Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Summary
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog descends from the white lines of the German Shepherd that existed since the late 19th century. Over time, the white color was removed from the German standard and considered undesirable, but dedicated breeders preserved these dogs in the United States and Canada. White shepherds later returned to Europe, where they gained wide popularity, especially in Switzerland. In 1991, the breed was officially registered under the name Berger Blanc Suisse, and later recognized by the FCI as an independent breed. Unlike the German Shepherd, the White Swiss Shepherd was developed as a softer, more sociable, and family-oriented dog, while retaining working abilities and high intelligence.
General Appearance
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a harmoniously built, elegant, strong but not coarse medium-to-large dog. The outline is slightly elongated, with a dry, muscular body, smooth lines, and a pronounced silhouette. The constitution is working type, featuring solid anatomy and well-developed musculature. Movement is free, confident, with good reach and drive. The head is wedge-shaped, ears are erect, the tail is saber-shaped and lowered when at rest. The coat is white, medium or long, with a dense undercoat, reflecting cleanliness and nobility. The appearance emphasizes balance, intelligence, and natural suitability for work and family life.
Important Proportions
The format is slightly elongated: body length exceeds height at the withers by approximately 10%. The chest is deep, reaching the elbow, with moderately sprung ribs. Head length is about 40% of the height at the withers; skull and muzzle are nearly equal in length. Shoulder blades are long and well laid-back, allowing free movement. The croup is long and slightly sloping, and the tail reaches the hock. Chest depth is about half of the total height of the dog. Proportions must demonstrate balance between form and function: neither an overly stretched nor square outline is desirable, as both impair movement and working ability.
Temperament and Character
The White Swiss Shepherd is known for its stable temperament, trainability, and strong attachment to its owner. It is attentive, social, gentle in behavior, yet retains working instincts. The breed learns easily, responds sensitively to tone and quickly understands commands. Aggression and insecurity are untypical and considered faults. This breed is valued for its family orientation, reliability, and suitability for life with children. It does not tolerate loneliness well and requires social contact, mental stimulation, and physical activity — otherwise stress and unwanted behaviors may develop.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, dry, balanced, and in proportion to the body. The skull is moderately broad, slightly rounded, with a smooth but distinct stop. The muzzle is long and strong, with a straight nasal bridge. Scissor bite, strong teeth, and full dentition are required. The nose is predominantly black, with temporary winter fading permitted. Lips are tight, dry, and well-pigmented. The head should give an impression of nobility, openness, and stable character. A coarse, overly narrow, short, or weak head is considered a deviation from correct type.
Muzzle
The muzzle is long and deep, gradually tapering toward the nose but not pointed. The nasal bridge is straight, the nose large and preferably black. Lips are dry and thin, well pigmented, neither loose nor folded. Jaws are strong and proportionate, with a scissor bite. The lower jaw is well developed but not coarse. Cheeks are flat and dry. Pigmentation of eyelids, nose, and lips should be as dark as possible; any fading is undesirable. Faults include depigmentation, looseness, coarse structure, thick lips, dish-faced or overly narrow muzzle.
Eyes
The eyes are oval, medium-sized, deep-set but not narrow, with a slight oblique placement that gives a soft, attentive, and intelligent expression. Color ranges from dark hazel to deep brown and must harmonize with the coat color, not appearing too light or glassy. Eyelids are dry, tight-fitting, without drooping or redness. The expression should be kind, attentive, calm, and cooperative. Faults include aggressive or fearful expression, round or protruding eyes, very small eyes, incorrect set, or depigmented eyelids.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, erect, high-set but not too close together, triangular with slightly rounded tips, carried parallel or slightly forward. They are well covered with hair, not overly wide or floppy. Incorrect ears (soft, semi-pricked, low-set, oversized) are faults, as are rounded or thick ears. Correct ears emphasize the alert and intelligent expression of the breed.
Neck
The neck is long, dry, well-muscled, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the withers without abrupt angles. It must be strong enough for work yet remain elegant and flexible. The skin is tight, without dewlap. Neck length matches head length, creating overall balance. A short neck breaks the outline and makes the dog appear heavy; an excessively long neck weakens the front assembly. The neck must be slightly forward-leaning, giving the impression of readiness for movement.
Body
The body is strong, slightly elongated, and balanced, with correct anatomy and smooth lines. The chest is deep and long, reaching the elbows; ribs are oval and moderately sprung. The back is straight and firm, without dips; the loin is short and muscular. The croup is long, broad, and slightly sloping, providing correct propulsion. The belly is slightly tucked but not overly dry. The topline must remain stable both standing and in movement. Faults include narrow chest, flat ribs, soft or roached back, steep croup, weak musculature, and excessive length of body.
Tail
The tail is saber-shaped, set on at the level of the topline, carried low at rest, reaching at least to the hock. In movement, the tail is lifted but not above the topline and never curled. It should be straight, well covered with hair, and serve as a continuation of the topline, contributing to balance. Faults include short tail, kinks, curl, high carriage, ring tail, or tail over the back.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, parallel, with strong but not coarse bone. Shoulder blades are long and oblique, fitting closely to the body and allowing good reach. The shoulder–upper arm angle is well defined. Elbows are close to the body, not turned in or out. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. Feet are oval, tight, with strong pads. Faults include upright shoulders, narrow stance, weak pasterns, loose elbows, or flat feet. Forequarters must support endurance and free movement.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, broad, with well-developed musculature and correct angulation. Thighs are long and powerful, providing strong drive. Stifles and hocks are well angulated but not exaggerated. Hocks are low-set and parallel when viewed from behind. Feet slightly oval, compact, with arched toes. Faults include cow hocks, barrel hocks, straight angulation, narrow croup, weak muscles, or insufficient drive. Proper rear structure is essential for working capability.
Gait and Movement
Movement of the White Swiss Shepherd should be free, active, even, and efficient. The stride is long and gliding, with good reach in front and strong thrust from the rear. The topline remains firm and stable. The dog must move naturally and confidently, without stiffness, stress, or exaggerated action. Faults include short or chopping stride, crossing, rolling, high stepping, narrow movement, or instability. Correct gait demonstrates functionality, endurance, and anatomical correctness.
Coat
The coat is double, dense, with a well-developed undercoat providing protection from cold and moisture. The outer coat is straight or slightly wavy, of medium to long length, never curly or excessively soft. Longer furnishing is present on the neck, back of thighs, and tail. Undercoat density varies seasonally. Faults include insufficient undercoat, harsh or curly coat, excessively soft texture, or sparse hair. The coat must be functional, weather-resistant, and breed-typical.
Acceptable Colors
Color is exclusively white, ranging from snow white to very light cream, with even distribution and correct texture. Slight warm shading may occur on the ears or back if it does not affect overall appearance. Undercoat must also be white or very light. Skin and pigmentation should be dark. Nose, lips, and eyelids should be black or as dark as possible, with winter fading permitted. Faults include patches, noticeable color areas, yellow or grey shading, spotted color, or alopecia. The coat color must emphasize purity and the unique identity of the breed.
Size
Height at the withers: males 60–66 cm, females 55–61 cm. Weight is proportional to height and body structure, generally 30–40 kg for males and 25–35 kg for females. Balance is essential — the dog must not be overly light or excessively massive. The type must remain working, without heaviness. Oversized dogs may lose balance and endurance; undersized dogs may lack correct breed format. Size evaluation is always combined with bone, musculature, and overall harmony.
Faults
Faults include any deviation that reduces breed type but is not disqualifying. These include insufficient pigment of nose and eyelids, light eyes, coarse or curly coat, insufficient bone, narrow body, weak musculature, incorrect angulation, unstable topline, soft tail, timidity, excessive excitability, or lack of self-assurance. All faults should be evaluated according to their impact on health, structure, and behavior, and must not interfere with functional ability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualification applies to aggression or extreme shyness, unstable temperament, complete or near-complete depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids, incorrect bite (overshot or undershot), absence of canines or incisors, blue or heterochromic eyes, albinism, patches or colored markings, yellow or grey coat areas, drop or semi-erect ears, short or curled tail. Also disqualifying are severe anatomical defects, serious movement impairment, hereditary disorders, and cryptorchidism. Any dog lacking correct breed type may not be bred.
Important Notes
Only fully healthy, mentally stable dogs with correct breed expression and temperament may be used for breeding. The White Swiss Shepherd must retain working abilities and balanced temperament; therefore, conformation is assessed together with behavior. Breeding dogs with aggression, genetic disease, weak nerves, strong fear responses, or insufficient pigmentation is not permitted. The goal of breeding must be preservation of health, functionality, and breed type, not decorative exaggeration. Responsible selection is the foundation of breed quality.
Conclusion
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a modern working and family breed with a pure appearance, high intelligence, and stable temperament. It combines beauty, activity, obedience, and strong loyalty to its owner. With proper upbringing, it becomes a reliable helper, guardian, and sensitive companion. The breed requires mental and physical stimulation, close human interaction, and participation in family life. Preservation of breed qualities, correct temperament, and healthy anatomy is the primary responsibility of breeders. The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is ideal for those seeking a partner for both work and everyday life.
