Is The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Right For You?
- 1Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are a very rare breed, known for their loyal, loving nature and protective instinct.
- 2Sennehund dogs, as they are also called, are happiest being around their families and are extremely watchful.
- 3The Swiss Mountain Dog should not be taught to chase.
HISTORY
The biggest and oldest of all the Sennenhund Breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was first bred in the Alps to be a draft, guard, and herding dog. Once called the poor mans horse, this massive breed was a great help around the farm and was a big contributor to the stock of the St. Bernard. Thanks to the mechanization of the farming industry at the turn of the 20th century, these dogs nearly became extinct due to no longer having a role to fill in the working force. Thankfully, this imbalance was noted and is currently being worked on, with a number of breeders focusing their energies on the proliferation of this beautiful breed. They were recognized by the AKC in 1995.
Quick Facts
Size
Extra Large
Lifespan
10 and 12 years
Hair Length
Medium
Male Height
25 1/2 - 28 1/2 inches
Male Weight
105 - 140 pounds
Female Height
23 1/2 - 27 inches
Female Weight
85 - 110 pounds
Litter Size
4 to 8 puppies
Personality
An affectionate, easy-going, and devoted breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a wonderful family dog. They are great with children and other pets, and are quick to warm up to strangers, however they may get protective over their home and the people they believe to be the charge of. They may try to guard their herd. They should be trained early not to chase, as well as their position on the totem pole. .
Color
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is always a tricolor pattern of black, white, and rust, with a similar pattering to a Bernese Mountain Dog, or any of the other Sennenhund breeds.
Health Concerns
Some of the health concerns with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are:
- gastric torsion
- hip dysplasia
- distichiasis
- epilepsy
- digestive problems
Appearance
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a massive, muscular, solid dog. They have a deep, barrel chest and straight, powerful legs. Their skull is flat on top and wide, giving them a bull-headed appearance. Their muzzle ends in a flat stop with a black nose and lips. Their ears hang close to the sides of their head and are somewhat triangular in shape. They have a short, dense double coat.
