Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a bold, gentle, and loyal breed that makes a devoted family companion. They are calm, but always alert and observing their surroundings, so they make great watchdogs. The Swissy is an independent and confident dog that needs a firm, yet kind, hand when it comes to training. They can be stubborn at times, and do best with an owner who is able to be a confident leader. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be suspicious of strangers but are seldom aggressive. They are patient and kind with children and other pets, especially when raised with them.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs aren't affected by any genetically inherited conditions, but they can be affected by conditions common with other large breeds. Breeders and owners should keep an eye out for things like splenic torsion, and bloat. They can be affected by orthopedic issues, but not nearly as often as other breeds their size.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a moderate energy level and require about one hour of exercise per day. They love going on hikes and long walks with their families, and they also enjoy long runs or bike rides.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do a great job at keeping themselves clean, and their short coat doesn't require much maintenance to look its best. Their coat should be brushed 1-2 times per week and they should be bathed about every other month, or if they get particularly dirty.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately year round, and like most double coated dogs, they will blow their coat during the spring and fall seasons.

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog coat is extremely dense, with the outer coat being about one or two inches thick. Their coat is a tri-color combination of black, brown, and white. These dogs are sturdy and muscular with flat and broad skulls. Their ears are medium in size, triangular shaped, and lie close to their heads.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Swissy, is one of the oldest dog breeds from Switzerland. While no one is exactly sure of the breed's origin, the most widely-believed theory is that the Swissy is a descendant of Mastiff-type dogs that were brought to Switzerland by the Romans. Over time, these dogs spread across Europe and were used as herding, guarding, and draft dogs. However, once industrialization started, the Swissy nearly disappeared, as its jobs were being taken over by machines and motorized vehicles. Luckily, after spotting them at a Swiss dog show in 1908, canine researcher Albert Heim sought to not let the breed die out. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog became a breed of its own in 1910 but didn't make its way to the United States until 1968. Shortly after that, however, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America was formed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995.