The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is credited for the development of other large dog breeds such as the Saint Bernard and the Rottweiler. The Swissy, however, is believed to have descended from Roman Mastiffs that were brought to Switzerland for around 2,000 years ago.

A long time ago, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was known as the “Poor Man’s Horse.” The reason for this is that they were used to pull carts and wagons for common folk such as farmers similar to what a horse can do. Their large and muscular build made it possible for them to draft loads as heavy as 3,000 pounds. That means that they are even strong enough to carry numerous goods and even a person. The breed’s agility was also an asset in maneuvering through mountainous terrains making them valuable for the said task.

In the late 19th century, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was almost extinct. The once popular breed declined in number and popularity because they were replaced in their duties by machines, other dog breeds, and other animals. This changed because of the efforts of Franz Schertenleib and Dr. Albert Heim. Schertenleib was able to found a Swissy in an isolated farm and took it to the 25th anniversary celebration of the Swiss Kennel Club in 1908. Dr. Heim was the judge at this event and liked the dog. Heim then encouraged and advocated the proliferation of the breed and started a new spark of interest in the Swissy.

Official recognition

Interestingly, we can find tri-colored dogs similar to today’s Swissy in paintings created in the 18^th century, but the breed was recognized only at the beginning of the 20^th century. Professor Albert Heim saw a dog that was presented as a “shorthair Bernese Mountain Dog” at the dog show in Langenthal, Switzerland in 1908. He noticed that this was a representative of a separate breed, which he decided to popularize as the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. It was officially recognized in Switzerland one year later. Unfortunately at that time there were not many dogs left that could be categorized as such, and therefore the breed was hard to rebuild. International recognition took place in 1939.

Understand your Swissy by considering its historical function

The breed’s history can explain a lot about the personality of your Swissy. For centuries, the ancestors of Great Swiss Mountain Dogs were used to pull carts, drive cattle, or guard farms. These roles influenced the development of the breed. The dogs had to be obedient, healthy, strong, and able to act as family protectors. A willingness to work with man was also transmitted genetically for many generations. A Swissy, even as a puppy, had to look after the flock. Contact with other animals taught them to live with others in harmony and take responsibility for leading the group. Their role was to defend cattle against strangers and wild animals. They learned to bark loudly to deter intruders and notify the owner. They were used to working day and night, summer and winter, regardless of temperature. That is why they had to become resistant to changing weather conditions. Great Swiss Mountain Dogs have also developed a strong territorial instinct and sense of ownership. They had to know the limits of their own territory and guard it even if it was not enclosed.

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