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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Face, Muzzle)
Face, Muzzle

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #83

2021: #78

2020: #76

2019: #73

2018: #74

2017: #75

2016: #78

2015: #78

Name Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Other names Great Swiss Mountain Dog, Swissy
Origin Switzerland
Breed Group

Working (AKC:1995)

Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Size Giant
Type Purebred
Life span 10-12 years
Temperament

Alert

Devoted

Fearless

Good-natured

Protective

Self-confidence

Height 23.5-28.5 (60-72 cm)
Weight 130-135 pounds (59-61 kg)
Colors

Black

White & Red

Litter Size 5-10 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1200 - $2800 USD

Swissys are a rare breed, even today, both in the United States and their native Switzerland. Usually, the average price of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,200 and $2,800, while a top-quality Miniature Pinscher puppy can cost as high as $3,500. Their price depends upon the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

3 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient.

Barking Tendencies

2 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also very friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

4 stars

Exercise Needs

3 stars

Moderate exercise is needed, however they do need to be taken on a daily, long walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Grooming

1 stars

Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. No trimming or stripping needed.

Health Issues

3 stars

Hypoallergenic: NoProne to bloat, epilepsy, digestive disorders, hip dysplasia and distichiasis (extra eyelashes).

Intelligence

2 stars

Ranking: # Full Ranking List

Playfulness

4 stars

Shedding Level

1 stars

Moderate Shedding: He does shed, however. He’ll lose some hair year-round and go through a heavier shed in the spring and fall. A shedding blade will come in handy to remove the shedding hair, and additional brushing during that time will help keep loose hairs off your floor, furniture, and clothing.

Stranger Friendly

3 stars

Trainability

4 stars

Easy Training: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog must be handled with a loving, consistent approach and on an even keel. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an eager learner and is very responsive to its trainer's voice. Training must be consistent but not severe, allowing the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to develop a clear understanding of what is allowed and what is not.

Watchdog Ability

5 stars

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppy (Standing, Side View)
Standing, Side View

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Buddy Sadie
02 Leo Daisy
03 Dexter Lola
04 Buster Ginger
05 Toby Luna
06 Henry Ellie
07 Riley Lady
08 Oliver Cookie
09 Sam Coco
10 Murphy Annie
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a strong draft breed. It is large and powerful, slightly longer than tall. Its movement displays good reach and drive. Its double coat consists of a thick undercoat and dense outer coat, about 1 to 1¾ inches long. Its expression is gentle and animated.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sensitive, loyal and extremely devoted family companion. It is calm and easygoing, very gentle with children as well as other pets. It is territorial, alert, bold and vigilant.

History

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very ancient breed, tracing its time of origin to approximately 2,000 years ago as a direct result of the Roman invasion and conquest of Europe. As a result of the crossing of the Roman Mastiffs with the local Swiss working dogs came the four Sennenhund breeds: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is generally accepted that the GSMD was the first of these breeds, and the other three developed from it. The "Swissy" is also thought to have been a major influence on the Rottweiler. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1995. The GSMD's talents are tracking, watchdog, guarding, carting and competitive obedience.

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