Skip to content 
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Introduction
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog ( affectionately known as Swissy by the breed’s fanciers) is one of the four Swiss Cattle Dogs developed in the Swiss Alps as an-all purpose farm dog. Other Swiss Cattle Dogs include Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Entlebucher Mountain Dog. All the Swiss Cattle Dogs have a unique tricolor coat. Although, a Bernese Mountain Dog is the only Swiss Cattle breed that has a long coat.
Among the four breeds, Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are regarded the oldest and also the largest. The ancestors of Swissy played a major role in the development of the St. Bernard and Rottweiler. Hot weather is a challenge for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. Majority of them don’t handle the heat with ease especially during summer. Owners who live in a hot climate are urged to ensure the Swissy has access to clean drinking water and lots of places to escape the direct sun. Moreso, don’t exercise a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog during the hottest part of the day.
This is a vigilant and alert dog that makes an excellent watchdog. Greater Swiss Mountain dogs have a tendency of noticing everything in their surroundings and are quick to sound alarm. These are versatile dogs that are comfortable and confident in unfamiliar locations. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are also stable around unfamiliar people and strange noises. They are also accepting of other species and dogs. Swissies are reluctant to bite.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog History
There are several theories that support the origin of the Greater Swiss mountain Dogs. However, the most popular theory states that these dogs were developed by crossing the indigenous Swiss dogs with large mastiff-type of dogs brought in Switzerland by the legions of Julius Caesar. The progenitors of Swissies were used as watchdogs, family companions, drover dogs( moving herds of dairy cattle), and Draft dogs to pull heavy carts.
The second theory claims that Phoenicians brought a dog breed with them in 1100 BC to settlements in Spain. These dogs later moved eastwards and influenced the development of Great Pyrenees, Spanish Mastiff, Swiss Cattle Dog breeds, and Dogue de Bordeaux. At one point, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were considered to be the most popular dog in Switzerland. Unfortunately, by early 20th century, their population had reduced drastically since their drafting duties were no longer needed with the increasing availability of mechanized transportation.
In 1908, two short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs were shown to an advocate of the Swiss mountain dogs, Albert Heim by Franz Schertenlieb. Albert immediately recognized the two dogs as the representatives of the vanishing Swissies. He started to encourage breeders to take an interest in them. These efforts contributed in the re-establishment of the breed. The first Greater Swiss mountain Dogs were introduced in the United States in 1968 by Patricia Hoffman and J. Frederick.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Lifespan | Swiss Mountain Dog Lifespan 210
According to AKC, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of 8 to 11 years. Reportedly, some claim they have a lifespan of 7 to 9 years. A survey conducted by the US breed club shows the median lifespan of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 6.75 years. Although, heavier dogs like the Swissies tend to have a shorter lifespan than small- and medium-sized breeds. The lifespan of a dog may also vary in different countries, even in the same breed.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Grooming
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. It has a wash and wear double coat. The coat needs weekly brushing to remove dirt, loose hair, and promote new hair growth. However, during the heavy shedding season, a Swissy requires daily brushing using a shedding tool or a rake in order to keep the loose hair on the floor to a minimum.
These dogs require a bath every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the lifestyle of the dog unless it rolls into something stinky. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner suitable for double-coated breeds. After bathing a Swissy, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the coat to prevent skin irritation using lukewarm water. Wipe the eye corners using a clean damp washcloth or friendly canine wipes. Trim the nails every 3 to 5 weeks using nail clippers to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking.
Overly grown nails are painful for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog while walking or running. Brush the teeth of a Swissy at least twice a week if not daily using dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush to remove excess tartar buildup. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove debris or wax. While cleaning the ears, checkout for signs of dog’s ear infection such as redness, dark discharge, and odor.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Shedding
A Greater Swiss mountain Dog sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round. However, they experience heavy shedding while blowing of their undercoats in Spring and Fall.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Coat
Greater Swiss mountain dogs have a double-layered coat consisting of an outercoat and an undercoat. The outercoat is dense approximately 1.25 to 2 inches ( approx. 3.2 to 5.1 cm ) while the undercoat is thick and must always be present.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Hypoallergenic
A Greater Swiss Mountain dog is not a hypoallergenic breed. It has a moulting coat that sheds all-year round at low to moderate levels and heavily in Spring and Fall. A shedding coat releases dander and fur into the environment aggravating allergies. Apart from dander and fur, Swissy’s saliva, urine, and mucus also contain a protein allergen that triggers inflammation.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Training
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is calm, active, sociable, and eager to please. It is also intelligent and quick to learn which makes it trainable. However, they may be difficult to housebreak taking up to 6 months or more. This is because they tend to chew or eat things they are no supposed to which may lead to expensive obstruction surgeries. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may also have a stubborn streak until the age of 3 years. This is because they mature slowly in both mind and body.
During their youngster years, Swissies may be quite boisterous and they need a steady and reliable training to develop good canine manners and physical self-control. Originally, Swissies were used for droving livestock. Therefore, some of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may instinctively want to drive smaller pets or children by chasing them or barking at them to get them moving and keep them moving. Therefore, these dogs should be taught from an early age to not chase children and small animals such as squirrels, cats, and small-sized dogs.
A Swissy requires socialization training in order to mature as a well-mannered, well-adjusted dog. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should be confident with unfamiliar people or unfamiliar environments without extensive socialization. This training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the puppy is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pup has already settled in its new home.
Normally, pet parents take their puppies home from the age of 8 weeks. To socialize a Swissy, expose it a wide variety of people, places, animals, surfaces, sight, situations, smell, experiences, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, whistles, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, sirens, and lawn mowers.
Enrolling a Swissy in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes provide an environment where puppies interact in a controlled setting. Puppy classes also empowers the Swissy parents to not only identify and correct bad habits but also have access to training information and assistance.
Greater Swiss mountain dogs respond well to a firm but gentle hand while training as well as positive training methods such as the use of treats, verbal praise, play time, toys, and petting. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as kicking, shoving, beating, yelling, or the use of choke or prong collars. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a span of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day to avoid boredom and distraction.
Start teaching basic command words like come, sit, stay, lie down, heel, wait, leave it, etc. one at a time until the dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid issuing a command while to frustrated or excited since it will not the sound the same for your Swissy. Initially bred as a draft dog, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a natural puller. On average, it is able to pull a load of 3,000 pounds. Therefore, walking positively at end of a leash may be challenging. Owners are urged to start teaching proper leash manners from an early age.
Creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training is a plus while housebreaking a Swissy. A crate is an indispensable device that enables the parent to monitor the pup for signs of elimination such as circling, sniffing, whining, squatting, restlessness, and trying to lift a leg against the crate wall.
Get positive outcomes while potty training, by taking a Swissy to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, after naptime, following an exciting activity such as car ride, every 2 to 3 hours, and before bedtime. The bladder and bowel muscles of youngsters strengthens as the dog matures. Therefore, from the age of 8 months, Greater Swiss Mountain dogs should go for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Temperament | Personality
- Dignified.
- Calm.
- Alert.
- Active.
- Sociable.
- Friendly.
- Gentle.
- Happy.
- Confident.
- Energetic.
- Versatile.
- Faithful.
- Vigilant.
- Willful.
- Loving.
- Observant.
- Dependable.
- Enthusiastic.
- Intelligent.
- Quick learner.
- Eager to please.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Exercise
A Swissy is an energetic breed that is heat intolerant. Therefore, they should not be exercised during the hottest part of the day. Most Greater Swiss mountain dogs tend to match their activity level to that of their companions. However, they need at least one to two walks in a day. Although, to keep a Swissy happy, owners should consider a more vigorous schedule of exercise. The versatile background and working spirit of this breed makes it suitable for various activities including backpacking, drafting, hiking, herding, obedience trials, or agility trials.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Barking
A Greater Swiss Mountain dog is an excellent watchdog that tends to notice everything in their surroundings and are quick to sound alarm with their loud bark. When feeling threatened, these dogs stand on their ground and put on a show that intimidates those unfamiliar with the breed.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Height
A mature male Swissy has a height of 25.5 to 28.5 inches ( approx. 65 to 72 cm ) while its female counterpart has a height of 23.5 to 27 inches ( approx. 60 to 69 cm ).
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Weight
Male Swissies have a weight of 115 to 140 pounds ( approx. 52 to 64 kg ) while female Swissies have a weight of 85 to 110 pounds ( approx. 39 to 50 kg ).
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Size
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large-sized Swiss Cattle dog type. However, a Male Swissy is slightly bigger as compared to its female counterpart in terms of height and weight. Male Greater Swiss mountain Dogs have a height of 25.5 to 28.5 inches ( approx. 65 to 72 cm ) and a weight of 115 to 140 pounds ( approx. 52 to 64 kg ) while female Swissies have a height of 23.5 to 27 inches ( approx. 60 to 69 cm ) and a weight of 85 to 110 pounds ( approx. 39 to 50 kg ).
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bite Force
Reportedly, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a bite force of above 200 PSI.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Issues
For its size, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is relatively healthy and have no breed-specific disorders. Although, it may suffer from certain health issues such as eye disorders like entropion and distichiasis, Urinary incontinence, Lick fit, gastric torsion or bloat, splenic torsion, hip dysplasia, Osteochondrosis, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and luxating patella.
Apart from Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, other dog breeds include:
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Names
A Swissy owner may decide to get a name for the pet while it is still living with the breeder or a few days after the pup has settled home to understand the personality of the particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the Swiss heritage, coat color, personality, celebrity Swissies, movies, food, songs, books, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where you source the name, ensure the name chosen freely rolls off your tongue without making your embarrassed if uttered out loud in the public places. A Greater Swiss mountain dog and other breeds better understand a name that has vowels. If a parent settles with a long name he or she should find a cute nickname for the pooch.
Avoid giving Swissies names that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If a Swissy shares a name with any household member or guest who frequent your household it may cause unnecessary confusion. Some of the names that Swissy owners give to the pets include:
- Moose.
- George.
- Kina.
- Cassie.
- Teddy.
- Emma.
- Ezra.
- Caesar.
- Josh.
- Chloe.
- Penny.
- Rosie.
- Ezra.
- Candy.
- Molly.
- Tasha.
- Josh, etc.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Collar
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an energetic dog breed that was initially used for drafting carts or wagons. Therefore they should go for daily walks on a leash that is attached to a collar rather than a harness. Using the latter accessory tends to make this breed to pull much harder. It is also crucial to teach a Swissy proper leash manners to avoid exerting pressure on the neck and trachea if the dog pulls while on leash.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Food
The amount of food that a Swissy feeds on depends on its activity level, metabolism, size, age, and body build. A Swissy puppy has a high metabolism rate as compared to adult and senior dogs. Therefore, a pup should feed 3 or 4 times a day when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months a Swissy pup will feed twice a day for life.
A Swissy is a large-sized dog that has a rapid growth rate. Pet owners should ensure that the puppies are fed with the right amount of food to avoid damage to the growth plates in the joints. Consult with the Vet on the proper amount of food that your pooch should feed on depending on its weight. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are also prone to obesity if they are overfed. Overfeeding is a major problem in Swissies which leads to many digestive problems such as loose stools.
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large-sized breed that has a deep chest. Therefore, it is prone to bloat or gastric torsion. It should not feed one large meal a day, drink large amounts of water after eating, and exercising vigorously an hour before or after a meal. Bloat is a life threatening condition that can claim the life of Swissy. AKC recommends pet parents familiarize with signs of bloat and what to do in such circumstances.
A Swissy may feed on dry food, wet food, home made, or a raw diet depending on the budget and time of the pet parent. Regardless of the food type, owners should ensure that the pet feeds on a balanced diet to maintain a good health and to allow the it to develop cognitively and physically. If the Swiss mountain Dog parent decide to feed a pet on the commercial dry or wet food, he or she should ensure the first three ingredients are proteins from a known source.
The commercial dog food should not contain preservatives, chemicals, additives, and fillers. The same goes to the snacks. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your Swissy. You can tell whether your dog is underweight or overweight by checking the physique of your Swissy. If you can see a Swissy’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If the parent cannot feel the ribs of the pet under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing 3/4 old food with a 1/4 new food for the first week. During the second week, feed your Swissy pup with the same amount of the new food and old food. On the third week feed your pet with 3/4 of the new food and 1/4 of old food. Totally switch to new food during the fourth week.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Colors
Most Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a black, rich rust, and white( tri-colored). However, some may have a rust and white bi-color and a blue, white, and tan tri-color which is undesirable as per the breed standards.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic
No. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a moulting coat that sheds at low to moderate levels all-year round and heavily twice a year. Shedding releases dander and fur into the environment aggravating allergies.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Aggressive
No. A Greater Swiss mountain Dog is neither aggressive nor shy. It is also comfortable and confident around unfamiliar people. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are also reluctant to bite.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Quick Facts
- The first Greater Swiss Mountain dogs were introduced in the United States in 1968.
- They are the oldest and largest dog breed among the four types of Swiss Cattle Dogs.
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are drafting dogs that pull a load of at least 3000 pounds ( approx. 1360.78 kg ).
