White Swiss Shepherd

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Elbow dysplasia · Bloat (GDV)

The White Swiss Shepherd is descended from white-coated German Shepherds, which were excluded from the German breed standard in the 1930s and survived mainly in North America. Swiss breeders rebuilt the line from imported American stock, and the FCI recognised it as a separate breed in 2003. It is genetically very close to the German Shepherd but differs in two visible ways: the white coat, and a level straight back rather than the exaggerated slope seen in some show lines. Temperament also differs. White Swiss Shepherds are generally described as softer, more sensitive and considerably less suspicious of strangers than a working-line German Shepherd, which makes them better suited to family life and worse suited to protection work. They are highly intelligent and eager to work, needing an hour or more of daily exercise plus training, scent work or dog sport. Their sensitivity means harsh training methods backfire badly; they respond best to patient, positive, consistent handling, and they suffer if isolated from their family. The dense double coat sheds heavily year-round and blows twice a year, so expect brushing two or three times a week and a lot of white hair; the coat is self-cleaning and needs infrequent bathing. Health screening should cover hips and elbows, and a good breeder will also test for degenerative myelopathy and MDR1 drug sensitivity, both documented in the shepherd family. Feed measured meals to reduce bloat risk, and watch for the skin allergies the breed can carry.

• How much exercise does a White Swiss Shepherd need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a White Swiss Shepherd need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a White Swiss Shepherd suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a White Swiss Shepherd a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do White Swiss Shepherd live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the White Swiss Shepherd?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Bloat (GDV). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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