Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Breed Origin

These extraordinary dogs are considered some of the oldest breeds in Switzerland, with their roots dating back around 2,000 years. Although the exact history of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is somewhat unclear and accompanied by several theories, the most commonly accepted one posits that they descended from large dogs similar to the Mastiff. It is believed that Roman legions brought these canines to the Alpine region. Like their ancestors, they were employed for herding, guarding, and as draft animals. Once a popular choice for agricultural tasks in Switzerland, their numbers began to dwindle in the 1900s as other dog breeds and machinery took over their roles. Canine researcher Albert Heim encountered two of these dogs during a celebration of the Swiss Kennel Club. Initially, he described them as a short-haired version of the Bernese Mountain Dog, but he later championed their recognition as a separate breed. His advocacy led to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog being officially included in the Swiss Stud Book of the Swiss Kennel Club in 1990. Since that time, their population and popularity have grown consistently. They made their debut in the United States in 1968, which resulted in the formation of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America. Today, these dogs thrive in various capacities, including guarding, tracking, serving as watchdogs, competing in obedience trials, and carting.

Care Routine

Given their size and nature, these dogs flourish in homes with ample, fenced yards that provide room for movement, rather than in compact apartments or condos. They thrive in cooler climates and love playing in the snow, but they can struggle in high temperatures and are at risk for heatstroke. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog carefully during the warmer months. Always ensure they have access to water and shade, and try to limit outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings and evenings. Because of their large size, it’s important to prevent them from jumping or running on hard surfaces until they are about two years old, when their bones have fully matured. While each dog is different, many owners notice that their Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may take a while to become fully housetrained. However, with consistent training, they will eventually learn. Regarding their diet, these dogs generally need 4 to 5 cups of food each day, divided into two meals. They shed minimally, except for a significant loss of their undercoat twice a year. Grooming is relatively simple and should be done once or twice a week, as they are typically clean animals. Monthly baths are advisable, or more often if needed. Dental care is best performed daily, but brushing their teeth once or twice a week is also acceptable. Nail trimming should be done once or twice a month, or less frequently if they wear down naturally.

Play & Exercise