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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (or Schweizer Sennenhund) is a sturdy working dog with a rich black, rust and white tri-coloured coat, and is noted for its protective and loyal nature. Greats need to be a part of the family and will not respond well to a life in the backyard or cooped up in a kennel. Measuring 24-29 inches and weighing 130-135 pounds, this breed makes an excellent watchdog that will chase away intruders with an intimidating bark and stature. In addition to watch dogging, this breed excels in competitive obedience. Greats are also excellent herders, and have a strong instinct to chase. They are good with children and other animals, but proper training is needed to ensure the dog does not attempt to chase, overpower or "herd" others. Greats are apprehensive towards strangers but will become friendly once trust is developed. Having originated in the Swiss Alps, this breed prefers cooler climates, but is adaptable to other living conditions. Greats can live quite well in an apartment but, like all dogs, require daily exercise. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are average shedders with short coats. They are very easy to groom - the occasional brush and bath will suffice.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one variety of the four Sennenhund (mountain dog) breeds. Like all Sennenhunds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was derived from the Roman Mastiff, and the Great may have aided in the development of the St. Bernard and the Rottwieler. They are muscular and strong, and were often employed by farmers to pull their wares into town for market. Since the introduction of the St. Bernard, interest in Greats has waned. Today, they are considered rare. The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a new addition to the AKC, receiving full designation in 1995.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

Like most dogs, Greats are prone to hip dysplasia dog disease. This breed is also prone to distichiasis, a condition which causes eyelashes to grow inwards towards the eye, scratching them and causing irritation. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to fix this problem. Some bloodlines have trouble digesting food and others experience epilepsy. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs live an average of 11 years. Because of the rarity of this breed, Greats tend to be quite expensive to purchase. When researching prospective breeders, make sure both parents have health clearance and that puppies are certified purebreds, and that the puppies have been bred in sanitary and humane conditions.

Puppies

If you are conisdering to buy Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies for sale or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for sale you need to know this breed is one of the slowest to mature, taking 2-3 years. During this time, constant dog training is required. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies are intelligent but will make mistakes more frequently as puppies. Because this breed takes so long to mature and consequently train, it is recommended employing the help of a professional. Greats benefit from positive praise, and need strict boundaries. Harsh criticisms are not necessary, and may prolong the training process. This breed very much lives to please and will work hard to do so. Greats benefit from a lot of attention. Make sure to keep them occupied when alone by providing them with toys.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Links: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies for Sale, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for Sale.