The Old Swiss Confederacy has used the use of the white cross as a military ensign since the 14th century, but the modern design of a white cross suspended in a square red field was introduced during the Napoleonic period, first used in 1800 during the Hundred Days War by General Niklaus Franz von Bachmann, and then as the official national flag in 1889. How's that for a history lesson? If your pet wears this dog id tag, you might enjoy providing the insight. Personalize the back of your custom dog tag for pets with your information so that your pet can be safely returned if they get lost.