Great Swiss Mountain Dog Blog

If you would like to have an excellent watchdog for yourself and for your family that is courageous and alert, yet never aggressive, then the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the best breed for you. This breed starts to bark to warn their family if there’s something unusual happening around the house. This dog is also friendly and is fond of children. On the other hand, they need early socialization and obedience training if you would like to have another dog in the house or you already have some other pets, as this dog can start chasing them – because of their nature.

The coat of these dogs is coarse, short and dense; they are average shedders, so they require at least weekly brushing. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a relatively healthy breed, but occasional visits to the vet are required, as they are slightly prone to health issues like abdominal diseases, urinary incontinence or hip dysplasia.

Training of this breed is relatively easy, as this dog is very clever and loves to be taught. However, the trainer must be an experienced one, as this dog is really big in size and requires many rewards.

All in all, these dogs are good for people who would like to have a big ‘bear’ as a companion that is lovely and eager to please. They require not too much exercise, but love long walks with their master.

I hope this article about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog will help you decide whether this breed is the best one for you.

• The first Great Swiss Mountain dogs were brought to the US in 1968
• When Swissies first took part in a dog show in 1908, they were called “Short-haired Bernese Mounatin Dogs”
• This is the largest and oldest cattle dog
• The Great Swiss Mountain Dog almost became extinct a 100 years ago
• This breed helped in developing many other breeds, among others, the Saint Bernard and the Rottweiler
• Swissies can do the work of a horse easily

photo: double q swissies

They are two of the four Swiss Mountain dogs, all four are: Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, Entlebucher, Great Swiss Mountain dDg.
For first look, the two breeds can look quite similar, both are tri-colored, and have similar shape – but the first difference that we can notice is that the Great Swiss Mountain Dog (as we could guess from the name) is taller and heavier than the Entlebucher: the first breed weighs about 40-65 kgs and is 60-72 cm tall, while his colleuge is only 25-30 kgs and 48-51 cm tall as an average.
Both were bred to be working dogs – the difference is that Swissies used to be flock guardians, while the Entlebucher’s task was to work as a herding dog.

Avoid unnecessary vet bills! Do your dog’s basic health check!

There are many resources online of locations where one can adopt Greater Swiss Mountain dog.  There are either breeders who are up to standards and can provide you with top bloodline puppies from Champion lines. But other compassionate future owners can turn their attention to dog rescue groups that have taken in lost, abused, or abandoned dogs and have nurtured them back to health and looking for a new home.

The canine grapevine is quite long and the network is very helpful. There are even forums or discussion groups that can also help one in raising the puppy.  These puppies will grow to one of the largest herding dogs with a powerful and muscular frame when well cared for. They are dependable watchdogs and are protective of their families. If there are any unwanted people around, they will surely know they are not welcome thanks to this dog.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a gentle nature,even though it is a large dog, that has strong protective instincts. Particularly seen in its relationship with its family and children, the sweet disposition and balanced temperament is an ideal combination that makes this dog a wonderful companion. They are strong, active, and very agile; irrespective of their very large size. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is ideal for weight-pulling competitions since they are easily trainable and very intelligent. They also excel at herding. These large and affectionate dogs need attention and care, since they love to be part of the family circle. Their strong protective instinct stems from their strong pact-instinct. In order to learn where their place is in the family, they need proper training. They always like to be around large families (their pack, so to speak ) and get agitated if members of their “pack” wander off, or get lost. An ideal family dog, they love to nurture and care for those they love.