A Short History of Great Swiss Mountain Dogs
The ancestors of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog have accompanied man for several centuries. The origin of this very old breed is not entirely clear as there are many theories concerning the issue. According to one of them, we can assume that the appearance of the breed is a result of crossing huge Molossers (mastiff-type dogs) that were traveling with the Roman legions with the dogs inhabiting rural areas today belonging to Switzerland. In later years, these dogs evolved into four breeds: Appenzeller, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and the largest – the Great Swiss Mountain Dog.
Official recognition
Interestingly, we can find tri-colored dogs similar to today’s Swissy in paintings created in the 18th century, but the breed was recognized only at the beginning of the 20th 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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