Should I Shave my Berger Blanc Suisse for Summer by Dances with Wolves Ranch

When summer arrives, we at Dances with Wolves Ranch are asked if owners should shave their Berger Blanc Suisse dog. Shaving a single coat breed such as a poodle works well but Berger Blanc Suisse dogs have a double coat.  You should never shave a double-coated breed.

Double-coated breeds have natural insulation which is good in both the winter and summer.   In the winter, the long hair provides protection against snow, ice, and rain whereas the undercoat stays dry and keeps the Berger Blanc Suisse warm. In summer, your dog will shed its soft undercoat while the long hair will remain.  This topcoat of longhair protects the dog from insects and sunburn and insulates against heat.  Air will circulate through the long hairs and cool the skin. 

Shaving a long-coated dog will remove this important insulation.  Unfortunately, their coat may never grow back the same! The best way to help your double-coated dog stay cool in summer is to bathe him and use a hair-dryer to blow out the undercoat.  You should get a good “rake” type brush designed for removing undercoats. 

Doing this thoroughly at the beginning of the summer will make a big difference; you might consider going to a groomer as it is a big job!  If you do go to a groomer, be absolutely clear with them that Berger Blanc Suisse dog should not be shaved; many groomers are inexperienced or will take the easy route.

If you would like to learn more about this breed, go to Dances with Wolves Ranch and check out our puppies at Berger Blanc Suisse Puppies for Sale. We are also on Facebook and Instagram

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Berger Blanc Suisse Facts By Dances with Wolves Ranch

Intelligent Rank

BBS is highly intelligent.  

Trainability:

BBS are very easy to train.

Energy level:

BBS are medium energy level dogs.

Prey drive:

BBS has a medium prey drive.

Wandering tendencies:

BBS do not wander off away from their owner.

Health Issues:

BBS tend to have less health problems than a GSD.

Longevity range:

BBS live on the average 12-14 years.

Watchdog Ability:

BBS can be good watchdogs but protecting is not their strong suit.

Mouthiness:

BBS has a lower tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.

Adaptability:

BBS adapts well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. 

Child-Friendly:

BBS are very kid-friendly dogs.

Cat-Friendly:   

BBS are cat-friendly dogs.

Dog-Friendly:

BBS do very well with other dogs.

Small Animals:  

BBS do well with animals if socialized with them from an early age.

Senior Citizen Friendly:

BBS are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Apartment Friendly:

BBS can live in apartments only if they get plenty of mental & physical stimulation.

Good For First Time Owners:

BBS can be good for a novice owner with some knowledge. 

Office Friendly

BBS is a good companion breed for the office environment.

Hypoallergenic:

BBS are not hypoallergenic.

Shedding Level

BBS do shed, similarly to a GSD.

Tolerates Being Left Alone:

BBS can have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Sensitivity

BBS are very sensitive and need to be lead with positive training methods.

Grooming

BBS has low grooming needs (brush a couple of times a week).

Bathing

BBS do not require to be bathed often.

Service/Therapy:

BBS can excel in service & therapy.

Water

BBS love water if exposed early on.

Vocalization:

Medium, some can be “talkers.”

Where Can I get my BBS Puppy:

DanceswithWolvesRanch.com

By Dances with Wolves Ranch

Berger Blanc Suisse is a rare breed from purebred European lines. Dances with Wolves Ranch is the first program in the US to breed these unique dogs. Combining their sweet, loyal, and gentle nature with their white snow wolf look, they make the perfect family pet or show dog.

By Dances with Wolves Ranch

Berger Blanc Suisse is highly intelligent, playful, loyal, social, and gentle dogs.  These white shepherds 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, these snowy white wolves are ideally suited for all kinds of sports like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection.

By Dances with Wolves Ranch

Dances with Wolves Ranch is a high-end breeding program of Berger Blanc Suisse, otherwise known as the White Swiss Shepherd. These majestic white shepherds have the look of arctic wolves but the temperament of a lab, making them perfectly suited to become therapy dogs or service dogs.