The white Swiss Shepherd, also known as the Bernese Mountain Dog, is a breed that is gaining popularity around the world. This elegant and well-built dog catches the eye with its dazzling white fur and calm disposition. In this article we will take a closer look at this fascinating dog, discussing its character, health, history and many other aspects.
What do you find in the article?
- White Swiss Shepherd – description and appearance of the breed
- Character of the White Swiss Shepherd dog breed
- Advantages and disadvantages
- White Swiss Shepherd – Health, diseases and grooming
- History of the White Swiss Shepherd dog breed
- White Swiss Shepherd dog breed standard
- White Swiss Shepherd – interesting facts about the breed
White Swiss Shepherd – description and appearance of the breed
The White Swiss Shepherd is a large dog that can weigh from 30 to 40 kilograms, with an average height at the withers of 55 to 66 centimeters. Its main feature is its thick, long, white fur, which is waterproof and requires regular grooming. The eyesight of this dog is appealing – it has dark, almond-shaped eyes that express its intelligence and sensitivity. The ears are of medium size, standing or slightly drooping. The overall appearance is proportionate and harmonious, with a strong, muscular body.

Character of the White Swiss Shepherd dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
White Swiss Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs. They were used as herding dogs in the past, so they are very capable of learning, are hardy and extremely focused on tasks. They do well in a variety of fields, such as obedience, agiliti, human therapy and even as rescue dogs.
What kind of personality does it have?
White Swiss Shepherds are friendly dogs, devoted to their families and easy to relate to. They are calm, balanced dogs that get along well with children and other animals. They are also alert and cautious, making them good guard dogs. However, they are not aggressive and usually adopt a defensive rather than offensive posture.
White Swiss Shepherd – how to train and raise?
These dogs are easy to learn, but require a lot of mental stimulation. They are sensitive and respond best to positive training methods, such as rewards and praise. Early socialization is important for this breed to avoid shyness or uncertainty about strangers or new situations.
Who is the White Swiss Shepherd suitable for?
White Swiss Shepherds are ideal for families who lead active lifestyles and have plenty of time to spend with their dog. Because of their intelligence and energy, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is not suitable for people who are often away from home or who do not have the ability to provide their dog with enough exercise.
White Swiss Shepherd – price
The price for a White Swiss Shepherd puppy can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the breeder, the quality of the pedigree, and whether the puppy is intended for show or home. The average price ranges from $3000 to $5000. It is important to remember that the initial cost of buying a puppy is only part of the total cost of owning a dog.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
Although White Swiss Shepherds have many advantages, they are not without disadvantages. Their dense fur requires regular grooming and can cause allergies in sensitive individuals. They can also be somewhat shy and insecure if not properly socialized. In addition, they are energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise and activity.
Advantages
The list of advantages of the White Swiss Shepherd includes their intelligence, devotion and versatility. They are friendly and gentle dogs that get along well with other animals and children. They are also alert and reliable, making them excellent home watchdogs. They have a healthy appetite and are generally a healthy breed that, if properly cared for, can live up to 12-14 years.
White Swiss Shepherd – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
The White Swiss Shepherd should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for its size, age and activity level. It is important to control the amount of food and the frequency of meals to prevent overweight, which can lead to health problems.
Grooming
White Swiss Shepherds have dense, long, white fur that requires regular brushing to prevent tussling. They should be bathed only when necessary to preserve their natural skin oils. Regular claw trimming, teeth cleaning and ear cleaning are also necessary to maintain good health.
Diseases
Although they are a generally healthy breed, White Swiss Shepherds can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as some skin problems. Regular veterinary examinations and proper care can help detect and treat these problems at an early stage.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
White Swiss Shepherds need plenty of space to run and play, so they should have access to a garden or park. They also need sturdy chew toys, toothbrushes, food and water bowls, and a comfortable sleeping space. For those dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, they may also need protective winter clothing.
History of the White Swiss Shepherd dog breed
Origins
The White Swiss Shepherd, also known as the Bernese Mountain Dog, is closely related to the German Shepherd. In the 19th century, German Shepherds began to be bred in Germany to produce dogs with certain types and characteristics. Among them were white specimens, which gained popularity due to their impressive appearance.
Development of the breed
However, in the 1930s there was a turnaround in the breeding of German Shepherds – the white color became undesirable and was no longer allowed. White sheepdogs then found their way to Switzerland, where breeders began to selectively breed them, appreciating their beauty and excellent performance characteristics.
In 1967, Swiss breeder Agatha Burch began officially breeding these dogs under the name “White Swiss Shepherd,” and in 1991 the breed was officially recognized in Switzerland. White Swiss Shepherds began to be bred according to a certain standard, which described not only their appearance, but also their character.
Currently
Today, the White Swiss Shepherd is valued for its intelligence, reliability and friendly disposition. The breed is popular not only in Europe, but all over the world. White Swiss Shepherds are popular as family dogs, guard dogs, as well as dogs for various sports. Although they are not as recognizable as their relatives – German Shepherds, they are gaining in popularity year after year and are appreciated for their unique characteristics.

White Swiss Shepherd dog breed standard
The White Swiss Shepherd is a medium to large breed that attracts attention with its majestic white fur and balanced body proportions. Dogs of this breed should be well-built, muscular, but at the same time elegant.
The dog’s head is proportional to the body, with a distinct stop between the forehead and muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, obliquely set, almond-shaped and dark brown to black in color. The ears are upright, medium-sized, set high on the head.
The fur is dense, long and white, which is one of the most characteristic features of this breed. The coat is pure white, although there may be a slight shadow on the ears. The fur forms a beautiful “mane” around the neck and “pants” on the hind legs. On the tail, the hair is long and lush.
The chest should be well developed and the belly should be slightly pulled up. The tail is long and fluffy, carried low when at rest, but may rise when the dog is excited or in motion.
As for size, males should be 60 to 66 cm at the withers, and females should be 55 to 61 cm. The ideal weight for males is between 30 and 40 kg, and for females between 25 and 35 kg.
The breed standard also pays attention to the character of the dog. The white Swiss Shepherd should be friendly, non-aggressive, with a balanced temperament. It is an alert breed, but should never show unnecessary aggression.
White Swiss Shepherd – interesting facts about the breed
- Although closely related to German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherds are considered a separate breed. In the past, white specimens of German Shepherds were excluded from breeding due to the color of their coat. Thanks to breeders who appreciated their unique characteristics, White Swiss Shepherds have survived and developed as a distinct breed.
- White Swiss Shepherds have a very good memory and are capable of learning a large number of commands. Their intelligence makes them excellent dogs for a variety of disciplines, such as agility, obedience or search and rescue.
- These dogs are naturally clean and don’t have the typical “dog” smell, which makes it easier to keep your home clean, even if a White Swiss Shepherd lives with you.
- The white Swiss Shepherd is a very good swimmer. Thanks to its long, thick fur, which provides it with extra insulation, it is able to swim even in cold water.
- Despite their impressive size, White Swiss Shepherds are very gentle and patient with children, making them excellent family dogs.
- White Swiss Shepherds are very expressive and often use their tail, ears and entire body to communicate. They are known for their ability to “smile,” showing their teeth in a distinctive way that has nothing to do with aggression.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.