If you're considering bringing a White Shepherd into your family, it's essential to understand their needs and characteristics. White Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
They are naturally protective of their families, but with proper socialization and training, they can become excellent family pets. With a strong herding instinct, White Shepherds may try to herd children, so close supervision is crucial.
A White Shepherd's thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Be prepared to brush their coat at least twice a week, and consider professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
White Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
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About White Shepherds
The White Swiss Shepherd is a strong and powerful dog breed that is medium-sized.
They have erect ears and a double coat that is either medium length or a bit on the longer side.
Their body is elongated and has many characteristics in common with their German counterpart.
The White Swiss Shepherd is not recognized and registered in the American Kennel Club as an independent breed.
It is a fairly "new" dog breed that was standardized and created about 100 years ago.
The breed was originally created from white examples of the German Shepherd breed.
In the German Shepherd, white dogs are frowned upon and not bred for.
The White Swiss Shepherd looks very like a German Shepherd, which is no coincidence.
They were originally created in the US, but it was Switzerland who developed the breed.
A male named Lobo was born in 1966 and he founded the breed in Switzerland, having been imported from the USA.
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Dog Breed Characteristics
The White Swiss Shepherd is a strong and powerful dog breed that is medium-sized. They have erect ears.
Their body is elongated and has many characteristics in common with their German counterpart.
The White Swiss Shepherd has a double coat that is either medium length or a bit on the longer side.
History and Origins
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog has a fascinating history that's closely tied to the German Shepherd breed. Originally, white German Shepherds were not bred for or accepted in the show-ring.
The breed's creation in Switzerland is a result of the appeal of white German Shepherds to some breeders. They wanted to produce a breed in its own right.
The first white dog to be registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1917. This marked the beginning of the breed's development in the US.
A male dog named Lobo, born in 1966, is credited with founding the breed in Switzerland. He was imported from the US to expand the gene pool.
Further US imports followed to continue the breed's development. The Swiss Kennel Club recognized the White Swiss Shepherd Dog as a separate breed in 1991.
Recognition soon followed from the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and the breed is now recognized in the UK.
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Grooming
The White Shepherd's coat sheds moderately all year, with heavy shedding twice a year, so be prepared for a lot of hair.
You'll want to invest in a heavy-duty vacuum and brush to keep up with the shedding. Regular brushing is also essential to prevent tangles and mats.
Brush your White Shepherd's coat at least 3 times a week to keep it shiny and free of loose hair. This will also help reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and clothes.
Their teeth should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week to prevent bacteria build-up and keep their breath fresh. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs.
Clip your dog's nails when needed and check their ears regularly to prevent ear infections. Remove any dirt or bacteria that can get caught inside their ears.
Hard floors and daily vacuuming are a must to keep up with the shedding. You'll also want to check your White Shepherd's paw pads and limbs after exercise for any scrapes or debris.
Brushing your White Shepherd's teeth can be a challenge if they're not used to it, so start when they're still a puppy. Brushing will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Regular dental checks at the vet and dental treats can also help keep their teeth healthy.
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Temperament & Intelligence
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a loyal and devoted breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike. They are incredibly energetic and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior.
These dogs are naturally suspicious of strangers, so early socialization is crucial to help them become well-rounded and stable. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can easily become spoiled if not trained properly.
White Swiss Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be slow to mature and require consistent training and sensitive handling. They are also very food-motivated, which can be a great tool for training.
As a protective breed, they will defend their family without hesitation, but this also means they need to be taught what is and isn't a threat. With proper training and socialization, they can become confident and calm companions.
If left alone for too long, White Swiss Shepherds can become bored and depressed, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on attention and interaction, and can become "self-employed" if left to their own devices.
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Family and Pets
Living with a White Shepherd can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have a family with children. They are very protective of their family and will be extremely patient with kids.
However, it's essential to supervise their playtime to avoid accidents, as they can get carried away while playing. They are quite large dogs, after all.
Introducing a White Shepherd to other pets, especially when they're young, can be a breeze. But if you're adopting an older dog, it's crucial to determine if it has experience living with other animals.
Small pets like rats and guinea pigs should be kept at a safe distance from a White Shepherd, as even a playful batting of the paw can cause injury. It's just their natural instinct.
White Shepherds can get along with other pets they live with, especially if they were raised together. They'll even protect them like family members.
To make your White Shepherd happy and healthy, spend plenty of time with the dog, provide it with regular exercise, and groom its coat regularly. And don't forget to feed it quality food that meets all its nutritional needs.
Owning a White Shepherd
Owning a White Shepherd requires a lot of attention and stimulation to keep them fulfilled, as they are high energy and high octane dogs.
They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
A bored White Shepherd can become a destructive one, so it's crucial to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run around, play, and learn new things.
Allowing your White Shepherd free access to fresh drinking water at all times of day and night is also important for their overall health and well-being.
Their grooming needs are relatively low, but they do shed a lot, so be prepared for regular vacuuming and brushing to keep their coat under control.
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Owning Essentials
Owning a White Shepherd requires a lot of attention to ensure they are physically and mentally fulfilled.
They are high energy and high octane, so expect to spend plenty of time exercising and stimulating them.
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A bored White Shepherd will likely become a destructive White Shepherd, so make sure to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Fresh drinking water is essential, so allow your dog free access to it at all times of day and night.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent destructive behavior, so plan accordingly.
Swiss Breeders
Owning a White Shepherd can be a costly endeavor, especially when it comes to purchasing a purebred puppy. White Swiss Shepherds can cost up to $1300, and that's just the beginning.
Before buying a puppy, it's essential to find a reputable breeder. White Swiss Shepherd breeders should be able to answer all your questions and provide veterinary certificates, such as hip scores of both parents.
Responsible breeding is key to reducing the risk of health issues in White Swiss Shepherds. Prone to serious health issues, it's crucial to ask the breeder about the parents' health and the conditions the mother lives in.
Seeing the mother of the puppy you're interested in is a must. Look for any signs of unusual behavior or conditions in the mother, siblings, or the place they're kept.
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Interesting Facts
White Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs, with a high trainability score of 85% according to Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs". They excel in obedience and problem-solving tasks.
Their high energy levels require regular exercise, such as a 30-minute run or playtime in the yard, to keep them happy and healthy.
White Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, with a shedding season that typically lasts from March to May.
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Sources
- White Shepherd Dog Breed Information and Pictures (petguide.com)
- White Swiss Shepherd (worlddogfinder.com)
- History of the White Swiss Shepherd (moroshepherds.com)
- Swiss White Shepherd Dog Breed Information (purina.co.uk)
- https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/pastoral/white-swiss-shepherd-dog-imp (thekennelclub.org.uk)
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