Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Breed Characteristics, Care & Exercise Needs

Group: Mastiff, AKC Working

AKC Ranking: 97

Also Known As: Großer Schweizer Sennenhund, Large Swiss Mountain Dog, Swissy,
GSMD

About Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Origin The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog comes to us from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. The Sennenhund breeds are thought to be descendants of Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago.

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Description

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, strong, muscular, draft dog. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The front legs are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet. The chest is broad and deep. The head is large with a broad, flat skull and slight stop.

The color of the eyes may vary from hazel to chestnut. The muzzle is blunt, and the nose and lips must always be black. The pendant, medium-sized ears are triangular. The tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle and a large marking on the chest are white. A white collar or patches on the neck are permitted.

Coat

GSMD has a beautiful tri-color double coat (black with rich rust and white markings). The outer coat is lined with a dense undercoat. Rust markings include a spot over each eye, rust on the cheeks, and on either side of the chest.

Height: 23.5-28.5 (60-72cm.)

Weight: 130-135 pounds (59-61kg.)

Personality

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is steady, willing, loyal, loving, eager to please, watchful and protective, but not aggressive. They are good with children and other pets and are not generally dog aggressive. The Swissy would quickly warm up to those the family accepts. An excellent, territorial, courageous, alert watchdog that will bark at strange noises and intruders. It prefers to be with his people all the time. They are slow to mature, both physically and mentally.

They will do okay in an apartment with a small yard if sufficiently exercised. They prefer cool climates.

Exercise

The dog’s need for moderate exercise can be met by long, daily walks.

Grooming

This average shedder is easy to groom. Regular brushing should suffice.

Health Issues

The GSMD is prone to bloat, epilepsy, digestive disorders, metabolic bone diseases and hip dysplasia. Many Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have distichiasis, a condition in which extra eyelashes grow along the edge of the eyelid. These extra lashes can curl inward and scratch the eye. Though the condition may not pose any problem, it sometimes requires surgical correction.

Life Expectancy: About 10-11 years.

Breed Club:  www.gsmdca.org/

Rescue Link:   www.gsmdca.org/Rescue.htm