White Swiss Shepherd Dog - breed and character description

All varieties of shepherd dogs are truly amazing dogs, and white Swiss is no exception. This snow-white dog will be a great and faithful friend of the family. He can also serve as a guard, and, if necessary, a lifeguard. These animals are similar in nature to German shepherds, and this is not surprising, since they are close relatives.

History of breed origin

Swiss Shepherd Dogs are direct descendants of German breed representatives. They do not at all differ from them in their intelligence and development. Their only difference is coat color. He, like the German, is a very devoted dog, which makes him the favorite of all family members.

The first representatives of this breed appeared only at the beginning of the XX century, and performed the function of sheep shepherds. These animals took the dog for their own because of its color, which was a significant advantage.

After some time, representatives of this breed stopped receiving: in the mid-thirties, these pets suffered persecution, and they could no longer participate in exhibitions. After that, their numbers began to decrease sharply. However, already in the 60s a new wave of BSO popularity was revived, but not only in the homeland, but in the USA and Canada. Breeders were delighted with this sweet and kind dog, so they decided to resume this breed. At the same time, the first standards appeared, according to which animals were selected, and they also got their officially accepted name.

The wonderful character and the presence of developed intelligence made these dogs favorite among dog breeders. Even the Rockefeller family had a pet of this kind. After 20 years, around the 80s, scientists have proved that the gene, which was previously called white, is responsible only for the coat color of the animal, and nothing more. In no case does he speak of any deviations at the physical or mental level. And only after that, these dogs renewed their demand in the homeland, as well as in other countries of modern Europe. But this breed received international recognition only in 2002.

Breed standards

This dog is quite hardy and strong. It has a strong and developed muscle system and skeleton. But, despite this, the representatives of the breed look quite graceful. The average BSO growth does not exceed 58 cm. And the weight in this case is approximately 37 kg. The average life span of this pet is 13 years.

External characteristics:

1. The head of the animal has a medium-sized skull, which is proportional to the body. Its shape is wedge-shaped.
2. The nose is also small, black. Light colors may become a reason for refusing to participate in the competition.
3. The lips are almost invisible, as they are pressed to the jaw, which have a scissor bite.
4. Eyes are brown, almond-shaped.
5. The ears are elongated, high, and always upright.
6. Muscular, medium length neck, slightly rounded at the top.
7. The body itself is strong and muscular, the chest is oval.
8. The tail begins with a thick base, which tapers towards the end. He is quite fluffy and has the shape of a saber.
9. The hind limbs are slightly longer than the front, strong and stable, the legs are oval.
10. The skin is dark in color, and the coat is white, can be long and short, and they also have a fairly thick undercoat.
11. These dogs are distinguished by their dynamism and grace in movement.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Representatives of this species are quite kind and show aggression only as a last resort, and only if their owner is in serious danger. They are easily attached to their family and love them with all their heart. As for strangers, they do not experience aggression towards them, but they are treated with caution.

If in addition to the white shepherd dog there are also pets in the house, then you should not worry about how to make friends, because these dogs are quite sociable, which gives them the opportunity to get along with completely different animals. These dogs can also be used as guards of cottages and country houses, because they have a highly developed hunting instinct.

Those who already have these shepherd houses always speak positively of them. Although these dogs have a habit of howling and barking if they are bored with boredom. But apart from this, it is their way to express emotions and communicate with other dogs.

White Swiss Shepherd Character

Despite all the minor disadvantages, a dog of this breed is considered ideal. And this is not just the opinion of one person, as most amateur dog breeders, and even experienced dog handlers, think so. Their main features are humility and poise in all senses of the word.

No wonder they have a white color, because for many it is symbolized with kindness and sincerity. This is just about these pets. One cannot but notice their eternal good-naturedness and friendliness. Those who once started this shepherd will never regret it. But in addition to the above traits, animals have high intelligence, which makes them even better.

If such a puppy appeared in the family, then there will not be a problem with him, because he himself will find an approach to everyone, even including wayward cats of the Siamese breed. But at the same time, this pet does not tolerate disrespect for itself, so this fact should be taken into account.

If a white shepherd feels an approaching threat, she begins to bark. But this way of expressing emotions means not only danger, but also joy, so you should watch your animal and study its habits. Due to the fact that Swiss dogs have high intelligence, they do not do different pranks around the house, therefore, the owners should not worry about new furniture if this dog is at home.

Dog training and education

These are very hardworking animals, which are distinguished by their ingenuity, so it is a pleasure to train them. To develop the social skills of the animal, it is worth educating him from an early age. Therefore, even a puppy should introduce him to different people and animals. He remembers commands quite quickly, even if they are difficult for the dog.

The main thing in raising a pet is not to use screaming or physical punishment. This is the dog that should be treated with respect, and in order for it to learn tricks faster, it is worth encouraging it with treats.

Activity is what the Swiss needs, so you should arrange for him daily long walks in a playful way.

Content Features

The basis for proper and comfortable keeping this animal is the availability of sufficient space. It is better if it is a spacious country house where the dog can spend a lot of time on the street. You should not start this breed if the family lives in a one-room apartment, because the shepherd in such a dwelling will be uncomfortable.

The peculiarity of its content is that it needs constant physical activity. This will help keep him fit. To do this, use the obstacle course.

It is worth remembering about the features of caring for these animals. Their fur requires care in the form of a single combing per week. But, if the dog has a molt period, then the number of times it is worth increasing to two times a week.A claws need to be cut only once every six months.

BSO Health

Swiss shepherds have rather good health, but, unfortunately, they are located to some hereditary diseases:

1. The first and most common ailment is dysplasia. Therefore, in order to avoid this, when buying a puppy, you need to require x-rays.
2. Also, these dogs may be deaf, so it is definitely worth checking out.
3. Heart failure.
4. Some dogs may suffer from all sorts of mental disorders, for example, they may exhibit excessive aggression, or behave completely differently from other members of the breed.

Choosing a puppy and its cost

The main thing to understand before buying a Swiss White Shepherd puppy is that this pet should be desired. These animals are very loving, and therefore need reciprocity.

It is best to buy a puppy from experienced breeders or in specialized nurseries that carefully monitor the health, nutrition and development of their wards. This is because some sellers want to cash in on the purchase, so they can provide the buyer with a fake representative of the breed. In nurseries, you can see the pedigree of the animal and be sure that it is not a translator.

Determining whether a puppy belongs to a breed or not is quite difficult when it is very small, so you should be wary of acquiring animals from unverified breeders.

To choose a real thoroughbred pet, you should do the following:

1. You must ask for the pedigree of the animal.
2. You can watch small puppies, because from an early age they are quite active.
3. It is also necessary to find out whether mating was performed between Swiss relatives, because the presence of such procedures increases the risk of pathologies and the animal.

Due to the fact that this dog is quite rare, especially with regard to Russia, its cost is quite high, and starts at $ 550. But this is the cost of a pet without a pedigree, and with it a puppy of a white shepherd will cost $ 800.

Menu for BSHO

A complete diet is what this dog especially needs. Of course, you can give preference to dry food, because it is quite difficult to make a diet of natural products. But this option is much more useful for the pet. Small shepherds need to be fed at least six times a day, and when they are six months old they can be reduced to three times. Well, an adult should be fed only twice a day.

Recommended pet menu:

1. A pound of lean meat like chicken or beef.
2. This dog should not be given bones for the reason that he may choke on them.
3. It is worth giving the pet fish, and it does not matter whether it is river or sea, because both must be carefully prepared before treating the dog.
4. From cereals, you can give preference to rice with buckwheat, as well as millet with pearl barley. You can also add vegetables to them.
5. Sometimes eggs can be included in the diet, about 3 or 4 times a week.
6. Dairy products, such as cheese or yogurt, should also be on the menu of the shepherd.

If you adhere to these rules, the dog will feel fine, and there will be no need to acquire additional vitamins.

If a white shepherd eats dry food, then it must be premium. Cheap feeds can trigger the development of certain diseases.

Video: White Swiss Shepherd