When it comes to attractive dogs, the Swiss White Shepherd is one of the breeds with the greatest tendency to stand out in this characteristic. Its elegant, distinguished and above all impeccable appearance, combined with an exemplary temperament, is what makes this dog so special and well-known.
- Big size .
- Weight : Between 25 and 45kg.
- Hair type : White, abundant and dense.
- Character : Intelligent and obedient.
- Health : Has a tendency to be affected by some diseases of greater or lesser severity
- Life expectancy : Up to 12 years.
Origin of the Swiss White Shepherd
The origin of this shepherd has been entangled in some controversies, especially because of his color. Although its history dates back to the 80s, there were already some references to this breed before, although not recognized by its original name, but under the legacy of German Shepherds . Properly, the German Shepherd was a breed that could be accepted in different shades, including white. Well, in Germany in the 1930s, the theory began that white-coated German Shepherds represented a denigration of the breed, classifying dogs with this coat as inferior, because they were mistakenly considered albino. While it is true that albino dogs are white, not all shepherds with fur in this shade suffered from this condition, much less the health problems that it entailed. This serious confusion in German society resulted in white shepherds being almost definitively rejected in this country. However, in other parts of the world where the breed was widely known, the white German Shepherd remained without problems.
It did not take long for the controversial situation of the German Shepherd to spread, and by the 1950s, the American Club of the breed would have excluded white specimens from its list. However, in the American Kennel Club, they were still accepted. This whole situation remained throughout that decade, until in the 60s, a North American breeder settled in Switzerland, taking with her her dog called Lobo : a beautiful white specimen whose beauty captured the attention of more than one resident of this country. Subsequently, more Swiss breeders became interested in Lobo and other specimens from the United States and other places in Europe. As a result of this interest, the breed expanded, no longer as a white German Shepherd, but giving way to the White Swiss Shepherd. Recognition of this breed independently began in the Swiss Canine Society. Some time later, the officialization process was carried out by the International Cynological Federation (FCI), where it was recognized, in principle, provisionally. Currently, although it is a little-known breed in some parts of the world, it has become one of the most appreciated canines in its country of origin , the United States and other European countries. Its beauty, combined with the characteristic temperament of this breed, has caused it to progressively rise in favoritism independently of the German Shepherd.
Physical characteristics
Its appearance can be described by combining two aspects. Firstly, a robust appearance, accompanied by a moderately tall stature, with a strong appearance. Secondly, there is a mysterious, distinguished and elegant figure that provides him with his features and his neat and smooth white fur. However, the physical characteristics of this canine go much further.
Size and weight
According to the standard established for this breed, it has an average height between 60 and 65 centimeters high at the withers. Meanwhile, females manage to reach from 55 to 60 centimeters. Standing out for being both specimens slightly longer than tall. Its athletic build makes this breed's weight look well distributed, giving it a proportionate and muscular appearance. The average weight that a specimen of this breed can obtain is between 25 and 40 kilos.head and face
Although it is characterized by having a thin and profiled head, its skull is hard and strong, well proportioned in harmony with its body. Its face, equally outlined, allows each physical feature of this canine to be slightly distinguished. The nose and nasofrontal area are slightly marked but well defined. Its nose is dark in color like its lips, or in some cases it can appear pink, especially in cold weather. For their part, the eyes of these canines are medium-sized, almond-shaped, whose color can vary between brown or dark. Meanwhile, its ears are set high, not very large but characterized by their triangular shape and standing erect, giving the dog a touch of always remaining alert.Line
The tail of this canine is long, thin and also covered by its peculiar fur. Low insertion. During its rest, the tail remains hanging. In action, it is possible to observe it upright, in a horizontal position, so it does not protrude above the back of these specimens.Fur
The coat is undoubtedly a characteristic aspect of the breed , mainly due to its white color, which denotes the neatness of the canine. Another notable aspect is that it is a temperate dog, that is, its coat is divided into two layers. The first of them, the inner layer, is abundant and dense like a type of wool, which helps keep it warm during times of low temperatures. While its outer coat is rougher and smoother. It can be short or medium.
Behavior
In addition to having a characteristic appearance due to its particular coat, its temperament also has details worth mentioning if you want to adopt a specimen of this breed. First of all, it is a dog of great intelligence , a flattering appearance, especially in terms of education, which is undoubtedly essential to maintain appropriate behavior and have a good relationship with your pet. On the other hand, it is an obedient canine, which combined with intelligence, is a positive point when not only training it, but also carrying out processes such as socialization. The loyalty of this breed is something that cannot go unnoticed. Although it is a reserved and independent dog, it is one of the most loyal canines that exist. The company and protection of those he considers his family is essential for these canines. The issue of coexistence can be a bit slow in the case of these dogs. Although they are grazing animals, their personality is reserved and shy, especially in the presence of strangers. In principle, he is likely to remain distant, but attentive to any situation. He will not hesitate to respond in defense of his own if necessary. For this reason, socialization from an early age is essential. Now, with other animals it can be a little more complex due to their herding instinct. However, these canines do not have a tendency to destructive behavior and much less to be aggressive towards other animals. These are very energetic dogs that love outdoor activities , although they are capable of adapting to any space. This means that they require a large amount of exercise, also complemented with games and various workouts that can be combined to keep the energy they have balanced. In homes with children they are excellent pets, as they are patient, playful and fun. Although it will always be important to educate the little ones about the treatment that the canine should receive and how to behave when being with it.Training
Because we are talking about an attentive, intelligent and obedient dog, the education of this shepherd will not be a complicated issue. They also have the advantage of easily adapting to any type of training that we choose for them. However, until now the most recommended technique is positive reinforcement. This will not only allow the canine to feel comfortable and happy seeing that you recognize their learning, but it will establish a relationship of empathy and trust with you. Generally, this canine does not present behavioral problems. However, it is not advisable to leave him alone for a long time or do little exercise, as it can alter his energy levels and cause anxiety due to separation or confinement. It is important that socialization takes place from the first weeks of life, once the animal is prepared and properly vaccinated to come into contact with the outside world, in this way, it will establish a close relationship and will be less shy about it. Likewise, basic commands should not be left out of the training process, so the canine will have appropriate behavior and will be an excellent companion.
Health
Compared to many other breeds, this one can be classified as a healthy specimen. However, it has a tendency to be affected by some diseases of greater or lesser severity. Among them, stomach disorders such as gastric torsion, heart disease, skin allergies, hip dysplasia and ophthalmological disorders such as cataracts stand out. For the most part, these diseases can be prevented if the care that the dog requires is taken into consideration. In addition to complying with medical controls where it is possible to promptly detect the appearance of any of these pathologies, adequate deworming and vaccination control must be carried out.Care
Due to some special characteristics that distinguish this dog breed, it is necessary to rigorously comply with some care to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the White Swiss Shepherd. From medical check-ups, exercises, feeding and hygiene, both this dog and any other pet require the attention of their owners in each of these aspects to maintain a healthy stay and growth. Let's see below some of the most significant care you need:Swiss White Shepherd Feeding
Although these canines are not prone to obesity, some of the allergies they suffer from may be related to diet. Therefore, it is important that the dog is provided with quality food that provides it with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. In addition, it is important to control the portions and frequency in which you are fed, combining this with favorable exercise routines to maintain a balance in your physical well-being.Check out the 5 guidelines for healthy eating in dogs.
Exercises
Although it does not require much space inside the home, this dog needs a large amount of daily exercise. It is a fairly energetic pet, that is, it will need to spend a reasonable amount of time outside the house, for a walk or playing in order to discharge its energy levels. At least two daily walks will be necessary for this specimen to remain calm while hunting. Let's remember that this is a herding dog, so running around in the park is necessary to release all the tension it may accumulate.
Bath and hygiene
It may seem curious, but the coat of this breed does not demand an excessive amount of care. Its beauty is natural, so it will only need two or three brushings a week to avoid knots and remove dirt accumulated on its skin. In relation to bathing, it is not necessary to do this act frequently. A bath every 6 or 8 weeks will be more than enough to keep our specimen cared for and clean. This can vary depending on the dirt and the activities the canine does outside the home. However, on average, with this amount of bathing and brushing, our pet will remain happy and radiant.Company
It is a reserved and independent dog, but this does not mean that it does not need the company of its own. In fact, this canine loves to spend time with those close to him, and if he is not accompanied for a long time, he may suffer from separation anxiety. This could lead to destructive behaviors that are uncommon in these dogs. If we want to avoid these episodes, it is important to dedicate a few hours a day to walking, playing or simply resting with our dog.
