THE WHITE SWISS SHEPHERD
Personality
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Gentle, very intelligent, learns easily, loyal, wary of strangers but not prone to show shy or fearful behavior. Gentler and mellower than their GS cousins. They are very sensitive to their owners. They are happy on the go or laying at your feet.
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Highly intuitive. Loyal to their families.
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Serving with a high degree of intelligence and a sense of loyalty.
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Exceptionally friendly nature with kids as well as being cheerful and quick to learn.
Physical Characteristics:
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Large size, well-balanced, and muscular dog.
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Although white, it is NOT albino, because it has dark eyes, nose, and skin pigmentation.
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Great stamina, energy, and endurance that can travel long distances.
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Genetic problems have been kept to a minimum.
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Well muscled, erect ears, double coat that is either medium or long in length
Males: 22 – 26 in. at withers Females: 20 – 24 in. at withers
66 – 88 lbs 55 – 77 lbs
OUR MISSION
Our commitment to the WSS is to give back not only to this breed of dog but also to help others who find themselves in a similar situation and are looking for a service dog. Our commitment is to only breed dogs that are well balanced in mind and body. Our dogs are and will be tested via DNA and OFA x-rays of both hips & elbows. They are shown in Conformation Shows and trained in various dog-training disciplines (Obedience, AKC CGC, Rally, Agility, Tricks, etc.). All our dogs are and will be in good standing with the strict criteria used by the FCI (The International dog club which governs this breed) organization and FCI circular 77/2007.
We are members of a dog club (ABBSC) dedicated specifically to this amazing breed, where breeders work together to help WSS get established in the United States and hold true to the highest standards available for the WSS. We are members of a local dog-training club (CDADF), which allows us to train our dogs alongside others who are equally committed to their dogs. We are members of the International Dog Club (FCI), which holds the registry for these dogs. We are members of FBBSI that identify us as breeders of WSS and shows we are in compliance with all registration and lineage regulations.
If you are interested in finding out more about the WSS and Swiss Legacy, please explore our site and reach out if you have any questions.
HISTORY OF THE BREED
The White Swiss Shepherd (WSS) or Berger Blanc Suisse (BBS) is not the same breed as the White Shepherd, which is a color type within the German Shepherd Dog. The White Swiss Shepherd has different conformation standards, a different personality, and will breed true (meaning they will only have white offspring with black noses) than the White German Shepherd Dog (GSD). The White Swiss Shepherd is internationally recognized as a different breed from the German Shepherd in every country except the United States and Canada.
A look back into the history of the White Swiss Shepherd (AKA BBS) reveals that about 90 years ago the Swiss Shepherds did come from German Shepherd stock. In the 1930s, Nazi Germany wanted to breed a more aggressive and protective German Shepherd. They wanted the darker colors as they felt they were more intimidating and began to change both the conformation and personality of the German Shepherd. The white (a recessive gene) dogs started to be culled from all liters as they were considered a ‘fault’. The White German Shepherds were almost exterminated throughout Europe. To this day, the only place that accepts White German Shepherd is the USA and Canada.
The sire of the Swiss Shepherd is considered to be “Lobo” on March 5th, 1966 in Switzerland. The descendants of this male were registered with the Swiss Stud Book (LOS) and accepted as a new breed of dog in June of 1991. In 2001, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Swiss Dog Club (LOS), which began the recognition process for the Berger Blanc Suisse (WSS). In 2003, the studbooks were closed for registry for the Berger Blanc Suisse. In 2011, the Berger Blanc Suisse also became known as the ‘White Swiss Shepherd Dog’ (WSSD) and was accepted internationally as its own distinct breed.
The BBS went through a 50-year process before earning full FCI recognition for this amazing breed. The process of acceptance by the AKC is similar. It will take several years of top-quality breeding, Show & Title recognition, and enthusiasts before we will be accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). But it is the natural progression of the breed as it makes its presence known in the United States and Canada.
FCI Circulaire 07/77 (WSSD 347)
Which dog is which?
The easiest way to tell what ‘white dog’ you are buying is to ask to see the parent's registration papers. BBS/WSS will be registered with the FCPR (Federacion Canofila de Puerto Rico-USA). White Shepherds will be registered with the UKC. White German Shepherds will be registered with the AKC.
WHAT CAN THESE DOGS DO
Family Pets: The White Swiss Shepherd is an amazing family pet. They are devoted pets who love children and get along well with other animals. Their mild personalities are contrasted by their superb intelligence and athleticism making them wonderful family additions.
Adaptability in Action: Whatever your training goal, Swiss Shepherds have succeeded in all of the following activities: Service work, Medical Alert dogs, Therapy dogs, Search & Rescue, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Scent/Tracking Oriented Training, Herding, Lure Coursing, Barn Hunting, Dock Diving, Fly Ball, Carting, and Farming and other activities.
Training Venues: North American Dog Agility Council, Therapy Dog International, North American Diving Dogs, DVG America, Search Dog Organization of North America, National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), AKC (only as a PAL member) for sporting competitions like Rally, Agility, etc.
Obedience: Basic obedience training is important both for you and your dog to further your relationship. Seeking out a trainer, class, and/or a dog club in your area is very important. Once you have taken a basic obedience class, you can decide if you want to continue down numerous additional training paths.
Confirmation: This is where you would show your dog to see how well they match up to the shape and structure of the Breed Standard (FCI #347). The venues listed below are the only venues that both recognize the White Swiss Shepherd (BBS/WSSD) and use the FCI Standard #347 to judge the dogs. It is important not to try to show your dog in an American Kennel Club (AKC) event, as they do not yet recognize this breed. As long as the Berger Blanc Suisse/White Swiss Shepherd Dog is not recognized, showing with them will not be an option at this venue. The AKC will gladly accept your entry as a White German Shepherd, your dog will not show well as that is not the standard they have been bred to, and registering them as such will re-vert the dogs breed back to German Shepherd making it impossible to have that dog or its progeny recognized as an FCI White Swiss Shepherd.
Show Venues: IABCA (International All Breed Canine), American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), Kennel Club of the United States of America (KCUSA), International Canine Club (ICKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
THIS BREED AT A GLANCE
INTELLIGENCE
Highly Intelligent
Easy to Train
Adapts Well to New Environments or Changes
Can Excel in Service or Therapy Training
BEHAVIOR
Medium to High Energy Level
Medium Prey Drive
Lower Tendencies to Nip, Chew, or Herd People
Child, Dog, Cat Friendly
May Have Separation Anxiety
Medium Vocalization and an be Talkers
MAINTAINCE
Live on Average 12-14 Years Old
Low Grooming Needs (brushing a few times a week)
Bathing Not Required Often
Sheds Often
Not Hypoallergenic
Relatively Few Health issues
ENVIORNMENT
Can Be Watch Dogs, but not their Strong Suit
Can Live in Apartments with Plenty of Physical and Mental Stimulation
Can Love Water if Exposed Early On
REGISTERING DOG CLUBS
White Swiss Shepherds were selectively bred over 50 years ago. Accepting their studbook history, conformation, and personality as a distinct and new breed separate from the German Shepherd.
The FCI member club registering WSS imported and/or owned in the United States in Federacion Canofila De Puerto Rico (FCPR).
AKC White German Shepherds (USA): AKC German Shepherds color white occur in colored breeding’s as it is a recessive trait. They will register white German Shepherd dogs for show.
USA bred White German Shepherds that have been breeding white to white for many generations. The UKC closed their studbooks in 2007 preventing any additional breeding of white shepherds from colored parents. However, the conformation standard resembles that of the German Shepherd instead of the White Swiss Shepherd. Because of this difference in standard, White Swiss Shepherds will be judged against a different standard in this venue.
Note: Neither the UKC or AKC accepts the BBS/WSS as a separate breed. When they are registered in these clubs and they are being judged against the German Shepherd standards. Registering them at these venues directly jeopardized them from ever being recognized within the USA & Canada as BBS/WSS.