Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

History - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

greater swiss mountain dog - historyHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Basic Information - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

Group:
Working dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Height Male:
65 - 72 cm25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
60 - 70 cm23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
60 - 70 kg132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 70 kg121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Other Names:
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
Black, white and rust
Coat:
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes

Description - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog for Sale

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Mountain View Cur vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Native American Indian Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  13. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  15. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  18. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  20. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  23. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  24. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  25. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  27. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  28. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  29. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  30. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  31. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  32. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  36. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  40. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Chinook - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Carpatin - Breed Comparison
  44. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  45. Greenland Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Komondor vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Kangal Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds