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Does the idea of a gentle giant with a working heritage and a heart of gold appeal to you? The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed steeped in history and known for its versatility, is precisely that: a powerful, yet affectionate companion perfectly suited for family life.
Hailing from the Swiss Alps, these dogs were once the steadfast partners of farmers, pulling carts laden with farm produce and guarding livestock. Their story is one of near-extinction, a testament to the dedication of those who saved them from oblivion in the early 20th century. Today, they stand as a beloved breed, known for their unwavering loyalty and gentle nature, making them ideal additions to any family, especially those with children.
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Origin: | Swiss Alps |
| Size: | Large (25-35 kg, up to 72 cm tall) |
| Life Span: | 10-11 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, Calm, Intelligent, Loyal, Good-natured |
| Coat: | Double coat; outer coat is dense and about 5 cm long |
| Colors: | Tri-color (black, white, and rust) is standard |
| Use: | Historically: Draft work, Livestock guarding. Presently: Companion, Therapy, Draft work |
| Exercise: | Moderate, daily walks and playtime |
| Grooming: | Weekly brushing, shedding is seasonal |
| Training: | Needs firm, consistent training |
| Known Health Issues: | Hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
| Reference Website: | American Kennel Club |
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed that nearly vanished, has emerged as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and dogs. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps, these dogs were essential to farmers, serving as versatile helpers. Their strength and stature made them ideal for pulling carts filled with farm goods, while their protective instincts were crucial for guarding herds of cattle. They are in the giant category, Indeed they are big dogs.
Beyond their work ethic, they also possess an endearing quality: a deep affection for children. They are known for their patience and gentleness, making them wonderful companions for families with youngsters. This is a breed that seamlessly integrates into family life, happily becoming the newest member of the household. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them ideal additions to any family.
This breed's versatility extends beyond its historical roles. They're also capable of search and rescue work, demonstrating their intelligence and trainability. While the exact origins of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog remain somewhat unclear, it's believed that their ancestors were a mix of Mastiff-type dogs and Swiss farm dogs. A short-haired Bernese Mountain Dog was showcased at a dog show in 1908, further shaping the breed's recognition. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed was officially recognized by the Swiss Cynological Society and entered into the Swiss studbook in 1909. From 1912, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club took on the responsibility of promoting the breed and encouraging its propagation, with the first standard published in 1939 by the Cynological Federation.
Physically, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a striking breed. Their weight typically ranges from 35 to 50 kilograms, with a dense, coarse outer coat that rarely exceeds 5 centimeters in length. Their tri-colored coat of black, white, and rust is instantly recognizable, and their intelligent, attentive gaze reflects their gentle yet alert nature.
The temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is, above all, extremely balanced. These dogs are powerful and robust, possessing both strength and affection. They require a certain level of training and socialization, which must be firm and consistent, to thrive in a family environment. This ensures they understand their place in the hierarchy and can coexist peacefully with their human companions. They are known for their unwavering loyalty.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are known for their great characteristics, in fact, in this article, we will explore other Swiss mountain dogs: Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Swissydog (a hybrid breed). We'll delve into their unique traits, backgrounds, and care requirements, all to help you make the right decision. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog shares a bond with these other Swiss mountain dogs.
The health of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a significant factor. The average lifespan of this breed is typically between 10 and 11 years, similar to other large dog breeds. Their lifespan, in comparison, is longer than that of the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is important to ensure they receive the proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care to maximize their quality of life.
You can find numerous breeders across the country, who are breeding these dogs with extreme love and care, there are several resources available that can help you find reputable breeders, who can provide information on available puppies, upcoming litters, and stud dogs. The price of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy, registered with a recognized kennel club, can range from 2,500 to 3,500 euros on average. This cost can vary depending on the dog's age, sex, lineage, and the quality of the breeder. A reputable breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, as the name suggests, hails from Switzerland. Their origins trace back to the Swiss Alps, where they served as all-purpose helpers for mountain farmers. They are a working breed with a love for pulling and a good companion for mountain hikes with a harness. Once used as guard dogs, herd dogs, and draft animals, they have become wonderful companion dogs, classified by the Fdration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in the group of Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossoids, and Swiss Mountain Dogs. The ancestors of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog were the powerful tricolor dogs, sometimes black and tan or just yellow, widespread throughout Europe. Villon (1461) called them "butcher mastiffs."
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a gentle and alert dog, but with a strong personality, it can sometimes be stubborn and needs a firm and patient owner, especially to show his dog who is the leader, and what is his place in the family hierarchy. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, robust, and lively dog. The eye color can range from hazel to brown, with an attentive and intelligent look. The triangular ears are pendant. The strong and muscular limbs are perfectly vertical.
Compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Appenzell Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog remains a rather rare breed: only about 120 puppies are born each year under this name. In France, this dog breed enjoys great popularity, particularly because of its character. The characteristics of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are worth exploring.
They are known for their powerful build, their rich history, and their gentle demeanor. They have a history of serving their human companions, from pulling carts on farms to guarding livestock in the Swiss Alps. They are known for their working heritage. Their history, behavior, health, and association. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful dog with an imposing stature.
These dogs were used to pull carts filled with farm products and guard cattle herds. The breed almost disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century, but fervent protectors of the breed saved it from extinction. They are descendants of the large butcher mastiffs and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. The FCI officially recognized the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1954. They are one of the oldest breeds in the Swiss Mountain Dog family, alongside the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher. These dogs were originally used to guard livestock in the Swiss mountains, but also to pull carts loaded with dairy products. The breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature.
Unfortunately, hereditary diseases are not uncommon in this breed, which leads to a shorter life expectancy compared to other large dogs. If you are considering getting a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, it is important to discuss health concerns with the previous owner or breeder. Common health issues to be aware of include: Hip dysplasia, bloat, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the large breeds, with a height of 65 to 72 cm and a maximum weight of 60 kg. The male and 60 to 68 cm for the female. It is a robust dog, with a powerful skeleton and a strongly developed musculature. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (greater swiss mountain dogs) belongs to the group of pinschers, schnauzers, molossoids, and Swiss mountain dogs, particularly robust, with a very developed musculature. This dog is very attentive and attached to its loved ones. From draft and protection dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has become today a wonderful companion dog highly appreciated by all types of owners.
The exact origins of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are unclear, but it probably descends from the Roman mastiffs that appeared about 2000 years ago. These were certainly crossed with local farm dogs to give birth to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. It is the largest of the four Swiss mountain dogs. A good family dog, very close to its master, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a big, gentle dog with many predispositions, but with a slightly stubborn character that does not always make it very obedient or even biting if it is not sure of itself and has a stable character. However, well-socialized individuals do not normally pose.
