White Shepherd Dog
American White Shepherd, Berger Blanc Suisse, Swiss White Shepherd, White German Shepherd
The White Shepherd Dog is bred from herding stock, although it is primarily kept as a companion. In countries that fall under the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) they are known as the Berger Blanc Swiss, in North America they are most commonly known as the White Shepherd Dog.
White Shepherd Dog Standards
- 22-26"
- 77-85 lbs
- large, herding breed
- erect, large ears
- bushy tail reaches hock
- coat may be long or medium length
- light biscuit tan
- light cream
- white
History of the White Shepherd Dog
The White Shepherd Dog was developed directly from the German Shepherd Dog. The first white pup appeared in 1882 and was originally able to be shown alongside their black and tan or black counterparts. The American Kennel Club was the first to list it as a disqualifying fault in 1933 and Europe had followed suit by the 1960s. In 1969 unhappy breeders in the United States formed the White German Shepherd Club of America and continued to breed for the white coat. Dogs would later return to Europe in the 1970s and were favored particularly in Switzerland, which would later lead to their recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Related Breeds: