Pronunciation
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Description
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large,
strong, muscular, draft dog. The body is slightly longer
than it is tall. The front legs are straight and strong with
rounded, compact feet. The chest is broad and deep, and the
breastbone extends slightly ahead of the legs. The head is
large with a broad, flat skull and slight stop. The skull
should be approximately the same length as the muzzle and
the teeth must meet in a scissors bite. The color of the
eyes may vary from hazel to chestnut. Their expression is
attentive and intelligent. The muzzle is blunt, and the nose
and lips must always be black. The pendant, medium-sized
ears are triangular. The long tail reaches to the hocks.
GSMD has a beautiful tri-color double coat (black with rich
rust and white markings). The outer coat is no longer than
2 inches (5cm.), and lined with a dense undercoat. Rust markings
include a spot over each eye, rust on the cheeks, and on
either side of the chest. Symmetrical markings are preferred.
The tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle and a large marking
on the chest are white. A white collar or patches on the
neck are permitted. Any base color other than black is a
disqualification.
Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is steady,
watchful and protective, but not aggressive. Willing and loves
to please, they are excellent with children. Loyal and adoring
they are generally good with other pets and are not generally
dog aggressive. Territorial, the Swissy should be introduced
to newcomers, but will quickly warm up to those the family
accepts. An excellent, courageous, alert watchdog who will
bark at strange noises and intruders. He needs to be a part
of the family and prefers to be with his people all the time.
The GSMD gets along well with family pets, but may have to
be taught not to chase. They are slow to mature, both physically
and mentally. "Puppyhood"
may last 2-3 years.
Height, Weight
Dogs:
Height: 23.5 - 28.5 inches
Weight: 110 - 140 pounds
Bitches:
Height: 23.5 - 27 inches
Weight: 76 - 110 pounds
Living Conditions
They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently
exercised. They prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient.
Exercise
Moderate exercise is needed.
Life Expectancy
About 10-11 years.
Grooming
An easy groom dog. Regular brushing will
due. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog comes to
us from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. He is the
largest (and probably the oldest) of the four Sennenhund
Breeds (including the Appenzell Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Cattle
Dog, and the AKC-recognized Bernese Mountain Dog). The Sennenhund
breeds are thought to be descendants of Roman Mastiffs, brought
to the area more than 2000 years ago. The four breeds are
different sizes, but share the same markings. The Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog's natural drafting ability led to his
nickname, "the poor man's horse." GSMD's may have
contributed to the development of the St. Bernard. Then,
when the St. Bernard became popular, the GSMD lost favor
and almost became extinct. An authority of the Sennenhund
breeds, Dr. Albert Heim, rediscovered the Greater Swiss Mountain
Dog in 1908 while he was judging a dog show. He publicized
the breed and encouraged people to begin breeding programs.
Response was enthusiastic and now the breed is re-established.
The first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's were imported to the
United States in 1967. The GSMD is still fairly rare, even
in Switzerland. However, the breed is now fully recognized
by the AKC. Its talents are tracking, watchdogging, guarding,
carting, and competitive obedience.
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, NKC, APRI, ACR
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
APRI =
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