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GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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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.
** — 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 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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| 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. |
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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.
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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.)
Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG VIDEO
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. |
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Grooming:
- Grooming — This growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes grooming information, tips and techniques as well as listings of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
Being a working breed, the Swissy has a natural aptitude to do work. He is generally eager to please and quick to learn basic obedience.
- Training — For information on training your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several sports and activities including agility, conformation, obedience, herding, and much more. In addition, listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada can be found here. (Note: For Breed specific Clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section covers such dog jobs as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Police K9s and much more. Also included here are listings of organizations from across Canada.
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Copyright © P.Mitchell 2004-2007. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including graphics, on the Canada's Guide to Dogs Website is Copyright-P.Mitchell,
unless otherwise noted, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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Last Updated: 3 April 2007
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