Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are said to have been descended from Roman dogs left in Switzerland 2000 years ago. These dogs soon crossed with local breeds, creating a distinct branch of breeds bearing a resemblance to the Greater Swiss Mountain dog, including the Bernese Mountain dog.

Some believe they originate from a breed brought to Spain by ancient Greeks which then found their way into the Alps.

They were bred for their guarding and herding abilities, and they were also used to pull carts. They would often be bred with St Bernards to improve their favourable strength and hardiness in this heavy weight-pulling task. They were again employed as working dogs during WWII.

However, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's numbers soon began to dwindle until a man called Franz Schertenlieb gathered enough to set up a breeding program.

In 1910 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized them as a separate breed to the Bernese and named them the Grosse Schweizer Sennehund. And so the Swiss Mountain Dog officially joined the country's group of Sennehund breeds.

Who are Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs best for?

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a natural family dog renowned for how well they take to being a family companion.

They thrive in a home environment and their sweet nature, which makes them natural pleasers, means they are naturally given to picking up obedience training. This also makes them a great choice for first-time owners - that's if you feel confident caring for such a big, intelligent dog that requires a lot of mental stimulation.

They are confident but reserved dogs, and while they are great for guarding your home, they don't suffer from 'small dog syndrome'. They are confident enough to accept new people without any undesirable posturing.

They also get on well with other dogs and pets provided they are well socialized. They rarely show any sort of aggressive behaviour and their caring attitude makes them good nanny dogs for younger children too.

If you do decide to get a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, ensure your house has the space to cater to its size. It's also best if you have a decent garden for this giant breed to romp around in.

How much grooming does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog need?

The Greater Swiss has a thick coat which is relatively low maintenance and will generally only require a once-weekly brush to remove loose hair. They shed dog hair throughout the year and will start shedding hair more heavily during spring and autumn.

Keep an eye on any wax or debris build-up in their ears too. Ear infections can be painful and are often much more work to cure than they are to prevent.

Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bark much?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs make such good guard dogs as they have next to no ego and will bark only when they think you need to know something.

Whereas other guard dog breeds might be a little talkative, the Greater Swiss is not known to be a 'barker' and will protect you with the gentle energy typical of large breeds of dogs.

The size of this large dog alone should be enough to deter any uninvited guest.

Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite?

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a sweet-natured working dog with no aggressive tendencies. They get on well with people and dogs alike and in the unlikely case that they get mouthy, it will simply be a playful nip.

Generally, big working dogs of this nature are used to protecting the farm and herding livestock and aggressive behaviour is not something that has been coached into them during their history.

What is the temperament & personality of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

Swissies are sweet-natured, friendly dogs who thrive on a sense of community and whose attitude makes them a perfect family dog. They love being in a home environment and feeling as though they are part of a family. They get on well with other pets and other dogs and show no inclination towards aggressive behaviour.

They are playful and love being both entertainers and entertained. Their quick wits allow them to pick up on exactly what they need to do to please you or how to be mischievous and they love to be silly when the mood takes them.

What is the weight & size of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

Male and female Swissies will grow to between 60-70kg as an adult dog. The males can grow a little longer with an average height of 65-72cm while the females grow to between 60-68cm.

How much training does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog need?

The combination of the Swissy's eagerness to please and their high levels of intelligence make them natural learners, ideal for those wishing to enjoy dog sports. With the proper socialization and stimulation, this breed can demonstrate quick progress, especially during one-to-one sessions with their owner.

You may even want to consider a puppy kindergarten class where they will be able to make friends and pick up some healthy, sociable habits.

It's important, as with any puppy, to make sure they are properly socialized from a young age so they don't pick up any bad habits. Don't allow a cute, tiny Swissy puppy to take advantage of you - maintain a firm but friendly, loving hand and you will both reap the benefits of a close relationship where your dog lives to make sure they're pleasing you.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

The Swissy is a generally healthy dog, though like many other dogs they have been known to suffer from a few genetic health problems including:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Epilepsy

• Eye issues

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

• Swissy lick and splenic torsion

What is the lifespan of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

If they lead a healthy life, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a life expectancy of between 8-11 years.

How much should you feed a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

A reputable breeder will give you a feeding plan along with your Greater Swiss puppy which you should stick to in order to avoid any upset stomachs.

Adult dogs will need to be fed twice a day in the morning and evening with high-quality nutritional foods that match all their requirements.

Sennenhund breeds are known to suffer from bloating so it's important to stick to the twice-a-day routine and not just one large meal.

What is the price of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in Australia?

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a rare breed that can fetch a price of between $900-$3000 for a puppy. They can also be rescued for between $200-$600.