Berger Blanc Suisse

The Berger Blanc Suisse (German: Weisser Schweizer Schäferhund, White Swiss Shepherd Dog) is a breed of dog from Switzerland. It is not the same as a White Shepherd Dog; it is recognized as a separate breed by the FCI.

History

On 3 April 1899, the first German Shepherd Dog as we know the breed today is oficially registered. This dog was an absolutely white coated male, and was the use amongcattle and sheep herders at that time, they used this white dog to distinguish them from wolves.

After the creation of the German Shepherd breed, all colours were accepted. It was in the first decades of the 20th century, when the white exemplaries were excluded, therefore persecuted and almost wiped out in Europe. The White Swiss Shepherd Now in Australia As of 6th May 2008 the Australia National Canine Council recognized the Berger Blanc Suisse as a White Swiss Shepherd providing imported dogs have 4 generations of FCI BBS registration on their pedigree. White Shepherds in Australia cannot have their names changed to White Swiss Shepherds. Clubs advertising white (German) Shepherds as White Swiss Shepherds are being untruthful and misleading. The FCI approved White Swiss Shepherd can be shown in Australia from January 2009.

Fortunately, the White Shepherd was already spread in North America, raised and protected by farmers. The breed turned out to be called "American Canadian White Shepherd".

The first White Shepherd club was founded in the 1970s in America. Meanwhile the breed appeared again in Europe. At first in Switzerland and Denmark, Germany came next. Slowly, the European cynological societies began to open their stud books to the White Shepherd.

The dog Lobo, born in 1966, was the first White Shepherd to be registered in Europe, specifically in Switzerland. The breed was recognized in Switzerland 1991, the Netherlands followed in 1992. The Czech Republic, Austria and Denmark also recognized the breed.

External links

• White Shepherds in Australia
• American White Shepherd at Dog Breed Info Center
• Club Español Berger Blanc Suisse