The Berger Blanc Suisse breed of dog, developed in Switzerland, has been officially recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, the largest international federation of kennel clubs. However, the United Kennel Club of England and the American Kennel Club in the United States have not yet recognized this breed.
The Berger Blanc Suisse dogs are closely related to German Shepherd Dogs and share similarities with the UKC-recognized White Shepherd breed. This resemblance is due in part to a recessive gene that gives them a coat that is completely white. However, the Berger Blanc Suisse breed has distinct characteristics, including gentler temperaments and more level backs, which have evolved independently.
In summary, while the Berger Blanc Suisse breed has gained recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale, it is still not recognized by the United Kennel Club of England or the American Kennel Club in the United States. These dogs have a unique lineage and exhibit different traits compared to the closely related White Shepherd breed.
Ahead, we look at Berger Blanc Suisse dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Berger Blanc Suisse, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Berger Blanc Suisses!
Dog Breed | Berger Blanc Suisse |
Size | Large |
Weight | 55-77 lbs (average) |
Height | 21-24″ (average) |
Location | Switzerland |
Ancestry | German Shepherd Dog |
Date of Origin | 2011 |
Group | Shepherding, Companion Animal, Protection |
Life Expectancy | 11-13 years |
Price | $2500 – $3000 |
Family | Canidae |
Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Berger Blanc Suisse is a relatively new breed of dog. It is officially recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. It is closely related to the White Shepherd, which is also derived from the original German Shepherd breed and recognized by the United Kennel Club. Both breeds have a common ancestor, a German Shepherd named Greif, who passed on a recessive white gene.
Initially, German Shepherds with white coats were favored because they were easier to distinguish from wolves at night. However, they fell out of favor in the 1930s, and kennel clubs excluded white dogs from shows and breeding. Despite this, some people continued to breed white-coated Shepherds, hoping to establish them as a separate breed. In the 1970s, White German Shepherd clubs were formed in the United States and Canada with the specific goal of breeding white-coated German Shepherds. The United Kennel Club recognized the White Shepherd in 1999, but it is not yet recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
In 1967, Miss Agatha Burch brought a White German Shepherd named Lobo White Burch to Switzerland. She also imported another white German Shepherd named White Lilac of Blinkbonny from the UK. These two dogs, along with several others imported from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, are considered to be the foundation dogs for the Berger Blanc Suisse. By 1991, the breed had developed enough to have members registered as a new breed in the Swiss studbook. It was accepted on a provisional basis by the FCI in 2002, and finally officially recognized on July 5, 2011.
🐕 Berger Blanc Suisse Appearance
Although there are some distinctions, the Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized working dog that resembles its forerunner, the German Shepherd Dog. The Berger Blanc Suisse breed has a bit greater range in height than the German Shepherd breed, with formales’ permissible heights falling between 21 and 24 inches for females and 23 to 26 inches for formales. This robust and well-muscled breed has a bushy, saber-shaped tail and a muscular, well-proportioned head that is wedge-shaped and well chiseled. They are somewhat taller than they are wide. Since the White Shepherd was developed before a sloping back was sought, the Berger Blanc Suisse is less likely to have one than current German Shepherd dogs. Although the UKC regulations for the WhiteShepherd breed include dogs with pink or cream-colored noses as well, their almond-shaped eyes are often brown or dark brown, frequently with black rims, and under breed standards, their nose is always black. The Berger Blanc Suisse has medium-sized triangular ears that are situated high up on the skull, just like the German Shepherd and the White Shepherd.
👀 Eye Color | Brown |
🐽 Nose Color | Black |
🐕 Coat Color | White |
⚡ Fun Fact: Berger Blanc Suisse dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Berger Blanc Suisse
The Berger Blanc Suisse is normally a confident dog that is alert and kind. Although other Shepherding breeds share this breed’s drive and protective nature, it tends to be a little more laid-back and kind than either the White Shepherd or the current German Shepherd, which makes it a terrific family companion. Although they often have a lot of patience with kids, they are powerful, energetic, and pretty big, and their eagerness on occasion can lead to knocks and bruises. Because of their high intelligence and desire to please, this breed is also quite trainable, albeit severe treatment is more likely to reward obstinate and rebellious conduct. It is crucial to keep in mind that the Berger Blanc Suisse breed possesses both intellect and a strong sense of curiosity. If they are not provided with cerebral stimulation, they will discover it on their own, which might be untidy and even destructive.
🤝 Are Berger Blanc Suisses Friendly or Aggressive?
Berger Blanc Suisse dogs are known for their friendly nature towards other pets, strangers, and children. They are particularly fond of being around kids and are generally well-suited for families with young ones. They also tend to get along well with cats, making them a good choice for households with multiple pets.
However, when it comes to other dogs, Berger Blanc Suisses may not be the most friendly. If you are looking to add more dogs to your family or participate in dog meetups, this breed may not be the best fit. On the other hand, Berger Blanc Suisses are considered one of the top breeds for elderly individuals, as their friendly and gentle temperament can provide great companionship for older people.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Intelligent
- Patient
- Gentle
- Strong
- Easygoing
🐩 Berger Blanc Suisse Care & Maintenance
This breed’s grooming requirements are not difficult, although they can take some time. In many situations, pet parents of this all-white breed may opt to use a special “bluing” shampoo to preserve the coat shining white. The Berger Blanc Suisse should only be bathed a few times a year because frequent washing can cause this dog’s skin to dry out and get irritated. This dog has a thick, double-layer coat made up of a protective covering of long or medium-length fur and a dense undercoat. The most of the year, this sort of coat tends to shed modestly, need weekly brushing, but as the seasons change, they typically shed more severely, necessitating daily brushing.
Berger Blanc Suisse dogs have a tendency to shed a lot of hair, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. This means that you can expect to do some daily vacuuming to keep up with the amount of hair they shed. The extent and frequency of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed type they belong to. Additionally, when it comes to bathing these dogs, it is generally recommended to do so every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or around $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Berger Blanc Suisse dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 75 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Berger Blanc Suisse dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Berger Blanc Suisse Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Berger Blanc Suisse Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
While minor concerns include:
- Small Incidence Of Hereditary Eye Diseases Such As Collie Eye Anomaly And Primary Lens Luxation
🤧 Important: Is Berger Blanc Suisse hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Berger Blanc Suisse.
⚡ Berger Blanc Suisse Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Berger Blanc Suisse a great choice for families with young children?
The Berger Blanc Suisse’s gentle and easy-going nature makes them a great choice for families with young children. They are patient with children and are known for being good family pets.
Is the Berger Blanc Suisse breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Berger Blanc Suisse breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They are fairly large and active dogs that require ample space to move around and exercise.
How much exercise does a Berger Blanc Suisse require compared to other breeds?
The Berger Blanc Suisse requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have a great deal of drive and protective instinct, so regular exercise is important to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the Berger Blanc Suisse breed known for being good with other pets?
The Berger Blanc Suisse breed is generally good with other pets. They have a mild temperament and can get along well with other animals if properly socialized.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse include the White Shepherd, which is recognized by the UKC, and the German Shepherd Dog. These breeds have similar traits but may require less grooming or exercise.
What are the common health issues that Berger Blanc Suisses are prone to?
The common health issues that Berger Blanc Suisses are prone to include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as certain genetic disorders. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help minimize these risks.
Are Berger Blanc Suisses known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Berger Blanc Suisses are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and desire to please. However, harsh treatment can lead to stubborn behavior, so positive reinforcement training methods are recommended.
Are Berger Blanc Suisses more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Berger Blanc Suisses are not particularly prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, individual dogs may vary, and proper socialization and training can help prevent separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bichon Frise. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Berger Blanc Suisse, such as the White Shepherd or the German Shepherd Dog, may be better for individuals or families with limited space. These breeds still require regular exercise but may be more manageable in smaller living spaces.
Is the Berger Blanc Suisse breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Berger Blanc Suisse breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Their gentle nature and patience make them suitable companions for children of all abilities.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Berger Blanc Suisse?
The grooming needs of the Berger Blanc Suisse are moderate. They have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. However, they are not excessive shedders compared to some other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Berger Blanc Suisse dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.