Greater swiss mountain dog is the largest of the traditional swiss herding
breeds. It is originated in Switzerland. This breed comes to us from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. It is the largest of the four Sennenhund Breeds. Its natural drafting ability led to the nickname, the poor man's horse. An authority of the Sennenhund breeds, Dr. Albert Heim, rediscovered the greater swiss mountain dog in 1908 when he was judging a dog show. He encouraged the people to begin breeding programs.
The first
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's were imported to the United States in 1967. It is also known as the grosser schweizer, sennenhund, and great swiss cattle dog. This breed is now fully recognized by the AKC. The greater swiss mountain
dog is steady, watchful and protective, but not aggressive.
The Greater swiss mountain
dog is a large, strong, muscular, draft dog. The front legs are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet and the body is slightly longer than it is tall. The color of the eyes may vary from hazel to chestnut and their expressions are attentive and intelligent. Its tail is long and reaches to the hocks. White collar or patches are present on the neck.
Its ears are medium sized and in triangular shape.
Greater swiss mountain dog consists a beautiful tricolour coat. The outer coat is not longer than 2 inches and lined with a dense undercoat. There is a white mark on the muzzle, the feet, the tip of the tail, on the chest down and between the eyes. These dogs are strong, active, and remarkably agile for their size.
Black with bright, symmetrical russet and white markings.
A dog's standard height varies from 23.5 to 28.5 inches.
Varies from 130-135 lbs.
A healthy
greater swiss mountain dog lives for about 10-12 years.
It is an excellent, courageous, alert
watchdog which will bark at strange noises and intruders. A Greater swiss mountain dog can be trained for weight-pulling competitions to pull carts carrying goods or even a person. The greater swiss mountain dog can be used as a good watchdog and has a marvelously throaty, deep-sounding bark. This
dog breed requires regular exercise and it likes to run in a free place. It is eager to work and regular grooming is required.
Greater swiss mountain dog as a Pet
Greater swiss mountain dog's are excellent with children. They are generally good with other
pets and are not generally dog aggressive. It likes to be a part of the family and prefers to be with his people all the time. It is suited for apartment life and prefer cool climates.
Greater swiss mountain dogs are protective of their family and training is important for them to learn their place.
