White Swiss Shepherd Dog
Also known as White Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Switzerland
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
Descended from the white-coated German Shepherd, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a large, athletic working dog with erect ears, a white double coat and a confident bearing. It stands out for its noble expression and gentle temperament.
History and origins
Developed from white-coated German Shepherds. When white was excluded from the German standard in the 1930s, breeding continued in North America, from where the dogs came back to Europe. Switzerland got the breed recognized: it was entered in the Swiss stud book in 1991, then recognized by the FCI in 2003 (definitively in 2011), hence its name.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Skin allergies
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
White Swiss Shepherd Dog FAQ
How big does the White Swiss Shepherd Dog get?
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog stands 53 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 40 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the White Swiss Shepherd Dog shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the White Swiss Shepherd Dog live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the White Swiss Shepherd Dog need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the White Swiss Shepherd Dog good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the White Swiss Shepherd Dog live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy.
