Savoy sheepdog

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog savoy sheepdog!

Here, you will find all the useful information about savoy sheepdog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Savoy Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in the French Alps, more specifically in Savoie. Although this breed is less well known than other French shepherds, it has a rich and fascinating history.

The history of the Savoy Shepherd goes back many centuries, when it was used by local shepherds to guard and guide their flocks in the steep mountains of the Alps. These dogs had the important task of protecting the flocks from predators such as wolves and bears, and their work was essential to the livelihood of the region's farming communities.

The ancestors of this French Shepherd dog were probably breeds indigenous to the French Alps, which were developed over generations into agile, robust and reliable working animals. Through careful selection, breeders have succeeded in creating a breed of dog well suited to the rigours of mountain life.

The Savoy Shepherd is a medium to large dog with a muscular, well-proportioned body. Their heads are medium-sized, with expressive eyes and proud triangular ears. The coat is dense and hard-wearing, providing effective protection against the harsh mountain weather. The breed's coat can vary in colour, but the most common colours are black, grey, brown and white.

Their character is typical of sheepdogs: intelligent, loyal and devoted to their work. They are very active dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. They are naturally wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but they are generally friendly and affectionate towards their family and close friends.

The average weight of the Savoy Shepherd varies from 25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb) for males and 20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 lb) for females. The height at the withers is around 58 to 70 cm (23" to 28") for males and 54 to 66 cm (21" to 26") for females.

The Savoy Shepherd is recognised by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), the French breed club, which drew up the breed standard in 1982. However, it has not yet been officially recognised by the FCI, and therefore is not yet included in one of their breed groups. Despite this, the Savoy Sheepdog remains a popular working dog in its native region, and its popularity is beginning to spread outside the French Alps thanks to its exceptional qualities as a sheepdog and loyal companion.

Awareness of acquiring an animal

Each animal is a sensitive being, deserving love, attention and care.
When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.

To learn more about animal welfare, we invite you to consult our FAQ by clicking the button below:

Awareness of animal welfare

Origins

The Savoy Shepherd is a little-known breed of dog outside of its original regions in France. It comes from the mountainous region of Savoie, where it was traditionally used to guard herds in the alpine pastures. This breed has a genetic heritage that closely connects it to other European shepherd dogs, but it has adapted to meet the specific climatic and geographical conditions of the Alps.

History

Historically, the Savoy Shepherd has been bred for its endurance and ability to work in difficult terrain. Primarily used as a shepherd dog, it helped farmers and breeders protect and guide their herds. The breed gained local recognition for its loyalty, intelligence, and robustness. However, it is only recently that efforts have been made to preserve and promote the breed on a broader scale.

Standard

The standard of the Berger de Savoie breed states that these dogs must have a sturdy and agile build, suited for mountain work. They should have a balanced silhouette with a muscular body. The head should be well-proportioned to the body, with medium-sized ears and bright eyes expressing intelligence. The tail is carried low at rest and high in action.

Physical characteristics

Savoy Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, usually measuring between 55 and 65 cm at the withers for males and between 50 and 60 cm for females. They have long, dense fur that can be straight or slightly wavy, often with a thick undercoat to withstand the cold. Coat colors include variations of black, gray, and white, often with distinctive markings.

Character

The Savoy Shepherd is known for its balanced and protective temperament. It is loyal and devoted to its family, but can be reserved towards strangers. This breed is intelligent and receptive to training, making it an excellent companion as well as a good working dog. Its protective instinct makes it vigilant without being overly aggressive.

Life expectancy

Savoy Shepherds generally enjoy good health and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. As with all breeds, particular attention to the quality of nutrition, regular veterinary care, and sufficient exercise contribute to a long and healthy life.

Exercise and activity needs

This active and energetic breed requires a lot of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. It is recommended to engage them in activities such as hiking, jogging, and ball games. Agility exercises and mental training are also beneficial for maintaining their well-being.

Recommended diet

A balanced diet rich in proteins and adapted to their level of activity is essential for Savoy Shepherds. The monthly cost of food can vary between 50 and 70 euros, depending on the quality of the food and the weight of the dog.

Training and obedience

The Savoy Shepherd responds well to positive and consistent training. They are sensitive to voice nuances and behaviors, so a firm but fair approach is necessary. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly, but they need variety in their training to stay engaged.

Behavior with children

Naturally protective and patient, the Savoy Shepherds can be excellent companions for children. They are playful and affectionate, but as with all breeds, supervision of interactions between dogs and young children is recommended to ensure the safety of all.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Savoy Shepherds can peacefully coexist with other domestic animals, especially if they are socialized from a young age. Their shepherd nature may sometimes lead them to "guard" other animals, but this can be managed with proper training.

Grooming needs

Regular grooming is necessary for this long-haired breed. Brushing their coat several times a week helps prevent mats and remove dead hair. Regular baths and care for the ears and nails are also essential to maintain their good health.

Health

Savoy Shepherds are generally robust, but they can be prone to typical large breed diseases, such as hip dysplasia. Regular checks with the veterinarian and genetic tests for breeding dogs are recommended to maintain the breed's health.

Average price

The purchase price of a Savoy Shepherd puppy can range from 800 to 1200 euros. This price can depend on the pedigree, the location of the breeder, and the rarity of the breed.

Expenses

The monthly expenses for a Berger de Savoie, including food, grooming, insurance, and veterinary care, can range from 100 to 150 euros. These costs are an estimate and may vary depending on the specific needs and living conditions of the dog.

Name ideas

For a Savoy Shepherd, the following names could be appropriate: Alpin, Blizzard, Cinnamon, Dune, Lightning, Flake, Grizzly, Winter, Ivory, Jura, Koda, Moon.

Legislation and regulation

The Savoy Shepherd is not classified in the categories of dangerous dogs. However, it is recommended to check local regulations specific to dog ownership, as they may vary from one region to another.

Official recognition

Recognition of the Savoy Shepherd breed is still ongoing. Efforts are being made in France to obtain official recognition by the Société Centrale Canine, which would help preserve and promote the breed on a national and international level.

Pedigrees

Specific breed clubs for the Berger de Savoie are currently being formed in France. These clubs aim to standardize the breed, maintain pedigree records, and promote responsible breeding. Contacts with similar clubs in Switzerland and Italy are also being developed to support international recognition of the breed.

Destination and usage

Traditionally, Savoy Shepherds were used as working dogs for herding purposes. Today, they are also valued as companion and guard dogs. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various roles, including in canine sports and outdoor activities.

Prohibitions

To this day, there are no specific prohibitions regarding the possession or breeding of the Berger de Savoie. However, it is advisable to comply with local regulations regarding animal ownership and welfare.

Breeders of savoy sheepdog

No of savoy sheepdog breeders are currently registered on Preeders.
If you’re a breeder, sign up for free now and be the first to appear on this page.

Classified Ads of savoy sheepdog

No of savoy sheepdog classified ads are available on Preeders.
If you’re a breeder, sign up for free now and be the first to post a classified ad

Breed clubs of savoy sheepdog

No of savoy sheepdog breed clubs are currently registered on Preeders.
If you would like to highlight your breed club, sign up for free now and be the first to appear on this page.