Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
OVERVIEW OF THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a versatile breed used for herding livestock, carrying carts, and providing protection. These days, the Swissy is content to spend its days as a family member, but its working roots mean it thrives when given a job to do.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Swissy to the breed enthusiasts, is a gorgeous, alert and powerful breed that is relatively unknown outside of a small but devoted fan base. But if you have one of these impressively enormous canines, get ready to draw a lot of attention.
A good guardian, the Swissy may weigh up to 100 pounds and has a strong, powerful bark. They may look intimidating initially, but this dog is quite docile and great with kids. They require space to spread out (so this isn’t a dog for apartments), but they only need moderate exercise.
They’re skilled in various activities, including weight dragging, pack hiking, herding, and conformation, and excel in obedience and agility competitions. The Swissy has been used in various other roles as well, including as a therapy dog and a search-and-rescue animal. Although the Swissy isn’t for everyone, those who are able and ready to devote themselves to loving, training, and caring for a huge dog will be rewarded with a loyal and affectionate friend.
HISTORY
There are four distinct types of Swiss Mountain Dogs or Sennenhunde, with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog being the ancestor and largest of the bunch. The other three types are Entlebucher, Appenzeller, and Bernese, who all have a common ancestor in the Roman Mastiff or Molossian. The Romans’ invasion of Switzerland possibly introduced these canines. Another explanation is that the Phoenicians introduced them to Spain about 1100 B.C.E Regardless of their ancestry, they dispersed throughout Europe and interbred with indigenous canines, eventually developing along distinct lines in isolated populations. They were all hard workers, with roles including watchdog, herder, and draught dog.
Metzgerhunde, or butcher’s dog, became a common name for several of these dogs. Before the 1800s, it was commonly believed that all dogs with this particular coat color pattern belonged to the same breed. It wasn’t until Professor A. Heim dedicated himself to studying native Swiss mountain breeds that he found enough distinguishing features to classify them as four separate breeds. Professor Heim discovered a lovely short-haired Bernese Mountain Dog in a competition in 1908, which might be considered the year of birth of the Greater Swiss.
He thought the dog to be a distinct breed and named it the Greater Swiss due to its resemblance to the powerful Swiss butcher’s dogs he had already observed. The breed’s rise to fame was slow and was further hampered by two world wars.
The first Greater Swiss arrived in the United States in 1968, with puppies appearing a year later in 1970. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995, while it had been admitted to the AKC’s Miscellaneous division in 1985.
GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG TRAITS
Appearance
It is no surprise that a dog with the adjective “Greater” in its name is enormous. Did you know that some of these “Greater” puppies can be as heavy as grown adults? The average Swissy weighs between 85 and 110 pounds, but males can reach up to 115. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have massive builds since they were developed to herd livestock and pull sleds. The broad skulls of these powerful canines are often accentuated by a white blaze that runs from the bottom of the dog’s muzzle to just over its lively, almond-shaped brown eyes. Swissies have a soft expression, triangle-shaped ears, and a thick, constantly wagging tail.
It’s usual for Swissies to have a “tri-color” coat, which means it features three distinct colors. Breeders of Swissies often favor a short black coat with red and white markings. As an alternative to the traditional red and white, some Swissies have a two-toned coat.
They’re double-coated, meaning the top layer and the layer beneath are quite thick. Their double coat sheds in the spring and fall, but other than that, their fur is low maintenance (it doesn’t tangle or mat).
So, how does a Bernese Mountain Dog differ from a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? These two large Swiss breeds may look identical at first glance because of their shared white, black, and tan coats, but would-be pet parents should learn the key differences between them. Male Swissies typically weigh 20 to 30 pounds more than their male Bernese mountain dog counterparts. Similar to the Swissie, the fur on a Bernese is medium in length but shaggier. Even though both dogs are friendly and great with kids, the Swissie is more cautious and alert, while the Bernese is more laid-back and prone to treating strangers like family members.
Temperament
Large in stature and great in personality, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are gentle giants. As a rule, they have extroverted personalities and enjoy socializing with strangers. Due to their sociable nature, they prefer not to be separated from their families for lengthy periods and are particularly fond of cuddling.
The breed’s propensity to form close relationships with their human families is a popular characteristic. Swissies love being around kids, but parents should keep an eye out because these dogs can get overly excited and forget their size when playing, which can cause them to knock down the more vulnerable members of the family. They will be better behaved and more respectful among younger children and elderly relatives if they have had the opportunity to develop social skills and receive proper training.
Swissies have a strong herding drive and a complementary prey drive, so training puppies how to interact appropriately with other animals should be a priority for your new companion. They can be a little bit stubborn (like most of us, let’s be honest), so they need parents who are patient and calm to balance them out. Using positive training approaches, you’ll need to be confident in channeling the puppy’s tremendous playfulness appropriately. Reward their positive behavior with compliments, toys, and treats.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s role is a watchdog rather than a guard dog. They’re not commonly aggressive, and biting is usually not an issue. When a stranger comes to your home, they may give a powerful, throaty bark to scare them off, but once the intruder is inside, they’re likely to be friendly. Swissies love to keep an eye on the area and will let you know with a bark or two if they notice anything unusual.
TRAINING AND EXERCISE
Exercise
These dogs have boundless energy and will benefit greatly from a daily walk of 30 minutes. They would enjoy long walks or trips outdoors, but they’re not appropriate for jogging. Farmers, herders, and traders were the first to use this breed specifically for guarding and pulling carts. The average Swissy can pull up to 3,000 pounds. They excel in a wide range of canine competitions, from drafting to weight pulling to herding to agility to dock diving to conformance (dog shows). So long as it means spending more time with you, they’re willing to give it a shot. You should ensure your dog is in good health and up for any new challenges before you embark on such an adventure together.
Since Swissies aren’t naturally built to handle high temperatures, it’s important to take extra precautions to avoid overworking or over-exercising your dog during the warmer months.
The joints and growth plates of dogs like the Swissy need special attention as they mature. In the first couple of years of a puppy’s life, it’s best to keep exercise light (like walks) and wait until they’re fully grown (about two years) to introduce more intense action (like dog sports).
Training and socialization
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s intellect and physical prowess are brought to their peak via diligent and devoted training. As a huge breed, Swissies require time to develop physically and mentally, and they’re also independent, which can manifest as stubbornness. In order to teach these puppies effectively, they need to be led by someone who is both patient and consistent. The training difficulties of the Swissy may discourage inexperienced dog owners, making them a preferable choice for those with some background in dog care.
If you want a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog, socialization with people, other dogs, and new situations should be a top priority in the training of your Swissy. Start socialization early by taking the puppy on walks where it can meet and sniff the humans and other dogs it encounters. And have them attend puppy school, where they may socialize with other dogs and people.
Whether your Swissy is still a puppy or an adult, it should always be trained in obedience. Sit, stay and come are just a few of the fundamental commands that your dog has to learn. Due to their breed’s history of working to pull carts, these dogs may also drag you behind them on your daily stroll. Working on leash manners will help mitigate that propensity, and it will also provide an enjoyable opportunity for you and your pet to bond. Use positive reinforcement, such as cookies, praise, and playtime, to train your dog.
FOOD AND HEALTH OF THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
Diet
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs usually need high-quality, commercial dog food that provides all the nutrients they need. Feed them food formulated for their size and age to ensure your large-breed puppy or adult dog gets the proper nutrition at every stage of their life. Also, ensure that the product package includes a statement indicating that the item complies with the requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
When rearing the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, it’s crucial to remember that, like many large breeds, they mature at a slower rate. Puppy obesity is preventable by keeping a close eye on food intake. The simplest approach is to ensure they have enough to eat without overfeeding them, which can lead to obesity and other avoidable health concerns.
Don’t forget to factor your daily eating plan into the treats you give. Those calories also count. Consult your vet if you see that your dog is putting on weight. They can assist you in creating a personalized nutrition program based on your dog’s needs to help it lose weight while still meeting its nutritional requirements.
HEALTH CONCERNS OF THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can live between 8 and 11 years, and they seem to have fewer health problems than other large breeds. It’s in everyone’s best interest to learn about the specific health issues faced by this breed of dog so that you and your vet can work together to ensure your pet’s optimal well-being. When adopting a dog from a shelter or a breeder, it is important to ask for a copy of the dog’s recent wellness exam.
Orthopedic problems
Swissies are susceptible to orthopedic disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondritis (OCD), as are many large-breed dogs. Any time a dog’s joint isn’t developed properly, it can suffer from the excruciating anguish of dysplasia. Damaged cartilage in a joint can induce OCD, an inflammatory disorder marked by separating the cartilage from the bone. Dysplasia and OCD are two conditions that can cause limping. Weight loss, physiotherapy, and surgical correction are all viable options for dysplasia. Depending on the degree of OCD, treatment options include restricting exercise or surgery.
Gastrointestinal issues
The Swissy is prone to bloat and stomach torsion, as are many deep-chested breeds. Swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting that does not produce anything, drooling, restlessness, and abdominal discomfort are also symptoms. Avoiding intense activity for at least an hour before and after meals and feeding your dog several small meals throughout the day in a slow-feeding bowl can also help prevent bloat. Torsion of the spleen occurs when its blood supply becomes twisted. Severe stomach pain, nausea, and rapid weight loss are all symptoms. Both illnesses necessitate urgent veterinarian care since they can be fatal if left untreated.
Urinary incontinence
The inability to “hold it” is a common problem in potty-training pups and spayed adult females alike. The illness is typically treated with medication.
Eye problems
Cataracts, distichia, and entropion are all possible in Swissies, but they progress slowly. Distichia is characterized by an abnormal growth of eyelashes that can be treated with pharmaceutical eye drops due to the discomfort caused by the ingrown hairs. Entropion is the inward-folding of the eyelid, which can be cured surgically. Both can cause inflammation and damage to the cornea.
GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
The Swissy is a very low-maintenance breed, for most of the year, that just needs a brief brushing once a week to keep its silky coat in pristine condition. The pin brush side of a Petkin double-sided brush will get rid of any stray hairs, while the bristle brush side will maintain your dog’s top coat smooth and lustrous.
In the fall and spring, the Swiss Mountain Dog goes through a process called blowing their coat, in which they shed a lot of hair. Dogs that “blow their coat” shed their fur in large clumps rather than shedding individual hairs. While your dog is in this state, you should use a dog deshedding instrument to get rid of the undercoat that is constantly falling off. You’ll still find a lot of fur after being around them, though perhaps not as much as with their close relative, the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Since most Swissies are naturally clean, they probably won’t need to be bathed more frequently than every two months. If you want to stay ahead of the losing hairs, you might wish to increase the frequency to once a week throughout the shedding season.
In addition to brushing, you should also inspect your dog’s claws and teeth. About once a month, or whenever you hear the telltale clip-clap on hard flooring, trim your Swissy’s nails. From an early age, you can begin preparing them for this task by routinely rubbing their paw pads.
Your dog’s teeth should be brushed at least twice weekly to avoid periodontal disease and plaque development. Gradually increase the frequency of brushing sessions until you do it every day. Getting your dog used to this when they’re still a puppy will speed up the process significantly. If you want to ensure your pet’s teeth stay healthy, your vet should examine them and clean them thoroughly once a year.