A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful tricolor working breed developed for farm tasks including hauling and moving cattle. Consider adult strength and undercoat shedding when dividing responsibilities among caregivers.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog questions
How big does a full-grown Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get?
Males usually stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches tall and weigh 115 to 140 pounds, and females stand 23.5 to 27 inches and weigh 85 to 110 pounds. They are heavy-boned, well-muscled dogs that are slightly longer than they are tall.
What is the difference between a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Mainly coat and size. Both are black, rust and white Swiss farm dogs and they are closely related, but the Swissy has a short, dense coat while the Bernese has a longer outer coat. The Swissy is also the bigger of the two: Bernese males weigh 80 to 115 pounds against 115 to 140 for Swissy males. In 1908 two Swissies were entered at a show as short-haired Bernese before they were recognized as their own breed.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed?
Yes, more than the short coat suggests. Low shedding is a common misconception, and the thick undercoat sheds throughout the year. The undercoat usually blows out twice a year, when a bath and a thorough going-over with a rake or shedding tool help.
How long do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs live?
Life expectancy is usually 8 to 11 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
What were Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs bred for?
All-round farm work, with pulling carts as the specialty. They hauled loads of meat and dairy to market and were widely known as butcher's dogs in the 19th century. They also herded and guarded, which makes them draft and guard dogs that still love to pull.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs?
They are devoted to their people. The breed is faithful and family-oriented and does very well with young children. Most Swissies like children, but a dog this big can knock a child over by accident and should not be left unattended with young kids. The breed is also not a good choice for first-time owners.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
They are vocal watchdogs. They are alert and vigilant, which in practice means barking at neighbors, guests and most things happening on the street. It comes from a natural instinct to guard home and family, so plan for it if you live close to others.
How much exercise does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog need?
A moderate amount. A walk around the block or a romp in the woods usually covers the day, and the breed suits someone who wants a hiking companion rather than a running or cycling partner. Swissies mature slowly and should not jog or do unlimited exercise while they are young and still growing.
