| | | Welcome to the Alki Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Information Pages. There is specific information about the History of the breed, Diet, Vaccines and the Official AKC Breed Standard for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. All the information about the Breed, except the AKC breed standard, is based on my personal experiences of the last decade and my serious involvement in the breed. The last 30-something years (10+ years in each of the other 3 breeds included) have contributed to my opinions and are the foundation of my understandings. I believe that this is good information and important if you're considering adding a Swissy to your home. Temperament, Training, Exercise, Socialization and Questions often asked to be added soon. Please, be patient, as I am continuing to develop this site. Feel free to call for more info. |
In Brief:- The Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is new to the AKC but is an ancient breed that originated in Switzerland as a draft dog and cattle drover on Swiss farms and still possesses the natural abilities that made them essential on these small dairy farms as working farm dogs before the industrial revolution.
- They are descended from the ancient Roman Molosser Dogs. As the industrial age progressed, the breed fell into disfavor for its need as a working dog, and was almost extinct by the early 1900's. The Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund was recognized at a dog show in 1908 and the preservation of the breed began. The breed has steadily grown in popularity achieving AKC recognition in 1995.
- Temperament, health, structure, socialization and training all play significant parts in preserving this wonderful breed's good qualities.
- In the old country, they were the poor man's horse; pulling freight wagons that weighed up to 800 pounds, moving dairy and beef cattle and protecting farm and family...today, they should still be physically and mentally capable of performing these tasks.
- As adults, they should be large, stable and willing to work.
- They get large quickly, are slow to mature and, as young juveniles, must be managed carefully to avoid bloat, OCD or other joint difficulties. They are mentally and physically immature for a long period of time, often making them slow to housebreak and appear stubborn.
- They should be kept trim and need training and exercise daily.
- They are extremely fond, desiring a strong bond with their owners, responding well to a 'firm but kind' training approach.
- The Swissy does not respond well to abuse, but as a working breed, needs a 'leader' within it's household. Obedience training, with a firm, but gentle approach is essential for this breed's proper temperamental development.
- They are often hard to housebreak and requires socialization and training to mature into stable and versatile adults.
- They are expected to be energetic and physically capable of performing their original functions as working farm dogs.
- They are also effective as watch dogs, loudly barking and standing their ground, to protect their families and property. Their true nature is that of a dog who is friendly, confident, outgoing and companionable, noting that they should never be aggressive or extremely shy.
- Most specimens stand 25 1/2 inches to 28 1/2 inches at the highest point of the shoulder for males. 23 1/2 to 27 inches for females.
- Weight can vary from 100 to 135 for males and 85 to 110 for females.
- The coat is a tri-colored black base coat, with rust and white markings. The undercoat is ideally grey to black.
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| About Diet | Recommended diet for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs | | About Vaccines | Recommended vaccines and when to administer them |
| Breed History and Function | The origin of the Breed, it's development and function. All important to the understanding the nature of the GSMD today. | | | | | | |
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