White Swiss Shepherd Dog
Description
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog, often called Berger Blanc Suisse, hails from Switzerland but shares roots with the German Shepherd’s white coat lineage. This breed was officially recognized in 1991 by the Swiss Kennel Club after dedicated breeders preserved the white coat that had been excluded from German Shepherd standards since the 1930s. Their striking white fur and medium to long double coat set them apart visually. Known for a gentle and friendly demeanor, these dogs balance intelligence with a calm temperament, making them excellent family companions and versatile working dogs. They’re sensitive, so training should be patient and consistent. Their size ranges from about 49 to 88 pounds, and they tend to be quieter than many shepherd breeds, which is a plus for many owners.
Grooming
The White Swiss Shepherd’s double coat requires consistent attention to stay healthy and mat-free. Their medium to long fur sheds moderately but can mat quickly if neglected, especially in humid weather. Daily line-brushing right down to the skin using a pin brush followed by a metal comb is essential to prevent tangles and remove loose undercoat. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain the pristine white color, but make sure the coat is completely dry to avoid skin issues. Between full grooms, tidy up the feet and sanitary areas to keep your dog comfortable. Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to keep the coat in top shape. White coats can show dirt and tear stains easily, so regular cleaning around the eyes and mouth is helpful. Key grooming steps: - Daily line-brushing with pin brush + metal comb - Bath every 4–6 weeks, fully dry coat - Trim feet and sanitary areas between grooms - Check for mats, especially in humid seasons Pro tip: Use a whitening shampoo formulated for white coats to brighten fur without drying the skin.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
White Swiss Shepherds benefit from about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them engaged and well-exercised. These dogs enjoy a mix of brisk walks and some off-leash time in safe areas where they can explore and sniff. Mental stimulation during walks is just as important as physical exercise, so vary routes and introduce basic obedience or scent games. A typical day might look like this: Morning: 45-minute brisk walk with obedience drills Evening: 55-minute relaxed walk with sniffing and playtime This routine helps manage their energy and keeps their minds sharp. Consistency is key to prevent boredom and maintain good behavior.
Boarding
When boarding a White Swiss Shepherd, provide a crate that’s at least 48 inches long to accommodate their size comfortably. They appreciate space to stretch out and feel secure. Their playstyle is active but gentle, so staff should plan two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders or scent trails help reduce stress and prevent boredom. Staff should be aware that these dogs respond well to calm, consistent handling due to their sensitive nature. Regular interaction and positive reinforcement during boarding will help them adjust smoothly and maintain their friendly demeanor.