Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Swiss mountain dog has a large physique, a wide, massive chest and a wide, heavy bone. This breed has tremendous physical strength, powerful jaws and is gaining muscle mass. Feet slightly shorter than average, muscular, strong, tail long, usually drooping. The neck is thick, but not short, the muzzle is square, the ears hang down on the sides of the head on the cheekbones. Color combines black, brown and white.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Characteristics of Breed

Life Expectancy (years)

7-10

Size

large, extralarge

Height (inches)

25-30

Weight (pounds)

90-150

Coat Length

short

Coat Colors

Tricolor, Black, , White

History and Origin

As you know, now in Switzerland there are four breeds of dogs that are considered local property. And one of the oldest and most popular is the large Swiss Mountain Dog. They resemble the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed, but still have some differences. It is believed that they were brought in by Roman legionnaires during the time of Octavian Augustus (3rd century AD), or rather, not themselves, but their ancestors, from whom modern Swiss dog breeds originated. Their warlike ancestors resembled the present mastiffs, were large, fearless, and completely loyal to their masters. Among the local population, they gained great popularity due to their strength and versatility, as well as due to endurance and intelligence. Locals used these dogs for a variety of purposes - as guards for cattle, as guards for the house, as a companion on the hunt, and even as a draft animal. And everywhere they showed their best, although, until today, they are used as shepherd dogs, and sometimes harnessed to a garden cart. Until 1908, they were not considered a separate breed, however, dog breeder and researcher Albert Heim, being an honorary member of the Swiss Kennel Club, once on an anniversary evening saw two large dogs, which the owner called Shorthair Bernese Mountain Dogs. Despite the unusual name, Albert understood that these dogs belong to the Sennenhund family, although they have a somewhat peculiar appearance. He began to engage in their popularization, breeding and assignment of the status of a separate breed of dogs. Just a year later, in 1909, a new breed was included in the Swiss pedigree book - the large Swiss mountain dog.

Physical Characteristics

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, heavy-boned dog with incredible physical strength. Its coat is short and dense, typically featuring a tricolor pattern of black, rust, and white. The breed's eyes are almond-shaped and vary in color from hazel to chestnut. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest and strong, muscular shoulders. Its gait is powerful and steady, reflecting its heritage as a draft dog.

Temperament and Personality

The Swiss Mountain Dog has a balanced character, characterized by friendliness and openness. We can say that this is a big and strong good man who loves children. But do not flatter yourself - if it occurs to you to offend a child from the family of this large and strong dog, or to offend its owner, you will have a hard time. For his family, the big Swiss mountain dog will give his life if necessary, since the defender's instincts in this breed are extremely strong, and have roots dating back centuries. They are very fond of various types of activity, walks, training, games, and blossom in the company of loved ones when they feel that they occupy an important place in the life of their family. These dogs need to know what they need, they can’t just uselessly spend days lying on a soft pillow near a bowl of food. An ideal place to maintain a large Swiss is a private house with its own courtyard. Although the breed is highly active, nevertheless, it is a large dog, which also likes to spend time on the street - that’s it. On the other hand, they can in no way be called hyperactive - rather, periods of activity and peace alternate with each other, due to which the dog has a harmonious and full-fledged character. Strangers are taken with caution, but if they see the location of the owners, they act accordingly. They like to play with other dogs, cats perceive normally if you accustom to their presence from an early age. The Swiss Mountain Dog is perfect as a guard dog, as it is quite territorial and has a suitable disposition. In addition, instincts and mind. In any case, the Swiss Mountain Dog is a great companion for everyone, young and old. He has a developed mind, and therefore well lends itself to learning and even needs it, as this will make his life more interesting and provide food for intelligence.

Utility

Historically, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was used as a draft dog in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, where it excelled in pulling carts and herding livestock. Today, its utility extends beyond these traditional roles. The breed's strength and endurance make it suitable for various activities such as carting competitions and search and rescue missions. Additionally, its gentle nature and loyalty have made it a popular choice for therapy work, providing comfort and companionship to those in need.

Breed pictures

Greater Swiss Mountain DogGreater Swiss Mountain DogGreater Swiss Mountain Dog

What To Expect When Caring For a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The large Swiss Mountain Dog needs regular combing of the hair, about once a week, and the animal should also be bathed once a week. Be sure to monitor the cleanliness of your ears and eyes, checking them after walking, and do not forget to cut the claws. The Swiss Mountain Dog has an excellent appetite and can eat almost anything. But it’s better to make sure that the animal has the highest quality and proper food.

While generally healthy, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be prone to certain health issues common in large breeds. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor these conditions and ensure early intervention if necessary. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can also help mitigate some of these risks.

The grooming needs of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are minimal compared to other breeds with longer coats. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat looking its best. Bathing should be done as needed, depending on the dog's activity level and environment. Routine checks of the ears, teeth, and nails are important to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

Exercise is vital for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to maintain its physical health and mental well-being. This breed thrives on activities that challenge both body and mind. Daily walks, hikes, or play sessions in a secure area are ideal for burning off energy. Engaging in activities like carting or agility can also provide mental stimulation while strengthening the bond between dog and owner.

The Swiss Mountain Dog requires training and training, including because this dog feels an internal need for self-development and training. Such training should take place regularly, with consistency, and the process of maturation of the individual is from 2 to 3 years. This means that you will have enough time to form the character of the dog in the right way. If you try to simply break the animal’s personality with the help of pressure, force and gross dominance, firstly, this can lead to disastrous consequences, and secondly, it will simply be difficult to do due to the nature of the breed. Therefore, you should be patient, and gradually, guided by kindness, take the position of an authoritative leader in the minds of animals. The Sennenhund breed needs both behavioral correction and team training. Developed intelligence allows you to master both simple, basic, and complex teams with a lot of distracting factors. Of course, you need to start with the simple, moving on to the more complex as your pet grows older.

A balanced diet is essential for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to support its large size and active lifestyle. High-quality commercial dog food or carefully prepared home-cooked meals should provide all necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Portion control is important to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues common in large breeds.

Conclusion

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a remarkable breed, known for its impressive strength and gentle demeanor. Historically, this breed has been a versatile working dog, admired for its robust physique and enduring spirit. As a family companion, it is celebrated for its unwavering loyalty and affectionate nature. This breed is an excellent choice for those seeking a large, dependable companion with a rich history and loving temperament. If you're interested in exploring other breeds with similar attributes, you might also consider the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Rottweiler. Additionally, the Great Dane offers a similar blend of size and companionship.

Last Update:

November 20, 2024

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