Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for its friendly nature and strong attachment to home and family. It thrives in a larger community and shows strong protective behavior towards its caregiver. With its affectionate nature, it is a popular choice for families with a house and a large garden.
Content: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pamper your dog with high-quality chews from our range!
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Profile
- Character: Friendly, calm, reliable
- Size: Very large
- Height: 65-72cm
- Weight: 50-64 kg
- Life expectancy: 11+ years
- Coat type: Short, dense
- Colour: Black with rust and white markings
- Special features: Strong, muscular dog with a friendly character and distinctive tricolor coat
- FCI Group: Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain Dogs
Special features
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Swiss dog breed that originated in the Swiss Alps and was once used by farmers in the mountains as a versatile work tool. It is recognized in Group 2 of the FCI and is the largest representative of the mountain dog family. With its impressive size and muscular stature, it is suitable both as a loyal companion dog and as a guard dog for the house and yard. Males have a withers height of 65 to 72 centimeters, while females reach a height of 60 to 68 centimeters. The weight varies between 35 and 50 kilograms. Despite its imposing appearance, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is extremely agile and shows impressive stamina on long walks. Its nature is characterized by calmness, self-confidence and determination, while at the same time it is always friendly and open to new things. When dealing with children, it is a reliable playmate and a very companionable dog.
Nutrition
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog does not have particularly demanding requirements for its diet. First and foremost, the food should be tasty and contain all the necessary nutrients. Due to its pronounced endurance and high need for exercise, it is recommended to give it dog food with an increased meat content, while avoiding unnecessary additives and fat. The composition of the dog's food should also correspond to the dog's weight and age. During the growth period, a nutrient-rich diet is especially important, as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia. As with many large dog breeds, this breed is at risk of gastric torsion, so it is important not to let the dog eat hastily and to give him plenty of rest after eating. Some pet owners and breeders recommend an elevated food bowl for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog due to its size.
High quality dog chews for your loyal companion available here!
Health and care
Grooming the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally straightforward. Its short coat picks up small amounts of dirt and therefore does not require any special grooming. It also tends to shed little, making it easier to care for compared to many other dog breeds. An occasional brushing or combing once or twice a week is usually sufficient. However, if the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is very dirty after a walk, it can be bathed without any problems. The use of dog shampoo should be avoided or kept to a minimum. The dog's teeth and mouth should be cleaned at least two to three times a week, and it is advisable to check the mouth for signs of inflammation at least once a week. Discoloration of the gums should be examined by a veterinarian. The dog's claws should be trimmed every one to two months. The ears should be cleaned once or twice a month with a pH-neutral ear cleaner. When cleaning, care should be taken not to get any cotton wool or liquid into the ear canal to avoid injury. Unpleasant odors from the ear or redness may indicate an infection. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a hardy breed and rarely suffers from common health problems. However, to promote the dog's general well-being, it is recommended to offer him a daily task or activity.
Origin & History
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a long history in Switzerland and had many different uses on farms. In addition to guarding property, it also herded cows and sheep around the pastures. One particularly interesting job was pulling heavy carts used to transport Swiss cheese, which is how it became known as the "cheese dog." Originally, mountain dogs belonged to a single dog family until 1908, when Swiss Albert Heim recognized the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog as a separate breed, highlighting its distinctive short, tri-colored coat. He also gave this breed its name. About 100 years ago, mountain dogs were divided into four subgroups based on their size: the Entlebucher, the Appenzeller, the Bernese and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has always enjoyed great popularity due to its friendly nature, which led to the formation of special clubs for the breed. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club was founded in 1912 and also includes the other three mountain dog breeds. In recent years, however, the number of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs has declined, partly due to overbreeding. Interestingly, archaeological finds show that dogs have been in the area of present-day Switzerland since 4000 BC, and by the first millennium BC, some dogs were already the size of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
The right accessories
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an extremely loyal companion and easy to excite. He is playful and can be encouraged to do tricks without treats. Because of his space requirements, keeping him in the city is less suitable, so a large garden is ideal for him. These dogs are very adventurous and love long walks. Standard dog equipment such as a leash and muzzle are sufficient.
Conclusion
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an imposing dog with a friendly nature and strong protective instincts. This sturdy breed makes an excellent family dog and guard dog. Its easy care and versatility make it a popular companion. The history of this breed goes back a long way, and its role on Swiss farms was of great importance. Despite the decline in numbers in recent years, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog remains a valued member of many families and an important breed in the dog world.
Discover our selection of premium dog chews!
