To study the subject, it is essential to delve back into its history.
The White Swiss Shepherd, also known as the American White Shepherd, is a breed whose history is marked by periods of rejection, revival, and international recognition. Although it shares deep roots with the German Shepherd, its journey as a distinct breed reflects the dedication and passion of breeders worldwide.
Shared Origins with the German Shepherd
The history of the White Swiss Shepherd traces back to the early days of the German Shepherd's development. In 1899, Max E. von Stephanitz, considered the father of the German Shepherd, selected Horand von Grafrath as the founding dog of his breeding program. Although Horand was gray and yellow in color, he carried the recessive gene that masks color, inherited from his grandfather Greif von Sparwasser, a white German Shepherd. Thus, white puppies could occasionally appear in litters of colored Shepherds. In 1908, Stephanitz declared that color should not influence selection and that favoring a specific shade was absurd. The first German Shepherds therefore displayed a wide variety of colors: solid black, wolf gray, gray-yellow, and solid white.
Berno von der Seewiese, born in 1913, is the first white German Shepherd registered in the studbook.
Decline under Nazi Influence
Max E. von Stephanitz devoted his life to making this breed an exceptional working dog. However, his dream was shattered under the Nazi regime. The Nazis, focused on appearance rather than the dog's abilities, considered the white coat a flaw. According to them, a true German Shepherd could only be colored. Stephanitz, under the threat of being sent to a concentration camp, was forced to cooperate. In 1933, the white coat was excluded from the breed standard. Under this influence, cruel methods were employed to eliminate White Shepherds.
Betrayed in his ideals, Stephanitz resigned from the presidency of his German Shepherd Club in 1935. He passed away the following year.
Victim of Prejudices in Post-War Europe
In 1959, the final blow fell for the white German Shepherd in Europe. The Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, the German Shepherd breed club, declared the White Shepherd albino and prohibited its use in breeding programs. The standard was modified: dogs with more than 50% white or considered albino were disqualified. This absurdity led European breeders to eliminate their white puppies at birth. In a very short time, the White German Shepherd almost completely disappeared from Europe.
The Emergence of the White Shepherd in America and Canada
While the White Shepherd was rejected in Europe, it found a sanctuary in North America where it continued to be registered. Ann Tracy became famous worldwide among White Shepherd enthusiasts. Ann was a German Shepherd breeder and an enthusiastic admirer of the breed. The White Shepherds from her breeding were linked to the first German Shepherds, Horand V Grafrath and his littermate Luchs. In 1917, four white puppies were born in her kennel from two colored parents, with Luchs as the grandparent. The firstborn was Edmund, and his littermates were Eadrid, Eric, and Elf. Edmund was also the very first White German Shepherd registered in America. With her dogs, Ann launched the first white bloodline in America.
Ann Tracy
In 1923, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge imported some German Shepherds from the best German bloodlines. Miss Rockefeller lived on an estate of over 8 km² in Morris County (New Jersey), with kennels accommodating more than 150 dogs. At her breeding facility, "Giralda Farm," she raised lines of black, colored, and white German Shepherds. Her dogs were renowned for their exceptional quality, and many modern dogs trace their origins to this breeding program.
To protect the White German Shepherd, the first American White Shepherd Club was founded in 1964. Another club followed, named the "White German Shepherd Club." In 1976, the club changed its name to "American Shepherd Club International," and in 1977, it became the "White German Shepherd Dog Club International" (WGSDCI). Meanwhile, Canada founded a club dedicated to the White Shepherd in 1970, the WSCC ("White Shepherd Club of Canada"). The fight to save the White Shepherd had begun. In 1970, Dr. Peter Neufeld published a book titled "The Invincible White Shepherd", highlighting the breed’s unique history and value. These efforts helped preserve the breed in North America despite persistent prejudices.
Revival in Europe
In Europe, the revival of the White Shepherd came later. In the 1970s and 1980s, White German Shepherds were introduced to Europe. Ms. Agathe Burch, originally from Switzerland, returned from the United States to her home country with her male White Shepherd, Lobo of White Burch. Shortly after, he was joined by White Lilac of Blinkbonny, a female from England. Together, they were bred under the Shangrila affix. Their offspring began to spread throughout Europe, and the Shangrila breeding lines were crossed with the few remaining White Shepherds in Europe, as well as with other American and Canadian imports. This litter was the first to be officially registered in the studbook. Consequently, the American male "Lobo," born in 1966, can be considered the founder of this breed in Switzerland and Europe.
Lobo of White Burch
In France, Daniel Jumentier played a key role in the White Shepherd’s revival. After importing a male named Corado Von Den Wessengard to France, he founded in 1989 the ACBB (Amicale du Chien de Berger Blanc) to ensure the breed’s development and recognition in the French territory.
Corado Von Den Wessengard
In 2002, Switzerland achieved official recognition of the breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Thus, the White Shepherd was officially renamed the White Swiss Shepherd and registered under standard number 347. Over the past three decades, White Shepherds have firmly established themselves across Europe, enjoying growing popularity. Dedicated breed clubs exist in many countries, and breeders’ efforts have preserved the dogs’ unique qualities while ensuring their health and well-being.
Distinctive Characteristics of the White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd is an elegant dog, with a pristine coat that can be short or long. Its harmonious silhouette, erect ears, and expressive eyes reflect both the breed’s nobility and gentleness. Known for its intelligence and loyal nature, the White Swiss Shepherd is an ideal family companion and an excellent working dog.
Although it shares many qualities with the German Shepherd, it stands out for its generally calmer temperament and heightened sensitivity. This combination makes it highly suitable for a variety of roles, from assisting people with disabilities to search and rescue.
The White Swiss Shepherd is thus a distinct evolution of the German Shepherd, gradually developing its own traits to become a fully recognized breed.
