Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: Large Swiss Mountain Dog, Großer Schweizer Sennenhund, Swissy, Swissies, GSMD
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant, tricolor draft and guardian dog with a broad head, dropped ears, and a short, dense coat. The body is powerful and slightly rectangular, built to pull and to watch a farm.

A large draft-and-farm dog with a short dense coat that sheds, a generally steady voice, and a need for space and cool weather.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds. It droved cattle, pulled carts, and watched the farm in the Alps. The AKC places it in the Working Group; the UKC classes it as a Guardian Dog.

Height: Male: 25½–28½ inches; Female: 23½–27 inches
Weight: Male: 115–140 pounds; Female: 85–110 pounds
Color: Black with rich rust and white markings (tricolor)
Coat: Double; short to medium outer coat with a thick undercoat
Lifespan: 8–11 years
Litter size: 5–10 puppies

Temperament

Swissies are typically devoted to their household, watchful with strangers, and calmer than a Bernese when they are grown. They are still giant dogs and need training. They do poorly in heat.

Training

Socialize early and keep the rules clear. A giant that is allowed to lean on people becomes hard to live with.

Care and grooming

Brush weekly, more often when the undercoat blows. Grow puppies slowly and keep adults lean.

Shedding

Seasonal and heavy.

Health

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may develop hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and epilepsy in some lines. Do not exercise hard right after meals.

Crosses that include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

Swissneese

Swissy Saint

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