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Learn about Greater Swiss Mountain
Dogs
Great Swiss Mountain Dogs comprise a
breed of large-sized dog, the origin of
which is not known for certain. One theory
regarding their origin suggests that Greater
Swiss Mountain Dogs are descended from
an old mastiff-type breed. An alternate
theory suggests that their ancestors are
an unknown breed of large dog that was
brought to Switzerland by the Phoenicians
in 1100 BC.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are muscular,
heavy-boned dogs that have a solid, sturdy
appearance. They are large dogs, measuring,
on average, between 23.5 and 28.5 inches
in height, and weighing 130-135 pounds.
They have long, tapered tails; strong,
powerful bodies; straight toplines; deep
chests; strong, cleanly-cut necks of an
average relative length; flat, broad skulls;
large, straight, blunt muzzles; v-shaped
ears; moderately sized, darkly colored,
almond-shaped eyes; and gentle but energetic
expressions.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have dense
double coats that may vary significantly
in texture and generally measure one and
a quarter to two inches in length. Greater
Swiss Mountain Dogs' coats are typically
a tri-color of black, white, and rust
in color, though they may be rust and
white or blue, fawn, and white. They are
primarily black with small patches of
white on the dogs' noses, paws, chests,
and the tips of their tails. Rust regions
frequently border white ones.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have friendly
dispositions, tending to be amiable, sociable,
outgoing, and animated. Their enthusiasm
and affection translate to a strong desire
for attention, physical contact, and involvement
in their humans' lives. Greater Swiss
Mountain Dogs are intelligent and obedient,
love to please, and learn quickly, though
they may be stubborn at times, and may
take a while to housebreak.
Though they are not aggressive and are
not inclined to bite, Greater Swiss Mountain
Dogs can serve as great watchdogs and
guard dogs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
are alert and aware, and may be quick
to bark upon detecting a cause for alarm.
Though they are very unlikely to be violent
towards an intruder or attacker, they
can be quick to present themselves as
intimidating, which, combined with their
size, can be an effective means of deterring
an attacker.
Because they tend to experience brief
periods of high energy and athleticism,
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do best in
homes where they have ample space available
to them. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs also
have great emotional needs, and must have
caretakers who are able to dedicate time
to them. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are
gentle towards children and tend to cohabitate
well with other animals, and can therefore
be great family dogs in a variety of situations.
Greater Swiss Mountan Dogs are relatively
healthy, particularly for dogs of their
size. However, they are prone to urinary
incontinence; distichiasis, an eyelash
disorder; entropion, an eyelid disorder;
and "lick fit," a gastrointestinal ailment
characterized by fits of frantic licking.
All of these ailments are treatable, with
the exception of urinary incontinence,
which is non-life threatening. Bloating,
hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia are
more serious afflictions to which Greater
Swiss Mountain Dogs are susceptible. On
average, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs live
for 10 to 12 years.
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