The imposing size of the White Swiss Shepherd makes it a great watchdog, but behind this appearance there is an affectionate little animal that is very attached to the family. For many years considered a type of German Shepherd, the breed is still not very common here. The Swiss Shepherd draws attention to its very white coat and the raised and always attentive ears, which give it an extra charm. Atheir spare energy needs to be molded with lots of play, daily walks and training. Understand more about this large dog breed!

White Swiss Shepherd arose from crosses of the German Shepherd

Although the Swiss Shepherd is now considered to be independent of the German Shepherd, the history of the two breeds can be traced back to a genetic mutation. It is believed that the White Swiss Shepherd was created from crossbreeds of German Shepherds that were born white due to a genetic mutation. Records indicate that the first White Shepherds were registered in the United States and Canada and imported into the country.Even though it is now recognized as an official breed, the Swiss White Shepherd is not accepted by some clubs around the world, which still associate it with the German breed.

Physical characteristics of the Swiss Shepherd

The coat of the Swiss Shepherd is the most striking thing about the little dog. The coat is 100% white, longer than that of the German Shepherd and is also very dense. Being an animal adapted to low temperatures, the White Shepherd has a layer of undercoat, which undergoes an intense change during the spring to prepare for the summer. This season demands even more specific care with the coat.The coat requires daily brushing to deal with hair loss. It is not recommended to groom this breed. In other seasons it is important to observe the coat to determine the best grooming routine.

In the physical aspect, the Swiss White Shepherd is a slender dog full of elegance. Its body is strong and the extra charm is due to the ears: pointed and always erect. The height of the White Shepherd varies from 55 to 66 centimeters, while the weight of the animal can be between 25 and 40 kilos (males are usually larger than females).

What is the personality of the White Swiss Shepherd like?

The Swiss Shepherd is a very docile and calm dog. His affectionate spirit makes him a great companion. Because he is very attached to his family, the animal can manifest a more protective behavior with strangers or noises in the residence - this makes him a great guard dog. The Swiss White Shepherd puppy is playful and looks like a teddy bear, besides being very curious. This phaseThe Swiss White Shepherd requires careful socialization so that he grows up without aggressive behavior and can get along with children, cats and other dogs. The Swiss White Shepherd is gifted with intelligence and, with the right stimuli, can learn many tricks and even be trained for specific situations.

Basic care for the Swiss Shepherd

Despite being a huge dog, the Swiss White Shepherd can be raised in an apartment if given the right care: the breed requires daily physical exercise. Long walks, strolls in the dog park and outdoor play will help to expend the spare energy of this little dog. The animal has good health and a life expectancy of 12 years, but, like the German Shepherd, has a predispositiongenetics to develop problems such as dysplasia and skin allergies.

The white coat means that the Swiss Shepherd needs to stay out of the sun, so it's worth checking with your trusted vet for a prescription for dog sunscreen. The right diet, vaccinations, exercise and annual check-ups will ensure that your Swiss Shepherd lives long years with you.