Berger Blanc Suisse
Temperament:
The Berger Blanc Suisse is often called the White Swiss Shepherd. He is the ideal companion for active, sporty people or families with children. His attitude is possible both in the apartment, and in a house with a garden. However, he must be given plenty of exercise.
Characteristics
The Berger Blanc Suisse is listed in FCI Group 1, Section 1 under Standard No. 347.
Despite its pronounced musculature, this dog breed looks elegant. The body structures are harmonious. The coat color is pure white. The medium length, well fitting coat consists of stick or long stick hair. The undercoat is soft and dense. The almond-shaped eyes are brown to dark brown with dark eyelid rims. His nose is black and the dentition is strong. Triangular prick ears sit on the head.
In terms of attitude, the Berger Blanc Suisse is a little demanding. He needs a lot of activity, daily exercise and a caregiver who has time for him. The Berger Blanc Suisse is considered athletic, intelligent, friendly and attentive.
With its good-natured and friendly disposition, the Berger Blanc Suisse is very social. He develops a strong bond with humans and feels responsible for them. The Berger Blanc Suisse is always loyal to his owner. Like a 'white shadow' he follows him everywhere.
Berger Blanc Suisse has a peaceful and unobtrusive character. He is the optimal companion for families with children. The Berger Blanc Suisse protects them and develops a strong affection towards them.
The Berger Blanc Suisse is very willing to learn and easy to train. Since he is very sensitive, the education should be done with a gentle hand and without strictness. The Berger Blanc Suiss needs a calm and at the same time determining reference person, on whom he can rely.
Daily and regular mental and physical activity is an absolute must for him. The Berger Blanc Suisse has a good grasp and has a strong will to perform. Therefore, he is suitable for almost any dog sport. Agility, in particular, is ideally suited to the workout of this dog breed.
The Berger Blanc Suisse is neither fearful nor aggressive. In addition to its original role as a working and herding dog, it is often trained as a guard dog. The Berger Blanc Suisse is also used as a service dog, therapy dog, guide dog for the blind or rescue dog (e.g. in avalanche areas).
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In terms of nutrition, the Berger Blanc Suisse has no special requirements. Since he tends to elbow and hip dysplasia, however, this should be adapted to the respective needs of the dog. Especially in puppies, a diet that meets their needs can prevent them from growing too quickly. The risk of hip or joint problems can thus be reduced.
However, the nutrient requirement is not always influenced only by the size, weight and age of the dog. The activity of the dog or a pregnancy can also play a role in the nutrient requirements. Other influencing factors can be certain diseases or physical stress of the Berger Blanc Suisse.
In principle, the diet should consist of a large proportion of meat. Since meat is an important source of protein for active dogs, the proportion should be about 70 percent. Fruits, vegetables and fats are also part of a diet that meets the dog's needs and should not be missing.
High-quality ready-made food (dry or wet) contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In the trade is offered a food specially adapted to puppies, adults or seniors. In addition, there is food for large, small or active dogs. Even for dogs with light fur there is a special food. This contains less copper, carotene and vitamin A, which are made responsible for a yellowing of the pure white fur.
Berger Blanc Suisse Care
A time-consuming coat care is usually not necessary with the Berger Blanc Suisse. If the coat gets dirty, the dry coat will shed the dirt on its own. The Berger Blanc Suisse therefore only needs to be bathed in exceptional situations.
Regular brushing or combing is necessary, especially during the change of coat. This removes the loose undercoat and prevents it from spreading around the home. Regular coat care also maintains the coat structure and the coat shines beautifully.
Not only the eyes, but also the upright ears of the Berger Blanc Suisse can be easily cleaned if necessary. When romping in nature, foreign objects can get eyes and ears, which must be removed to avoid inflammation. This natural breed of dog does not need to dock ears and tail.
The paws of the Berger Blanc Suisse should be regularly checked for injuries and treated if necessary. In active dogs that get a lot of exercise, the claws will wear down on their own and do not need to be trimmed. In sick or older dogs without much exercise, the claws should be checked regularly and shortened if necessary.
For good health, the Berger Blanc Suisse should be vaccinated regularly. Deworming or parasite cures should also be performed. During the warm season it is recommended to check the dog for ticks. A regular control and cleaning of the teeth should also not be missing.
Suitable accessories
As a place to lie down and retreat, the Berger Blanc Suisse needs a comfortable dog basket or cushion. There he can rest after an extensive walk or after dog sports.
As dog toys are suitable balls or ropes to throw, which he can chase. In addition to the game, this gives him an additional opportunity for exercise at the same time.
A good wire or natural bristle brush is needed for regular coat grooming. A sturdy claw scissors with spacer is recommended. For cleaning the teeth are suitable dental care sets for dogs (.eg dental care snacks).
Origin & History
As early as the 7th century, white shepherd dogs were used for herding and driving sheep. They also protected the belongings and property of the shepherds. With their white fur, they were easy to distinguish from wolves in the dark.
Official breeding with white German Shepherds began at the end of the 19th century. Max von Stephanitz, a Prussian court cavalryman, bred white German shepherd dogs to each other.
In German Shepherds, the white coat color was allowed as a breed standard until 1933. Since the white coat color was held responsible for genetic defects and was considered a defective color, it was no longer permitted for breeding after 1933. White German Shepherds thus became increasingly rare in Europe.
In the USA and Canada, breeding continued in the following years with white shepherd dogs imported from Europe. Thus, their survival could be ensured and they developed into an independent dog breed. However, the dog breed was not recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKD) or the American Kennel Club (AKC).
At the beginning of the 70s, the white shepherd dog 'Lobo', born in the USA, arrived in Switzerland. With him and other dogs imported from the USA and Canada, the pure breeding of this dog breed began.
The Berger Blanc Suisse has been listed as a new breed in the appendix of the SHSB (Schweizerisches Hundestammbuch) since June 1991. In 2001, the Swiss Cynological Society applied to the FCI to recognize the Berger Blanc Suisse. Switzerland is considered to be the country of origin of this breed, as it can be proved that there were eight independent lines.
In January 2003, the Berger Blanc Suisse was provisionally recognized as a new breed by the FCI and received final recognition in 2011.
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