White Swiss Shepherd at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 53–66 cm
- Weight
- 25–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Barking, Owner experience, Other dogs, Cats and small pets.
Is the White Swiss Shepherd right for you?
Like every breed, the White Swiss Shepherd is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
How would the White Swiss Shepherd fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a powerful, well-muscled shepherd dog with erect ears, a body slightly longer than it is tall, and an all-white coat. It has an elegant, balanced outline and gives the impression of a sound dog capable of work. It is a versatile working and companion dog that is typically lively, friendly and attentive.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Barking / vocality
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
White dogs have always existed within the German Shepherd Dog, but the colour was long frowned upon and listed as a disqualifying fault in the German breed standard. The White Swiss Shepherd is generally accepted to have developed from this white strain, and the two breeds still look clearly alike.
The white strain was first registered in the United States in 1917, and the first imports reached Switzerland in the early 1970s. A male named Lobo, born in 1966, is credited as the breed's patriarch in Switzerland. Further imports widened the gene pool, and the Swiss Kennel Club recognised the White Swiss Shepherd as a separate breed in 1991, followed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. The Royal Kennel Club granted it breed status in October 2017.
Today it is popular in many countries as a show dog and as a companion, valued for its devotion, intelligence and trainability.
White Swiss Shepherd temperament
White Swiss Shepherds are typically lively, friendly, alert and resilient. They should never be shy or aggressive, although some can be reserved. They are intelligent and attentive, and thrive on new experiences and challenges.
They become totally devoted to their owners and family, so they do not always do well living outside away from their people. They suit families where someone is at home for much of the day.
Size and appearance
This is a large breed. Males typically stand 58–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh 30–40 kg; females typically stand 53–61 cm and weigh 25–35 kg.
There are two coat types, medium and long. Both are dense double coats with a thick undercoat and hard, straight outer hairs. Long-coated dogs have a distinct mane at the neck and "trousers" on the back legs. White is the only breed standard colour. The eyes are brown to dark brown and almond-shaped, and the nose is black, although some dogs, especially in colder climates, have a lighter "snow nose".
How much exercise does a White Swiss Shepherd need?
The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Without regular exercise these dogs can soon become vocal, bored and possibly destructive. They usually do best with a large house and a large garden, and they can live in either town or country.
Training a White Swiss Shepherd
White Swiss Shepherds are typically easily trained and eager to learn. As well as being family companions, they can take part in activities such as agility, obedience, flyball and showing.
- Give them regular challenges: they thrive on stimulation and enjoy learning.
- Try a canine activity such as agility, obedience or flyball to use their energy and brains.
- Make sure training goes hand in hand with plenty of daily exercise, as a bored dog may become noisy or destructive.
White Swiss Shepherd grooming
The coat is easy to groom, but it needs regular attention, and brushing more than once a week is recommended. White Swiss Shepherds are heavy shedders, so expect plenty of loose hair.
Living with a White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd is described as an ideal family dog, known for its kind nature, loyalty and friendliness towards children. It is a large, lively dog, though, and it is happiest in a family where someone is home for much of the day. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A garden is helpful.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
White Swiss Shepherd health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some health issues are recognised in the breed. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every White Swiss Shepherd will be affected. The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends that breeders prioritise genetic diversity and carry out hip and elbow testing before breeding. If you have concerns about a particular condition, speak to your vet.
Hip dysplasia
A condition affecting the hip joints that is listed among health issues in the breed. Breeding dogs should be tested under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia
A condition affecting the elbow joints that is listed among health issues in the breed. Breeding dogs should be tested under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.
Other joint issues
The breed club lists joint issues in general among the health problems seen in the breed.
Allergies
The breed club notes allergies affecting the skin and digestion.
Bloat
Bloat is named by the breed club as a health issue in the breed.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a White Swiss Shepherd home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a White Swiss Shepherd cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a White Swiss Shepherd home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a White Swiss Shepherd
If you have decided the White Swiss Shepherd suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a White Swiss Shepherd
White Swiss Shepherds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
White Swiss Shepherds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no White Swiss Shepherd adverts at the moment.
Find White Swiss Shepherd adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Beauceron
Quiet, confident, loyal, bold, courageous, clever, strong-willed and protective.
View breed guide
White Swiss Shepherd FAQs
Is the White Swiss Shepherd good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the White Swiss Shepherd live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the White Swiss Shepherd need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the White Swiss Shepherd shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the White Swiss Shepherd need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the White Swiss Shepherd easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the White Swiss Shepherd be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
How long does the White Swiss Shepherd live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the White Swiss Shepherd get?
Adults typically stand 53–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–40 kg.