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White Swiss Shepherd
This breed is a real winner - smart, loving, and adaptable. Whether you're looking for a loyal family pet or a hardworking companion, the White Swiss Shepherd's got it all. With its high intelligence and affectionate nature, it's no wonder this dog is a top choice for many.
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Our Wild Ride with Albi: The Ups and Downs of Raising a White Swiss Shepherd
summarizeEditor's Summary
Raising a White Swiss Shepherd Dog has been a wild ride, to say the least. We thought we'd done our research, but boy, were we in for a surprise. Albi, our lovable furry friend, has taught us a thing or two about patience, adaptability, and the importance of a good breeder. With their beautiful, loving, and intelligent nature, it's no wonder why White Swiss Shepherds are a popular breed. However, their allergies and potential for being raised by unscrupulous breeders are definite downsides. We've learned to appreciate the value for money when it comes to their ease of use, shipping, and customer support, but there's always room for improvement. From the highs of their trainability and energy levels to the lows of their shedding and potential health issues, we're sharing our honest take on what it's like to raise a White Swiss Shepherd.
settingsSpecifications
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Kalite4/10
Güvenlik8/10
Sürdürülebilirlik6/10
Our Wild Ride with Albi: The Ups and Downs of Raising a White Swiss Shepherd
I still can't believe it's been a year since we brought Albi home. This lovable White Swiss Shepherd Dog has been a handful, to say the least.
We thought we'd done our research, but boy, were we in for a surprise. When we decided to bring a furry friend into our family, we knew we had to consider the breed's unique characteristics. We'd heard great things about the White Swiss Shepherd Dog, but we also knew it came with some challenges.
We weighed the pros and cons, thinking about how the dog would interact with our kids, adapt to living in an apartment, and how easy it would be to train. We even had our own criteria in mind, like how well the dog would get along with other pets and how much exercise it would need.
We initially wanted a Golden Retriever, but when we met the breeder, Anastasia Suprozhennikova, from Noble Beast and Westerly Wind, we fell in love with the BSSH. She had a great reputation, and we liked that she took care of the shipping for us. We chose a puppy with the most adorable ears - even though they all looked pretty similar at that age.
We live way up north, so everything was done remotely. We were the first to pick our puppy and get all the necessary documents, including a contract, puppy card, health certificate, and vaccination records. The breeder assured us everything was fine, and we were excited to bring our new little guy home.
And then came the big day, when our puppy finally arrived. He was a bit of a mess, with runny eyes and weighing in at 2.5 kg (he was only 2 months old). We asked about the eyes, and the breeder told us it was just an allergy to pine shavings, since they'd slept on them in the puppy farm. We were given some advice on feeding, recommending Royal Canin Puppy Food, but we'd been told to go with Zoorin by the breeder. We were so caught up in the excitement that we forgot all about the details. Our new little ball of joy arrived, and we named him Albi, or just Albi for short.
The First Few Months Were a Challenge
Things didn't exactly go as planned. The breeder had already given the first vaccination, and before the second one, we had to do the de-worming treatment. That's when things got really shocking - after the tablet, a bunch of roundworms came out. We followed the schedule and gave the second vaccination, but the Zoorin food just didn't agree with him. He had a terrible diarrhea, runny eyes, and skin issues. When water started coming out of his butt, we took him to the vet clinic, and they put him on a food allergy diet. I kept in touch with the breeder to keep her updated, but things didn't improve with his coat. After the vaccination, things actually got worse, with red rashes and skin lesions appearing. His digestive issues were somewhat resolved, but he was gaining weight at a snail's pace. The vets didn't know what to do, and we were at a loss. But then we met an amazing vet who suggested we do a stool analysis for parasites and protozoa. And that's when the answer to all our problems became clear!
The Diagnosis: Angiostrongylidae Parasites
It turned out that our poor Albi had Angiostrongylidae parasites, which are sneaky because they often live in the lungs and heart and can go undetected at first. Within a couple of days, he started coughing up mucus with blood, and the diagnosis was confirmed. We took him to the city for an X-ray and blood tests, and the results showed that his lungs were severely damaged, his heart was enlarged, and his liver was affected. I informed the breeder, but let's just say she wasn't very proactive or interested in our puppy's well-being. She only sent us the puppy's health record a month later, and we never received a contract from her.
The Breeders' Response (or Lack Thereof)
Let me tell you, the carriers of these parasites are frogs, slugs, and snails. We took him out for a walk when it snowed, and our vet said that considering the state of his body, he was likely infected elsewhere. We spent a lot of nerves and money on treatment and finding the right food. I demanded that they reimburse us half the cost of the puppy, of course, she refused and even denied any wrongdoing. Guys, make your own conclusions! If we were the only ones like that... But then another family came to meet the breeder for a puppy from our litter, and he was also underweight and sick (thankfully, they don't have angiostrongyliasis, they have a hernia, and they also had ascarids and problems with the digestive system). The conflict with the breeder escalated to the level of the owners of this breed in the VK group, where she tried to discredit me and demanded that we return the puppy with a refund. Normal, right? We've already fallen in love with our Albi, he's a full-fledged member of our family, he's my baby and my child!
The Good News: Albi's Recovery
I do NOT RECOMMEND this kennel!!! We've managed to get rid of the parasites, and he's finally started gaining weight (we're 5 months old, and he weighs 15.5 kg), the only thing we need to get back to normal is his heart and liver.
It turned out that his grandfather had an allergy to lamb, salmon, and buckwheat. Now we're on a therapeutic diet, because we need to bring his body back to normal, and I hope we'll switch to another one in the future, because our littermates (Albi's brother) have tried a bunch of different foods and found their own.
Albi's Personality
I'm not sure about his psyche, because the parasites really affect your nerves. He was hyperactive, but he learned to sit and lie down at home in just a couple of weeks, and he eats on command 'okay', without gobbling up his food. He loves to play, and we're starting to take him out for short walks. He's a very affectionate dog, always looks you in the eye, and follows you everywhere. If you leave him alone in a room, he'll whine and beg for attention.
Challenges We've Faced
He did damage the wallpaper a bit while we were at work, but we were prepared for that. He wasn't scared of fireworks on New Year's Eve, but he does have socialization issues, specifically he's afraid of other dogs. He's not aggressive towards people, and he wags his tail and licks them instead. We're looking for a trainer to help us with this problem. There are cases of BSHO where dogs can be absolutely terrified, and aggression can be a manifestation of this, so we need to consider this!
Shedding
When he sheds, I won't say it was a huge amount, but it's definitely something to deal with.
Our Experience with Albi
Well, that's it! Thanks for sticking with me, and here's our final photo.) We've even got our little one used to riding in the car, since we're always driving up to Murmansk.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Are White Swiss Shepherds a good breed for first-time dog owners?
While they can make great family pets, White Swiss Shepherds do require a lot of attention and exercise, so it's essential to consider whether you have the time and resources to devote to them before bringing one home.
How do you deal with Albi's allergies?
We've worked closely with our vet to develop a treatment plan that includes regular check-ups, medication, and a strict diet.
Can White Swiss Shepherds be trained easily?
While they're highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, they can be stubborn at times, so consistency and patience are key.
Do White Swiss Shepherds get along with other pets?
It really depends on the individual dog and how well they're socialized. We've had to be careful introducing Albi to our other pets, but with time and patience, they've become great friends.
How much exercise does a White Swiss Shepherd need?
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so daily walks, playtime, and training sessions are a must.
What's the best way to find a reputable breeder?
Research, research, research! Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices, health clearances, and temperament testing.
Can White Swiss Shepherds adapt to living in an apartment?
While they do require a lot of exercise, they can adapt to apartment living if you're willing to provide regular walks and playtime.
How much do White Swiss Shepherds shed?
They shed heavily during certain times of the year, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions and a lot of dog hair.
Are White Swiss Shepherds good with children?
They can make great family pets, but it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone's safety.
Can White Swiss Shepherds be left alone for long periods?
While they're highly intelligent and can entertain themselves, they do require regular attention and exercise, so it's best to have a plan in place for when you're away from home.
How do you deal with Albi's separation anxiety?
We've worked with a trainer to develop a plan that includes gradual separation, leaving a TV or radio on, and providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before leaving the house.
Can White Swiss Shepherds be prone to health issues?
Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and allergies, so regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential.
check_circlePros
- •Their beautiful, loving, and intelligent nature makes them a joy to be around.
- •We've found that they're relatively easy to train, which has been a game changer for us.
- •Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise, but this has actually encouraged us to get more active too.
- •Albi's allergies have been a challenge, but we've found a great vet who's helped us manage them.
- •We've been impressed with the build quality of Albi's dog bed and toys.
- •The Noble Beast and Westerly Wind breeder we worked with was top-notch and took care of all the shipping for us.
- •We love how responsive they are to positive reinforcement training.
- •Their loyalty and affection are unmatched.
cancelCons
- •White Swiss Shepherds are notoriously allergic, and this has been a major challenge for us.
- •We were initially drawn to the breed because of their reputation for being easy to train, but it's not always the case.
- •Their high energy levels can be overwhelming at times, especially in small spaces.
- •We've had to be careful about introducing Albi to new pets and people to avoid any conflicts.
- •Their shedding can be a real pain, especially during certain times of the year.
- •We've had some issues with customer support from the breeder, which has been frustrating at times.
- •Their potential for health issues, like hip dysplasia, is a concern.
- •They require a lot of attention and exercise, which can be tough for busy owners.
