Pet owners are encouraged to be vigilant about unreliable pet dealers of White Swiss Shepherd. German shepherd puppies are being passed off as White Swiss Shepherds which are sold at a premium price.
The surge in popularity
The White Swiss Shepherd is a relatively new breed in Britain as it was just brought over in 2008. It is expected to become more popular in Crufts 2019 as it competes for the first time.
The breed was kept in a low profile until a recent advertisement spotlight for the Range Rover Velar. The Kennel Club (KC) then found a 1,047% increase in online searches for the breed.
As of now, there are almost 100 White Swiss Shepherd registered across Britain. However, due to the increase in demand, potential owners are told to have a four-year wait for its puppies. With that in mind, they fear that the matter may have caught the attention of rogue dealers.
Action taken
Sue Renno, breed club chairman at the White Swiss shepherd UK Club finds this matter predictable.
“A White Swiss Shepherd puppy cost £1,500 whilst a German shepherd puppy is about £900. They look very similar and we know of one case already. I’m not going to name the dealer but know who it is and are keeping a careful watch on them.”
She added that other rogue dealers would follow the lead. They are currently being vigilant and actively monitoring puppy advertisements on Facebook and other sites. Anyone found guilty will be reported to trading standards.
She stated: “It is impossible to police. Unless you are an expert you would not be able to tell the difference between a White Swiss Shepherd and white German shepherd.”
What the Kennel Club says
Photo Credit: German Shepherd Country
White German Shepherd
White Swiss ShepherdThe Kennel Club took action on the eve of Crufts debut. A dealer from South Wales attempted to sell a White Swiss Shepherd which was actually a white-haired German shepherd.
According to Caroline Kisko, KC Secretary, there is always a concern among new breeds as irresponsible breeders seem to fill the demand of the public. She further emphasised the importance of buying from a responsible breeder.
A Word of Advice
“The best way to be certain you are actually getting a genuine White Swiss shepherd puppy is to at least see the mother and the puppy together,” a registered breeder advised at Crufts.
In the end
It is always best to choose a furry companion not based on popularity but based on the suitability of your lifestyle. Read Before You Get A Puppy, Ask The Breeder These 8 Questions First. Consider the dog’s size, temperament, and exercise demands. Take the Dog breed quiz to see which fits best to you and your family.
