Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Information:
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog breed was developed to be an all-around working dog, herding cattle, pulling carts, and standing guard. These days, the Swissy enjoys life as a family pet, but because of his working heritage, he enjoys being busy.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Group: Working Dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Height: 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Greater Swiss Mountain Weight: 85 to 140 pounds.
Greater Swiss Mountain Life Span: 7 to 9 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog was bred to work and likes to have a job to do. Obedience training can give them the mental stimulation they need and is essential for handling a dog of this size. The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is prone to overheating. Keep them inside in air conditioning or in front of fans when the weather's hot, and wait until it cools off to exercise them. Due to their large size, the Greater Swiss Mountain dog is not suited for apartment or condo living. A home with a fenced yard is ideal.
Greater Swiss Mountain History:
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered one of Switzerland's oldest dog breeds. There are several theories as to the Swissy's origins. The most popular is that they're descended from large, Mastiff-like dogs who were brought to the Alps by invading Roman Legions.
Greater Swiss Mountain Size:
Males stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches tall and weigh 105 to 140 pounds. Females stand 23.5 to 27 inches tall and weigh 85 to 110 pounds.
Greater Swiss Mountain Personality:
The Greater Swiss Mountain's personality is gentle, alert, and fun loving. These aren't easygoing, pushover dogs, however; they're confident canines with their own ideas, and they can be stubborn at times. Because of their bold personality, Greater Swiss Mountain dogs do best with owners who can be kind, yet confident, leaders.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Health:
Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Swissy dogs will get any or all of these diseases:
Elbow Dysplasia.
Hip Dysplasia.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD).
Patellar Luxation.
Gastric Torsion.
Splenic Torsion.
Cataracts.
Distichiasis.
Entropion.
Panosteitis.
Greater Swiss Mountain Care:
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is not suited to apartment or condo life. Because this is a large, working dog, they need room to roam--a home with a large, securely fenced yard is ideal. Brush your Greater Swiss Mountain dogs teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Trim their nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems.
Greater Swiss Mountain Feeding:
The generally recommended daily amount for an adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is four to five cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Large-breed puppies such as the Greater Swiss Mountain dog need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia.
Greater Swiss Mountain Coat Color And Grooming:
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog has a dense outer coat, about one to two inches in length, and a thick undercoat. The breed sheds minimally most of the time, with the exception of twice-yearly "blow-outs," when the undercoat comes out. The color is distinct, with a black outer coat and rust and white markings on the face and body. Brushing once or twice a week, plus a bath as needed (usually every month or so) with a mild dog shampoo is enough to keep the Greater Swiss Mountain dog looking sharp. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.
Greater Swiss Mountain with Children And Other Pets:
The Greater Swiss Mountain dogs enjoys the attention and company of youngsters if given plenty of exposure to them beginning in puppyhood, and the kids are taught to treat the dog with care and respect. The good-natured Greater Swiss Mountain dog generally enjoys the company of other dogs and loves to play rough and rambunctious.