White Swiss Shepherd

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the White Swiss Shepherd as lively and even-tempered, attentive, easy to train, friendly and discreet, with strong social skills and devotion to its owner. It should never be fearful or aggressive without reason. In practice it is a sensitive dog that quickly picks up on its family's moods and doesn't handle shouting well. Purina notes that it can be a bit more open with strangers than the German Shepherd, but it can also become a "one-person dog." It barks when something worries it and guards its territory. It is usually gentle with children, though it is happiest in a calm home with older kids. It likes being part of the group and joining in family life, and when bored or left alone for long, it quickly invents activities its family may not appreciate. It does best with a calm, patient owner.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the White Swiss Shepherd for?

The White Swiss Shepherd is a good choice for an active family or person who wants a dog for training and sports, has time for long walks and doesn't mind white hair all over the house. It can be a first large dog for a committed owner. It won't do well in a home with frequent crowds of visitors or with someone who is rarely home.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

Purina recommends about two hours of walking a day, plus extra time for training and mental activities. The White Swiss Shepherd shines in obedience, tracking, agility and search and rescue, and does best when it has a "job." Until it has finished growing, a puppy shouldn't run up stairs or steep slopes or make sharp turns and jumps. The dense double coat comes in medium and long varieties; the first is brushed once a week, the second about twice a week. The dog doesn't need a groomer, but it sheds very heavily, so the vacuum cleaner will see a lot of use. Check the paw pads after walks. Training should be consistent and positive, because this is a sensitive breed.

Health and breed-related conditions

The White Swiss Shepherd is considered a healthy breed; Purina gives a lifespan of 10–12 years. Analyzing the OFA database at the end of 2024, the American breed club reported that about 13% of 256 dogs tested had some degree of hip dysplasia, and about 17% had grade I or II elbow changes. In DNA tests, almost 18% of dogs were carriers of degenerative myelopathy and about 8% carried the MDR1 mutation, which increases sensitivity to certain drugs. The club also recommends an echocardiogram before breeding, because stenosis has been missed on auscultation. As a large dog, it is also at risk of bloat.

• hip dysplasiaIn the OFA database for 2024, about 13% of dogs tested had dysplasia of varying severity.
• elbow dysplasiaAbout 17% of dogs in the OFA database had grade I or II degenerative elbow changes.
• degenerative myelopathy (DM)About 18% of dogs tested were carriers of the mutation; a DNA test is available.
• drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)About 8% of dogs tested were carriers; carrier status matters with certain medications.
• gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)A risk typical of large breeds; smaller, more frequent meals help.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

In the US and Canada, white shepherds descended from German Shepherd lines were gradually recognized as a separate breed. According to the FCI standard, the first dogs were brought to Switzerland in the early 1970s, and the breed's founding sire there was an American male named Lobo, born on March 5, 1966. His offspring, entered in the Swiss studbook, and further dogs from North America gradually multiplied. From June 1991, white shepherds were registered in Switzerland as a new breed. The FCI accepted the breed under the name Berger Blanc Suisse, or White Swiss Shepherd Dog.

Fun facts

• The breed's founding sire in Switzerland was an American dog named Lobo, born in 1966.
• The breed comes in two coat varieties: medium and long.
• The FCI standard allows only a white coat.
• Under the FCI standard, body length relates to height at the withers as 12 to 10.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Large dog breeds

Sources

1. 1FCI – wzorzec nr 347 White Swiss Shepherd Dogfci.be
2. 2Purina UK – Swiss White Shepherdpurina.co.uk
3. 3White Swiss Shepherd Club of America – Health Status (dane OFA 2024)wssca-web.pages.dev

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.