El swiss white shepherd It is found within the so-called shepherd dogs, they are those descendants of the wolf who first engaged in the work of herding. As loyal pets accommodating their owners, the shepherds also developed an incredible instinct for protection that they applied in the care of the flocks.
For centuries the races that were dedicated to this task have had similar characteristics of strength, will and cooperation. Hence, they always occupy the first places of canine intelligence and are highly appreciated by breeders.
Origin and history of the White Swiss Shepherd
As is common each mountainous region has a race that defines it. In the case of the idyllic country of the Alps, the beautiful white Swiss Shepherd dog is present.
The white Swiss Shepherd dog shares with him German shepherd common origins. At the moment, they are considered separate races and the researchers argue that the Swiss is much older. Many breeders considered the White Shepherd to be an albino version of the German Shepherd and saw the color of the coat as a genetic disadvantage.
Modern studies have shown that the white color only responds to the normal color of their fur and not an albino abnormality. This did not prevent the white puppies from being eliminated for a long time and their crosses avoided, putting the breed in a potential situation of extinction.
Features
This breed is considered one of the most beautiful and proportionate. The Swiss White Shepherd dog is a medium-sized animal, where females can measure between 55 and 61 centimeters and weigh between 25 and 30 kilos. The males are slightly larger and can measure 60 or 65 cm and weigh a minimum of 30 kilos and a maximum of 40.
The body is well proportioned and elegant, with a vigorous appearance with good muscle tone. The head is erect, proportionate and slim. It has high, parallel ears, with triangular and semi-round ends at the tip and the eyes are triangular in shape with a deep look that reveals its brown or dark pupil.
The muzzle is solid and has a medium length with respect to the head and the nose is usually black and some have a slight pinkish color. The latter are called snow noses.
The muscular body is protruding withers with a solid back with a strong loin. The croup is not very wide like the chest. The chest height ratio equals half the withers, His rib cage is oval in shape and has a notorious chest.
The forelimbs are straight when viewed from the front and at a good angle when viewed from the profile, and the hindlimbs when viewed from behind are straight, parallel and angled when viewed in profile. The thighs, metatarsals, legs and hock are solid and with good muscle tone, while the tail is saber-shaped, set low and covered with hair.
Finally and among the most outstanding characteristics of this breed is the fur that like other mountain breeds is abundant. It has double layer, so it protects it from the cold, being this a thick internal and an external, smooth and rough. The color is uniform white or cream.
Color has been the subject of much controversy as initial research in the XNUMXs found that it was due to an undesirable genetic factor known as albinism. However, recent research with updated technology has confirmed that color is nothing more than the product of parents' recessive genes, so it's just its signature color.
Behavior
The behavior of dogs depends largely on the social factor with which they have been brought up. This is no different with the White Shepherd, however it should be noted that the intelligence of this pet will greatly facilitate their education. Properly socialized from puppies this breed is very patient with children and other pets.
As long as they don't trust strangers enough, they are wary. Once the link is created they are friendly, extremely loyal and accommodating with the owners. Education and training will avoid a nervous character that can lead to aggressiveness.
Physical exercise and tasks related to the application of intelligence are essential to achieve the emotional balance that this breed requires. It will depend on his daily walks and games that he does not become unbalanced with anxiety situations, since this directly influences his character.
Health and care
The basic care required by all dog breeds is based on routine visits to the vet, which should be at least once a year. The corresponding vaccines must be applied on the indicated dates and preventive treatments against infections and parasites. The environment has a lot to do with the latter.
In the case of the Swiss Shepherd it should be considered that it is preferable that they have space to move, so it is recommended that they be rural pets. In these places they are more prone to contracting mites, so treatments to avoid complications have to be considered seriously.
The eyes, ears and nails are prone to fungi or infections, so it is necessary to use the products indicated for the breed. The bath will be done at most once a month and we will brush the coat twice a week and daily during the summer.
Like other shepherds, they can suffer from some diseases of the breed and size. The hip dysplasia It is a disease that affects medium and large dogs. It is prevented with adequate nutrition aimed at strengthening the bones and joints.
Digestion in these animals must be taken care of with a quality feed and strict nutritional control, not only to provide the necessary calories, but to avoid overweight and health problems such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, megaesophagus, and gastric torsion. Like most shepherds, his life expectancy is twelve years.
Sheepdogs are at the top of the canine representation list, and they have earned this position for their proven intelligence and fidelity. The experience of living with a White Swiss Shepherd is unique and deserves all the attention and care from its owners.
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