move and his clever little head also needs a variety of tasks. Purchase of this breed should therefore be well thought out. If you get used to it, there is nothing wrong with being a family dog, as it is also open and friendly towards children. However, its size and the associated power should be considered especially with small children and the meeting of dog and small child should only happen under supervision.
The responsibility that comes with getting a German Shepherd should never be underestimated. Dogs form a strong bond with their people and the Berger Blanc Suisse, in particular, is known for its attachment. He wants to stay with his people for the rest of his life and not be given up again if he suddenly no longer fits into life so well. The time and costs that a dog takes up and causes should not be overshadowed by the mere desire for a partner. Anyone who has thoroughly informed themselves and can conscientiously say for themselves that they can give a dog the best possible and species-appropriate life will find a wonderful, happy, and loyal life partner in Berger Blanc Suisse, who will bring incredible joy.