Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Information

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog   

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a life expectancy of 10 to 11 years.

Origin
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest of the four Sennenhund breeds developed in Switzerland. In the 1st century B.C., Roman invaders entered Switzerland and brought with them a large, Mastiff-type dog known as the Molossus. The large dog is believed to have been bred with the native dogs of the Swiss Alps to create the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

In Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was referred to as the “poor man’s horse” and was used to pull heavy loads, guard property and work around the farm. By the late 1800s, machinery had largely taken over the bulk of the work performed by the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. As a result, the breed’s popularity severely declined and they were believed to have disappeared. In the early 1900s, however, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were rediscovered and a breeding program was developed to save them.

Size
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog weighs 85 to 145 pounds and measures 23.5 to 28.5 inches.

Grooming Needs
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a thick double coat and sheds moderately most of the year. In the spring and fall, however, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog completely blows their undercoat. In their heavy shedding seasons, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should be brushed daily; otherwise twice a week is sufficient. They only need to be bathed when dirty.

Like all dogs, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.  

Character
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is equal parts vigilant watchdog and devoted family dog.  

Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog adores their family and wants to be included in all of their activities. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog thrives on time with their family and will grow unhappy if left alone or ignored for too long. They crave affection and attention.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is highly loyal and naturally protective. They are alert and wary of new people. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are effective watchdogs and will bark loudly to warn their family of anything suspicious.

Training Needs
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog wants to be the dominant member of the household and requires an experienced and firm leader. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog responds best to consistency and takes plenty of patience to train. This breed spent many years pulling and heavy loads and can therefore have a difficult time learning how to behave correctly while on a leash. As part of their training the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog also needs early socialization as they can be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers.

Activity Level
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is powerful and strong, but only requires a moderate amount of exercise. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is too large and has too heavy of a coat to engage in too much activity. However they are not lazy and like to be outside playing and running around. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs a daily walk in addition to regular time outside in a secure area to play.  
 

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