BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
CH. Alberta Roots Amazing Grace 'Gracie'
Photo courtesy: Alberta Roots |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — See Update Re: Newly Recognized Breeds (28 February 2006). As of March 1, 2006, the breed can be recognized for registration purposes in accordance with the CKC policies governing recognition. Effective June 1, 2006, the breed will also be eligible to compete in CKC approved events.
** — At its meeting on 8th July 2008, the General Committee of the Kennel Club (UK) granted recognition to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The breed will be added to the Imported Breed Register in the Working Group, effective 1st October 2008. Dogs will be eligible for registration from this date. An Interim Breed Standard for the breed has not yet been issued, so the breed is not currently eligible for exhibition at Kennel Club licensed breed shows. A standard will be published by the Kennel Club once the breed has become established in the UK. (see Recognition of New Breed- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for details.
*** — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Switzerland
Height:
Males: From 25 ½ to 28 ½ inches (65-72 cm) - Females: 23 ½ to 27 inches
Weight:
Males: From 105 to 140 lbs. - Females: From 85 to 110 lbs.
Breed Profile:
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) is considered to be the oldest and is the largest of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds — The other three being the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher and the Appenzeller. He is descended from Mastiffs that came to Switzerland with the Romans. Like the Bernese Mountain Dog, he was used to assist farmers and butchers by guarding and driving livestock and pulling carts. He was also used to track and as a search and rescue dog. Today, the Swissy is mostly a family companion and is noted for his gentle nature, loyalty and wonderful disposition.
He is easygoing, obedient, bold and faithful. He loves children and makes an excellent watch dog. The powerful dog is always alert, vigilant, energetic and eager to work.
His double, weather-resistant coat is short and thick, and the typical Swiss tri-colour — deep, lustrous black with white and tan trim on the feet, face, chest and tail.
Health Issues
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known to be a healthy breed. However, like all breeds of dogs, certain health problems have been found in the breed, including Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, and some eye problems including entropy and ectropion.
In addition, as with many large breeds, Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a real possibility in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms - This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) - Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
If you are considering the adoption of a Swissy puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- The GSMD Health and Breeding Information — From the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
AKC GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG DVD
11 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
