Dog Breeds > Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large and friendly active dog perfect for happy and outgoing people. Having in one your family would surely bring fun and excitement to you and your loved ones every day.
| Energy |
 |
| Playfulness |
|
| Intelligence |
|
| Grooming |
|
| Popularity |
|
|
|
Fascinating Facts
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originated from the mountains of Switzerland. This dog is said to have descended from the Roman Mastiff that was brought to Switzerland 2000 years ago. Another fascinating trivia is that this dog was used for the development of the Saint Bernard. This dog was used in farms as guard for livestock. It was once referred to as the “poor man’s dog” because of the popularity of its use among the common people.
Physical Appearance
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s fully-grown size and weight is 24 – 29 inches and 130 – 135 pounds. The head is composed of wide and flat skull with medium-sized muzzle, medium-sized almond shaped eyes and black lips and nose. The ears are wide at base and rounded at the tip that gives triangular shape.
The front legs of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are straight. Normally, the dewclaws are removed during puppyhood. The tail is long that reaches the hocks; it starts widely from the base going to a point all the way to the tip. The coat has double layers; thick and long outer coat and dense and short under coat. The coat appears in a tri-color arrangement of black base with white and tan patches.
Grooming
The double coat of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs regular and thorough brushing to keep it in prime condition. Bathe only if necessary.
Mood
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an active and happy dog. This breed has natural talent for pleasing people and willingness to serve its master. This dog is very loyal and trustworthy. Normally, this dog lives peacefully with other household pets such as cats, doves, rabbits and others. This dog is always alert and would bark loudly if it hears something unusual around its territory.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog matures slowly both physically and mentally. It usually takes 2 – 3 years for it fully develop into dependable stage. During its maturing stage, owners/trainers/handlers should give it time to explore and adjust to the mood or atmosphere of your family so that it would know its place once it matures. Constant firm but gentle treatment should be always exercised so that it would not develop uncontrollable behaviors. Do not spoil or over pamper this breed because spoiled Greater Mountain Swiss Dogs can be quite handful once it throws unpleasant behaviors.
With Children
This breed is very good with children. This breed can play for long stretches of time without showing signs of getting tired. Always make sure that small kids are supervised whenever playing with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog so that it would not accidentally hurt them while playing.
Training & Exercise
This dog should always have daily long or brisk walks in order to make it happy and satisfied for the rest of the day. While giving it exercise, the person should lead the dog to make it understand that the humans are the pack leaders and not the other way around.
When it comes to training, this breed should have firm and moderate training sessions. Because this breed is always happy and active, it would not take training seriously unless the trainer/owner/handler exerts authority over it. Food reward challenges would greatly help especially if the dog is being led by its instincts.
Health & Life Expectancy
The normal life expectancy of the Greater Mountain Swiss Dog is 10 – 11 years. This great dog is very susceptible to bloat that’s why it should be fed with three small meals per day instead of a big one meal once a day. Digestive problems should also be expected to occur on this breed. Epilepsy and hip dysplasia are also known to happen on this dog.
Dog Breeds by Grouping | Dog Breeds A - F | Dog Breeds G - N | Dog Breeds O - Z |
