East German Shepherd vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed ComparisonEast German Shepherd is originated from Germany but Berger Blanc Suisse is originated from Switzerland. Both East German Shepherd and Berger Blanc Suisse are having almost same height. Both East German Shepherd and Berger Blanc Suisse are of same weight. Both East German Shepherd and Berger Blanc Suisse has almost same life span. Both East German Shepherd and Berger Blanc Suisse has almost same litter size. East German Shepherd requires High maintenance. But Berger Blanc Suisse requires Moderate maintenance

History

east german shepherd - historyThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

berger blanc suisse - historyThe Berger Blanc Suisse is also referred to as the White Swiss Shepherd. The dog shares the same ancestry with the German Shepherd. The beautiful white dog from Switzerland, is closely related to the White Shepherd. Both breeds are descended from the German Shepherd breed.

It was in 1967 that a certain Agatha Burch brought a White German Shepherd with her to Switzerland and also importing a female white German Shepherd from the UK. It was these 2 dogs who were believed to be the first breeding dogs for the Berger Blanc Suisse. After a number of years, the breed was officially recognized in July 2011. In the USA and Canada, these White Shepherd dogs have been accepted as a distinct breed.

Description

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

Good Looks

berger blanc suisse puppy - descriptionThe medium-sized, well muscled Berger Blanc Suisse looks so much like the popular German Shepherd, and apart from its white coat, it has much the same physical standards. The females are about 55–61cm in height while the males are 60–66cm in height. The dogs dense, medium-length double coat tends to be slightly wavy but straight is more common. He has a long bushy tail.

The Berger Blanc Suisse is somewhat longer than it is tall, but like the German Shepherd, it also has erect ears. In contrast to the white coat, the nose is black and the dog had dark, alert eyes.

Temperament

This is an intelligent, confident dog and if you buy a puppy, of which the average litter size is 8, you will need to provide training and socialization to ensure he doesn't act totally independently and behave in a manner not pleasing to you. Once he is trained and socialized, he makes a wonderful pet and is social, playful and gentle. He is loyal and devoted to his human family, wanting to protect them. He is good around children and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

berger blanc suisse dog - characteristicsWhen you first set eyes on the Berger Blanc Suisse or White Shepherd, you can see that this is a strong, well-muscled, energetic dog, full of life and intelligent too. Add to that the fact that he is beautiful to look at.

Your Berger Blanc Suisse dog is gentle and loyal with his own human family and will be somewhat wary of strangers. This dog is balanced, good-natured, friendly and affectionate and he just loves spending time with his family, being a good watch dog as well. He’s got so much going for him – good looks, a great personality, he is loyal, loving, strong, healthy and he’ll make one hang of a pet.

Health Problems

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

berger blanc suisse puppies - health problemsYour White Swiss Shepherd is a healthy, energetic, strong dog, but even so when you find him lethargic and listless, you want to get him to the vet for a check-up. It is always a good idea to be alert to common dog illnesses so that you know what to look out for in your dog.

Bloat

A common problem with dogs. The dog becomes restless and the abdomen is often enlarged. Get your dog to the doctor immediately.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

This is a developmental defect of the hip and elbow joints and you’ll notice your pet battling to rise again after lying down.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease of the nervous system where the hind legs and feet drag. Sometimes the dog loses control over the bladder.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

High Quality Food

berger blanc suisse dogs - caringApart from your Berger Blanc Suisse puppy need an excellent quality puppy food 4 times a day, as he gets older you will need to adjust his food to suit his high energy needs. Once your pet reaches a year of age you will know whether he requires one or two helpings of food a day. You can feed him a top quality commercial manufactured food or you can make your own home-made food for him which includes meat, rice and vegetables.

You want to make 100% sure he is getting the correct dosage of minerals and vitamins to ensure good health. To keep his eyes bright and his nose wet, include some raw meat into his diet as well. Make sure that he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Lots of Exercise

Remember that your Berger Blanc Suisse is a working dog and he will need plenty of exercise. Apart from taking him on long walks, you can throw balls for him, buy rope toys for him and give him some rough and tumble. He is an intelligent breed and he will require some games that give him mental stimulation too.

Grooming

Check regularly for fleas and ticks. You’ll pick this up with brushing his beautiful coat. Frequent brushing will help keep your dog clean and also remove all those loose hairs. Your White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a moderate, but constant shedder as well as being a heavy seasonal shedder so you will need to give him a good brush at least twice a week.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Switzerland
Height Male:
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
55 - 61 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
30 - 40 kg
66 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Snowy Shepherd
Colors Available:
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
White
Coat:
double, dense
varies from short to medium
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  6. East German Shepherd vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  7. East German Shepherd vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  8. East German Shepherd vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Saarlooswolfhond vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Border Collie vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  27. Catahoula Leopard vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  28. German Pinscher vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  30. Puli vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  31. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  32. Borador vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  33. German Spaniel vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  34. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  35. McNab vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  36. Porcelaine vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Lapphund vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  38. Berger Blanc Suisse vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  46. Pumi vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  49. Jamthund vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds