Is the WSS a good match for me?

What is there not to love about the White Swiss Shepherd? They are beautiful and your heart just melts when you look in those big dark brown puppy eyes. Right? But is this breed also right for you? Is this breed the right dog for you, for your lifestyle, for your needs and passions, hobbies, etc? But before you can answer this question, you need to find out what exactly this breed, this dog, is all about.

I came across a story (author unknown) that illustrates how important this is. And I like to share it with you.

The art of training a dog owner"

Dog owner tells me: Hi, my dog barks alot and runs after cars & chases the kids, sometimes even nips them.
Me: Okay. What's the breed?
Owner: A Shetland Sheepdog (read: any shepherd)
Me: Okay, so you have a small herding dog that is chase driven.
Owner: yes.
Me: ok, what is this breed bred to do?
Owner: well, run all day & herd sheep.
Me: Yes. And your problem was?
Owner: it barks alot, chases cars & runs after the children.
Me: yea, it appears that you have a dog meant for running after fast moving objects & barking to get their attention.
Owner: yes, that's correct. Can you train it out of the dog?
Me: Do you have any interests?
Owner: Eh, yea sure I do. I like to paint and watch movies.
Me: can you consider quitting doing that?
Owner: no, I don't think I can. But what does this have to do with dog training?
Me: would you consider doing something else that gives you the same pleasure you get from painting and watching movies?
Owner: I mean, sure I can do other things but it's not as fun.
Me: ok. And what can you offer a herding dog that is more fun than barking and that is more fun than chasing?
The dog owner is silent for a while.
Owner: That's a good question. I don't know.
Me: neither do I.
Owner: perhaps I should had gotten myself a PlayStation?
Me: haha, yea if you dont like barking or being a lot outdoors training perhaps this dog isn't for you.
Owner: yea, one should perhaps read up more before getting a dog. But it's awfully cute!
Me: yes, I understand that.
Owner : it sheds a lot too. My husband goes crazy of all the fur everywhere. Should I shave it or cut its hair real short?
Me: mmm, that's something you have to deal with.
Owner : yes, it was even hairs in the stew last night & little fur balls around the chair legs.
Me: yea that's not uncommon.
Owner : but you know what? I met a Sheltie when I was 12. It was so beautiful. Ever since then I've always wanted one.
Me: too bad you didn't meet a PlayStation instead.
Owner laughs: alright, I think I'm starting to understand that it's not the dog that has problems but me.
Me: haha, not much of a "problem". What you are saying is very common. People with guarding dogs gets angry when their dog growls at strangers. People with sighthounds gets frustrated when their dog comes home with a baby rabbit. People often know too little when they get a dog.
Owner : thanks for the chat. I have learned a lot in 10 minutes.
Me: good luck in the future. There's a lot we can do to help you in your training with the dog. But The dog will always have a need and joy to bark and herd.
Owner: yes, I can understand that now."


Looking for (science based) information on different dog breeds please read ‘meet your dog’ written by Kim Bropey. And no, I don’t get any proceeds by referring this book to you.
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