Is White Swiss Shepherd suitable for you?
WSS is a fantastic breed, great companion and a family guard. As every dog and other animal friend, WSS is a breed which needs mainly your time, willingness, devotion, patience and will. WSS is absolutely dependent on you, like all domesticated animals.
Here are a few questions which may help you make a decision. If you answer at least once NO, it may be necessary to re-think your idea to buy a puppy of WSS (or any other animal) at this moment of your life!
1.Are you willing to undertake a financial and time commitment for 10-14years?
It is a certain commitment, a time and financial one, if you decide to own an animal. The purchase price is just a fragment of the other financial expenses for your dog in the future. WSS is a big dog, which needs a lot of high quality food, treats, other regular vaccinations and de-worming. It is needed to count in collars, leashes, and training lessons, travelling fees or accommodation in hotels when travelling.
WSS is very social and loves his family. He hates to be alone for a long time. Therefore you need to consider, if you want to give up longer holidays, or travels abroad, without your pet.
2.Do you have enough time that you are willing and able to devote to your WSS?
Training and exercise
WSS is a shepherd and therefore he needs to occupy his mind. He is not going to bring himself up. He hates to be bored. It is not enough for him to run around in the garden, nor chasing a ball endlessly. He needs mental stimulation. He loves long walks, swimming, needs daily exercise. WSS is a big dog which needs proper socialization, at least basic commands and skills, new mental impulses. He loves to learn new things, he is thankful, if you keep him „occupied“ with an interesting and stimulating activity. Without proper training, he can become a garden, grass or furniture destroyer and a destructor.
Socialization
WSS needs proper socialization, getting used to other dogs, people, cars, life outside your house and garden. Also, he needs quality time with you and your family. He loves cuddling, human attention and being part of everything that has to do with his „pack“. He hates to be excluded from your life. Our dogs travel to holidays with us, go to restaurants, sleep in our bed with us (although we swore we would not allow it). Besides that it is necessary to realize, that if you own other animals you will have to teach them to learn to live together. He will not learn that on his own, contrary, every dog is a hunter and it is confusing for him to be punished for his nature without proper training.
General Care
WSS is a breed, which sheds. Especially during the shedding time (2x a year) it is necessary to comb him regularly. From time to time he will need a bath, regular de-worming, nails cutting, ear cleaning, etc. If you want the WSS to have a beautiful white coat, you will need to take care of it.
Are you looking for a family dog and a friend for children?
WSS is a breed which loves his family, he loves children. However, if you buy the dog to live with children, you need to realize that you will have to watch their relationship. Do not think that the dog will learn to co-exist with children by himself. And vice versa. You need to realize that children under 12 years cannot judge how to treat and behave around animals. If you have small children you will need to watch, direct and coordinate the relationship very carefully.
Do you have your housing sorted out?
Does your current housing allow you to bring a big dog in? If you live in an apartment building, will your neighbors tolerate a big dog? Does your house and garden have proper fencing, so that your dog cannot run away or other dogs can get there? In case that you are planning to move, you should re-evaluate your idea to buy a dog at this time.
Are you prepared that female dogs are in heat 2x a year?
In case that you want to buy a female, beware that they are in heat 2x a year (for 3-4 weeks). It is time when females may be moody, listen less, are sensitive and attract male dogs from around. Without your attention and carefulness, there could happen an unwanted mating which you will have to solve. EVERY TREATMENT IS AN INTERVENTION TO THE FEMALE’S BODY. Good quality prevention is always better than intervention, which can bring terrible effects.
If you own a male, you will go through the heat with every female around, not only 2x in a year. You have to be able to handle him and watch so that he does not run away and get lost.
Are you a person who is patient and has understanding for dog behavior?
Each dog (even the one with the best training) can, from time to time, do something that you will not be happy about. He may break, bite through, dig up, step on, dig out, make dirty, knock over, plant out, eat... something that he means well in dog world, but people see it differently. If you are not ready to tolerate this from time to time, then you should reconsider buying a dog.