Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

HISTORY

ORIGIN  SWITZERLAND

GROUP  WORKING GROUP

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originated when the Romans crossed the Mastiffs with the Swiss dogs of the region. This breed was used primarily for herding and guarding since the middle Ages.

APPEARANCE(S)

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a large heavily muscled frame. The head is big and square with drop ears.

COLOR(S)

This breed is most commonly seen in black with white and rust colored markings.

COAT

The coat is short and soft to the touch. They have a very thick undercoat.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

POSITIVES

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog loves to be active. They will the best with families that have an active lifestyle and can keep them entertained. They tend to be good with kids, and make great watchdogs. They will do much better if socialized at a young age to children and other dogs. They also need very little grooming, a good brushing once a week will do.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be overprotective of family around new people. They also tend to be aggressive to other dogs, unless socialized at a young age with other dogs.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in the country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed needs to be exercised on a daily basis.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

• Hip Dysplasia

• Bloat

• Mega-esophagus

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America Inc.
17201 Rustic Acres
Luther, OK 73054

FUN FACT(S)

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was once known as the “butcher’s dog”. It was once a common practice to keep them around the butchers shop to use for helping to pull around the large loads of meat.