AKC Working Group
History
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog comes from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. He is the largest (and probably the oldest) of the four Sennenhund breeds (including the Appenzell Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, and the Bernese Mountain Dog). The Sennenhund breeds are thought to be descendants of Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2,000 years ago. The four breeds are different sizes, but share the same markings. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s natural drafting ability led to his nickname, “the poor man’s horse.” This breed may have contributed to the development of the St. Bernard; then, when the St. Bernard became popular, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lost favor and almost became extinct. An authority on the Sennenhund breeds, Dr. Albert Heim rediscovered the breed in 1908 while he was judging a dog show. He publicized the breed and encouraged people to begin breeding programs. Response was enthusiastic and the breed was re-established. The first Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were imported to the United States in 1967. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is still fairly rare, even in Switzerland; however, the breed is now fully recognized by the AKC.
Description
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, strong, muscular draft dog. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The front legs are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet. The chest is broad and deep, and the breastbone extends slightly ahead of the legs. The head is large with a broad, flat skull and slight stop. The skull should be the same length as the muzzle. The muzzle is blunt, and the nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The eyes are dark brown (blue eyes are a disqualification) with a gentle, but lively expression. The eye rims are black. The pendant, medium-sized ears are triangular. The long tail reaches to the hocks. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a beautiful tricolor double coat (black with rich rust and white markings). Rust markings include a spot over each eye, rust on the cheeks, and on either side of the chest. Symmetrical markings are preferred. The tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle, and a large marking on the chest are white. A white collar or patches on the neck are permitted. Any base color other than black is a disqualification. The outer coat is about 1 to 1-3/4 in. long, lined with a dense undercoat.
Key Facts
- Height: 25-1/2 to 28-1/2 in. (male); 23-1/2 to 27 in. (female)
- Size: Large
- Weight: 110 to 145 lbs. (male); 85 to 105 lbs. (female)
- Availability: Very difficult to find
- Talents: Tracking, watchdog, guarding, weight pulling, and carting
Notes
Gets along well with family pets, but may have to be taught not to chase. Slow to mature, both physically and mentally. Puppyhood may last two to three years. Like many large, deep-chested dogs, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to bloat. Beware of hip dysplasia; buy only from stock with OFA, PennHIP, or another national hip dysplasia clearance. Many of these dogs have distichiasis, a condition in which extra eyelashes grow along the edge of the eyelid. These extra lashes can curl inward and scratch the eye. Though the condition may not pose any problem, it sometimes requires surgical correction. Some lines have incidences of epilepsy and digestive disorders. Don’t feed bones of any sort to Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, as their powerful jaws can crunch up just about anything.
Personality
Steady, watchful, and protective, but not aggressive. Willing; loves to please. Loyal and adoring. Territorial; the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should be introduced to newcomers, but will quickly warm up to those the family accepts. An excellent, alert watchdog that will bark at strange noises and intruders. Needs to be part of the family and prefers to be with his people all the time.
Behavior
- Children: Excellent with children
- Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Independence: Moderately dependent on people
- Dominance: Moderate
- Other Pets: Generally good with other pets
- Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
- Noise: Average barker
- Indoors: Moderately active indoors
- Owner: Not recommended for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: Regular grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Medium coat
- Shedding: Average shedder
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needed
- Jogging: A fair jogging companion
- Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised
- Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient
- Climate: Prefers cool climates
- Longevity: Short (less than 10 years)
Useful Links
AKC® Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Standard
http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Club
Search for a Breeder
akc.org/classified/search/landing_breed.cfm
Rescue Organizations
akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/
