Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the Swissy, is a large and muscular breed that originated in the Swiss Alps. They were originally bred as a draft dog to help farmers with their daily tasks.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed overview

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a calm, loving breed that is great with children and other dogs. They are a moderately active breed that requires regular exercise and interaction with their family. They have a short, low-maintenance coat and do not require any special grooming or training. However, they are not well-suited for apartment living or for people who are not active or outdoorsy. With their loyal, devoted nature and gentle temperament, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog makes an excellent family companion and working dog.

Height:
23-28 inches
Weight:
85-140 lbs
Life expectancy:
7-9 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Exercise

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They should be taken on daily walks or runs and given plenty of opportunities to play and explore.

They also enjoy swimming and hiking and make great companions for active families. However, it is important to wait until they are fully grown before engaging in activities that put a lot of stress on their joints.

Health

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and epilepsy.

It is important to take your Swissy to regular veterinary check-ups and to keep them at a healthy weight to prevent joint problems. They also need plenty of exercise to keep them fit and healthy.

Nutrition

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. They are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and to give them plenty of exercise.

It is also important to avoid overfeeding them as it can lead to joint problems and other health issues. Regular feeding times also help prevent bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists.

Grooming

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain. They shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily twice a year during shedding season.

Regular brushing can help to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. They only need to be bathed occasionally, and their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long.

Training

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are intelligent and eager to please their owners, but they can be stubborn at times. They require consistent and firm training from a young age to prevent them from becoming too dominant.

Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed, and they respond well to treats and plenty of praise. They also need a lot of socialization with other dogs and people to prevent aggression.

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Traits & Characteristics

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a well-proportioned and muscular breed that should have a level topline and a deep, broad chest. Their heads are large and broad with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop.

Their ears are triangular and set high on the head, and their eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Their short, dense coat should be black with rust and white markings, with symmetrical markings preferred.

According to the AKC breed standards, male Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should stand between 25 and 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 105 and 140 pounds, while females should stand between 23 and 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 85 and 110 pounds.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the most loving and affectionate breeds out there. They form strong bonds with their owners and will become very attached to them. They are also very good with children and love nothing more than spending time with their family.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is great with kids, thanks to their calm, patient temperament. They are gentle giants who love to play and are very tolerant of children. They do need a fair amount of exercise, so they are great for active families who like to go for walks or hikes.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally very sociable towards other dogs, thanks to their friendly and outgoing nature. They are not known to be aggressive and will often get along with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from a young age.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally friendly towards strangers, particularly if they are socialized from a young age. They are not known to be particularly wary or suspicious of new people, but may be somewhat reserved or aloof at first.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a laid-back breed that is not particularly playful or active. They do enjoy spending time with their family and may enjoy a short walk or hike, but are not the best choice for people looking for a high-energy dog.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately alert and vigilant breed, but they are not particularly known for their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs. They are very loyal and will often alert their owners to potential intruders or dangers, but are not guard dogs by nature.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally adaptable and can adjust to new environments and situations, particularly if they are socialized from a young age. However, they do require a fair amount of exercise and may not be the best choice for apartment living or for people who are not active.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog sheds moderately, so they are not the best choice for people with allergies. They do require regular grooming to keep their smooth, shiny coats looking their best, but are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. They do require regular brushing and occasional baths, but are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They also do not have any special grooming needs or requirements.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known to be a heavy drooler. They do drool occasionally, but it is not typically a significant issue for owners of this breed.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed that typically weighs between 85 and 140 pounds and stands between 23 and 29 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a substantial breed that requires plenty of space and exercise.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately energetic breed. They do require a fair amount of exercise and enjoy short walks or hikes, but are not particularly high-energy or active. They are a good choice for people who want a dog that is not too demanding when it comes to exercise.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires a fair amount of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. They enjoy short walks or hikes and benefit from regular play and activity. However, they are not a particularly high-energy or active breed and are well-suited to moderately active families.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is well-suited to working and performing certain tasks or jobs. They are known for their strength and endurance, and are often used for draft work or as farm dogs. They are versatile and adaptable, making them a good choice for a variety of jobs or tasks.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically used for hunting or tracking, but they do have a strong prey drive and may enjoy chasing small animals or rodents. They are not typically used for hunting, however, and are more commonly used as draft dogs or farm dogs.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is known for their physical stamina and endurance. They are a strong, sturdy breed that can maintain high levels of activity and energy for extended periods of time. They benefit from regular exercise and activity to maintain their physical fitness and vigor.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. They may be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and preventive measures can help to keep them healthy.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is prone to obesity if they are not provided with regular exercise and a balanced diet. They are a large breed that requires a fair amount of food, but overfeeding can lead to weight gain and health problems. Regular exercise and portion control can help to prevent obesity in this breed.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is well-suited to cold weather conditions. They have a thick, double coat that provides excellent insulation against the cold. They do best in cooler climates and may require extra warmth and protection when the temperature drops below freezing.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not particularly well-suited to hot weather conditions. They have a thick coat that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. They require plenty of shade and should always have access to fresh, cool water in hot weather conditions.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically the best choice for apartment living. They do require regular exercise and activity, and are not well-suited for small living spaces. They do best in homes with plenty of space and a backyard for outdoor play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically prone to wandering or roaming. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and prefer to stay close to home. However, they do require regular exercise and may benefit from a secure, fenced-in yard for play and activity.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately sensitive breed that can become stressed or anxious in certain situations. They do best with a stable, predictable routine and may become agitated or upset if their routine is disrupted. However, they are generally gentle and easygoing by nature.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically well-suited for long periods of alone time. They are a social breed that thrives on human interaction and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They do best with plenty of exercise and regular interaction with their family.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known to be a particularly vocal or loud breed. They will typically only bark when necessary or to alert their owners to potential dangers, but are not prone to excessive barking or vocalization.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed that benefits from mental stimulation and engaging activities. They enjoy training and learning new things, but can become bored with routine or repetitive tasks. They benefit from having plenty of toys and interactive games to keep them occupied.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a good choice for novice or first-time dog owners. They are easy to train and gentle by nature, making them a good choice for families with children. However, they do require regular exercise and may not be the best choice for people who are not active or outdoorsy.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally easy to train and is known for their obedience and willingness to learn. They are intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, but can be stubborn at times. They do best with consistent, gentle training methods.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the most loving and affectionate breeds out there. They form strong bonds with their owners and will become very attached to them. They are also very good with children and love nothing more than spending time with their family.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is great with kids, thanks to their calm, patient temperament. They are gentle giants who love to play and are very tolerant of children. They do need a fair amount of exercise, so they are great for active families who like to go for walks or hikes.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally very sociable towards other dogs, thanks to their friendly and outgoing nature. They are not known to be aggressive and will often get along with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from a young age.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally friendly towards strangers, particularly if they are socialized from a young age. They are not known to be particularly wary or suspicious of new people, but may be somewhat reserved or aloof at first.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a laid-back breed that is not particularly playful or active. They do enjoy spending time with their family and may enjoy a short walk or hike, but are not the best choice for people looking for a high-energy dog.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately alert and vigilant breed, but they are not particularly known for their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs. They are very loyal and will often alert their owners to potential intruders or dangers, but are not guard dogs by nature.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally adaptable and can adjust to new environments and situations, particularly if they are socialized from a young age. However, they do require a fair amount of exercise and may not be the best choice for apartment living or for people who are not active.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog sheds moderately, so they are not the best choice for people with allergies. They do require regular grooming to keep their smooth, shiny coats looking their best, but are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. They do require regular brushing and occasional baths, but are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They also do not have any special grooming needs or requirements.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known to be a heavy drooler. They do drool occasionally, but it is not typically a significant issue for owners of this breed.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed that typically weighs between 85 and 140 pounds and stands between 23 and 29 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a substantial breed that requires plenty of space and exercise.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately energetic breed. They do require a fair amount of exercise and enjoy short walks or hikes, but are not particularly high-energy or active. They are a good choice for people who want a dog that is not too demanding when it comes to exercise.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires a fair amount of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. They enjoy short walks or hikes and benefit from regular play and activity. However, they are not a particularly high-energy or active breed and are well-suited to moderately active families.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is well-suited to working and performing certain tasks or jobs. They are known for their strength and endurance, and are often used for draft work or as farm dogs. They are versatile and adaptable, making them a good choice for a variety of jobs or tasks.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically used for hunting or tracking, but they do have a strong prey drive and may enjoy chasing small animals or rodents. They are not typically used for hunting, however, and are more commonly used as draft dogs or farm dogs.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is known for their physical stamina and endurance. They are a strong, sturdy breed that can maintain high levels of activity and energy for extended periods of time. They benefit from regular exercise and activity to maintain their physical fitness and vigor.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. They may be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and preventive measures can help to keep them healthy.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is prone to obesity if they are not provided with regular exercise and a balanced diet. They are a large breed that requires a fair amount of food, but overfeeding can lead to weight gain and health problems. Regular exercise and portion control can help to prevent obesity in this breed.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that is well-suited to cold weather conditions. They have a thick, double coat that provides excellent insulation against the cold. They do best in cooler climates and may require extra warmth and protection when the temperature drops below freezing.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not particularly well-suited to hot weather conditions. They have a thick coat that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. They require plenty of shade and should always have access to fresh, cool water in hot weather conditions.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically the best choice for apartment living. They do require regular exercise and activity, and are not well-suited for small living spaces. They do best in homes with plenty of space and a backyard for outdoor play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically prone to wandering or roaming. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and prefer to stay close to home. However, they do require regular exercise and may benefit from a secure, fenced-in yard for play and activity.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a moderately sensitive breed that can become stressed or anxious in certain situations. They do best with a stable, predictable routine and may become agitated or upset if their routine is disrupted. However, they are generally gentle and easygoing by nature.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not typically well-suited for long periods of alone time. They are a social breed that thrives on human interaction and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long. They do best with plenty of exercise and regular interaction with their family.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known to be a particularly vocal or loud breed. They will typically only bark when necessary or to alert their owners to potential dangers, but are not prone to excessive barking or vocalization.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed that benefits from mental stimulation and engaging activities. They enjoy training and learning new things, but can become bored with routine or repetitive tasks. They benefit from having plenty of toys and interactive games to keep them occupied.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a good choice for novice or first-time dog owners. They are easy to train and gentle by nature, making them a good choice for families with children. However, they do require regular exercise and may not be the best choice for people who are not active or outdoorsy.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally easy to train and is known for their obedience and willingness to learn. They are intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, but can be stubborn at times. They do best with consistent, gentle training methods.

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History of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds of dog in Switzerland and was originally bred as a draft dog to help farmers with their daily tasks. They were also used to drive cattle and as watchdogs.

However, their numbers began to decline in the early 1900s due to the introduction of other draft dogs. They were eventually recognized as a separate breed in the early 1900s and were imported to the United States in the 1960s.

Today, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a popular breed in the United States and is often used as a therapy dog due to their calm and affectionate nature.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies are typically born in litters of 6-8 and require a lot of socialization from a young age to prevent aggression towards other dogs.

They are a relatively slow-growing breed and don't reach their full size until they are around 2 years old. It is important to feed them a high-quality diet during this time to ensure they grow up healthy and strong.