Search
Close this search box.

White Swiss Shepherd 101 (Traits, Care Tips, & Cost)

Last Updated: December 23, 2023

Few dog breeds come exclusively in solid white coats. Some of these are purebred dogs registered by national kennel clubs; others are not or are only recognized by some clubs. One such dog with partial recognition is the White Swiss Shepherd.

The White Swiss Shepherd is a medium-sized dog notable for its lively and lovely temperament. The lineage of the Swiss Shepherd is linked to that of the German Shepherd, and the breed is thought to have originated in Switzerland. However, its predecessors were imported from the Americas.

This article focuses on the beautiful White Swiss Shepherd to explore issues on the breed’s history and origin, appearance and size, and care requirements. We also explore a few other disputed matters about the breed’s recognition at global and national levels and its supposed rarity.

So, if you are considering this breed and want to learn about the White Swiss Shepherd, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive in!

White Swiss Shepherd standing on a grassland

White Swiss Shepherd Breed Profile

Below is an introduction to the origins and history of the White Swiss Shepherd. But first, here is a quick look at the breed profile.

White Swiss
Shepherd
Breed
Characteristics
GroupHerding
OriginSwitzerland
TypeWorking / Companion
Other NamesBerger Blanc Suisse,
White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Snowy Shepherd, Polar Bear Shepherd
Breed Size (FCI)Medium
Height23-26 inches (Males)
21-24 inches (Females)
WeightBetween 66 to 88lbs (Males)
Between 55lbs to 77lbs (Females)
TemperamentBalanced Temperament, Affectionate, Territorial, Social, Alert, Courageous, Playful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Loyal, Sensitive, Intelligent, Independent, Versatile
AppearanceWell-muscled, Well-balanced, Powerful, Elegant, Erect ears, Thick Saber Tail, Long Muzzle, Brown Almond Shaped Eyes
Lifespan10 – 12 years
Health IssuesHip and Elbow Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy, Bloat (GDV), Eye Problems
Coat ColorsWhite
Coat TypeDouble-coated, Medium or Long
SheddingHeavy
GroomingModerate
Easy to TrainYes
Exercise NeedsMedium-High
HypoallergenicNo
Child FriendlyYes
Pet FriendlyYes
Good for new ownersYes
Cost$3,000 on average

Colorful History

The White Swiss Shepherds’ history is closely intertwined with that of the German Shepherds, but the white dogs have a complicated record of registration and recognition as a breed.

The White Swiss Shepherd, also called the Swiss Shepherd dog or Berger Blanc Suisse, is originally a strain of the German Shepherd dog. The dog is known for its loyal, alert, friendly, lively, and balanced temperament and notable training ability. 

It is thought that the White Swiss Shepherds have remote roots in the white lines of the Thuringian Shepherd, which was the shepherd dog typical of the German region with the same name.

The Thuringian lineage existed even before the German Shepherd dog and was used in the interbreeding process that created the GSD. 

Check out this article to learn the difference between the GSD and the Swiss Shepherd.

In the early years of the GSD, white dogs were accepted as one of the coat color variants of the breed caused by a recessive gene. However, during the world war years, the white GSDs started to be considered a genetic fault by the Germans and were consciously eliminated from the breed in Europe.

White Shepherd dogs were gradually accepted as a distinct breed in the US and Canada in the 1960s. An offspring of the American white Shepherd “Lobo,” whelped in March 1966, was imported into Switzerland in the 1970s.

Lobo is considered the progenitor of the White Swiss Shepherd dogs we see today, and Switzerland is the place of the breed’s origin. 

The descendants of “Lobo” are registered in the Swiss Stud Book (LOS). Together with other white Shepherds imported from America, they created the very first dogs of the breed. Berger Blanc Suisse was recognized in Switzerland in 1999.

However, the registration of White Swiss Shepherds in other countries has not been smooth. First off, the AKC does not recognize Swiss Shepherds as a breed. Instead, the FCI registered White Swiss Shepherd as a breed in 2011, as did the British Kennel Club in 2017. 

Although the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized White Swiss Shepherds in 1999, and the dogs were welcomed back into the US ring, the FCI does not recognize the club. This means that the club’s recognition of the Swiss Shepherd does not have much weight, even in the US.

Efforts to fully register the White Swiss Shepherd have continued over the years. To this endeavor, the American White Shepherd Association was established in 1995 and has worked diligently towards recognizing White Swiss Shepherds as a distinct breed in America.  

Watch Our YouTube Video On The Gorgeous White Swiss Shepherd…

Rarity of the Breed

White Swiss Shepherds are considered rare by some and common by others. The lack of consensus on the rarity of the Swiss Shepherd could be informed by the fact that the breed is recognized in some countries or states and not in others.

For example, some sources on the web indicate that White Swiss Shepherds are rare, while others state that they are pricey and hard to find. 

For example, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Club of Australia (WSSDCA) does not consider the breed rare, as hundreds of dogs are registered with the club. In addition, the club prohibits registered breeders from advertising their Swiss Shepherds as ‘rare’ dogs.

The White Swiss Shepherd’s rarity myth may be linked to the fact that the all-white German Shepherd is rare. In reality, the thinking that White Swiss Shepherds are merely white German Shepherds that were considered a fault at some point in history still lingers. 

Striking Appearance

The White Swiss Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog with a powerful, elegant, and well-balanced body outline. Like its German Shepherd counterpart, The Berger Blanc Suisse has erect ears open to the front. Its all-white double coat can be medium or long.

The White Swiss Shepherd dog’s body is longer than tall, with the hind feet slightly longer than those at the front. The dog’s head is carried moderately high.

Swiss Shepherds have a thick saber tail (with a gentle curve at the end) that reaches the hock and is typically carried low. When aroused, the White Swiss Shepherd may carry the tail higher but never over the topline.

On the face, the White Swiss Shepherds have an elongated muzzle, similar to the wolf-like muzzle of the German Shepherd. The nose is medium-sized and black, but a lighter nose is standard. The eyes are brown or dark brown, almond-shaped, and placed obliquely.

The skin under the White Swiss Shepherd’s coat is all dark, and so are the paws.

White Swiss Shepherd laying down and still looking at the owner

Size

The White Swiss Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with the following measurements:

Male Height:23-26 inches (58-66cm)
Male Weight:66-88lbs (30-40kg)
Female Height:21-24 inches (53-61cm)
Female Weight:55-77lbs (25-35kg)

White Swiss Shepherd Temperament

If you consider getting this gorgeous breed for your family, you’ll want to know more about its temperament.

Good Family Dog

White Swiss Shepherds are good family dogs because they are lively, friendly, attentive, and generally stable. These dogs are very intelligent and receptive, making them highly trainable and an excellent choice for a family with children.

In the common descriptions for a good family dog, White Swiss Shepherds have these traits:

  • Lively and friendly with the family
  • Extremely good with children
  • Friendly with other pets
  • Are calm and composed toward strangers
  • Playful and joyous
  • Loyal and utterly devoted to the owner
  • High social competence
  • Highly adaptable and will fit in any situation.
  • Never aggressive (unless provoked).

Of course, you’ll need to train your Berger Blanc Suisse from when it’s a puppy to bring forth all these good qualities. Ensure you use positive reward-based training, as White Swiss Shepherd dogs can be overly sensitive to how they are treated.

Care Guide

Below is an overview of how to adequately care for your White Swiss Shepherd.

White Swiss Shepherd sitting on a grass ground

Exercise Requirements

The White Swiss Shepherd needs plenty of exercise since it is a high-energy dog that enjoys action. You should spend at least 2 hours running, walking, or playing with your pet daily. Mental stimulation is also necessary.

Your Berger Blanc Suisse will not enjoy hours spent alone in the house or low-energy exercise in the backyard all day. Instead, the dog needs some hours of vigorous exercise daily. Exercise is also vital to help keep your dog healthy, happy, and in good shape.

Left alone and idle, Berger Blanc Suisse will be bored and can turn to destructive behavior. These behaviors can include excessive barking, jumping fences, or digging holes.

Grooming and Shedding

White Swiss Shepherds shed a lot because of their double coat. They will shed consistently all year long and heavily during the spring and fall when the seasons change. This is when they “blow their coat” in preparation for the season ahead.

Your Swiss Shepherd’s coat should be brushed at least two to three times a week. Daily brushing is advised to control heavy shedding and avoid hair all over the house during seasonal temperature changes.

So, what about bath time?

An occasional bath is required since the White Swiss Shepherd coat can get dirty quickly. The general rule is to bathe your Swiss Shepherd only when needed. Frequent baths can rid your dog’s skin of its natural oils.

Other aspects of care you should consider for your White Swiss Shepherd include: 

  • Frequent nail clipping to prevent them from getting too long and “digging” while your dog walks. Long nails can make walking uncomfortable for your dog or cause other complications like limping and bleeding.
  • Regular teeth brushing. This is needed to preempt bacterial and tartar buildup.
  • Regularly cleaning the ears to prevent bacterial buildup and ear infections from accumulated wax. Deafness is a risk issue in White Swiss Shepherds, so proper ear care is essential.

Swiss Shepherd Price

White Swiss Shepherds cost approximately $3,000 on average, which is quite pricey. A visit to the breeder websites accessed through the White Swiss Shepherd Club of America website indicated that White Swiss Shepherd prices range between $1,500 and $5,000.

From the explored breeder websites, White Swiss Shepherd puppies will tend to cost more if:

  • They are breed-quality puppies (breeders on the visited sites seem to sell non-breed-quality puppies on a spay/neuter contract in most breeder sites).
  • They are bred to meet show quality.
  • The buyer can choose between a male or female puppy.

While the indicated cost only accounts for the buying price, the cost of a White Swiss Shepherd will go up with other care costs for food and veterinary services. Regarding vet costs, Swiss Shepherds are susceptible to specific health issues.

According to the White Swiss Shepherd Club of America, these health issues include:

Swiss Shepherd sitting amidst woods

FAQs

Do White Swiss Shepherds Bark a Lot?

White Swiss Shepherds are not extreme barkers, but they can be relatively vocal when they perform their guarding role. The dogs may also growl or whine during play or when they are excited. Early socialization helps white Swiss Shepherd dogs differentiate between a friend and an enemy.

Are White Swiss Shepherds Aggressive?

White Swiss Shepherds are not aggressive. The Kennel Club describes White Swiss Shepherds as “never shy or aggressive.” The FCI reiterates the Swiss Shepherd’s balanced temperament with similar terms by describing the breed as “never afraid or aggressive without provocation.”

How Long Do White Swiss Shepherds Live?

White Swiss Shepherds live over 10 years, according to The Kennel Club. Some writers translate this life expectancy to 12 years and others to 13 years. As with all other dog breeds, white Swiss Shepherds will live their complete lifespan if they have a happy life and receive proper nutrition.

Is a White Swiss Shepherd Right for You?

Despite the debates surrounding the recognition of the White Swiss Shepherd in some countries like the US, there is no doubt that the Berger Blanc Suisse is an excellent family dog with a pleasant and irresistible personality. But is the White Swiss Shepherd good for every category of dog owners, and is it right for you?

The White Swiss Shepherd is right for you if:

  • You are looking for a family dog that gets along well with children and other pets.
  • You want a dog that is easy to train.
  • You want a dog without any tendencies of aggression.
  • You love pure white dogs.

On the contrary, the White Swiss Shepherd dog is not suitable for you if:

  • You have an allergy to dog fur and are looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
  • You want a sporting dog to take to the AKC’s events.

The White Swiss Shepherd would be suitable for any dog owner, considering its lovable temperament. But you must weigh these Swiss Shepherd pros and cons to reach your verdict.

Sharon Waddington
Sharon Waddington is the founder of World of Dogz. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. But it’s her trusty German Shepherd, Willow, who steals the show as the inspiration behind this website. As Sharon’s constant companion Willow has played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for dogs. Recently, Sharon has become deeply passionate about the plight of rescue dogs and is an active advocate for dog rescue, striving to make a difference in the lives of dogs in need.
SHARE THIS POST

Leave a Comment

Image for Newsletter Signup

Rescue.
Rehabilitate. Repeat.

Get the best in dog rescue news, care, and health tips, and be a part of the rescue dog revolution.