Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse (German: Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund, White Swiss Shepherd Dog), (Italian: pastore bianco svizzero, White Suisse Shepherd) is a breed of dog from Switzerland. It is of the same origins as the White Shepherd Dog and the German Shepherd Dog, but has been recognized as a separate breed by the FCI.

History

On 3 April 1899, the first German Shepherd Dog as we know the breed today was officially registered.

The first ever registered German Shepherd was Horand Von Grafrath. Neither he nor any of his documented progeny were white, although his great-grand sire on his mother's side was white.^[1]

After the creation of the German Shepherd breed, all colours were accepted. It was in the first decades of the 20th century, when the white exemplars began to be excluded in Europe.

The first White Shepherd club was founded during the 1970s in America. Meanwhile, the breed appeared again in Europe. At first in Switzerland, Denmark and Germany came next. Slowly, the European cynological societies began to open their stud books to the White Shepherd.

The dog Lobo, born in the U.S. in 1966, was the first White Shepherd to be registered in Europe, specifically in Switzerland. The breed was recognized in Switzerland 1991, the Netherlands following in 1992. The Czech Republic, Austria and Denmark also recognized the breed.

Temperament

Berger Blanc Suisse in the snow

He is gentle, very intelligent and learns easily. He is loyal to his family and may be wary around strangers, but should never show shy or fearful behavior. Some people think the Arctic Wolf was mixed with the breed to create his caution, but this is not the case. The Berger Blanc Suisse gets along well with other dogs and is also excellent for training, such as agility, search and rescue, and obedience. They are even seen doing protection work, though they are not used for that very often and are not always up for the job. They are also used as assistance dogs and occasionally for mushing.

The character of the Berger Blanc Suisse is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when it comes down to it he is very much capable of and will protect his family.

Activities

Berger Blanc Suisse can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Berger Blanc Suisse exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.^[2]