Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are big and strong, weighing as much as 140 pounds. They have a double coat, featuring a soft undercoat and a tough outer layer, which served them well when they were used as guard dogs. These dogs are friendly, lively, relaxed, robust, and well-built. With their deep brown eyes and steady nature, they make excellent family pets for people who are familiar with large breeds.

Quick Info

Size

Large

Colours

Tricolor markings of white and tan over a black coat

Lifespan

8 to 11 years

Height

24 to 29 inches

Type

Working

Hypoallergenic

Weight

85 to 140 pounds

Family

Livestock

Personality

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a big, faithful, and affectionate friend to families. Known as gentle giants, they are usually calm and relaxed when taught to behave well. Due to their background as watchdogs, they can be protective and watchful.

History

Swiss Mountain Dogs come in four varieties, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the biggest and the oldest among them. These dogs trace their lineage back to the Mastiff or Molossian breeds that the Romans raised, likely brought to Switzerland during the Roman expansion. Known for their protective nature, they guard both livestock and homes, showcasing a strong work ethic. Their popularity has increased gradually, with the first litter born in the United States in 1970.

Ideal Owner

Having experience with big dogs can be helpful for owners. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs take their time to grow up, which means owners need to be patient. Once they are calm and properly trained, these friendly giants are enjoyable companions and easy to care for.

Exercise Needs

Taking long walks, playing games, and training are great ways to ensure a Swiss Mountain Dog stays joyful and fit. If you can, engaging them in dog sports or activities will also make them very happy. They would really enjoy pulling carts, dry-land mushing, tracking scents, rallying, or similar activities.

Space Requirements

Big dogs require plenty of space, so they need a roomy house and a big, safe yard. They also need a large bed, crate, collar, and a suitable car. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may have difficulty with stairs when they are young or old, so it's better to have a one-story home if you can. Open layouts work best since narrow hallways can be challenging for them.

Training

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed tends to take its time growing up. They are quite sensitive and need gentle care to develop a strong bond with their owners. Training works best with positive reinforcement. It's important to teach them proper behavior and to expose them to different people and situations often.

Grooming

Brushing your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog with a firm brush regularly will help keep them tidy. Also, don’t forget to check their paws and ears. If you believe your dog may need professional grooming later on, it’s best to start introducing them to the process early so they can adjust comfortably.

Suitability for Family Life

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be an excellent pet for families with older kids who have plenty of room both inside and outside. However, they may not be the best fit for families with very young children because of their large size and tendency to be a bit awkward as they grow. These dogs are natural guardians, so they might get anxious in busy households with lots of noise or guests.

Did You know?

In the 1800s, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog nearly disappeared. For many years, people thought of Saint Bernards and Great Swiss Mountain Dogs as the same breed, a belief that lasted until the early 1900s.