Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The handsome Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a descendent of Roman Molossian dogs, and shares the imposing size and strength of those ancient mastiffs. The Greater Swiss is one of four Swiss mountain dogs, along with the Bernese, Entlebucher, and Appenzeller. Though tough and powerful, the tri-colored breed is gentle and sweet-natured. Swissies are known to be devoted companions who are kindly with children. Keeping this working breed active is important, because he is at his best when he's on the job. Swissies love proving their mettle in carting and drafting events, and would proudly carry a dog pack during a hike.

Other Names

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are affectionately called Swissies, and sometimes GSMD for short.

Physical Description

Coat

Swissies are a double coated breed with a dense topcoat that is about two inches long. Their undercoat is gray or tawny in color, thick, and shows through at the neck. They are a mix of three colors: black, rust and white.

Height

Average Height: 23-28.5 inches

Weight

Male: 115-140 pounds

Female: 85-110 pounds

Breed Standard & History

This drafting dog is large and powerful, with a well-muscled body that is longer than it is tall. They are striking to look at, with their vibrant tricolor coat and imposing build. Their stride is purposeful, with good forward reach and strong drive from the rear. Swissies are alert, confident, and always at the ready for work. They have a bold personality that is a mix of easygoing, playful, and independent-minded.

The Greater Swissy is the oldest of the four Sunnenhundes (Swiss Mountain Dogs). Their ancestors were brought to the Swiss Alps by the Romans and bred over time with regional dogs to create the four types—The Greater Swiss, Bernese, Appenzeller, and Entlebucher. Swissies were all-around farm dogs, guarding the property, herding, and drafting carts to market. Once widespread, their numbers dipped after the Industrial Revolution.

Dog researcher Albert Heim is responsible for the dog's name, having seen them listed as 'short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs' at a Swiss Kennel Club show. Heim pushed for recognition of the dog as a separate breed and succeeded in 1909. Swissies were imported to the US in the late 1960s and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995.

AKC Breed Category

Working Group

Personality

General Temperament

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are devoted to their families, and make gentle, playful companions. They are mostly easygoing, but have a tendency to be stubborn and territorial: the GSMD is an ever-watchful dog who will protect his territory and his people.

Family Life

Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Good with Kids? Yes. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are generally patient and gentle with children. Because of their size, however, they are not an ideal breed for families with very young children. Kids shouldn't be given the responsibility of walking a GSMD until they big enough to manage them.

(Note: Every dog has a unique personality and distinct life experiences that affect his disposition. As a rule, adults should always supervise playdates between kids and their four-legged friends.)

Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Good with Other Pets? Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs accept dogs and cats they were raised with as part of their pack. Cats outside of their family are fair game, however, so the GSMD should be kept secured in the yard when outside.

Protective

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are territorial and protective of their families and homes.

Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Good Guard Dogs? The GSMD's loud bark and imposing size will likely scare off burglars. They are always on the watch for unwanted visitors and will let the house know if any approach. The breed is not particularly aggressive, however.

Energy Levels

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog enjoys a good play session, but he also likes to relax at home in a comfortable dog bed.

Specific Concerns

• They need more space than an apartment provides, unless they are taken out frequently for exercise.
• The GSMD has a loud bark.
• They're escape artists who will find their way out of yards that aren't well secured.
• They're prone to overheating.
• They are strong-willed.
• They shed seasonally.

Requirements

Indoor

Inside with their family is always the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's preference for sleeping and relaxing. The rest of the time, they'd like to be outside working or playing. If it's hot or humid, the GSMD should be inside in an air-conditioned room because they are prone to overheating. The breed sheds throughout the year, but shedding increases when they blow their undercoat twice per year.

Outdoor

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's coat keeps them warm and comfortable when it's cold outside, and they relish spending time outside in the winter. They make excellent cross-country skiing companions. In summer, however, they should go outside mostly in the early morning and evening when it is cooler.

Exercise

The GSMD requires a few, moderate-length walks or play sessions to stay in prime condition.

Endurance

These working dogs have the stamina to spend several hours playing, walking, or herding, as long as they get plenty of rest breaks throughout.

Activity distance rating

• Running Miles: The GMSD isn't a long distance runner, but will happily accompany you on an easy jog of two to three miles in cool weather.
• Hiking Miles: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can take a hike of 10 miles plus. They'll be especially happy if they helping carry supplies in a dog pack. Never hike with your GSMD in hot or humid weather because they are prone to overheating.

Food

Generally, this breed requires about four to five cups of good quality dry dog food each day, over the course of two feedings. This will vary, however, based on their activity level and age. Talk to your veterinarian about the optimal diet and quantity of food for your GSMD.

Alone Time

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are tolerant of time alone, though they shouldn't spend the entire day by themselves because they require exercise and activity to avoid boredom.

Health and Grooming

Life Expectancy

8-11 years

Grooming

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a low-maintenance coat for most of the year, when a weekly brushing and monthly bath are enough. When they blow their undercoat twice per year, however, they benefit from more frequent brushing. Clean your GSMD's ears with a gentle, dog-friendly cleanser to prevent dirt buildup that can cause infections. Brush their teeth several times a week, and trim their nails every month or so to prevent cracking.

Common Health Issues

A number of health concerns, some serious, may affect the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. These include:

• Canine hip and shoulder dysplasia
• Shoulder osteochondritis dissecans
• Distichiasis, an eyelash disorder
• Panosteitis, short-term, painful lameness
• Gastric torsion
• Splenic torsion
• Seizures
• Female urinary incontinence

You can minimize serious health concerns in a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by purchasing from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.