Dog Breeds - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth a breed is expected to display towards their family members or familiar individuals varies greatly. Certain breeds may appear distant and reserved with everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to shower affection upon everyone they are acquainted with as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
An essential aspect to evaluate in a breed is its level of tolerance and patience towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly temperament. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall amicability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While it is crucial to always supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, certain breeds have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs, whether it is in a home setting or in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
It is worth considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing, may potentially trigger allergies in some individuals and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating a breed, it is important to take into account the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required. It is crucial to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds need regular nail trimming regardless of other grooming needs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Considering a breed's tendency to drool is important. If cleanliness is a priority for you, breeds that leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
It's essential to evaluate how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserve or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will eagerly embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they come across them.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Determining a breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond puppyhood is significant. Certain breeds will continue to have a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time simply relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers is worth considering. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become friendly towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Assessing a breed's adaptability to change is crucial as it encompasses various aspects of life, such as alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other everyday variations. Understanding how easily a breed can handle these changes will help determine the compatibility of the breed with your lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Considering the ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is key. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable always aiming to make their owners proud. In contrast, other breeds may exhibit a more independent nature preferring to do things on their terms, when and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Considering the amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is important. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure and they thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with lounging around and enjoying some rest and relaxation.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Considering a breed's tendency to vocalize is significant. Some breeds are inclined to bark at every passer-by or anything that catches their attention, while others are more selective and only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds may find alternative ways to express themselves vocally using other sounds to communicate and convey their emotions.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Considering the mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is crucial. Purpose-bred dogs, who have been specifically bred for certain tasks or jobs often need mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may find their own ways to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with your preferences or be conducive to a harmonious living environment. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is important to prevent boredom and the development of unwanted behaviors.

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CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth a breed is expected to display towards their family members or familiar individuals varies greatly. Certain breeds may appear distant and reserved with everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds tend to shower affection upon everyone they are acquainted with as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
An essential aspect to evaluate in a breed is its level of tolerance and patience towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly temperament. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall amicability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While it is crucial to always supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, certain breeds have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs, whether it is in a home setting or in public.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
It is worth considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing, may potentially trigger allergies in some individuals and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
When evaluating a breed, it is important to take into account the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other types of coat maintenance required. It is crucial to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds need regular nail trimming regardless of other grooming needs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
Considering a breed's tendency to drool is important. If cleanliness is a priority for you, breeds that leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
It's essential to evaluate how welcoming a breed is towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserve or caution around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will eagerly embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they come across them.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
Determining a breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond puppyhood is significant. Certain breeds will continue to have a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, other breeds will be content to spend most of their time simply relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers is worth considering. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are likely to become friendly towards strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
Assessing a breed's adaptability to change is crucial as it encompasses various aspects of life, such as alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other everyday variations. Understanding how easily a breed can handle these changes will help determine the compatibility of the breed with your lifestyle.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
Considering the ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is key. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable always aiming to make their owners proud. In contrast, other breeds may exhibit a more independent nature preferring to do things on their terms, when and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
Considering the amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires is important. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure and they thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with lounging around and enjoying some rest and relaxation.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
Considering the mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is crucial. Purpose-bred dogs, who have been specifically bred for certain tasks or jobs often need mental challenges that involve decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may find their own ways to keep their minds occupied, which might not align with your preferences or be conducive to a harmonious living environment. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is important to prevent boredom and the development of unwanted behaviors.
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About The Breed

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large and incredibly strong working breed known for its dense coat with striking black, red and white markings. They have a reputation for being dependable and loyal workers, excelling as herders, drafters and all-around dogs for managing pastures.

In terms of size, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can stand as tall as 28.5 inches and weigh as much as a midsize human. Their strength is remarkable yet they remain agile enough to navigate the sloping terrains of mountains and efficiently move livestock. The tricolor coat of black, red and white is one of the breed's distinguishing features, with a white marking, referred to as the "blaze," commonly seen on the head and muzzle. When it comes to their appearance, Swissies are often described as majestic with their imposing presence practically embodying the meaning of the word.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMD) does not have any breed-specific disorders but like other large-breed dogs, they can be susceptible to health issues typically associated with their size. Overall, the orthopedic health of the GSMD tends to be good for a large breed although orthopedic problems can still occur. One health issue that can be more common in GSMDs compared to other breeds is splenic torsion, which is unrelated to gastric torsion (bloat). It's important for owners to be aware of the possibility of bloat and recognize its symptoms, as well as knowing what to do in case of an emergency. Urinary incontinence is relatively common in GSMD puppies and spayed females. While not specific to this breed, it's something that owners should be prepared for and address with appropriate veterinary care if necessary. Epilepsy is a condition that can occur in any pedigree and at this time, specific genetic markers for epilepsy in GSMDs have not been identified. Overall, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog tends to be a healthy breed. For more comprehensive information on breed health, it is recommended to visit the website of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, which can provide detailed insights and resources. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Shoulder Evaluation Elbow Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known as a "wash and wear" breed meaning they are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, it's important to note that they have a double coat and will undergo seasonal shedding typically twice a year. During these shedding periods, they can benefit from a good bath and blow-out to remove loose hair followed by thorough brushing using a rake or shedding tool to help remove the undercoat. For the remainder of the year, regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to maintain their coat. It's also essential to regularly trim their nails and clean their ears and teeth to ensure overall hygiene and prevent any potential issues.

Exercise

	The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog generally requires moderate exercise to meet their daily needs. Taking them for a walk around the block or allowing them to have a romp in the woods can usually meet their exercise requirements. While they enjoy physical activity and being outdoors, it's important to note that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is better suited for someone seeking a hiking companion rather than a partner for high-intensity activities such as bicycling or marathon running. Understanding their exercise needs and providing them with regular opportunities to be active will help keep them physically and mentally stimulated promoting their overall well-being.

Training

	The GSMD displays a strong inclination towards food and responds positively to training techniques that involve the use of food rewards. Nevertheless, they may exhibit a stubborn demeanor requiring their owners to exhibit a higher level of determination. Utilizing a harness-type training device is not advisable for this breed particularly since it tends to amplify their pulling behavior due to their drafting instincts. To ensure the best development of their social skills and obedience, early socialization and enrollment in puppy training classes are highly recommended.

Nutrition

	The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has the ability to flourish on a variety of diets ranging from kibble to raw food or a blend of the two. However, the most significant concern when it comes to feeding this breed is excessive consumption, as it can result in various digestive issues like loose stools. Moreover, overfeeding also contributes to the prevalent problem of obesity, which poses a substantial health risk for these dogs.

Historiography

Swissies can trace their origins back to the war dogs that accompanied Julius Caesar's legions as they crossed the Alps. The Swiss recognized the potential of these mastiff-like dogs and used them in breeding their Alpine mountain dogs also known as Sennenhunds. Among these breeds, the Greater Swiss holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest.

In the rugged mountain passes, these dogs performed a range of tasks as valuable helpers on farms and pastures. They specialized in transporting loads of meat and dairy to the market using well-equipped dogcarts. The Greater Swiss shares a close lineage with the Bernese mountain dog and is considered to be a foundational breed of both the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.