Berger Blanc Suisse
(White Swiss Shepherd)
Origin: Switzerland
Group: Herding
Height: Male 24-26 in, Female 22-24 in
Weight: Male 66-88 lb, Female 55-77 lb
Coat: Pure white, short or long with a dense double coat
Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized, well-balanced and muscular dog. It has become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind due to its high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty. Commonly known as Snowy Shepherd, the dog is of the same origin as the White Shepherd Dog and German Shepherd Dog (for more detail on differences see my blog). The snow white color makes the dog distinctive and easily recognizable. This dog is NOT an albino, because it has dark eyes, nose and skin pigment. It is a breed with an exceptionally friendly nature with kids, it is cheerful and quick to learn. The breed is naturally fit and agile dog, with a lot of stamina, energy and endurance and can travel long distances. It can be used in disciplines like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection.
History
Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as the White Swiss Shepherd, share the same ancestry with the German Shepherd. The first German Shepherd registered was Horand von Grafrath in 1899. The grandfather of this first German Shepherd was an all white shepherd named Greif. German Shepherds were originally used by shepherds for herding cattle and sheep. Historically, white shepherds were highly valued because they were easily distinguished from wolves in the field. However, during the early 20th century darker color shepherds became popular and white shepherds were falsely blamed for color dilution and excluded from the breed. The dogs were largely wiped out in Europe. In 1970, the first White German Shepherd Club was formed in America and Canada. The first traceable stud to return to Europe, Lobo, came from America and the breed began to grow in popularity throughout Europe and was known as the American Canadian Shepherd. In November, 2002, FCI granted official recognition to these dogs as a separate breed, Berger Blanc Suisse.
Appearance
Because Berger Blanc Suisse descended from the German Shepherd, it has almost the same physical standards, except the color of its coat and its more natural hip angulation. The dog is slightly longer than it is tall, with a pure white coat and erect ears. The skull and muzzle of the dog are equal in length, parallel to one another and join at a moderate stop. The coat is slightly longer and heavier at the neck, especially in males. The ideal color of the coat is as white as possible, with dark pigmentation on the nose, eye rims, nails, etc. The outer coat can be short or long but always has a weather-resistant undercoat.
Temperament
Berger Blanc Suisse are highly intelligent, playful, loyal, social, and gentle dogs. They are curious and very easy to train. They get along well with other dogs and pets. Because they are very athletic and like to work, they are ideally suited for all kinds of sports like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection. The breed is often used for the blind, search & rescue, service, therapy and as a guard dog. The character of the Berger Blanc Suisse is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when necessary, he is very willing and capable to protect his family. Because of their intense loyalty and love of children, Berger Blanc Suisse make outstanding family dogs.
Here are links to helpful articles:
Is This The Right Breed for Me?
Berger Blanc Suisse vs White German Shepherd vs White Shepherd