Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The White Swiss Shepherd descends from white working dogs historically used throughout Central Europe as herding and guarding animals. Although its roots stretch far back, the breed took shape relatively recently, when in the mid-20th century white representatives of shepherd dogs were separated into an independent breeding line. They were valued for their high trainability, stable temperament, and ability to work under diverse conditions. The breed received formal development in Switzerland, where selection focused on preserving the white coat, strong constitution, and steady psyche. Today, the White Swiss Shepherd is recognized as a versatile working breed that excels in service, sport, and as a reliable family companion.
General Appearance
The White Swiss Shepherd is a large, harmoniously built, strong yet elegant dog with an elongated outline and well-developed musculature. The topline is smooth and stable; the chest is deep; the back is long and firm. The head is elongated, dry, and proportional to the body, with expressive dark eyes. The ears are erect, high-set, triangular. The tail is long, carried low with a gentle curve at the end. The coat may be medium-length or long, always dense, thick, and pure white. The overall type conveys strength, endurance, attentiveness, and working ability, while retaining light, free movement and a noble silhouette.
Important Proportions
The breed has an elongated format: body length clearly exceeds height at the withers by approximately 10–15%, ensuring elasticity and fluidity of gait. Chest depth reaches about half the height at the withers, providing balanced lung capacity and stamina. Head length represents roughly 40% of the body length, contributing to the dry, elongated profile. The muzzle is nearly equal in length to the skull, preserving harmonious lines. Limbs are of moderate length, proportional to the body, supporting stable, straight movement. The tail reaches at least to the hock. All proportions must emphasize the breed’s functional, working nature.
Behavior and Temperament
The White Swiss Shepherd is known for its stable temperament, high trainability, and pronounced human orientation. The dog combines gentleness and friendliness within the family with attentiveness and a willingness to work. It is calm, predictable, and not inclined to unprovoked aggression, yet capable of confident protection when necessary. The breed adapts quickly to new environments, displays initiative, and seeks interaction. Proper socialization unlocks its intellectual potential — the White Swiss Shepherd excels in search-and-rescue, therapy work, obedience, and protection sports. Excessive shyness or aggression are considered deviations from breed type.
Head
The head is elongated, dry, noble, and proportional to the body, with smooth lines and distinct sexual dimorphism. The skull is slightly domed or nearly flat, of moderate width. The stop is gentle but clearly defined. The muzzle is long, wedge-shaped, with a straight bridge, neither coarse nor overly fine. Lips are dry, black, and tightly fitting. The nose is well-pigmented, preferably black. Scissor bite; teeth strong and regular. The expression is intelligent, soft, attentive, emphasizing the breed’s working nature and friendliness.
Foreface
The foreface features clean, dry lines and a precise outline. The muzzle is elongated, wedge-shaped, tapering evenly toward the nose, retaining enough volume for a firm grip. Lips are thin, tight, without looseness. The nose is large, black, with wide nostrils. The chin is defined but not protruding. Cheeks are moderately developed, supporting the head’s shape without adding heaviness. The transition between skull and muzzle must remain smooth and harmonious. The foreface should convey nobility and softness without coarseness or weakness.
Eyes
Eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, giving the expression softness, attentiveness, and calm confidence. The color is predominantly dark brown; lighter shades may be acceptable if they harmonize with the overall type, though very light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are dry, with firm black pigmentation, fitting tightly without signs of ectropion or entropion. The expression is lively, kind, focused, reflecting the breed’s intelligence and trainability. Round, protruding, overly small, or asymmetrical eyes are faults. Harsh, anxious, or aggressive expression does not correspond to breed type.
Ears
Ears are erect, triangular, medium in size, high-set, and slightly pointing forward. The cartilage is firm; the ears must remain stable both at rest and in movement. Tips are gently rounded, but the overall shape is well defined. Ears must not be overly large, heavy, wide-set, or too close together. Semi-pricked, dropped, or soft ears are unacceptable. Correct ear set contributes to the alert, focused expression characteristic of the breed.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, well muscled, and flows smoothly into the withers. The topline of the neck is gently arched, emphasizing the noble profile and expressive head carriage. The skin is tight, without dewlap, preserving clean lines. The neck must be long enough to allow free movement of the head but not excessively extended to avoid disrupting balance. Musculature is strong but not coarse. Proper neck structure enhances harmony, strength, elegance, and working ability.
Body
The body is elongated, strong, and harmonious, reflecting the breed’s working purpose and endurance. The topline is straight and stable; the withers are well pronounced, leading into a long, firm back. The loin is strong, muscular, slightly raised, without weakness. The chest is deep and well developed, reaching the elbows; ribs are moderately arched, allowing excellent respiratory capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, contributing to the dry, functional outline. The croup is long, slightly sloping, and powerful, aiding efficient propulsion. The body must appear strong, balanced, and agile, never coarse or light.
Tail
The tail is long, densely coated, and low-set. At rest it hangs to the hock or slightly curved; in movement it rises but never curls over the back or forms a rigid ring. The tail serves as an important balancing tool, helping maintain stability during rapid or sustained motion. It should be straight, strong, without kinks, and move naturally. A tail that is high-set, short, deformed, or carried incorrectly is considered a fault. Proper tail structure enhances elegance and functionality.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, dry, well-boned, and parallel. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and well laid back, allowing wide reach and shock absorption. Upper arms are strong; the shoulder joint angle is well defined, promoting free forward extension. Elbows lie close to the body, directed backward, without turning in or out. Forearms are long, straight, and strong. Pasterns are slightly sloping, elastic but not weak. The forequarters must convey strength, accuracy, and fluidity, free of weakness or misalignment.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful and well muscled, providing strong propulsion and stability. Thighs are long, broad, and muscular. Stifles show well-defined angulation, neither too straight nor overly sharp. Lower legs are long, dry, and directed backward, shaping a harmonious outline. Hocks are short, vertical, strong, without softness or inclination. Rear pasterns must be parallel and firm. Cow-hocks, narrow stance, weak ligaments, or uneven movement constitute faults. Correct hindquarters demonstrate stamina, energy, and the ability to sustain demanding work.
Gait / Movement
Movement is free, light, confident, with excellent reach and drive. Forelegs extend smoothly and evenly; hind legs provide strong but controlled propulsion. The topline remains stable without sway or dip. The trot should be elastic, straight, and ground-covering. The dog must demonstrate energy, balance, and the ability to change direction without loss of stability. Stiffness, short steps, narrow or turned-out movement, rolling, or insufficient drive are faults. Proper movement reflects the working nature and overall structural harmony of the breed.
Coat
The breed has a double coat: a dense, thick undercoat and a straight or slightly wavy outer coat. The coat may be medium-length or long, but always remains dense, moderately close-fitting, and protective against cold and moisture. The texture should be resilient, not soft, woolly, overly harsh, or flying. Long, flowing coat without undercoat, excessive softness, curls, or insufficient density is unacceptable. The color is pure white, with a slight cream hue permitted if it does not disturb the overall impression. Proper coat structure highlights elegance and working type.
Permitted Colors
Color is strictly white. A light cream shade may appear, especially on the ears or topline, if it does not detract from the clean white impression. The undercoat must also be light. Any deviation beyond white — including yellowish, gray, reddish, or brownish patches — is undesirable. Dark pigmentation of skin, nose, eyelids, lips, and paw pads is preferred. The coat must appear uniform, dense, and evenly colored. Correct color enhances the breed’s purity and expression.
Size
The White Swiss Shepherd is a large, strong yet balanced dog. Males typically stand 60–66 cm at the withers; females 55–61 cm. Weight ranges from 25 to 40 kg depending on sex, structure, and condition. The dog must remain dry, muscular, with a well-developed chest and adequate body volume, without excessive heaviness or looseness. All measurements must correspond to the elongated format, maintaining lightness of movement and working functionality. Significant deviations in height, weak build, or excessive mass are considered faults.
Faults
Faults include any deviation that reduces structural harmony or working ability without critically impairing function. Moderate faults include poor musculature, loose body structure, insufficient chest depth, narrow or misaligned limbs. An uneven topline, soft pasterns, unstable gait, insufficient drive, or stiffness are also undesirable. Light eyes or insufficient pigmentation of eyelids, nose, or lips diminish expression. Soft, overly long, or curly coat, as well as deviations from pure white coloring, violate breed type. All faults must be assessed by degree and impact on function.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include traits that fundamentally contradict breed type or impede normal function. Unprovoked aggression, panic-level fear, or severe behavioral issues eliminate the dog from breeding. Undershot or overshot bite, significant jaw deformities, or missing key teeth are unacceptable. Very light eyes, lack of pigmentation on eyelids or nose, semi-prick or dropped ears, a short tail, or structural deformities also lead to disqualification. Any deviation from white coloring — patches, spotting, roaning, or foreign pigmentation — is prohibited. Severe gait abnormalities, serious skin conditions, or signs of mixed ancestry are grounds for exclusion.
Important Notes
As a working breed, the White Swiss Shepherd must always be evaluated with consideration for functionality, endurance, and capacity for physical work. Sexual dimorphism must be evident: males stronger and more imposing; females lighter but not weak. The coat must retain its natural structure — any cosmetic alteration is impermissible. Seasonal changes in undercoat density are acceptable. Pigmentation, eye condition, skin health, and movement stability require special attention. Artificial enhancement, color alteration, or modification of anatomical features is prohibited.
Conclusion
The White Swiss Shepherd is a versatile working breed that unites strength, endurance, intelligence, and steady character. Its noble appearance, pure white coat, expressive movement, and high trainability make it an excellent partner both in family life and in service. The breed excels in search-and-rescue, therapy, obedience, and protection work. With proper socialization and training, the White Swiss Shepherd becomes a reliable companion capable of maintaining control and stability in any environment. Preservation of breed type, sound health, and working purpose remains essential for the continued development and excellence of this remarkable breed.
