White Swiss Shepherd Dog - breed and character description

All varieties of shepherd dogs are truly amazing dogs, and white Swiss is also no exception. This snow-white dog will be a great and loyal 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.

The origin of the breed

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

The first representatives of this breed appeared only at the beginning of the XX century, and served as shepherds of sheep. These animals took the dog for his because of his color, which was a significant advantage.

Some time later, the representatives of this breed stopped taking: 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 popularity of the BSHO was revived, but not only at home, but in the USA and Canada. The breeders were delighted with this nice and kind dog, so they decided to resume this breed. At the same time, the first standards appeared by which animals were selected, and they also received their officially accepted name.

The wonderful character and the presence of a developed intellect made these dogs favorites among dog breeders. Even the Rockefeller family made their own pets of this species. After 20 years, approximately in the 80s, scientists 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 resumed their demand in their homeland, as well as in other countries of modern Europe. But this breed received international recognition only in 2002.

Breed standards

This dog is pretty hardy and strong. It has a strong and developed muscular system and bones. But despite this, the representatives of the breed look quite graceful. The average growth rate of the BSHO does not exceed 58 cm. And the weight is approximately 37 kg. The average life 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-like.
2. The nose is also small in size, black in color. Light colors can be a reason for refusing to participate in the competition.
3. The lips are almost invisible, as they are pressed to the jaws, which have a scissor bite.
4. The eyes are brown, almond-shaped.
5. The ears are elongated, high, and always in a standing position.
6. Muscular, medium 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 narrows towards the end. It is quite fluffy and has the shape of a saber.
9. Hind limbs slightly longer than the front, strong and stable, oval-shaped legs.
10. The skin has a dark color, and the wool is white, it can be long and short, and they also have a rather thick undercoat.
11. These dogs are distinguished by their dynamism and grace in movement.

The 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 grave danger. They are easily tied to their home and love them with all my heart. As for strangers, they do not experience aggression, but are treated with caution.

If, in addition to the white shepherd, there are still pets in the house, then you should not worry about how to make friends with them, 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 strongly developed hunting instinct.

Those who already have houses of these shepherds always respond positively to them. Although these dogs have a habit of howling and barking if they are bored with boredom. But beyond that, this is their way of expressing emotions and communicating with other dogs.

White Swiss Shepherd Character

Despite all the minor drawbacks, the dog of this breed is considered ideal. And this is not just the opinion of one person, most amateur dog breeders think so, and even experienced dog experts. Their main features are humility and balance 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. It is impossible not to notice their eternal good-naturedness and friendliness. Those who once started this sheep dog will never regret it. But besides these features, animals have high intelligence, which makes them even better.

If such a puppy appeared in the family, then there will be no problems with him, because he will find an approach to everyone, even including the wayward Siamese cats. But at the same time, this pet does not tolerate disrespect for itself, therefore it is worth considering this fact.

If a white shepherd feels an imminent threat, she begins to bark. But such a way to express emotions means not only danger, but also joy, so you should watch your animal, learn its habits. Due to the fact that Swiss dogs have high intelligence, they do not engage in various pranks around the house, respectively, the owners should not worry about new furniture, if at home there is this dog.

Training and education of the dog

These are very hardworking animals that are distinguished by their acumen, therefore it is a pleasure to train them. To develop the social skills of the animal, it is necessary to engage in his education from an early age. Therefore, even a puppy should be introduced to different people and animals. He remembers the commands quite quickly, even if they are heavy for a dog.

The most important 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 quickly learn the tricks - it is worth encouraging it with delicacies.

Activity is what the Swiss needs,therefore it is worthwhile to arrange for him everyday long walks in a playful way.

Content Features

The basis of proper and comfortable maintenance of this animal is the presence 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 it will be uncomfortable for Ovchara in such a dwelling.

The peculiarity of its content is that it needs constant physical exertion. This will help keep it in shape. To do this, use the run with obstacles.

It is worth remembering about the features of care for these animals. Their fur requires care in the form of a single combing per week. But, if a dog has a period of molting, then the number of times should be increased to two times a week. And the claws should be cut off only every six months.

Health BSHO

Sheepdogs of the Swiss breed have quite 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.
3. Heart failure.
4. Some dogs may suffer from all sorts of mental disorders, for example, they may exhibit excessive aggression, or may not behave at all like other members of the breed.

Choosing a puppy and its value

The main thing that needs to be learned before you buy a puppy of a Swiss white shepherd dog 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 kennels, which carefully monitor the health, nutrition and development of their wards. That's because some sellers want to cash in on the purchase, so they can provide the buyer with an unreal representative of the breed. In nurseries, you can see the pedigree of the animal and be sure that it is not a translation.

Determining whether a puppy belongs to a breed or not is quite difficult when it is very small,therefore it is necessary to be afraid to get animals from unverified breeders.

To choose this purebred pet, do the following:

1. It is necessary to ask for the pedigree of the animal.
2. You can watch a small puppy, because from an early age they are quite active.
3. It is also necessary to find out whether there were matings between Swiss relatives, because the presence of such procedures increases the risk of pathologies and animals.

Due to the fact that this dog is quite rare, especially with regard to Russia, then its cost is quite high, and starts with $ 550. But this is the cost of a pet without a pedigree, and with it a puppy of a white shepherd dog 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 a pet. Small shepherds need to be fed at least six times a day, and when they run for six months - 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. Bones to give this dog is not worth it for the reason that he can choke with them.
3. It is necessary to give a pet fish, and it does not matter whether it is river or sea, because both of them must be carefully prepared before they treat the dog.
4. From porridges you can prefer rice with buckwheat, as well as millet with 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 shepherd’s menu.

If you follow these rules, the dog will feel great, and there will be no need to purchase additional vitamins.

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

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