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The Swiss White Shepherd almost became extinct because it was considered a “failure” in the standards desired by German Shepherd breeders.
The Swiss White Shepherd is a young breed that originated in the early 1970s when North American dogs were imported into Switzerland from the United States. Records show that the progenitor of the new breed was a dog named Lobo who was born in March 1966.
The white color is the result of a recessive gene in German shepherds that was once thought to be a flaw in the breed standards and led to many of the dogs born with the condition being spayed or even euthanized so the ‘fault’ wouldn’t occur when it did is repeated.
In Germany it was even believed at times that these dogs were albinos, but they do not have any common features of this genetic mutation, such as blue eyes or very light skin.
Although the breed is considered new, it has already gone through several hardships. White Shepherds were once common across Europe since the early 20th century, but have been banned across the continent with the exception of Britain.
The white variant of the breed was saved by breeders in Canada and the United States, who continued to breed white German Shepherds until they became a separate breed from the traditional German Shepherd. In 1968, however, the white German Shepherd was also banned in the United States.
In 1969, the Association of White German Shepherd Dogs was founded with the aim of counteracting the breed’s extinction. In 1972, the same club opened in Canada, but was renamed the White Shepherd Club of Canada the following year.
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The Swiss White Shepherd has already been banned from countries in Europe and the United States
In Switzerland, Lobo and his offspring were registered in the Swiss Book of Origin (LOS) and the country’s breeders fell in love with the dog’s white coat, began reproducing them and officially established their own kennel. The Swiss White Shepherd Dog was not recognized as an independent breed until 1991 by the Swiss Cynological Society.
In the UK, the Kennel Club recognized the White Swiss Shepherd Dog as a unique breed in October 2017, but to this day many clubs and breeders around the world do not recognize it as a unique breed, only a white variant of the German Shepherd.
The personality of the White Shepherd
Like its German ancestor, the Swiss Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog with strong protective instincts and is very loyal to its owners. Able to learn new commands quickly, it is a very docile animal that gets along well with children, the elderly and other pets, especially if well socialized from an early age.
As a guard dog, he may not accept the approach of strangers very well, so socialization is important in households that typically receive many visits. Once the animal gets used to it, it will receive visitors very well.
In general, however, it is not a dog that will attack people for no reason and will only bark more than normal when it senses a threat to its territory or family.
He adapts very well to different environments, but as he is a large dog he can reach 66cm he is more recommended for households with more spacious gardens.
primary care
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The Swiss White Shepherd Dog is the result of a genetic mutation of the German Shepherd Dog and is only considered a variation of it in several countries.
The Swiss Shepherd is one of the doublecoated breeds that tend to shed more during the warmer months when it’s important to brush them daily. Other times, maintaining a routine of brushing twice a week is enough to avoid tangles and removing dead hair.
For a dog this size and with such white hair, grooming is very welcome. A routine of cleaning their ears and paws should be maintained, allowing for bathing every 15 days or as directed by a veterinarian.
It is important to ensure that water does not get into the ears and to dry the pet well to avoid wet hair and the growth of fungus and bacteria.
Another important care is not to expose the animal to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., since its white hair does not protect against the sun’s rays as well.
health care
It’s important to stick to an exercise routine to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Walks, outdoor and indoor play are essential to keep the pet from becoming bored as this can lead to destructive behavior. This is a dog that loves to be with their tutors at all times, so even car trips and outings can be good choices for them.
Common problems in large dogs also affect the Swiss Shepherd, such as: B. a torsion of the stomach the dog should never exercise immediately after eating or drinking a lot of water a serious problem that can lead to the death of the pet.
Other problems include hip dysplasia, corns, ear infections, and dermatitis. Zookeepers should always be aware of any physical or behavioral signs the animal is exhibiting, in addition to regular visits to a veterinarian.