ADDITIONAL GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG PICTURES
Family: Mastiff
Breed Group: Mastiff, AKC Working
Origin: Switzerland
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Cattle dogs, guard dogs
Used today: Companion
Other Name(s): Great Swiss Cattle Dog
History of the Breed: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered the oldest of the Swiss breeds. It was used in the development
of both the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler. The exact origin of the Swiss Sennenhund breeds are unknown. A popular theory states that
these dogs descended from the Mollasian, a large Mastiff-type dog that accompanied the Roman Legions on their invasion of the Alps in the 1st
century B.C. Several breeds, including the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and Bernese Mountain Dog, are largely believed to be descended
from this Roman Mollasian. In the 19th century, the ancestors of the modern Greater Swiss Mountain dog were widely used in central Europe by
farmers, and tradesmen, and were often referred to as, Metzgerhunde, or "Butcher's Dogs". They were large, muscular working dogs that were used
to pull carts, and guard livestock however, by 1900 their numbers had severely dwindled. This decrease in numbers is possibly due to the
increasing availability of mechanized transport as an alternative to the traditional use of the Swissy as a draft dog.
General Appearance: The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a large muscular breed. The eyes are almond shaped medium sized and dark brown.
The ears are medium sized, set high, and triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When alert,
the ears are brought forward and raised at the base. The skull is flat and broad with a slight stop. The backskull and muzzle are of approximately
equal length. The backskull is approximately twice the width of the muzzle. The muzzle is large, blunt and straight and most often with a slight
rise before the end. In adult dogs the nose leather is always black. The chest is deep and broad with a slight protruding breastbone. The ribs are
well-sprung. Depth of chest is approximately one half the total height of the dog. The tail is thick from root to tip, tapering slightly at the tip, reaching to the hocks, and carried down in repose. When
alert and in movement, the tail may be carried higher and slightly curved upwards. The tri colored coat is dense, approximately 1-1/4 to 2
inches in length.
Height & Weight:
Height 23.5-28.5 Inches
Weight 85-140 Pounds
Coat: The topcoat is dense, approximately 1-1/4 to 2 inches in length. The undercoat may be
thick and the color of the undercoat ranges from the preferred dark gray to light gray.
Color: The topcoat is black. The markings are rich rust and white. Symmetry of markings is desired. On the head, rust
typically appears over each eye, on each cheek and on the underside of the ears. On the body, rust appears on both sides of
the forechest, on all four legs and underneath the tail. White markings appear typically on the head (blaze) and muzzle.
The blaze may vary in length and width. It may be a very thin stripe or wider band. The blaze may extend just barely to
the stop or may extend over the top of the skull and may meet with white patch or collar on the neck. Typically, white
appears on the chest, running unbroken from the throat to the chest, as well as on all four feet and on the tip of the tail.
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: Affectionate, protective and loyal to the family, they can be territorial with strangers
Friendly with children: Yes, these dogs can be territorial and should be introduced to newcomers appropriately
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, when properly socialized
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Medium
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Bloat, hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-11 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 97
First Registered by the AKC: 1995
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, NKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
NKC -National Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
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