How long does a White Swiss Shepherd live? The White Swiss Shepherd is a beautiful and intelligent dog. Health and life expectancy

According to canine documents, white swiss shepherd has German relatives. The breed is considered relatively young. The first immigrants appeared in the 20s of the twentieth century, performing shepherd duties, guarding herds and flocks.

They were not afraid when they saw a white dog. In the mid-30s, the bsho began to be considered a vice of the German “brother”; they were no longer allowed to participate in exhibitions, and their numbers sharply decreased.

Recognition has returned to animals, thanks to Canadians and Americans. There, the breeders were delighted with their originality. In the 60s it was introduced the new kind albinos. At the same time, dogs first received official name. A few years later, several representatives of the breed were imported to Switzerland.

By the way, in the world the breed is divided into two varieties. Bsho longhair gained popularity in France, Germany and Austria, and shorthair won the hearts of the Dutch and US residents.

What made this woman in demand was not only her appearance, but also her good ingenuity and intelligence. Several times the most famous rich people in the world, the Rockefellers, became the owner of dogs of this breed.

By the 80s, scientists proved that the albino gene is responsible only for color, but is not a physical deviation. From that moment on, the popularity of dogs increased sharply and has not subsided to this day.

The four-legged companion is devoted to his owners, polite to guests, good-natured and not at all aggressive. The dog shows extreme anger in rare cases and only in cases of threat.

The “Swiss” catches commands with lightning speed, is considered a record holder in terms of training, is distinguished by curiosity, and gets along well with kids. The dog is able to get along with any pets in the family.

Shorthaired Bsho

The only drawback, and not for every owner, will be the dog’s excessive sociability - it can just bark both on the street and at home. Sometimes the dog gives a voice, sensing danger.

Breed standard

Bsho in the photo looks like a strong and powerful medium-sized dog with well-developed muscles. It is elegant and has a spectacular appearance. The somewhat rounded skull has a pronounced groove, and the head is generally dry and chiseled.

The nose is black, but lighter shades are also acceptable. The dry lips fit tightly together and the strong jaws are closed in a scissor bite. The teeth are straight and white.

The dog looks at the world with not too large almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes of either brown or dark brown color. The ears are set high, parallel and directed forward. They resemble a rectangle, and are slightly rounded at the ends.

The neck is of medium length, it is strong and harmoniously positioned in relation to the body. The powerful body is equipped with strong muscles with pronounced withers and a straight back.

The shepherd's chest is deep, oval, elongated, the stomach is tucked, and the sides are strong and slender. The Bsho has a bushy, saber-shaped tail that tapers to a point. It is low-slung and hangs either straight or slightly rounded at the tip.

The White Shepherd has strong, muscular legs, straight and widely set in front, and parallel and narrower in the back. The paws are oval, and the toes are tightly clenched and slightly curved. The paw pads are black, as are the claws.

Bsho skin has no folds and contains dark pigment. The Swiss dog's color can only be white, and the coat is of medium length. It is thick and fits tightly to the torso. A thick, coarse undercoat is required.

With a height at the withers of up to 66 cm, males weigh up to 40 kg. The height at the withers of females is up to 61 cm, and their weight is up to 34 kg. Minimal deviations in any direction are possible.

Disqualifying defects include various inversions of the eyelids, incorrect or completely absent pigmentation on the nose, lips and eyelids, as well as albinism. Blue eyes look beautiful, but are not considered a breed standard, so they are also considered a fault.

Care and maintenance

Bsho – shepherd, which requires high-quality care for its fur coat, regardless of whether it has long or short hair. During the molting period, traces of the dog's presence are found everywhere he goes. To minimize spontaneous hair loss, you should comb your dog daily with both a comb and a brush.

The dog sheds twice a year. The rest of the time, you can comb the animal two to three times a week. This will be enough for good care in the absence of any problems with the coat.

Long-haired Bsho is demanding in terms of grooming

In slushy and dirty times, it is enough to wipe the fur on the paws and belly with a damp mitten. If this doesn’t help much, you can wash the stained areas, returning them to their former whiteness.

In the summer, your dog should wear an additional one, which will serve as an excellent prevention against fleas. In addition, it is important to keep your eyes and ears clean by wiping them with damp sponges from time to time.

As for the claws, they usually wear off on the asphalt. And in winter, you should resort to a file or nippers, which are sold in pet stores. An alternative option is to contact a groomer.

Country houses and cottages with large surrounding areas are considered ideal conditions for keeping a pet. The dog can have plenty of fun on it. But if this option is not possible, the dog will survive urban conditions. The main thing in this case is to walk your pet more often and for longer.

Nutrition

If food bsho organized correctly, its fur will be shiny and shiny, its skin will not peel, and the animal will have a good appetite. In addition, the “Swiss” has balanced diet the ribs will not stick out.

There is still debate among breeders about which food is better - natural or factory-made. Some people believe that mixed feeding is optimal. In favor of natural food, arguments can be made such as naturalness, the absence of unknown ingredients in the composition, short term storage

However, the shelf life is also a disadvantage - after all, you have to cook it every day. And given that the dog is large, you will have to cook a lot. On top of that, the basis is products with animal protein, that is, meat. And meat is expensive by today's standards.

The white shepherd must be kept clean at all times. drinking water

True, if we're talking about about premium food (and there is no point in feeding the dog anything else if the owner wants the pet to be healthy), then they will also cost a pretty penny. But on the other hand, he is a member of the family. This means that, along with others, she must receive her due and eat quality food.

Bsho puppies, like other breeds, they eat up to 5 times a day. With age, the number of feedings decreases, and the volume of portions increases. As a result, closer to a year, the dog eats twice a day, but in large portions. If we are talking about factory-made food, then the packaging usually contains information about doses.

The owner must balance natural products independently, not forgetting to add minerals and vitamins to the food. In dry food, as a rule, these additives are already included in the product.

Food should not be too fatty, warm rather than hot, and the consistency should resemble homemade sour cream or cream soup. It is important to provide your pet with clean drinking water.

White Swiss Shepherd puppy Bsho

If the dog has not finished the contents in the bowl after a meal, you can leave the plate for 20 minutes and then remove it until the next feeding. Handouts from the host's table are prohibited. In summer, it is important to monitor the quality of food when it comes to natural products.

In between meals, you can give special bones from the pet store and raw cartilage. Fish and tubular bones, spices, ketchup and mayonnaise are prohibited.

The basis of the diet, as mentioned earlier, is meat - beef or lamb. You can give the pieces raw or scald them with boiling water. Boiled meat is harmful for dogs.

In second place are slightly stewed vegetables in the form of pieces or puree, followed by porridges - rice, buckwheat and oatmeal. You can mix cereals to get a mixture, and it is permissible to mix in different proportions.

From time to time it is allowed to give low-fat cottage cheese and kefir, once a week an egg is acceptable. Sea fish is also suitable, preferably hake, boiled and ground in a blender or through a meat grinder. The dog will also be happy with beef liver.

Possible diseases

There is a well-established opinion that dog bsho has no health problems. With proper care and attention, the dog can live up to 15 years, delighting its owners with its appearance.

However, like any large dog, the Swiss Shepherd is plagued by various types of joint dysplasia (hip, elbow). Degenerative joint diseases are also possible.

The Shepherd is prone to allergies, including to food and fleas. Therefore, you should be more attentive to the contents of your pet’s bowl and control the quality of the fur coat. Some “Swiss” women have diseases related to the immune system and often suffer from colds and other ailments. There are animals with congenital diseases spine.

Four-legged pets are plagued by problems associated with growth, as well as lameness, which has the medical name panosteitis. Usually it goes away with the end puppy age, and it is large breeds that suffer from it more often.

It happens that white shepherds get inflamed bones. The causes of this disease are not fully understood, but breeders blame both genetics and poor quality nutrition.

Price

In this beautiful breed They were brought in about 15 years ago, in 2003. Somewhere around the same time, in the early 2000s, dogs gained international recognition. Our country immediately liked these dogs.

There are many bsho forums, on which whole layers of information were laid out on care, exchange of experience in growing and other interesting topics.

The dog won attention with its appearance, easy-going disposition and devotion. Therefore, today the animal is not rare and buy bsho possible in almost any million-plus city affordable prices.

However, the cost depends on the purpose of purchase, the gender of the dog, and its breed. After all, if you take a puppy from an unofficial breeder or at bird markets, then there is a high probability that along with the purchase of the puppy the owner will acquire a bouquet of diseases as a “bonus”.

In addition, unknown sellers usually do not have any documents for purebred dog, and after some time it turns out that the breed is completely fiction. In order not to indulge in thoughts of this kind and to minimize the risk, it makes sense to contact official breeders or a nursery.

There you can pick up a dog of either the pet class, which is used as a pet and has no special purpose, or the breed class. Dogs in this category can be bred. Show class - the elite of the breed.

Its representatives have improved appearance, ideal character, they can be bred and taken to exhibitions as a showpiece. Interestingly, representatives of all three classes can appear in the same litter. Wherein top class is born much less frequently than a pet or a breed.

Price bsho without a pedigree it starts at 15 thousand rubles, and for a shepherd dog with documents you will have to pay up to 35 thousand rubles. Show class is the most expensive type of “Swiss”, its cost starts from 40 thousand and has no upper limit.

The beautiful legend that the White Swiss Shepherd breed appeared due to the artificial crossing of a shepherd with a white polar wolf is far from the truth, although the dog’s caution, its ability to move silently, and its agility do indeed give reason to assume a relationship with the white-furred inhabitant of the Arctic. In fact, the breed was formed as a result of systematic breeding certain type German shepherds that were white in color.

In the German canine literature of the end of the century before last, shepherd dogs, the ancestors of German shepherds, whose distinctive feature was white, were often described. And the first “delegate” from German shepherds, who participated in the Hanover Dog Show in 1882, was a white male, whom the owners named Greif. Later, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who also had a white color, were demonstrated at dog exhibitions and championships held in Germany. By the way, the German shepherd with the great name Horand von Grafrath, officially registered under the first number in the pedigree book of this breed in 1899, also belonged to the Greif family. However, the color of the famous dog was yellow-gray.

Already by the beginning of the twentieth century, the German Shepherd was not considered an ordinary herding breed. Such remarkable qualities as strength, endurance, extraordinary intelligence, good trainability, and loyalty have brought this dog extreme popularity not only in Europe, but also overseas. Breeding work was carried out very actively, the requirements for it service qualities and they grew in appearance, but until a certain time no importance was attached to color, and white individuals were bred in the same way as others, without being singled out in any way.

However, in the 30s, in their native land, Germany, white German shepherds found themselves in disgrace. The Nazis, who rose to the heights of power, established their manic control over such an area of ​​human interests as dog breeding. Gene white color they found him guilty for all the defects, defects, defects found in German shepherds. The verdict turned out to be “tenacious”, and even after the fall of the Hitler regime on the European continent, white shepherd dogs were rejected until the 60s.

Meanwhile, overseas, in the USA and Canada, breeders continued breeding white German Shepherds, proclaiming that “there is no bad color on a good dog.” Spectacular snow-white dogs became increasingly popular, often appearing on television and becoming pets. famous people, such as the Rockefellers.

Since the 60s, many North American kennel clubs began breeding white shepherds as the original breed, and over time their mating with shepherds of other colors was banned.

Over the next decade, the dogs, now called American-Canadian White Shepherds, began to return to Europe. The first of them settled in Switzerland, where the development of the breed continued. The status of the founder of the Swiss breeding line is given to the male Lobo, brought from the USA, born in 1966. He and his descendants are registered in the Swiss Stud Book (LOS). Over the next few decades, an impressive number of purebred white shepherd dogs spread across Europe, and in 2003, on the initiative of Switzerland, the American-Canadian white shepherd was accepted into its ranks by the international canine organization FCI, but it received a different species definition, namely, the white Swiss Shepherd. Around the same time, the breed began to gain popularity in Russia, but today it is not one of the most common.

Video: White Swiss Shepherd

Appearance of a White Swiss Shepherd

The appearance of the powerful and muscular White Swiss Shepherd is similar to that of an ordinary German Shepherd. They are almost identical in height, but the “Swiss” is built a little denser. Among the representatives of the breed there are long-haired individuals, and those whose hair middle length. The former are distributed mainly in Germany, Austria, France, and the latter in Holland and the North American continent.

Frame

The dog has an elongated croup, slightly inclined towards the base of the tail, and a strong, straight back. The chest is powerful, of medium width, oval in shape, deep, reaching down to the elbows, its front part is expressive. The abdomen is moderately tucked. The sides and lower back are strong. The withers are clearly expressed.

Neck

Muscular, slightly elongated, no dewlap. The line of the neck, gently transitioning from the rather high-set head to the withers, is nobly curved.

Head

The head of the Swiss Shepherd is proportional to the body, has straight, clean lines, and is wedge-shaped when viewed from above and from behind. The line of transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth, but the very place where they connect is clearly distinguishable. The powerful muzzle is elongated, slightly tapering towards the nose. The nose itself is medium in size, the preferred color of the earlobe is black, but a simply dark color is also acceptable.

Jaws, teeth, lips

The jaws are powerful, the teeth are located strictly perpendicular to them. Scissor bite. The lips are an intense black color and should be dry and pressed tightly together.

Ears

They stand straight, set high, slightly directed forward. Their shape is V-shaped, the tips are slightly rounded.

Eyes

Small, slightly slanting, almond-shaped, color - from brown to dark brown, a black rim is welcome.

Limbs

The forelimbs of the Swiss Shepherd are strong, lean, and their bones are not too heavy. When viewed from the front, they appear to be set quite wide apart. The shoulder and forearms are elongated, with powerful muscles. The pasterns are strong and set slightly obliquely.

The hind limbs are muscular. From behind they look straight and parallel. The thighs are of medium length and well-developed muscles. The shins, with solid bones, are also muscular. The hocks are of medium length, straight, lean.

Dog paws have oval shape, the rear ones are slightly longer than the front ones. The fingers are clenched tightly and almost curled into a ball. The pads are elastic, black. The same color is preferred for claws.

Movement

The White Swiss Shepherd moves powerfully, measuredly, consistently rearranging its limbs. The dog's lynx creeps, as if sneaking.

Tail

Richly covered with hair, has a saber shape. Set on quite high and reaching at least to the hock joint, tapering towards the end. When the dog is in a calm state, the tail hangs towards the floor, sometimes curving slightly in the lower third. In an animated animal, the tail rises vigorously, but does not exceed the top line.

Wool

The animal's coat is thick, tightly covering the body. Both dogs with medium-length hair and long-haired dogs have an abundant undercoat. The outer hair is straight and somewhat coarse. On the ears, face, and forelimbs, the hair is noticeably shorter than in cervical region and the back of the hind legs. The neck of long-haired Swiss Shepherds is decorated with a spectacular mane, and their hind limbs are dressed in woolen “pants”. A slightly wavy coat is acceptable.

Color

Only solid white color is recognized.

Breed defects

• Light yellow or fawn tint of color (fawn) in the back area, at the base of the tail, at the tips of the ears.
• Fragmentary lack of pigmentation on the nose, lips, and rims of the eyes.
• Shortened, square-shaped body.
• Drooping or semi-erect ears.
• A curled or looped tail, a hook-shaped tail, positioned above the line of the back.
• Lack of undercoat. Too soft, velvety coat, as well as curly coat.
• Bulging eyes. One or both eyes blue color.
• Excessive aggressiveness or, on the contrary, timidity, timidity.

Photo of a white Swiss Shepherd

Personality of the White Swiss Shepherd

The White Swiss Shepherd is dynamic, temperamental, active and, at the same time, distinguished by its balance. Its character is softer and more reserved than that of the German Shepherd, but, despite its good nature, in the event of a threat to its owners and home, it displays the same qualities as its more aggressive relatives. In fact, white shepherds have all the character traits that a service dog has: strength, tirelessness, excellent reaction, intelligence. They are often used as guard dogs, rescuers, guides, bodyguards. Temperamental and cheerful, they are partial to sports, adventure, travel, and simply love to swim and play ball.

Affectionate and playful, White Swiss Shepherds get along well with all family members, including pets, including cats. They treat children very carefully, and perceive their pranks with condescending understanding. When interacting with babies and animals smaller than itself, the shepherd often displays herding instincts and begins to “herd” them, diligently and vigilantly taking care of them. Dogs of this breed prefer not to come into contact with strangers, they do not clearly express their wariness towards them, and they remain distinctly distant.

Gentle White Swiss Shepherds really need the attention of their owners, their affection, they also love to “talk” and have a penchant for “vocal exercises”. It is worth noting that the range of their vocal signals is very wide, and sometimes they produce entire arias, the tonality and volume of which depends on their state of mind: these can be whimpers, grunts, moans or calls.

Education and training

Raising and training Swiss Shepherds is a real pleasure. They understand and remember the owner’s commands instantly, and their lively intelligence and enthusiasm accelerate the acquisition of certain skills by the animals. Training requires consistency and consistency.

It is unacceptable to use brutal training methods in relation to white Swiss shepherds, and there is no need for this - the dogs are obedient from birth. Often the owners themselves do not want to scold and punish their pets, especially when they are at a tender age, representing cute snow-white angels. However, you should not forget that this is not a lapdog, but a future serious service dog in need of training.

It is important to remember that mistreatment and lack of socialization and training can cause aggression towards people and other animals. The owner of a White Swiss Shepherd will need calmness, consistency in actions and confidence in himself and his abilities.

Caring for a White Swiss Shepherd is not difficult. Even a dog’s thick coat, regardless of its length, can be kept in order without making excessive efforts. She will require special care during the molting period. During this time, the dog should be brushed at least twice a week, using sprays specially designed for removing hair. Short-haired animals are combed with a fine comb. It is advisable to first comb a long-haired pet with a sparse comb, then, if necessary, untangle or cut out tangles, then comb it with a fine-toothed comb, and finally treat it with a massage brush made of natural bristles. At the end of the procedure, it is advisable to run wet hands over the fur several times to remove any remaining dead or combed hairs.

Once a week, your pet will need to brush its teeth using a toothpaste designed for dogs. The movements should be sweeping - from the base of the teeth to their edges. It is advisable to wipe your eyes with a damp cloth every day; your ears can be cleaned twice a month with a regular cotton swab. Shepherd dogs' nails are trimmed, as a rule, once every month to a month and a half; a nail clipper is used for this purpose. If you are not used to this tool, you can injure your claws. We advise you to contact a specialist in the first months and observe the procedure.

Frequent bathing of a White Swiss Shepherd is not recommended, regardless of the color of its coat. Typically, general washing occurs twice a year. However, after a walk in bad weather, the dog’s paws and belly should definitely be washed; it is also necessary to clean the contaminated areas of its coat - this can be conveniently done with dry shampoo.

Shepherds need regular physical exercise, and you need to take them out for a walk at least three times a day. The dog will be delighted if, during a walk, he gets the opportunity to run after a ball or stick, swim, catch a flying disc, and frolic in the company of his fellow breeders.

The White Swiss Shepherd has a good appetite and is not picky about food. You can feed her with both natural products and ready-made feed. It is advisable to treat your pet at the same time. Two to four month old puppies are fed 4 times a day, and by the age of six months they gradually switch to two meals a day.

Most of the diet of a dog eating natural foods should be meat - lamb or beef. It can be given raw or scalded with boiling water. In small quantities, the Swiss Shepherd's menu should include steamed vegetables, porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal - separately or assorted), low-fat cottage cheese and kefir, sea fish. Twice a week you can offer your pet boiled egg or raw yolk. Beef liver is also a healthy food.

Dry food for a white Swiss shepherd needs to be selected. First, purchase a small bag of a specific food for this breed and check how much your pet likes it, and whether he has any allergies.

Health and Diseases of Swiss Shepherds

As has long been known, the white color of a dog does not at all mean that it is characterized by physiological pathologies. The White Swiss Shepherd, like the German one, is a very strong animal, distinguished good health. However, hereditary diseases are the same as those of her closest relatives, although such a common defect among the “Germans” as hip dysplasia is much less common among the “Swiss”. Other diseases common to breeds include:

• eosinophilic panostitis - colloquially a growth disease, expressed in lameness and characteristic of animals 5-12 months old;
• paresis pelvic limbs, manifested in limited motor ability;
• intussusception is one of the forms of intestinal obstruction;
• congenital heart failure.

Shepherds also have a predisposition to diabetes mellitus And various kinds allergic reactions.

How to choose a puppy

The White Swiss Shepherd is a young breed and is not yet very popular in Russia. Many dishonest breeders take advantage of this and sell white puppies of unknown origin under the guise of white shepherd dogs. To buy a purebred cub of this breed, you need to contact specialized nurseries, which are found in almost all Russian cities with a population of over a million. They will be able to provide you with documents indicating the dog’s pedigree.

A healthy puppy should demonstrate activity, have shiny fur, curious eyes, and no discharge in the ears and corners of the eyes. Pay attention to eye color. They should be brown, not blue. Excessive thinness or a bloated tummy is a reason to be wary. Feel free to ask the White Swiss Shepherd breeder any questions - a professional who loves his job will answer each of them with enthusiasm.

Ask to see the test results of your future pet's parents for the presence of genetic diseases, in particular for hip dysplasia. It would also be useful to observe the behavior of the puppy’s mother, who, as a rule, is with him in the kennel. The dog is unlikely to show affection towards you, but it should behave with restraint, showing neither aggression nor fearfulness.

Photos of White Swiss Shepherd puppies

How much does a White Swiss Shepherd cost?

The cost of a White Swiss Shepherd puppy depends on what class of pet you are interested in. Thoroughbred babies with a pet-class pedigree, aspiring only to become pets, can cost from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles in different cities of Russia. For a breed-class Swiss shepherd that can be used for breeding, you will have to pay from 30,000 to 40,000 rubles. The most expensive ones are show-class “Swiss” ones, which have an exhibition perspective. They cost from 40,000 rubles and above.

A puppy without a pedigree can be purchased for 15,000 rubles.

– an amazing dog that can become true friend, a reliable companion, security guard, guide and rescuer. Pets are very similar to, as they are among its closest relatives.

The Swiss dog is not inferior to its German relative in the development of intelligence and ingenuity; the only difference is its snow-white color. The pet is infinitely devoted to the family and respects guests, which makes the breed an ideal pet.

The Swiss Shepherd originates from its German counterparts. pet of unusual color appeared in the early 20s, and was called upon to monitor flocks of livestock. The ancestors of blond pets were shepherds in , and the pigmentation of their fur served as a real advantage, because the sheep took the dog “as their own” and were not afraid.

In the mid-30s, the white gene became the reason for the persecution of Swiss shepherds; many dog ​​handlers accused the BShO of all the vices of German dogs. They were no longer invited to exhibitions, and therefore the number of representatives of the breed decreased sharply.

The breed was saved from complete extinction by emigration to Canada and the USA, where local breeders were delighted with the original and charming dog. In the 60s, breeders developed a new species of BShO, which was in enviable demand. At the same time it was adopted international standard, and the modern BShO received its first official name.

Developed intelligence and bright appearance made this breed very popular, even the Rockefeller family became the owner of a blond pet several times. In the mid-80s, scientists were able to prove that the “white” gene is responsible exclusively for the color of the animal and cannot be the cause of deviations in the physical structure.

By the end of the 80s, the Swiss Shepherd returned to its homeland and began to gain popularity throughout Europe. In 2002, the White Swiss Shepherd received recognition from the FCI Club.

Photo: White Swiss Shepherd breed standards

The appearance of a dog speaks of its strength and endurance. She has developed muscles, moderate bone structure and graceful contours. The average height of a pet is 58 cm, the average weight is 37 kg, average age- 13 years old.

Appearance requirements:

Advantages and disadvantages of the White Swiss Shepherd breed

The White Swiss Shepherd is a good-natured animal that will show signs of aggression and will only defend if real threat. Pets quickly become attached to their household members and show them boundless love. TO to strangers animals may be wary, but in no case aggressive.

The Swiss Shepherd is a record holder for learning speed; it literally absorbs all information and obediently performs tricks. The pet is very inquisitive, responsive to affection, gets along well with children and protects them. Compared to the German Shepherd, the Swiss relative has a softer character.

BShO are extremely sociable and are able to get along with almost all animals. The pet has developed hunting instincts, which make it an unsurpassed guard of country houses.

Pets are ideal in almost every sense, but household members may not like the fact that the dog often engages in “vocal exercises.” A pet can bark out of boredom, at passers-by, communicate with other dogs, or simply express its thoughts out loud. BShOs have an impressive range of vocal signals, which they use without hesitation.

About the character of the BShO

The character of the pet can be safely called ideal. This is evidenced not only by reviews from owners, but also by the opinion of professional dog handlers. Obedience and balance are the main traits that form the character of the BShO.

White color, symbolizing kindness and sincerity, reflects the essence of the pet. The dog demonstrates extreme loyalty, friendliness and intelligence. The Swiss always remains alert, especially in company strangers. However, he shows no signs of aggression and behaves calmly.

BShO easily finds an approach to every family member, from household members to Siamese cats. Please note that, despite its friendly disposition, the Shepherd is a selfish dog and will not tolerate disrespectful treatment.

BShOs love to work and are quick-witted, so they become obedient very quickly. In order to raise a socially developed puppy, it must be introduced to people and other animals from early childhood. The Swiss quickly remembers commands and can perform the most difficult tricks.

It is recommended to raise puppies gently, without shouting or punishment. Respect and rewarding with treats will work better than the harsh training techniques that are so often used with Germans. Your pet loves activity and will be grateful to you if classes take place at fresh air in the form of a game.

Content nuances

The first requirement for maintaining a BShO is sufficient space. Like anyone else large breed, the white shepherd needs space. That's why the best home there will be a country cottage for the animal. If you live in a cramped one-room apartment, then a blond breed will not suit you.

You should also pay attention to your pet’s physical activity. In order for the shepherd to always stay in shape, it is necessary to carry out training with it - obstacle racing and weights.

Grooming boils down to brushing the coat once every few weeks. During the molting period, it is recommended to increase the frequency of the procedure up to several times a week. Your pet needs to have its nails trimmed once every six months.

Health

BShO has good health, however, is at risk of hereditary diseases:

1. dysplasia – the breeder must provide the buyer x-rays, confirming the health of the dog;
2. deafness - all breeders must test puppies for the presence of the disease;
3. heart failure;
4. mental disorders – timidity, aggression, non-standard behavior.

Before buying a BShO, make sure that the pet will be desired by the whole family. The dog is very loyal to its owners and requires reciprocity from people. It is recommended to purchase a shepherd dog only from specialized breeders who can demonstrate documents of the baby’s father and mother. Unscrupulous sellers often sell “mixes”, as a result of which the grown-up individual may turn out to be far from a Swiss Shepherd.

The difficulty of purchasing is that at a young age puppies do not have specialized characteristics of the breed, so it is quite difficult to distinguish purebred pets. A common mistake is chasing a cheap price. It is recommended to buy puppies through an animal club in your city or contact those breeders who have proven themselves well.

Selection rules:

• do not hesitate to inquire about the puppy’s pedigree;
• observe the dog’s behavior; Swiss Shepherds are active from an early age, which is a sign of health;
• find out whether there were matings between relatives in the baby’s pedigree. If the answer is positive, it is better to refuse to purchase a specific puppy, since the risk of mutations and pathologies is high.

The White Swiss Shepherd is a rather rare guest in our country, which leads to a high cost. average cost a pet from specialized breeders is $800. At the same time, you receive documents for the animal and have the right to participate in exhibitions. When purchasing a pet without a pedigree, you can save about $550 per puppy.

Menu for BShO

The White Swiss Shepherd needs complete and balanced diet. Please note that creating a natural food diet is much more difficult than using dry food. However, it is much healthier for the Swiss. Puppies need to be fed at least 6 times a day. After six months, you should reduce the number of meals to 3 times. An adult should be fed twice a day, following a schedule.

1. 500 g of meat per day, preferably not fatty varieties(beef, Domestic bird, game);
2. we exclude bones from the diet, as the dog can choke on them;
3. river and sea fish to maintain the required level of phosphorus in the body. Choose non-bony varieties or carefully prepare the fish before “serving”;
4. porridge: buckwheat, rice, pearl barley, buckwheat, millet. You can diversify your porridge by adding vegetables and even fruits. Many pets adore raspberries and apricots; pumpkin, greens and zucchini are held in high esteem;
5. eggs – several times a week, 3-4 pieces;
6. include cottage cheese, yogurt and cheeses in your pet’s diet.

If all these products are included in the shepherd's menu, then there will be no need for additional vitamins. This diet will more than satiate your pet’s appetite and also replenish the necessary supply of microelements. Watch how your dog eats. If she does not eat the entire portion at a time, then the amount of food should be reduced. Otherwise, you risk causing the BShO to overeat and feel unwell.

In the case of BShO “living” on the street in winter, it is recommended to increase the number of portions or their size. Water must be placed in a place accessible to the pet. It must be changed every 2 days, and the dishes from which the dog drinks should be washed.

When choosing dry food, it is recommended to give preference to premium brands. They cost more, of course, but saving on your pet’s food is risky. Cheap food provokes the development of kidney and bile duct diseases. Also, a poor-quality diet causes the formation of tumors, which significantly reduces the pet’s life expectancy.

Breed photo

Photo: White Swiss Shepherd puppies

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The White Swiss Shepherd is a fairly balanced dog that will immediately become best friend and a devoted companion for all family members. Almost always white shepherd successfully copes with the role of a nurse, helps rescue services, shepherds and police officers.

The White Swiss Shepherd is a fairly balanced dog that will immediately become the best friend and devoted companion for all family members.

Among other breeds, the Scottish dog stands out for its aristocratic build, docile character, and color. The animal is easy to learn and does not show aggression.

Previously, the white shepherd was a variety of quite popular German breed. Because of its very beautiful color, it has become almost the best herding dog. She blended in with the wool of the sheep and did not stand out too much among the animals she protected.

However, the chic white fur at one time played a cruel joke on the breed, as experts did not want to recognize it as full-fledged. They were sure that color had a negative effect on physical abilities dogs.

Almost always, the white shepherd successfully copes with the role of a caregiver, helping rescue services, shepherds and police officers

However, the white shepherd became more and more popular every year. It even received a new name - Canadian-American Shepherd. The Rockefeller family bought very cute dogs of this breed for themselves.

Only in the middle of the last century were American scientists able to prove that color never affected the intellectual and physical abilities of an animal. The BShO achieved official recognition in 2003.

Gallery: Swiss Shepherd (25 photos)

Swiss Shepherd (video)

Animal character

Even small puppies have a good-natured character. They quickly become attached to their owner and are ready to stand up for him in absolutely any situation. The disciplined Swiss Shepherd loves to spend as much time as possible with its owner, and also instinctively knows how to recognize when he is not in the mood for communication.

The graceful white shepherd is responsible and always fulfills the tasks assigned to it. Even after growing up, the animal does not lose its sociability and friendliness. The pet has a calm character. However, he is very curious and also prefers active pastime.

The brave Swiss Shepherd will quickly become the best friend for little children. She can live not only in a private house, but also in a city apartment. The dog is absolutely unpretentious in care and food. However, representatives of this breed need active games and regular walking.

Choosing a puppy and caring for it

When choosing the best representative of a given breed, it is necessary to pay attention to the image of the breeder. In nurseries that are popular, specialists very carefully select parents for puppies. This helps to produce a dog with better qualities.

Pedigree puppies must be pure white. Before such an important purchase, you need to make sure that the breeder has taken an x-ray of the animal’s spine and a BEAR test to rule out deafness.

A well-developed White Swiss Shepherd puppy should be in sufficiently curious. It is not permissible for a puppy to show aggression and hyperactivity.

Today there are long-haired and short-haired types of the breed. Having such a delicate color, the Swiss Shepherd is easy to care for. Several times a week, the fur of your beloved pet must be thoroughly cleaned and combed using a furminator. Only during molting you need to comb the animal more often.

To remove fur, veterinarians recommend using a special spray. Long-haired shepherds should be combed with a comb that has sparse teeth, and then with a massage brush. The white shepherd loves frequent walks and outdoor games.

Representatives of the breed need physical exercise. You should train the animal persistently, but not rudely. It is worth purchasing such a dog for a family with small children or sports enthusiasts.

What you need to know about dog nutrition?

When choosing the most appropriate diet for your pet, give preference to properly prepared and natural products. Otherwise, it will be incredibly difficult for you to choose food that contains the required amount of nutrients and vitamins.

The puppy should eat approximately 6 times a day. For an adult dog, 2 feedings are enough. Try to teach your animal to eat at the same time every day. Never offer your pet bones.

Give your dog 500 grams of fresh poultry or rabbit every day. Add eggs to your pet's menu several times a week. The diet should contain dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt and milk.

As the most healthy side dish, you can offer your pet oatmeal, rice and buckwheat. The menu should include fruits and vegetables. Remember that the dog really loves zucchini, tomatoes, raspberries, herbs and apricots. Drinking water should be available near your pet. In winter, it is advisable to increase the amount of food.

White Swiss Shepherd (video)

Animal health

The high price of a shepherd dog is 100% justified by its kind character, unpretentiousness and good health. However, there are diseases that can be transmitted genetically. This is why it is very important to have an annual checkup with your veterinarian.

Stately snow-white shepherd with luxurious wool and with incredibly intelligent eyes she is able to captivate anyone at first sight. It’s hard to imagine that just a hundred years ago these beauties were considered a waste of the breed. The White Swiss Shepherd is not only a source of special pride for the owner, but also an excellent loyal friend. The beauty of a dog requires a special approach and care. All the details about this and other features of the breed are indicated in this article.

History of the origin of the breed

The White Swiss Shepherd or BShO is a direct descendant of. White puppies are rare, but can still be seen in litters today. At the beginning of the 20th century, dog breeders in Europe decided that such puppies were a waste, so they tried to get rid of them quickly. German breeders believed that the color of the coat affected the animal's abilities and suppressed its characteristic intellectual abilities.

On the contrary, dogs brought to the USA gained great popularity and were soon recognized an independent breed called the "white German" or "American-Canadian" shepherd. American breeders quickly realized that white working dogs were in no way inferior to their colored counterparts, and sometimes even surpassed them in intelligence and speed of training.

It's funny, but the first official representative of the breed was brought to Switzerland from America. A cable named Lobo Barch is the progenitor of all modern Swiss dogs. In the sixties, the breed was officially registered as an independent breed; crossing with Germans became prohibited in order to preserve unique color wool The name was given from the new place of residence of the first ancestor of the Swiss dog, in addition, it emphasized the kinship of German dogs, since the countries share a common border.

Description of the breed

A large shepherd with powerful muscles. Height at the withers reaches 66 centimeters, weight – about forty kilograms. General standard breeds:

Head

Wedge-shaped, slightly rounded skull with a clearly visible transition from the forehead to the nose. The muzzle is of medium length with strong jaws in a scissor bite. The nose is medium, predominantly black. Slightly slanted almond-shaped brown eyes with black rims. Large rectangular ears are tall and straight, rounded at the ends. The head is set on a medium strong neck that arches elegantly in relation to the body.

Frame

Muscular, wide, proportional body. Straight back, elongated croup, slightly sloping towards the tail. Deep oval protruding chest. The stomach is tucked, the sides are slender.

Limbs

Large, strong paws are elongated and set wide. Wiry and powerful. Long curved fingers, pads and claws are black.

Tail

Luxuriously fluffy, set low. Long, saber-shaped.

Coat and color

Dark skin, fur can be either long or short, there are representatives with a curly coat. The coat is thick, with a hard, dense undercoat.

The special value of this dog breed is its ideal white coat color, but slightly yellowish dogs of the so-called “deer” color are allowed. Small spots on the tip of the nose or the membranes of the eyes are also possible.

Character and behavioral characteristics

BShO, a calm and kind companion dog. Not conflict-prone and not prone to aggression, friendly to other pets, guests, and children. Bred for herding purposes, the Swiss Shepherd has excellent watchdog qualities. She is smart and easily adapts to any requirements and commands.

The peculiarity of this dog breed is vulnerability. The Swiss White Shepherd quickly becomes attached to a person and has a hard time withstanding cruelty towards itself. A rude tone or physical punishment can harm the animal’s psyche.

Separation and loneliness are tolerated calmly - BShO is not one of those who, in the absence of the owner, will chew furniture or sing calling songs.

High intelligence allows you to keep the animal in an apartment; in this case, frequent walks are necessary, since a large muscular dog must constantly be in good shape. The ideal place for a Swiss dog is a country house, where the shepherd can spend a lot of time in the open.

Education and training

Smart and resilient, the Swiss White Shepherd quickly learns commands and gets used to the owner's voice. In modern Switzerland, Germany and Holland, this breed is extremely popular because of these qualities, so these dogs can often be seen in the rescue and police services of European countries. But there are some nuances inherent in this breed of dog:

• The BShO breed requires early socialization and communication. From the first days you need to talk to the puppy, it is undesirable to for a long time leave him alone or ignore him. Lonely dogs grow up to be aggressive and uncontrollable.
• Without sufficient physical activity, the dog becomes lazy, gets fat and stupid. For example, out of boredom, a Swiss woman may begin to chew shoes, keep an eye on someone in the household, as if to “herd” him, and so on. To avoid this, the shepherd dog must be let out often and play with it actively.
• In order to meet the intellectual needs of a pet, it should be accustomed to helping its owner. For example, teach how to bring a newspaper or slippers. The Swiss Shepherd quickly grasps and performs the action required of it.
• From the first minutes, you should show the dog your place and designate the leader. The Swiss Shepherd needs a strong leader; in its absence, it will not listen to anyone and become a troublemaker. The pet should be prohibited from entering the kitchen, lying on the bed, etc.
• They are taught the name from the first days, but basic commands are taught at the age of 4-6 months (“Near”, “No”, “Place”).
• The main method is to reward the pet. It is better to exclude physical punishment, replacing it with long-term ignoring of the pet in case of disobedience.

Care and illness

The main component of care is sufficient physical activity. The Swiss Shepherd must be outside at least three to four times a day and have constant physical activity: . Intellectual load will also not be superfluous, for example, games with a ball and Frisbee will help your pet keep himself in good shape. A dog can run behind a bicycle or just next to its owner while jogging. After walks in the spring and autumn, it is advisable to inspect the luxurious wool for tick infestation. Periodically you need to treat your dog for helminths.

The next important point is wool. Thick and lush fur is prone to loss due to constant shedding, but seasonal shedding is unpleasant and abundant. In order to reduce its scale in the house, you need to dog the dog every day for ten to fifteen minutes. It is also recommended for contamination. The White Swiss Shepherd is not afraid of water and takes the procedure calmly. Before exhibitions and competitions, it is recommended to visit a groomer who can bring the pet’s coat to ideal condition.

Like other dog breeds, the Swiss White Shepherd needs grooming and grooming. They are inspected at least once a week, wiping them with a clean rag as necessary. The claws wear down from active play, but if this does not happen, they are worn down as needed. You need to brush your teeth often, as shepherds quickly develop plaque that turns into tartar. To do this, you need to purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste in a specialized store.

The average lifespan of a shepherd is fifteen years. The main diseases of BSH:

• Yellowing of fur. This problem occurs in dogs that do not receive good nutrition, and is treated with vitamins.
• Food allergies. Shepherds are frequent allergy sufferers, so you should monitor your pet’s reaction to any new product.
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Many dogs have congenital diseases Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to the pedigree when choosing a puppy. But a dog can get sick even if adult life. Reasons: sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutrients.
• Deafness. The color of a dog's coat is not a sign of albinism; the dog must have dark color skin and eyes. If white dog– albino, or has Blue eyes, most likely, her hearing will disappear over time, since this relationship is genetically determined.

Feeding

Since the dog is large and must lead an active and mobile lifestyle, the load on its joints is enormous. This means that the diet must not only replenish enormous energy losses, but also provide bones and muscles with the nutrients necessary for development.

A dog that eats right looks healthy - large, white, cheerful and with a luxurious appearance. shiny coat. Swiss Shepherds that do not receive the necessary elements have yellowing, teeth deterioration, and problems with vision.

Dry mixes for Swiss dogs should be High Quality. Here you need to be careful: since shepherd dogs are distinguished by frequent food allergies, any new food give in small quantities, after which the pet’s reaction is carefully monitored. For any manifestations eating disorder or allergies, the composition of the feed is changed.

Natural food should be warm, the desired consistency is medium density. Required Products for this dog breed:

• the main article of the diet is beef (raw or boiled);
• cereals or porridges (oatmeal, rice, buckwheat);
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• – no more than twice a week;
• some vegetables and;
• from six months - sea fish.

When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to its external features and character. The pet should not have the following character traits and exterior features of this dog breed:

• short body;
• hanging ears;
• curved or hooked tail;
• any coat color except white;
• tendency towards aggression or passivity;
• any eye color except brown;
• pink nose;
• lack of black eye rims.

Starting price for healthy pet pet class - fifteen thousand rubles. A breed-class dog can have a price of up to thirty-five thousand, and prices for an ideal show-class dog start at forty thousand and have no upper limits.

Breeders note that Swiss dogs are not inferior in quality to German shepherds, but are more gentle and kind. A special quality is his attitude towards children. Herding qualities can easily be transformed into the abilities of a professional nanny - the Swiss Shepherd understands a small child, watches him vigilantly, warning parents with a loud bark about the baby’s threat to harm himself. In addition, owners often talk about incredible resistance to colds and other diseases, noting that proper nutrition is the only thing required for a long and healthy life and the beauty of the pet.

Briefly about the main thing

1. The White Swiss Shepherd is a descendant of the German Shepherd;
2. The main pride of the breed is its perfect snow-white coat;
3. Possesses high intelligence and quick learning;
4. The Swiss Shepherd requires constant exercise;
5. Friendly, loves children and guests;
6. At poor nutrition loses its unique color;
7. Popular in Russia, but you should buy with caution and only with documents.

Photo

Video

Did you know that the title character of the cartoon "Volt" belongs to the Swiss breed of dogs? Does your pet look like a heroic dog from a cartoon? Does your pet have enough energy to save the world? Maybe he has already done superhero things? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments!