berger_hund

Leonberger

Leonberger Breed

Facts and Drawbacks

The Leonberger is one of the oldest breeds originating in Germany. It is a large, long haired breed that was always meant to be foremost a companion and watch dog. Leonbergers can come in different colors and build but all should have black masks and have a strong body that is still elegant and neither massive nor plump.

"The Leonberger is a strong muscular, yet elegant dog. He is distinguished by his balanced body type and confident calmness, yet lively temperament. Males, in particular, are powerful and strong."

Leonberger FCI Standard

The Leonberger breed is not for everybody. Leonbergers are large and powerful dogs that need training from early puppyhood so an owner can live with the full grown dog of over 100 pounds without issues. While meant to be a perfect family dog, careful selection of breeding dogs (puppy buyers need to be very diligent in choosing a breeder) and early socialisation are key in order to achive the perfect companion the Leonbergers should be.

The Leonberger is classified by the FCI in the molossians, type mountain dog (Group 2, Section 2.2), not a typical working breed that was bred to serve one purpose. Today's Leonberger is best described as a family companion who is willing to take over the task of companionship and almost anything else their pack leaders can come with. While not a good choice for a running or bicycling companion, Leonbergers do enjoy hiking, swimming, and gatherings of family and friends. Leonbergers can be trained to do almost anything as long as you have patience and a sense of humor! Leonbergers have captured working titles in obedience, water rescue, agility, carting and herding, and seem to have a natural ability as therapy dogs. They are happiest as a member of a family that includes the Leonberger in daily activities.

The LCA put together a little writeup with all the reasons why you might not want to buy a Leonberger. Download here. In case you still are convinced that the Leonberger is the right breed for you, please visit the Looking for a Puppy? section of this website to read about what to look for in a breeder and in the parents of your future own "wittle weo".

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Den Berger Picard (uttales ‘Bare-zhay Pee-carr’) også kjent som Picardie Shepherd, anses for å være Frankrikes eldste sheepdog. Faktisk, dens scraggly, skjuler mutt-lignende utseende en rik og fargerik historie som går tilbake til det 9. århundre. Det er en middels stor, muskuløse hund med en litt langstrakt kropp. Ørene er spisse og oppreist, og dets øyenbryn er buskete, men ikke overdrevet slik at de dekker hundens øyne. Den Berger Picard ytre strøk er grov og scraggly å ta på og dekker en myk, tett underull.

Som de fleste raser av gjeterhund, Berger Picards er livlig, intelligent, årvåken og selvsikker. De er svært lydhør overfor lydighet dressur og krever en eier med en mild, men bestemt touch. Selv om det fortsatt brukes til gjeting formål i sitt hjemland Frankrike, de er også brukt i hunde agility prøvelser, sporing, lydighet, showmanship, Schutzhund, flyball, lure coursing, fransk Ring Sport og gjeting hendelser. De er også en svært lojal type hund og gjøre gode følgesvenner.

Først brakt til Nord-Frankrike av kelterne under 9-tallet, har Berger Picards blitt brukt som gjeterhunder av den franske i århundrer. De har også vært omtalt i ulike gobelin, raderinger og tresnitt blant annet som Clément Delorme, den første Master Shepherd of France. Berger Picards ble også brukt til å smugle tobakk og fyrstikker over den fransk-belgiske grensen. Disse elementene av smuglergods ble satt i geiteskinn poser og festet til scraggly strøk av Picards, der de ikke ville trekke uønsket oppmerksomhet.

Når skyttergravskrig av første verdenskrig og andre verdenskrig nådde Nord-Frankrike, bestander av Berger Picards nådde en all-time low. Rasen så en delvis vekkelse etter slutten av andre verdenskrig, og har siden blitt omtalt i ulike filmer som “På grunn av Winn Dixie”, “Daniel og Superdogs” og “Are We Done Yet?”

Det er to skoler med tanke om stamtavle av Berger Picards. Mens noen mener at de nedstammer fra Briard andBeauceron, andre mener at de Opprinnelseate fra nederlandske og belgiske Shepherds.

Berger Picards er en energisk rase og bør fôres på høy kvalitet tørket eller hermetisk mat. Deres kosthold kan også suppleres med sporadiske rått kjøtt.

Som de fleste andre hyrde raser Berger Picards er svært intelligente og responsive til lydighet dressur. Men de kan være egenrådig og sta når de står overfor en mangel på lederskap. Derfor er det viktig at eierne viser en rolig og selvsikker lederstil konsekvent.

Berger Picard hanner kan veie alt mellom 50-70 pounds.

Berger Picards anses å være en av de mellower og lettere å gå raser blant gjeterhunder. De er også svært lojale mot sine eiere og svært hengiven mot barn. Som de fleste gjeterhunder, Berger Picards krever nær kontakt med mennesker å leve godt balansert liv, og bør gjøres for å føle en del av den menneskelige ‘pakke’. Dette kan gjøres ved å ta dem på lang pakke turer hver dag. Berger Picards kan være egenrådig og sta hvis de føler svakhet eller tviler på en eier. Derfor er det viktig at eierne være rolig og selvsikker med å sette regler, grenser og begrensninger.

Berger Picards generelt ikke vise noen gode jakt instinkter og kommer godt overens med andre hunder og kjæledyr. Men det er lurt å sosialisere dem med andre dyr tidlig i livet for å sikre at problemer ikke oppstår etter hvert som de blir eldre.

Berger Picards er naturlig årvåken overfor fremmede og gjøre gode vakthunder. De er imidlertid sjelden aggressiv og vil bare angripe hvis de føler at deres eiere er under umiddelbar fare.

Berger Picards er generelt en veldig sunn hunderase. De kan noen ganger har problemer med hofteleddsdysplasi. Visse arvelige plager som progressiv retina atrofi og retinal dysplasi kan forekomme i visse linjer.

Berger Picards har en levetid på rundt 12-13 år.

Berger Picards er en høy energi hunderase og krever en betydelig mengde daglig mosjon. De er utmerkede jogging og fotturer ledsagere og vil også nyte et godt løp sammen med en sykkel. Som de fleste arbeids raser, de er på sitt lykkeligste når gitt en “meningsfull” oppgave.

AKC har dette å si om Berger Picard: “En middels stor, aktiv og atletisk gjeterhund, den Berger Picard ble avlet for å være en arbeids ledsager, entusiastisk utføre jobben sin samtidig som svarer godt til dressur. Denne rasen har en lodden, stri topcoat med en kort, tett underull for å produsere en værbestandig pels som er samlet ru å ta på. Den Picards pelsen kommer i nyanser av fawn med eller uten grå underlag og trim på ørene samt brindle. Månedlig børsting er nødvendig for å hindre matting, med sporadiske bading og hånd-stripping av ørene til neaten. “The Berger Picard ble offisielt anerkjent av American Kennel Club i 2013.

Til tross for sin scraggly utseende, er Berger Picard et relativt lite vedlikehold hund. Deres strøk skur lett og trenger bare å bli stelt en gang eller to ganger i måneden. De har også en meget liten utholdende lukt og trenger ikke å bli vasket.

Berger Picard valper er svært energiske og bør sosialiseres med ulike dyr og fremmede i svært ung alder.

Berger Picard

Eva-Maria Kramer, Animal Photography

Eva-Maria Kramer, Animal Photography

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Ron Willbie, Animal Photography

• Breed Group: Herding
• Height: 21.5 to 25.5 inches
• Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

If the Border Collie is the CEO of the herding group, the Berger Picard is the comic relief. He thrives on affection, but he needs more than that: He needs a job. Plan on spending plenty of time training and exercising this engaging dog, who charms everyone he meets with his scruffy appearance and goofy grin.

Breed Characteristics

1. Adaptability

Did You Know?

The Picard has large, naturally upright ears. The ears may droop while a puppy is teething, but they will regain their erect appearance once the permanent teeth are in.

At a glance, you might think that the Berger Picard (pronounced “bare-ZHAY pee-CARR”) is a member of the muttley crew. With his rough, shaggy coat, Groucho Marx eyebrows and bearded face, the rare French sheepdog looks enough like a mixed breed that the producers of the 2005 film “Because of Winn-Dixie” selected him to play a lovable mutt in the movie.

The breed’s appearance in the film catapulted it to, well, not stardom, but it did put it on the path to American citizenship. In the nine years since the movie’s release, fans of the Picard imported dogs for themselves, formed a breed club, and began breeding and exhibiting the dogs. The Berger Picard achieved AKC recognition in 2015.

If the Picard looks familiar and you haven't watched "Winn-Dixie," it may be because you've seen the breed in the Animal Planet show “Treehouse Masters,” the movies “Daniel and the Superdogs” or “Are We Done Yet?” or in J. Crew advertisements or a Verizon commercial.

People who live with the Picard describe him as comical, smart and athletic. He’s often described as having a humanlike gaze — one that says “I love you.”

These active dogs tend to have lots of stamina. Once you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian, this dog may be the ideal companion for jogging, hiking or running alongside your bicycle. Many love to swim and can hardly be dragged out of the water. At a minimum, the Berger Picard needs several brisk walks daily. He does have an "off switch," though, and will lie quietly in the house once you’re back from your outing.

Dog sports? He excels at herding, of course, and is also capable of succeeding in agility, obedience and rally, to name just a few of the events in which you might find him competing.

Is the Picard parfait? No breed is. He can be a digger and may be destructive if he’s bored. But if you and your family are active and loving with a strong sense of humor, he could be the perfect choice.

Quick Facts

• Berger is the French word for shepherd, and Picardy is the region in France where the breed originated.
• One of the Picard’s distinctive characteristics is his J-shaped tail, reminiscent of a shepherd’s crook.
• Picard puppies typically go to their new homes at 12 weeks of age, but breeders may place them earlier depending on the individual puppy and family situation.
• The Berger Picard’s coat may be fawn or brindle. Some fawn-colored dogs have charcoal-gray trim on the outer edges of the ears and gray shading, or underlay, on the head and body. Brindle dogs can be any base color, ranging from light gray or fawn to black, with stripes or small patches of black, brown, red, gray or fawn.

The History of Berger Picards

Imagine going to a movie theater and falling in love with Brad Pitt, then going home and finding out that you can actually buy Brad Pitt. That’s how Betsy Richards, president of the Berger Picard Club of America, describes her introduction to the breed, which first came to her attention when she saw the movie “Because of Winn-Dixie.”

Using the Internet, she tracked down a breeder in France and flew there in September 2005 to pick up her new dog. Almost as soon as she arrived home, she realized she needed a second one because her three sons monopolized the new puppy. That was the beginning of the breed’s formal history in this country. Although some Picards had been imported earlier, no one had ever made a successful effort to establish them here.

But long before the Picard immigrated to America, he herded sheep in northern France and is thought to be the oldest of the French sheepdogs. The concept of pure breeds didn’t exist until the mid-19th century, but dogs resembling the Picard have been depicted for centuries in tapestries, engravings and woodcuts.

The Berger Picard made an appearance in a French dog show in 1863 and participated in herding trials but was not especially popular. The French Shepherd Club did not officially recognize the breed until 1925. The American Kennel Club began registering the breed with its Foundation Stock Service in 2007 and recognized the Picard as a member of the Herding Group in July 2015.

Many of the dogs did not survive the ravages of two World Wars and approached extinction, but dog lovers in the 1950s worked to bring them back. Picards are now found not only in their native France but also in other European countries, Canada and the United States.

Berger Picard Temperament and Personality

The Picard is a character, no doubt about it. When he cocks his head and looks at you, you can’t help but laugh. This is a dog with a sense of humor. Picards are comedians and will do anything to make you laugh.

Picards are known for being ready and willing to perform. One is known to sing twice daily as the church bells ring. He does an excellent rendition of Ave Maria. When they’re not in choir practice, Picards generally bark an alert if they see or hear something unusual.

Herding breeds are highly observant, and the Berger Picard is no exception. He’s good at reading people and responding to their needs, whether emotional or physical.

Picard expert Betsy Richards describes the dogs as "teenage Prozac." When her sons would come home sullen from school, it took only 10 minutes with the dog to chase their bad mood away. Another Picard lives with a youngster who has diabetes. If his blood sugar drops during the night, the dog alerts the boy’s mother. The dog wasn’t trained for the role; he just picked it up. Picards can be great companions for active teens, but they can also do well in homes with infants or toddlers when properly supervised. They tend to be good family pets but often choose a single person as their favorite.

Picards like to give hugs, and they can get physical in the process. If you’re not prepared for 50 to 70 pounds of dog to jump up and wrap his paws around you, it can be a shock. Some people are floored by the experience — literally. Teaching a Picard to give hugs only when asked is probably a good idea, especially if he will be around young children or seniors.

Give a Berger Picard time to assess visitors. He’s a herding breed, so he has strong protective instincts and a spirited suspicion of strangers. He’ll be aloof or cautious at first until he decides they’re all right. It’s one of the characteristics that make him a good watchdog. On the whole, the Picard is lively, alert and confident. With good, early socialization, he should not be aggressive or threatening toward people. Without it, he can become skittish or unfriendly.

If a Picard is raised with cats, he's more likely to be friendly toward them. But close observation is recommended, especially while you're still getting to know the dog and his individual personality.

This is an intelligent and trainable dog. Like many smart dogs, though, the Picard can become bored with repetitive activities, such as obedience routines. Mix things up to keep his interest.

Like every dog, purebred or mixed breed, the Berger Picard can exhibit unwanted behaviors such as nuisance barking or digging if he doesn’t have a good way to occupy his time. Watch “Because of Winn-Dixie” to get an idea of what it might be like to live with one. Even though the trained canine actors are performing a part, the movie calls for them to howl and bark and run away, so it’s a realistic portrayal of some of the difficulties of owning a Picard.

Start training your Picard puppy the day you bring him home. He is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training, or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks of age, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like the one for kennel cough) to be up-to-date, and many veterinarians recommend limiting exposure to other dogs and public places until the puppy series of vaccinations (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until his puppy vaccinations are completed.

Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see their puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality.

The perfect Picard doesn’t spring fully formed from the whelping box. He’s a product of his background and breeding. Whatever you want from a Picard, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

What You Need to Know About Berger Picard Health

The Berger Picard is a generally healthy breed with an expected life span of 12 to 15 years. The oldest Picard in the United States is currently 13.

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit particular diseases. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on her puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100-percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.

The main concern in Picards right now is an eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hip dysplasia is also seen in the breed.

The Berger Picard Club of America participates in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), a health database. A dog need not receive good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a CHIC number, so CHIC registration alone is not proof of soundness or absence of disease, but all test results are posted on the CHIC website and can be accessed by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy’s parents.

Health certifications your pup’s parents should have:

• Hip dysplasia: Hip evaluation, with results registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or CHIC.
• Eyes: Examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, with results registered with the OFA.
• DNA repository: Blood sample stored with the OFA or CHIC.
• Optional: It’s a plus but not a must if your pup’s parents have had one or more of the following tests: OFA cardiac (heart) evaluation, OFA elbow dysplasia evaluation, or OFA thyroid evaluation from an approved laboratory.

Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops a disease despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in many cases, the dog can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what caused their deaths.

If a breeder tells you she doesn’t need to do the tests because she’s never had problems in her lines, that her dogs have been vet checked or gives any other excuses for skimping on the genetic testing of her dogs, walk away immediately.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the more common canine health problems: obesity. Keeping a Picard at an appropriate weight is one of the easier ways to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

The Basics of Berger Picard Grooming

The Picard’s coat stands out for its tousled appearance and rough texture. It’s 2 to 3 inches long, enough to protect the dog but not so much that it hides the outline of his body. Completing his distinct look are rough eyebrows, a beard and mustache and a slight ruff framing the head. Together, these accents are known as “griffonage.”

Even a shaggy dog needs grooming. Brush the coat weekly to keep it clean and remove dead hair. You’ll need a coat rake to remove the undercoat during the twice-yearly shedding seasons in the spring and fall. Ask your dog’s breeder to show you how to pluck or strip the long hair edging the ears.

Frequent baths aren’t necessary unless you show your dog, but if you have a water-loving Picard, give him a thorough freshwater rinse to remove chlorine, algae or salt after a dip in the pool, lake or ocean. When you bathe him, use a dog shampoo formulated for a harsh coat.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails every week or two, and brush the teeth often — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste — for good overall health and fresh breath.

Finding a Berger Picard

Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing a Berger Picard Breeder

Finding a good breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. She is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks.

Good breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances and what the dogs are like to live with, and come right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re looking for in a dog and what kind of life you can provide for him. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes to avoid those problems.

Start your search at the website of the Berger Picard Club of America. Its code of ethics specifies that members must never sell their puppies to or through pet stores, and it maintains a breeder referral service and tips on finding a healthy, well-bred puppy.

Look for a breeder who is active in her national breed club and a local club, too, if possible. She should regularly participate with her dogs in some form of organized canine activities, such as conformation showing, obedience or other dog sports, or therapy dog programs. She should sell her puppies with written contracts guaranteeing she’ll take the dogs back if at any time during their lives the owners cannot keep them.

Ask the breeder to provide you with documentation that your prospective puppy’s parents were cleared for hip and elbow dysplasia and for eye problems by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Avoid breeders who seem interested only in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from a website that offers to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money and frustration in the long run.

Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Quickie online purchases are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.

Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store or another source, don’t forget the adage “let the buyer beware.” Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. There’s no 100-percent guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals) and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization or other reliable source for healthy puppies.

And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Berger Picard might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Picard may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health. You can find adult dogs to adopt through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home.

If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below.

Adopting a Dog From a Berger Picard Rescue or Shelter

There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here's how to get started.

Sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you searching for a Picard in your area in no time flat. The sites allow you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Berger Picards available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter.org can help you find animal rescue groups in your area.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a Picard so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

2. Reach Out to Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Picard. That includes vets, dog walkers and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

Most people who love Picards love all Picards. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. The Picard is a rare breed, so few dogs are available through rescues, but the Berger Picard Club of America has a rescue group that works to place dogs when they are in need of a new home.

The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Picard home for a trial to see what the experience is like.

You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. Those include:

• What is his energy level?
• How is he around other animals?
• How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children?
• What is his personality like?
• What is his age?
• Is he housetrained?
• Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of?
• Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your Picard, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopter’s Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses.

Puppy or adult, breeder purchase or adoption, take your Picard to your veterinarian soon after you get him. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.

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Berger Blanc Suisse vs. White German Shepherd vs. White Shepherd by Dances with Wolves Ranch.

I get asked this question all the time so I thought I would write a blog about it. Before I get started, let me be clear that while I breed Berger Blanc Suisse (White Swiss Shepherd) dogs, my first dog was a White German Shepherd whom I loved greatly. I think all of these breeds can make great dogs. You might want to check out my blog article: Is Berger Blanc Suisse (White Swiss Shepherd) Right for Me?

Technically speaking, the Berger Blanc Suisse, White German Shepherd and White Shepherd are different breeds with different standards. Berger Blanc Suisse is recognized by FCI in Europe, the White German Shepherd is recognized by the AKC (although the color is disqualified for show) and the White Shepherd is recognized by UKC. Having said that, there is a lot of overlap in the history and characteristics of the dogs.

In general, I would place the Berger Blanc Suisse and White German Shepherd on two extremes with White Shepherds in the middle as a transition between them (and depending on the breeder, with characteristics that could resemble either).

AKC German Shepherd standards refer to the breed’s strong prey drive and “fearless and direct” personality. The breed is considered an excellent police and guard dog. The Berger Blanc Suisse standard calls for a mellower, more gentle personality and the dog is not stereotypically considered for police work or guard dog work but, instead, does well as a therapy or service dog. The personality of a White Shepherd represented by AWSA might reflect either and is likely dependent on the breeder’s standards and goals for their breeding program.

In terms of physical characteristics, the biggest difference between Berger Blanc Suisse and White German Shepherd would be hip angulation. The Berger Blanc Suisse standard calls for a more upright stance (see illustration below) whereas the White German Shepherd standard would follow AKC’s German Shepherd standard for a more severe angulation (see photo below). For more information see the exhibits below or our About the Breed page. Berger Blanc Suisse standards also call for dark pigmentation (for example, a black rather than pink nose) whereas there is not a specific standard for pigmentation for White German Shepherds (nose can be pink and coat can be cream colored). AWSA in the United States has done some great work documenting the history of the breeds on their site (http://www.awsaclub.com/history.html). They call their dogs “White Shepherds” and this is also the name adopted by the UKC. In my experience, this club supports some excellent breeders. The physical appearance of the dogs they represent seem to range between White German Shepherds and Berger Blanc Suisse, depending on the breeder.

Illustration of breed standard for Berger Blanc Suisse from FCI’s official breed standard document:

The photo below represents AKC’s breed standard for German Shepherd / White German Shepherd (the AKC site does not provide a white color example).

The photo below is from AWSA’s website, it reflects a stance that is somewhat between the highly angulated German Shepherd and the upright Berger Blanc Suisse.

We hope that this article helps clarify the similarities and differences in these dogs.

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About The Breed

Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized, well-balanced and muscular dog. It has become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind due to its high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty. Commonly known as Snowy Shepherd, the dog is of the same origin as the White Shepherd Dog and German Shepherd Dog (for more detail on differences see my blog). The snow white color makes the dog distinctive and easily recognizable. This dog is NOT an albino, because it has dark eyes, nose and skin pigment. It is a breed with an exceptionally friendly nature with kids, it is cheerful and quick to learn. The breed is naturally fit and agile dog, with a lot of stamina, energy and endurance and can travel long distances. It can be used in disciplines like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection.

Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as the White Swiss Shepherd, share the same ancestry with the German Shepherd. The first German Shepherd registered was Horand von Grafrath in 1899. The grandfather of this first German Shepherd was an all white shepherd named Greif. German Shepherds were originally used by shepherds for herding cattle and sheep. Historically, white shepherds were highly valued because they were easily distinguished from wolves in the field. However, during the early 20th century darker color shepherds became popular and white shepherds were falsely blamed for color dilution and excluded from the breed. The dogs were largely wiped out in Europe. In 1970, the first White German Shepherd Club was formed in America and Canada. The first traceable stud to return to Europe, Lobo, came from America and the breed began to grow in popularity throughout Europe and was known as the American Canadian Shepherd. In November, 2002, FCI granted official recognition to these dogs as a separate breed, Berger Blanc Suisse.

Because Berger Blanc Suisse descended from the German Shepherd, it has almost the same physical standards, except the color of its coat and its more natural hip angulation. The dog is slightly longer than it is tall, with a pure white coat and erect ears. The skull and muzzle of the dog are equal in length, parallel to one another and join at a moderate stop. The coat is slightly longer and heavier at the neck, especially in males. The ideal color of the coat is as white as possible, with dark pigmentation on the nose, eye rims, nails, etc. The outer coat can be short or long but always has a weather-resistant undercoat.

Berger Blanc Suisse are highly intelligent, playful, loyal, social, and gentle dogs. They are curious and very easy to train. They get along well with other dogs and pets. Because they are very athletic and like to work, they are ideally suited for all kinds of sports like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection. The breed is often used for the blind, search & rescue, service, therapy and as a guard dog. The character of the Berger Blanc Suisse is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when necessary, he is very willing and capable to protect his family. Because of their intense loyalty and love of children, Berger Blanc Suisse make outstanding family dogs.

Here are links to Helpful Articles:

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Berger Blanc Suisse

Berger Blanc Suisse – Snowy Shepherd

What makes the Berger Blanc Suisse Unique?

Berger Blanc Suisse is a medium-sized, well-balanced and muscular dog. It has become one of the most versatile working dogs serving mankind due to its high degree of intelligence and sense of loyalty. Commonly known as Snowy Shepherd, the dog is of the same origin as the White Shepherd Dog and German Shepherd Dog. The snow white color makes the dog distinctive and easily recognizable. The Berger Blanc Suisse is gentle and mellow but he is very willing and capable to protect his family. Because of their intense loyalty and love of children, Berger Blanc Suisse make outstanding family dogs.

Breed Groups

Page Contents

Females – 55 to 61 cm (22 to 24 inches)

Females – 25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 pounds)

Is the Berger Blanc Suisse Right For You?

Berger Blanc Suisse are highly intelligent, playful, loyal, social, and gentle dogs. They are curious and very easy to train. They get along well with other dogs and pets. Because they are very athletic and like to work, they are ideally suited for all kinds of sports like herding, obedience, agility, tracking & protection.

Berger Blanc Suisse can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. The Berger Blanc Suisse gets along well with other dogs and is also excellent for training, such as agility, search and rescue, and obedience. They are even seen doing protection work, though they are not used for that very often and are not always up for the job.

In 5 Words

• Gentle
• Intelligent
• Learns Easily
• Fearful
• Obedient

THE FIRST EVER REGISTERED GERMAN SHEPHERD WAS HORAND VON GRAFRATH. NEITHER HE NOR ANY OF HIS DOCUMENTED PROGENY WERE WHITE, ALTHOUGH HIS GREAT-GRAND SIRE ON HIS MOTHER’S SIDE WAS WHITE.

Characteristics

Learn About the Berger Blanc Suisse

Description

The first impression of a White Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd or White German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well-muscled animal, alert, full of life, keen, intelligent, and composed. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility–difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.

The ideal dog has a weather-resistant double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible, hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body. The undercoat is short, thick and fine in texture. A slightly wavy outer coat, often of wiry texture, is permissible. The head and ears are covered with a smooth, somewhat softer and shorter hair while the hair covering the legs and paws is more harsh-textured. At the neck, the coat is slightly longer and heavier. A male may carry a thicker ruff than a female. The back of the legs has a slightly longer covering of hair and there is considerably more hair on the breeches and the underside of the tail. For the White Shepherd specialization, both somewhat shorter and longer coats are acceptable.

The coat color is white as defined by the breed’s name and the ideal is pure white. Any degree of shading that ranges from a very pale cream to a light biscuit tan are not preferred, and is considered a fault for the White German Shepherd and White Shepherd specialization.

Skin Pigment – Skin color on the body is pink to dark gray/black, with gray/black being preferred, and the skin of the belly being the darker area. Pink skin is frequently seen, and though not a disqualification, is less desirable. The nose, lips and eye rims should be fully pigmented and black in color. The more dark in color of the nails, the better, although white nails do not disqualify a dog. The pads of the feet should be black. Very slight snow nose coloration is acceptable but is not preferred. Deficiency of pigment is objectionable and dogs exhibiting faded, pinkish or spotty pigmentation on nose, eye rims or lips are a serious faulted. The total lack of pigment in the above named areas, indicating possible albinism or definite albinism with blue or pink eyes, are a disqualifying fault for both white coat German Shepherds and the White Shepherd specialization.

The head is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all, not fine, and in proportion to the body. The head of the male is distinctly masculine, and that of the bitch, distinctly feminine. The muzzle is long and strong, with lips firmly fitted, and its top line is parallel to the top line of the skull. Seen from the front, the forehead is only moderately arched, and the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. Jaws are strongly developed.

Ears are moderately pointed, in proportion to the skull, open toward the front, and carried erect when at attention, the ideal carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. A dog with cropped or hanging ears must be disqualified.

Eyes are of medium size, almond shaped, set a little obliquely and not protruding. The color is as dark as possible. The expression is keen, intelligent, and composed.

Teeth number 42 with 20 upper and 22 lower. Teeth are strongly developed and meet in a scissors bite in which part of the inner surface of the upper incisors meet and engage part of the outer surface of the lower incisors. An overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw or a level bite is an undesirable fault. Complete dentition is to be preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a serious fault.

The neck is strong and muscular, clean-cut and relatively long, proportionate in size to the head, and without loose folds of skin. When the dog is at attention or excited, the head is raised and the neck carried high; otherwise, typical carriage of the head is forward rather than up, but a little higher than the top of the shoulders, particularly in motion.

The whole structure of the body gives an impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.

Chest Commences at the posternum and is well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the posternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile.

Ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to a sternum which reaches to the elbows. Correct ribbing allows the elbows to move back freely when the dog is at a trot. Too round causes interference and throws the elbows out; too flat or short causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is relatively short.

Abdomen is firmly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is only moderately tucked up in the loin.

Top Line of the back is straight and very strongly developed without sag or roach. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length in relation to height, which is achieved by a length of forequarter, withers and hindquarter, as viewed from the side. The croup is long and has only a very minor and gradual slope when in the show stance.

Withers are higher than, and sloping into, a level back.

Loin viewed from the top, broad and strong. Undue length between the last rib and the thigh, when viewed from the side, is undesirable.

Forequarters – The shoulder blades are long and obliquely angled, laid on flat and not placed forward. The upper arm joins the shoulder blade at about a right angle. Both the upper arm and the shoulder blade are well muscled. The forelegs, viewed from all sides, are straight and the bone oval rather than round. The pasterns are strong and springy and at an angle of approximately a 24 degrees from the vertical.

Hindquarters – The whole assembly of the thigh, viewed from the side, is brood, with both upper and lower thigh well-muscled, forming as nearly as possible a right angle. The upper thigh bone parallels the shoulder blade while the lower thigh bone parallels the upper arm. The metatarsus is short, strong, tightly articulated and no dew claws should be present.

Feet – The feet are short, compact, with toes well arched, pads thick and firm, nails short and preferably dark. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on. Dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs.

Tail – The tail is bushy, with the last vertebra extended at least to the hock joint. It is set smoothly into the croup and low rather than high. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight curve like a saber. A slight hook–sometimes carried to one side is faulty only to the extent that it mars general appearance. When the dog is excited or in motion, the curve may be accentuated and the tail raised, but it should never curl forward beyond the vertical line. Tails too short, or with clumpy ends due to ankylosis, are serious faults.

Short History of the Berger Blanc Suisse

On 3 April 1899, the first German Shepherd Dog as we know the breed today is officially registered. This dog was a completely white coated male, and was used by cattle 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 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.

Temperament

He is gentle, very intelligent and learns easily. He is loyal to his family and may be wary around strangers, but should never show shy or fearful behavior. Some people think the Arctic Wolf was mixed with the breed to create his caution, but this is not the case. The Berger Blanc Suisse gets along well with other dogs and is also excellent for training, such as agility, search and rescue, and obedience. They are even seen doing protection work, though they are not used for that very often and are not always up for the job. They are also used as assistance dogs and occasionally for mushing.

The character of the Berger Blanc Suisse is gentler and mellower than that of the German Shepherd Dog, but when it comes down to it he is very much capable of and will protect his family.

Caring for Your Berger Blanc Suisse

General Health

While the Berger Blanc Suisse is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, von Willebrands Disease – a blood clotting disorder, and bloat.

Grooming & Bathing

A good brushing performed daily will keep hair shed in the home to a minimum. Wet bathing should be limited to only once or twice per year in order to avoid depletion of skin oil. The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a constant moderate shedder as well as a seasonally heavy shedder.

Exercise & Training

Berger Blanc Suisse can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Berger Blanc Suisse exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

Leonberger

Yoshka–The one and only one.

VLA CH Billy the Hund v. Pflaumenthal CDX

Sire: A Bär v. Pflaumenthal

Dam: Bianca v. Nagoldtal

DOB: 23. October 1997

For more Yoshka photos, see his photo albums.

Yoshka came to us right after the New Year, 1998. He was bred by and spent his first 10.5 weeks with Sigrid Cargile in Prundale, California. Together with Kevin, her then 8 year old son, Sigrid did a tremendous job of giving Yoshka and his five litter mates a perfect start into their life.

Yoshka's outstanding characteristics besides longevity are ideal coat, strong muzzle, good topline, perfect paw placement, little gray for age, fantastic working temperament.

His puppy hood seemed to fly by in no time. We started training right away with first puppy kindergarten, intermediate classes, moving on to Novice Obedience. Yoshka became a true working dog. He has finished his LCA Companion Dog Excellent Title and earned the High in Trial at the LCA 2003 Specialty in Healdsburg with 194 points in Open. At the same show he placed fourth in the Champion class with an excellent rating.

Yoshka is the perfect mix of a couch potato and a Turbo-Berger - enough energy to race around with other dogs but calm and relaxed at home.

At the LCA 2000 Specialty in Seaside (V1 open class), the LCA 2003 Specialty in Healdsburg (V4 Champion Class), as in smaller shows before and after, he proved that he is not just a wonderful working dog but also an excellent representative of the breed. He earned his championship title in 2000 and is approved by the Leonberger Club of America for Stud Services. Side by side, chilled or frozen semen breedings are possible. For more detailed information go to Yoshka's stud page.

Copyright © 2007 Leonberger ex Horto Leonis.

Berger hund

Quality Bred German Shepherd Dogs

Decide what your GSD's job will be for your family:

A German Shepherd Dog wants a job, decide on the role of your new family member and train her/him accordingly. Remember as always, dogs are pack animals and you and your family are their new pack. All members of the family must take the role of leader and your new pet will be happy and willing to follow all of your instructions. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and easily trained.

Bringing your German Shepherd Puppy home:

At Vom Hundhaus German Shepherds we can housebreak your new puppy and train him/her with basic training commands prior to you bringing them home. This can make your transition easier. You still must be vigilant and disciplined with your new puppy because as with a child she too will test your limits. Call for additional cost involved.

The sky is the limit when training your German Shepherd Dog. We can refer you to group training and clubs whether it is for show line or IPO bite work or advanced obedience and tracking. You do NOT need to be the trainer for your dog to follow commands taught by another. We do have trained German shepherd dogs for sale on occasion, trained and IPO titled excellent for guard dogs and estate protection.

We pride ourselves in breeding West German shepherd Imports. They are rich black and red. Our pups for sale in Tampa Bay Florida are hand held and socialized from birth. If you are looking for a German shepherd puppy for sale, or a young adult/adult German shepherd for sale in Florida make an appointment to come visit us. If you are not located in Florida and are interest in buying one of our German Shepherd Puppies or Dogs, we do ship. We will make every effort to make your German Shepherd Puppy purchase an easy transaction and provide you with videos, pictures and documentation along with answering any questions in person or by phone.

If you would like to buy a German shepherd dog I encourage you to call so we can discuss and answer your questions. We only want the best for you and our dogs and will only offer them to approved homes. Please call to see if we have puppies for sale at this time.

We have german shepherd puppies for sale in Florida.

german shepherd puppies for sale adults adult german shepherds for sale german german shepherd training wysong dog food german shepherd puppies for sale tampa florida

George Pate writer and puppy parent shares a great story of his pup Markus and their adventures first year together. Great depiction of puppy hood

MARKUS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A RURAL GERMAN SHEPHERD

I wish to express my gratitude to breeders Kevin and Donna Daley of Vom Hundhaus German Shepherd Dogs for providing me with the most glorious of furry friendlies – my buddy Markus.

Vom Hundhaus German Shepherds breeder located Florida top quality V rated , Schutzhund titled, breed surveyed black and red West German showline imports.We have puppies,young and trained adult dogs for sale.

Copyright © Vom Hundhaus Shepherds 2008

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Leonberger

The Leonberger is a calm, large, muscular working dog with proud head carriage, level top line, and balanced build. They are a dimorphic breed, with males and females easily discernible as such. Males have strong, masculine heads while the female head expresses femininity. Tight flews, a distinguishing feature of the breed, provide for a dry mouth with no drooling. A soft, sweet expression, dark brown eyes, and a black mask are hallmarks of the Leonberger breed. For his size, the Leo is light on his feet and graceful in motion with a powerful, ground covering gait. Although a multi-purpose working breed, the Leonberger is primarily value as a loving companion, enthusiastically participating in most family endeavors and socializing at human gatherings.

• Dog Breeds
• Leonberger

• Personality: Bright, patient, loving, and family oriented
• Energy Level: Somewhat Active; Rambunctious when pups, adult Leos enjoy long walks and activities like swimming and cart pulling
• Good with Children: Yes, with Supervision
• Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
• Shedding: Lots of Shedding
• Grooming: Weekly
• Trainability: Eager To Please
• Height: 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female)
• Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
• Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

meet theLeonberger

Did you know?

The Leonberger is AKC's 167th breed.

How similar

Breed History

The Leonberger was officially recognized by the AKC.

Learn more about the Leonberger breed standard.

at aGlance

Energy & Size

AKC Dog Ranking

Personality

• Friendly
• Gentle
• Playful

Bright, patient, loving, and family oriented

NATIONAL BREED CLUB

theBreed Standard

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General Appearance

The Leonberger is a calm, non-aggressive, large, muscular, working dog with a proud head carriage. He is distinguished by his balanced build, black mask, and double coat. Adult males, in particular, are powerful and strong and carry a lion-like mane on the neck and chest. A dog or bitch is easily discernable as such. For its size, the Leonberger is light on its feet and graceful in motion. Because natural appearance is essential to breed type, the Leonberger is to be shown with no trimming, sculpting or other alterations of the coat.

True to his original purpose as a family, farm and draft dog, today's Leonberger excels as a multi-purpose working dog; the most important task being a reliable family companion. The Leonberger is vigilant, obedient and quietly confident in all situations. He exudes good-natured watchfulness, depicting intelligence and vigor.

The head, in its entirety, is deeper than it is broad, rectangular shaped. The length of muzzle to length of back skull is approximately equal, with no wrinkles, and cheeks are only slightly developed. Males have a strong masculine head while female heads express femininity.

Chest is broad, roomy, and deep, reaching at least to the level of the elbows, pronounced prosternum. Fore and rear quarters well muscled. Ribs are well-sprung, oval. Underline is only slightly tucked up. Loin is broad, compact, strong, well muscled. Croup is broad, relatively long, gently sloped, flowing smoothly into root of tail.

Forequarters

Shoulder Angulation - Well laid-back and well muscled; the shoulder meets the upper arm at approximately a right angle allowing for excellent reach. Shoulder and upper arm rather long and about equal in length. Elbows - Close to body, neither in nor out when standing or gaiting. Forelegs - Well-boned, muscular, straight and parallel to each other. Pasterns - Strong, firm and straight when viewed from front, slightly sloping when viewed from side. Dewclaws - Usually present. Feet - Turn neither in nor out, rounded, tight, toes well arched (cat foot), pads always black.

Leonbergers have a medium to long, water resistant, double coat on the body and short fine hair on the muzzle and front of limbs. Outer coat is medium-soft to coarse and lies flat. It is straight, with some generalized wave permitted. Mature males carry a mane, which extends over neck and chest. The undercoat is soft and dense, although it may be less so in summer months or warmer climates. In spite of the double coat, the outline of the body is always recognizable. Leonbergers have distinct feathering on backside of forelegs and ample feathering on breeches and some ear feathering. Tail is very well furnished. Females are less likely to carry a coat as long as males and this disparity must not be a consideration when judged against the male. Natural appearance of the coat is essential to breed type.

Hindquarters

Angulation - In balance with forequarters. The rear assembly is powerful, muscular and well-boned. Legs - Viewed from the rear, the legs are straight and parallel, with stifles and paws turned neither in nor out, placed widely enough apart to match a properly built body. Thighs - Upper and lower of equal length, slanting and strongly muscled. Stifles - Angle clearly defined. Hocks - Strong of bone, distinctly angled between lower thigh and rear pastern; well let down. Dewclaws - Rear dewclaws may be present. Feet - Turned neither in nor out, but may be slightly elongated compared to forefeet. Toes arched; pads always black.

LeonbergerCare

Good nutrition for the Leonberger is very important from puppyhood to his senior years.

The Leonberger's profuse coat tends to shed a lot, requiring daily brushing.

Somewhat Active; Rambunctious when pups, adult Leos enjoy long walks and activities like swimming and cart pulling.