| Group |
South
Africa (KUSA), Australia (ANKC), New Zealand (NZKC), Britain
(UK): Herding Group
USA (AKC), Canada (CKC): Sporting Group
FCI (provisionally accepted): Group 1- Sheep Dogs |
| Defining
characteristics |
A
white dog, giving the appearance of power, liveliness, alertness
and spirit. Similar in shape to the old-style German Shepherd
Dog, the White Swiss Shepherd is longer than tall, with his
chest reaching to at least 50% of his height at the withers.
There are short-coated and long-coated varieties. |
| Height |
Dogs
24 - 26½" (60 - 66cm) Bitches 22 - 24½ "
(55 - 61cm) |
| Weight |
Dogs
30 - 40 kg, Bitches 25 - 35kg |
| Colour |
White
Slight deer colour (light yellow or fawn shading) on eartips,
back and upperside of tail is relatively common. |
| Temperament |
Very
loyal to its family - should not be shy or aggressive, but may
be slightly aloof towards strangers; somewhat softer in temperament
to its cousin, the German Shepherd Dog; very alert and watchful;
very keen to work and spend time with their handlers; intelligent,
obedient, and easy to train, responding best to less harsh training
methods such as clicker training; if socialised well from puppyhood,
they are good with children and other animals; can be very vocal,
making a wide range or sounds and tending to "talk"
to owners and neighbouring dogs. |
| Negative
traits |
Unless
properly controlled, some tend to bark a lot. They tend to shed
hair heavily. |
| Accommodation |
The
family home should include a large yard for exercise. Should
also be taken for regular outside stimulation and exercise. |
| Level
of activity |
Usually
fairly active indoors or out. Provide sufficient toys for amusement. |
| Exercise |
Daily
exercise is important for this breed. Because of his inherent
intelligence, play needs to be stimulating, such as chasing
a ball, frisbee, obedience training, etc |
| Life
expectancy |
12
- 15 years |
| Potential
health issues |
- Hip
and elbow displasia can be a problem in some lines (make
sure parents are tested)
- Conformation
problems: skin or coat problems, missing teeth
- Other
occasional concerns: bloat or stomach torsion; megaoesophagus;
degenerative joint disease (including osteochondritis);
malabsorbtion syndrome
|
| Grooming |
A
heavy hair shedder, but easy to groom - daily brushing will
reduce shedding hair; regular cleaning of ears and eyes; regular
shampooing with a good quality dog shampoo (not human); regular
clipping of nails. |
| Show
grooming |
No
skilled grooming required. |
| Availability |
Find
a reputable, registered breeder - do not buy from a backyard
breeder or pet shop!
Consult pet-oriented media, KUSA (South Africa), official
registries, and word of mouth.
Research as much about the breed as possible before making
the commitment.
|
