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The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is an ancestor of the ancient Roman Molosser Dogs.
These dogs later
developed into a few different breeds including the Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog. They were used to
protect, as 'war dogs', move the large herds of cattle
and haul supplies as draft dogs in the expansion of the Roman
Empire during the northern invasion. The Mastiffs, Saint
Bernard, Rottweiler, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bernese
Mountain Dog, among others, developed from those ancient Roman
dogs. The formation of these breeds depended on the
region where those dogs were left to survive.
The dogs no longer needed by the Romans became working dogs
for the people of that area that took them in, adding
'companion' to their list of abilities. Each was put to
use depending on their ability and the tasks became those
breed's primary functions. Some became guard dogs for the people
they loved, like the Rottweiler and Mastiffs. This function was supported
by the breed's size, self-assuredness and willingness to protect at all costs.
Their instinct to protect those they loved enabled them to perform that function
well. The shop keepers, families, farmers and the more affluent became dependent
on these breeds. The Saint Bernard developed from those Molosser dogs left in
the most mountainous region and they, by nature, served by saving human lives.
Possessing a keep fondness for humans, they would search out travelers
endangered by the harsh winter conditions and lay close to them, keeping them
from freezing until help could arrive. They will protect, can pull carts
and are fine companions, but their primary function is as a life saver.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs (close breed cousins
of 1000+ years) developed in the rugged valleys of the Alps as capable cart dogs
and drovers while protecting the farms and families they loved. Both
breeds were extremely fond of humans and craved attachments with their owners
but possessed that confident working temperament and physical structure needed
to work all day performing their strenuous farm duties. They were and
should be energetic, biddable and powerful. The Bernese Mountain Dog has
been AKC recognized since 1938 and that breed's development has been lovingly
tended to in the United States by it's dedicated fanciers. The Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog was considered the Dairyman's or Cheese Maker's dog, though
most of the Molosser dogs were called the 'Butcher's Dogs'. Today, the
name most closely translated to English would be 'Big Swiss Alpine Herdsman
Dog'. The early Greater Swiss were hauling milk carts or wagons of wood to
make the cheese, moving stock and protecting farm and family. Considered
the poor man's horse, they were essential on the small farms of Europe. As
cities grew and the Industrial Revolution claimed land, manpower and
resources...the Greater Swiss fell into obscurity. In 1908, 2 Swissy were
entered at a Belgian dog show as 'short coated Bernese' and they were recognized
by a knowledgeable Judge as examples of the rarely seen Greater Swiss Mountain
Dogs. That Judge encouraged the preservation of the breed, was
instrumental in finding other specimens of the breed and it's popularity and
population began increasing again. The World Wars and European economies
inhibited the growth of the breed but the Swissy did increase in number with
their unique and wonderful qualities intact. The first pair were
imported to the US in 1968 and the first domestic litter was born in 1972.
Those original fanciers in the US were careful to maintain type, working
temperament and health as they developed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in the
States, gaining AKC recognition in July 1995.
It was a new beginning with a very
long start. |
