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| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
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The quintessential working dog needn't be less than a thing of beauty and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Swissies as they are known by their fans, heeds the call. From a striking black, red and white smooth coat to a deeply muscled and substantial body, the Swissie, with proper care and handling, proves itself to be an intriguing and loving addition to the illustrious family of Mastiff descended breeds. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Working, Guardian |
Height: 23.5-28.5 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight: usually 85-140 pounds |
Longevity: teens |
| Colors: black, tan or rust and white in a specific pattern with preferred symmetry |
Coat type: smooth, dense and short |
| Recognized Registries: AKC, FCI, NCA and others |
| Overall Appearance: Heavy boned and well muscled to be well suited for its intended use as a drover, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a distinctive Mastiff inspired head and striking tri-color smooth coat. The overall build is one of power with the body being longer than the legs also known as rectilinear. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate |
| General Nature: |
Confident, vigilant and faithful |
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with Children: exceptional if socialized and reared properly |
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with other pets: very good generally with proper guidance |
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with dogs: generally very good though care should be taken with proper and gradual introductions on home turf |
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| Socialization requirements: moderate and preferably heavy before 2 years of age |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that is well suited for a large dog and the exercise/energy requirements inherent, commitment to faithful care and handling including socializing ; thus a home with the guidance of someone very experienced is critical |
| Temperament Notes: bold, confident, not easily intimidated or subdued but generally very genial |
| Training requirement: moderate, basic manners or more |
| Trainer notes: Intelligent, confident dogs can be the most challenging as without proper handling they will be the quickest to become shy and/or aggressive, thus a very experienced home or at least one that commits to the help of a more experienced trainer is valuable. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is by nature a gentle giant but their inherent desire to be vigilant and loyal can be problematic in a dog that isn't provided every advantage in socializing and training by its home early on. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1909 SKG |
| Country of Origin: Switzerland |
| Original Function: Drover |
| History: Very likely descended from the Roman Molasian (Mastiff type) and the oldest of the Swiss breeds. Utilized as a Drover even as late as the second World War. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: blue eye(s), not black, red and white, overly refined |
| Health Notes: epilepsy, eye problems, temperament issues |
| Health Testing: OFA; CERF (annual); various temperament certifications refer to http://www.gsmdca.org/Health/hi_main.htm |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
- How long have you had Swissies?
- How do you choose your breeding stock? what health and performance titles/certifications do you require?
- What did you find complimentary about this pair of parents?
- Will you be keeping a puppy from this litter?
- Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
- How often do you breed?
- What health issues do you see in the breed?
- What is your primary priority in breeding?
- What suggestions do you offer regarding training and socializing of puppies?
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| Web Sites: http://www.gsmdca.org/rescue/index.php - Contacts for GSMDCA Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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