Grand Bouvier Suisse: Tout Savoir - Caractre, Prix & Plus
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog the Gentle Giant You've Been Searching For? This magnificent breed, with its imposing size and amiable nature, often captures the hearts of those seeking a loyal and devoted companion.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the Grand Bouvier Suisse, presents a compelling blend of strength and serenity. Originating from the Swiss Alps, this breed boasts a rich history as a versatile farm dog, excelling in tasks from guarding livestock to pulling carts. Their impressive stature, combined with a gentle and affectionate temperament, makes them a unique breed. This article delves into the history, characteristics, care, and considerations of welcoming a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog into your life, answering all your questions about these wonderful animals.
In terms of size and weight, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is slightly larger than some of its closely related breeds. On average, they measure about 2.5 centimeters more and weigh approximately 7 kilograms more. As a point of comparison, the breeds origins can be traced back to the dogs that accompanied the Roman legions, evolving over centuries to become the robust and dependable companions we know today.
This is where you'll discover everything you need to know about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed that combines impressive physical attributes with a loving and adaptable nature.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Swiss Alps, Switzerland |
| Group | Working Group (AKC), Swiss Mountain Dog Group |
| Size | Males: 65-72 cm (25.5-28.5 inches) at the withers, Females: 60-68 cm (23.5-26.5 inches) at the withers |
| Weight | 35 to 50 kilograms (77 to 110 pounds) |
| Coat | Tri-colored (black, white, and rust), double coat |
| Temperament | Calm, confident, friendly, devoted, intelligent, eager to please |
| Lifespan | 10 to 11 years |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate; daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation |
| Grooming | Regular brushing to remove loose hair; occasional bathing |
| Training | Early socialization and consistent training with positive reinforcement |
| Common Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) |
| Cost | Between 1100 and 1800 euros for a puppy registered with the LOF (French Book of Origins). This can vary depending on age and breeder. |
| Reference | American Kennel Club |
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a large, robust, and muscular dog. Males typically stand between 65 and 72 centimeters at the withers, while females measure between 60 and 68 centimeters. Their weight ranges from 35 to 50 kilograms, reflecting their powerful build.
Although not widespread, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog possesses numerous qualities. The breed has gained popularity in other European countries, particularly as a family companion. They thrive with early training and socialisation. The breed excels as a family dog, offering affection, protection, and a calm presence. These traits, coupled with their intelligence and willingness to please, endear them to their owners and make them wonderful companions for children.
The breed's health, like that of other large breeds, is an important consideration. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically live for an average of 10 to 11 years. This lifespan is comparable to that of other dogs of a similar size. Their life expectancy is often longer than that of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
When considering the temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, it's essential to understand what makes this breed unique. Nothing seems to disturb the calm demeanor of this imposing dog with a strong build. This is one reason the dogs are a desirable breed.
In the face of unfamiliar people, a noisy school class, barking dogs, or even a tractor emitting unpleasant odors, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog remains unruffled. They are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods. Early training, socialisation, and consistent rules and boundaries are essential for developing a well-adjusted adult dog.
The breed is powerful and robust, as well as being affectionate and calm. They need specific attention, especially in terms of education, which should be firm and solid to facilitate cohabitation and harmonious interaction. In 2023, there were 138 registrations of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs with the LOF in France, compared to 2866 for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The story of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is fascinating. These dogs are descended from the Mastiffs that accompanied the Roman legions. They aided farmers and butchers by guarding and driving livestock, and they also served as draft dogs. The breed was first presented to the public in 1908, initially described as short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs. Fortunately, a discerning enthusiast recognized them as a distinct breed descended from local Mastiffs.
In 1908, the Swiss Cynological Society registered them as Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. The breed was officially recognized as distinct in 1909 and entered into Volume 12 of the Swiss Book of Origins that same year. A breeding program was established in 1912 by the Swiss Club for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to further promote the breed. The standard was first published by the FCI on February 5, 1939.
Today, the breed is also raised in other European countries and is particularly appreciated as a family dog and companion. These dogs are gentle giants that possess a harmonious blend of strength, intelligence, and friendliness.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed of the Swiss mountain dog, originating from Roman dogs or butcher mastiffs. It is a large, tricolored dog, calm, balanced and devoted to its family. They are often described as a robust, vibrant, and affectionate dog, originating from the Swiss Alps.
They are known for being a robust and well-muscled breed. The head is also strong in relation to its body. They have three colors and a stiff coat, and their tail is carried low to the hock. They possess a good temperament, endurance, and flexibility.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful and robust dog that is as strong as it is affectionate and calm. They need special attention, particularly regarding their training, which must be firm and solid to be able to live together and evolve peacefully alongside them. The breed is a herding dog with many great qualities.
A love at first sight for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is common after seeing one for the first time. They make great additions to family. We have a long history with these dogs, a testament to their enduring appeal. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful and tricolored shepherd dog, originating from the Swiss Alps. They are affectionate, loyal, and vigilant, but need firm training and a large space.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog exhibits a calm temperament with perfect self-control, making them excellent cattle drivers, though they are sometimes disadvantaged by their size and weight.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's coat is characterized by a harsh, dense outer layer. The length of the fur never exceeds 5 cm. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's temperament is, above all, extremely balanced. They are the oldest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds.
In 1912, the "Swiss Club of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog" was created to promote the breeding of purebred dogs. This dog is also appreciated as a gentle family member. These dogs need early training and consistent rules and boundaries, these are essential for developing a well-adjusted adult dog.
If you're considering adding a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to your family, it's crucial to find a responsible breeder. Look for breeders who prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of their dogs. This ensures you'll get a healthy, well-adjusted puppy that will bring years of joy.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs role in history has been as a working dog and family companion. They have worked on farms and served as draft dogs. This breed is considered the oldest of the Swiss mountain dog breeds.
