Frequently Asked Questions

Do White Swiss Swiss Shepherds make good family pets?

Yes! A White Swiss Shepherd is a wonderful family pet and they love being a part of the family. They are very loving  and want nothing more than to make their master happy and keep them safe. They can also be great with children.  They are very easy to train and are willing to learn which helps them to adapt quickly to their families.

Are White Swiss Shepherds used for other dog sports?

Yes! White Swiss Shepherds are an extremely versatile breed.  They excel in many sports ranging from agility and obedience, to shutzhund and police work.  They are even becoming popular for sports like dock diving and are very popular herding dogs.  This amazing breed is up for any challenge!

Can White Swiss Shepherds be shown in Conformation classes?

Yes! White Swiss Shepherds can be shown in the US under the FCI breed standard with several organizations.  They include the International Canine Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association, and the International All breed Canine Association.

Are White Swiss Shepherds albino?

No.  The white color comes from a recessive color gene.  They are not in any way "albino" and in fact, it is against the breed standards to be "albino". This breed is supposed to have dark skin pigment, dark noses, and dark eyes, unlike what an albino would have (pink skin and blue or pink eyes).  This is similar to some other common breeds such as Poodles, American Eskimo Dogs, or Samoyeds.  All of these breeds are white but are not albino.

As a breed, are they typically healthy?

Yes. Overall, they are typically a very healthy breed.  In 2000, the White Shepherd Genetic Project conducted a survey to find out what genetic diseases were present in White Shepherds.  There were 57 genetic diseases identified in the White  Shepherd breed.  This number is very low considering 138 genetic diseases were identified in the German Shepherd dog.  Most White Swiss Shepherd dog clubs or associations keep genetic charts of the diseases found in their Whites, and the count is extremely low at this point in time, compared to all other breeds.

Is a White Swiss Shepherd the same as a Polar Bear or Ghost Shepherd?

No.  The "Polar Bear" or "Ghost" Shepherds are not a breed.  They are a marketing tactic used by breeders to try and exploit a unique color aspect.  Usually these names are in reference to white colored German Shepherd Dogs.  Beware of breeders that use these names or emphasize that these dogs are a "rare breed".  Make sure you ask for registration papers to see what breed these dogs actually are.

Is a White Swiss Shepherd the same as white German Shepherd/White Shepherd?

No.  Although originating from the same ancestors, the German Shepherd is a different breed than the White Swiss Shepherd.  Please click the links below for the history and the differences in the breeds for the WSS/BBS.