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The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a sturdy, agile and well-muscled breed. Males of this breed are markedly bigger and heavier boned than females, but both genders are impressive with broad heads, strong chests and alert, deep brown eyes. The richly marked coat is short and close fitting with a dense insulating undercoat.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog breed is prone to:
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Epilepsy¹ which is a condition where abnormal brain function can lead to seizures which damage the brain.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹M. K. Boudreaux et al, 'P2Y12 receptor gene mutation associated with postoperative haemorrhage in a Greater Swiss Mountain dog', 2011, Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Despite being a working and general farm dog, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a family-oriented breed who loves to be with people, and will not thrive chained or kennelled. They have a natural instinct to guard and protect and must be socialised thoroughly from a young age.
They are slow to mature, both mentally and physically, retaining puppy-ish behaviour well into their 3rd year of age, and this must be taken into account when considering this breed. A 3-year-old puppy of full adult height is capable of being a nuisance and a danger, even though their intention will be fun and games!
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Developed in the Swiss Alps to move livestock, guard livestock and property, pull carts and fulfil any other role as part of a working farm. This is the largest of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, and it is clear to see the mastiff or molosser type ancestry, with their broad heads and heavy bone. They quite possibly originated from the mastiffs brought with the Romans, or they could maybe even pre-date these, as because working dogs were bred to fulfil a working role rather than a breed standard, their origins are hard to trace.
Virtually unknown beyond the Swiss Alps until the mid 1900’s, the breed suffered in harder times as such large dogs were very expensive to feed and maintain in great numbers.
All four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds were saved from extinction and standardised into recognised breeds in their own right by Alpine geologist and Swiss dog breed advocate Albert Heim, who brought examples of the breeds to an International Dog Show in 1908. It is down to him and the efforts of the other members of the Swiss Kennel Club that all four breeds still exist today. First added to the Import Register by the Kennel Club in 2008, Great Swiss Mountain Dogs were fully recognised in 2016.
You’ll need some experience of handling, training and living with large breeds, the Great Swiss is slow to mature and that requires a patient owner, willing to go at their dog’s pace. With sufficient training and several hours exercise every day, you’ll find the Great Swiss easy to live with and a good family dog.
For the mature adult dog, two hours of steady walking, including games and training along the way will be a daily requirement. On top of this, some sort of dog activity or sport, such as cart pulling or dry-land mushing, Man-trailing, or even Hoopers or Rally will suit this breed.
This is a very big dog, not only will they need a larger home, and a large, securely fenced garden, but they will need large vehicles to transport them, large beds, crates, collars… the list goes on! Large dogs such as the Greater Swiss will struggle with stairs as young dogs, and again when they are elderly, so single storey living may be better. They will also find it hard to turn in narrow hallways, open plan living is ideal for them. Better suited to the rural suburbs or truly rural countryside home.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.
Check paws and ears after each walk, for foreign bodies, parasites and cuts. A weekly groom with a stiff brush will keep the Great Swiss Mountain Dog neat and tidy, but if you think you will need professional grooming at any point, it may be wise to get them used to this from very young due to their large size.
Slow to mature mentally, the Greater Swiss is more sensitive than their size may suggest. A careful hand is required in building a solid relationship and positive reinforcement will bring out the best in this large breed so they will want to work for you in any activity you do with them, as they love to spend time with their people. Pay careful attention to teaching good manners around other animals and people as their large size and long puppyhood can land them in trouble. Early socialisation is vital, and teaching a solid recall will mean they can enjoy off lead time on walks.
A great companion for families with robust older children, living in a rural home with lots of space and a big garden. Not ideal for families with very small children as these dogs remain puppies for a long time, and are large enough and clumsy enough to send little ones or vulnerable ones flying! Great Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a protective and guarding nature and may feel unsettled or on edge in homes that are very busy with a constant stream of visitors.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
