Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse, called the White Swiss Shepherd or Snowy Shepherd in English, traces its roots back to the Thuringian shepherd dog, named for the region of Germany where it first was bred. The Thuringian shepherd dog species was a predecessor of the German Shepherd, with whom the Berger Blanc Suisse is a close cousin. 

Explicitly bred for its snowy white coat, the Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized, energetic, and intelligent dog breed with triangular ears and a bushy tail. It’s is more easy-going and playful than its German Shepherd relatives, making it more suitable as a pet for families and children. 

Loving, intelligent, and high-energy, this dog may look like a white wolf, but it is one of the most caring and well-balanced creatures you’ll ever meet.

Berger Blanc Suisse Fun Fact 

The Berger Blanc Suisse was prized for its snowy coat, a recessive gene that allowed hunters and shepherds to distinguish the dogs from wolves in the wild.

The Best Dog Food for Berger Blanc Suisse

Most Berger Blanc Suisse adult dogs need about 2.5 cups of food per day due to their high energy levels and larger size. Each dog is different, so you should consult your veterinarian when determining a suitable feeding schedule for your Snowy Shepherd. A Berger Blanc Suisse’s weight, age, metabolism, health, and activity levels all play a role in the amount of food a dog needs each day, so be sure to keep all these factors in mind. Without exercise, too, Berger Blanc Suisses can gain weight, so give them less food if you have less of an active lifestyle with your pet.

Since the Berger Blanc Suisse was explicitly bred for work, it requires a balanced diet that can keep up with its high energy. The Snowy Shepherd’s lustrous coat also would benefit from nutritious food high in omega fatty acids with plenty of protein to keep it shining and healthy. Choose a high-quality food designed for mid-to-large size dogs to feed your pup, and they’ll thank you for it.

Some dogs may have sensitive stomachs reacting to additives or unnatural byproducts in their dry food. A wild-based food product like Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food may be just the ticket to satisfy nutrition requirements and help develop and maintain your dog’s muscles without unpleasant tummy aches. We at A-Z animals recommend this food due to its:

• Highly digestible and nutrient-dense recipe
• Antioxidants for immune response
• Natural fruit, vegetables, and meat ingredients

Best For Skin Allergies

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• This grain-free recipe is crafted with real meat as the first ingredient.
• It's high in protein (32%) to support bone, joint, and muscle health.
• It features vitamins and minerals from real fruit and superfoods and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
• K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, combined with antioxidants and prebiotics, support healthy digestion, immune health, and overall health and wellness.
• It's made in the US by a family-owned brand that only includes quality ingredients sourced from trusted domestic and imported sources.

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3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Berger Blanc Suisse

Berger Blanc Suisse Size and Weight

Females’ average heights range between 22 and 24 inches, with males capable of growing up to two inches taller. Males can weigh up to 88 pounds when fully grown, and females weigh between 55-77 lbs.

Berger Blanc Suisse Common Health Issues

In general, the Berger Blanc Suisse isn’t known to have any congenital severe health issues. Like all dogs, they can develop certain health problems with old age, such as hip dysplasia, primary lens luxation, or cancer.

Berger Blanc Suisse Temperament

The Berger Blanc’s temperament is amiable and gentle, showing extreme loyalty to its family. The dog breed’s patience makes them an excellent choice for living with children, and while it’s protective of its family, they rarely show aggressive tendencies.

Berger Blanc Suisses are extremely smart and are working dogs who love having tasks to do. This makes them excellent candidates for canine sports or sheep herding. 

How to Take Care of Berger Blanc Suisse 

New dog owners looking for how to take care of a Berger Blanc Suisse should consider a range of factors before bringing one home. Regular grooming, training, exercise, and care provide a happy and healthy life for the Berger Blanc Suisse.

Maintenance And Grooming

This breed only needs a bath a few times a year to avoid drying out and potentially irritating your pup’s skin. To keep its coat a shining white, some owners opt for a blue shampoo to enhance the fur’s sparkle. Berger Blanc Suisses should be regularly brushed to help maintain cleanliness and control shedding, which this dog does quite a bit. A Furminator or any de-shedding dog brush will do the trick.

Best for Matted Hair

FURminator Adjustable Dematting

• Specialized tool for stubborn matts
• Has curved edges to allow for the safe removal of matts
• Adjustable so it will work on all animals and all sizes of matts
• Best used as part of a set of grooming tools

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Training

The Berger Blanc Suisse is one of the smartest out there that loves learning new tricks. These dogs aren’t strong-willed or stubborn, but you should start puppies with a few easy tricks early in their lives. 

Owners can train their dogs for agility, obedience, and many other dog sports and competition. Socialization early in their lives is recommended to help prevent a Snowy Shepherd from becoming shy or cautious around strangers.

Exercise

As it descended from the same parent breed as the German Shepherd, the Berger Blanc Suisse has strong herding instincts. This means they need high levels of exercise, such as daily 30-minute walks and plenty of outdoor space to run and play. Training and teaching new tricks will also help mentally and physically stimulate your dog.

Puppies

On average, Berger Blanc Suisse mothers produce eight puppies per litter. These intelligent dogs can start their training as early as 8-10 weeks and benefit from the challenges to their minds. Early socializing will also familiarize puppies with strangers and help them become comfortable and friendly with people.

Berger Blanc Suisse and Children

Berger Blanc Suisses make the perfect family dog due to their gentle, friendly, and loyal natures. They’re very calm and loving with children, and their fluffy white coats make for excellent hugs. However, be sure to socialize and train them early on, as an untrained dog may become wary of strangers and protective of their families.

Dogs Similar to Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse is closely related to several shepherd breeds, including the German Shepherd, Collies, and Australian Shepherds.

• German Shepherds are descended from the same original breed and feature many of the same traits besides the white fur coat.
• Collies are roughly the same size, though they generally live longer.
• Australian Shepherds are also meant for work and love completing tasks with great intelligence and loyalty.

Popular Names for Berger Blanc Suisse

Some popular names for these beautiful, white-furred dogs include:

• Snowy
• Ice
• Casper
• Ivory
• Angel

Similar Animals

• Tamaskan
• Beauceron
• Belgian Shepherd

1. FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE, Available here: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/347g01-en.pdf
2. The Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/pastoral/white-swiss-shepherd-dog-imp/
3. FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE, Available here: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WHITE-SWISS-SHEPHERD-DOG-347.html
4. Purina, Available here: https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/swiss-white-shepherd