Impressive size and distinctive looks make Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies a stand out choice
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a majestic and dependable breed, renowned for its strength, loyalty, and gentle temperament. Originating from the Swiss Alps, these dogs were historically used as farm dogs, excelling in herding, guarding, and even pulling carts. Their muscular build, striking tri-colored coat of black, white, and rust, and expressive, friendly eyes make them as visually impressive as they are affectionate. Known for their even-tempered and sociable nature, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs form deep bonds with their families and are excellent with children, making them a wonderful choice for households of all sizes. While they are large dogs, weighing between 85 and 140 pounds, their calm demeanor allows them to adapt well to various living environments, provided they receive regular exercise and space to roam. Highly intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to positive reinforcement during training and thrive in a structured environment. Whether accompanying you on outdoor adventures or lounging at home, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a loving, devoted companion. If you’re seeking a loyal, hardworking, and family-friendly dog, visit Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, to meet the wonderful Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs awaiting their forever homes.
History
The breed originated in the Swiss Alps, where it was bred to herd cattle and guard farms. It is one of four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, along with the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennehund, and Entlebucher, and is the largest of the four. By the 1900’s. as their traditional jobs were being taken over by other breeds or machines, the number of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs began to dwindle. Despite this, they were finally listed as a separate breed by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1909. The breed was first brought to the U.S. in 1968 and in 1995 the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the working group.
Temperament
Though known for being gentle, alert and fun loving, these are not dogs to be taken lightly. Bred to be working dogs, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is never happier than when he has a task to do. They do well in everything from obedience and agility training to heavier tasks like pulling, herding, and pack hiking. Their gentle temperament makes them wonderful family dogs and their natural protective instinct means they are ideal guard dogs. They are great with children, often developing a strong bond with them, and get along well with other pets.
Environment
As a large, working breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not well suited for apartment living. They generally need room to roam, which means they do best with a home that has a large, fenced in yard. Originating in the Swiss Alps, this is a breed that does well in a cold climate and loves to play in the snow. Not surprisingly, they don’t do as well in the heat. They are prone to heatstroke, so you should keep them inside, preferably in air conditioning, during the heat of the day and limit play or exercise time to the cooler early morning or evening hours.
Exercise
While they are a working breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog does not require a tremendous amount of exercise. In most cases, a daily walk and some play time is more than enough to keep them happy. They are much more focused on completing tasks and will take well to dog sports and other activities like obedience or agility training. As long as they have a purpose and some work to do, they will be happy.
Grooming
With their dense, shorter outer coat and thick undercoat, this is not a breed that requires a huge amount of grooming. They shed minimally except for the two times of year when the undercoat comes out. For the most part, brushing once or twice a week and bathing every month or so is all that is needed. Brush their teeth two or three times a week and trim their nails once or twice a month to keep them healthy. You should also check their ears once a week for any signs of infection.
