Greater swiss mountain dog

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog greater swiss mountain dog!

Here, you will find all the useful information about greater swiss mountain dog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a very old breed, it is the direct descendant of the great mountain dogs, traditionally bred and selected in Switzerland, its known ancestors are the Butchers' Mornings or the Tibetan Molosses coming from Central Asia. The origins of the breed go back more than 2000 years, they were mainly used as shepherd dogs to drive large herds of cattle or also as draught dogs to transport material.

The official club of the Great Swiss Sheepdog was founded in 1912 and was named after Professor Albert Heim, a breed specialist and Swiss Sheepdog enthusiast. The first standard was drawn up in 1909, and the International Cynological Federation recognised it definitively on 13 August 1954. The official standard was published on 25 March 2003.

With its unathletic appearance, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog will surprise you with its suppleness, agility and resistance to effort, it is a particularly robust animal with a great working intelligence. Its lines are clean, harmonious, with an elegant gait, a light but powerful step. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, rectangular in shape, muscular, with a solid structure and great endurance.

His topline is straight, with a broad and strong neck, his shoulders are low, revealing a broad chest and a deep chest. The head is broad with well defined jaws, the muzzle is of medium length and square in shape with a faint stop. The ears are triangular in shape, of medium size and set high on the top of the skull. The coat is short to medium long, thick and close, always black with tan markings, with a heavy undercoat.

Like all Helvetic Mountain Dogs, they are gentle, jovial and deeply attached to people, with a legendary family spirit and protective instinct towards them. As far as physical fitness is concerned, he is literally bursting with energy, always ready for long walks. His energy requirements are quite high, but he is calm indoors and is generally a peaceful companion in the home.

He is a confident dog in front of strangers, protective and attentive to his environment, he excels in the field of guarding, he will have at heart to watch over the safety of his social group even at the risk of his life. They can quickly show signs of hyper-attachment to their owners or loved ones. For their balance, it is advisable to teach them to stay alone from an early age. Faithful, docile and demonstrative, they have all the qualities of the perfect family dog. Their sociable temperament and benevolence make them an ideal daily companion.

Adult: The weight of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog will be approximately 88 lbs for the male and 77 lbs for the female and its height at the withers will be between 25.6" to 28.3" for the male and 23.6" to 26.7" for the female.

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Origins

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed of dog originating in the mountainous regions of Switzerland. Its ancestors include Roman mastiffs and local herding dogs used to guard herds, pull carts, and protect farms. The development of this breed dates back several centuries, although the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog as we know it today was officially recognized in the early 20th century. Its origins as a versatile working dog give it great robustness and strong adaptability.

History

The history of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is rich and ancient, although the breed almost disappeared at the end of the 19th century. Saved by Dr. Albert Heim, a passionate Swiss cynologist, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was officially recognized in 1909. Once used for herding, transporting goods, and as a farm dog, it has found its place in the modern world as a loyal companion and a working dog. Its resilience and versatility have allowed the breed to survive and thrive until today.

Standard

The standard of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog describes a powerful and well-proportioned dog, measuring between 65 and 72 cm at the withers for males, and slightly less for females. The weight varies from 50 to 60 kg. The coat is double, with a dense undercoat and a smooth and short topcoat, often tricolored with black, white, and fawn markings. The head is massive with a flat skull, eyes ranging from hazel to dark brown, and drooping ears. The tail is long, carried low at rest and slightly raised when moving.

Physical characteristics

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an imposing and muscular dog, well suited for heavy work. It has a sturdy frame, strong legs, and a broad chest, offering great power and endurance. The tricolored coat, with distinct black, white, and fawn markings, is smooth and short, requiring little maintenance. The eyes are expressive, displaying great intelligence and vigilance. The head is massive but well proportioned, with medium-sized drooping ears. Its thick tail is carried low at rest and slightly lifted in action.

Character

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is known for its balanced, loyal, and affectionate temperament. It is a confident and vigilant dog, making it an excellent house guardian. It is gentle and patient with children, loving and protective with its family, but can be reserved with strangers. Its intelligence and desire to please make training relatively easy, although early socialization is needed to channel its energy and guarding instincts. It is a reliable and devoted companion, always ready to protect and serve its family.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally between 8 and 11 years. Though relatively short for a dog of this size, a good diet, regular veterinary care, and adequate exercise can help prolong their life. Owners should be vigilant for signs of common diseases in large breeds, such as hip dysplasia or heart issues, and consult a veterinarian for regular check-ups. Special attention to their health and well-being is essential to maximize their lifespan and quality of life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an active dog that requires a moderate to high amount of daily exercise. One to two hours of physical activity, including walks, interactive games, and mental stimulation exercises, are essential to maintain its physical and mental health. This robust dog also enjoys working tasks, such as cart pulling or participating in canine sports like drafting. Regular exercise helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors, while strengthening the bond between the dog and its owner.

Recommended diet

The diet of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog must be balanced and adapted to its large size and activity level. High-quality, protein-rich food is essential to maintain its muscle mass and energy. Portions should be adjusted according to its age, weight, and level of physical activity, ideally divided into two meals a day to prevent the risk of stomach torsion. Dietary supplements, such as omega-3 for joints and coat health, can be beneficial, but should be given under veterinary advice.

Training and obedience

The education of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Intelligent and eager to please, it responds well to positive reinforcement methods. Starting training from a young age helps establish a strong foundation and prevent unwanted behaviors. Early socialization is crucial to make it comfortable with various situations, people, and animals. Training sessions should be short, stimulating, and varied to maintain its interest. Consistent and firm, yet gentle, education is the key to bringing out the best in this loyal dog.

Behavior with children

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is generally very affectionate and protective with children, making it an excellent family companion. Its gentle and patient nature allows it to get along well with younger children, even though it can be a bit clumsy due to its size. It enjoys participating in family activities and is often playful and devoted. However, due to its imposing stature, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid unintentional accidents and to teach children to respect the dog.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog generally gets along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. It has a natural protective instinct but can peacefully coexist with other dogs and even with cats. Its balanced and sociable temperament allows it to adapt to a household with multiple animals. However, controlled introductions and initial supervision are necessary to ensure harmonious cohabitation. With proper training and adequate socialization, it can live in harmony with a variety of pets.

Grooming needs

Grooming the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is relatively simple thanks to its short and dense coat. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hair and maintain its coat in good condition. Baths are only necessary occasionally, usually when it is particularly dirty. It is crucial to regularly check and clean its ears to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and teeth should be brushed to prevent dental problems. A regular grooming routine contributes to the overall health of the dog.

Health

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a robust breed, but it may be subject to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and some heart problems. Regular veterinary follow-up is essential to detect and treat these problems early. A balanced diet, adequate exercise, and parasite prevention also help maintain good health. Responsible breeders conduct health tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases and ensure the quality of puppies.

Average price

The average price of a Grand Bouvier Suisse puppy varies depending on the breeder, lineage, and geographical location. In Europe, a puppy typically costs between 1500 and 2500 euros. In the United States, the price can range between 1800 and 3000 dollars. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for hereditary diseases and raises their puppies in optimal conditions. A high-quality puppy, from healthy parents, may be more expensive, but can prevent many long-term health issues.

Expenses

The annual expenses for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog include food, veterinary care, grooming products, and accessories. On average, owners can expect to spend between 1200 and 2000 euros (or $1500 to $2500) per year. High-quality food accounts for about 600 to 800 euros per year. Routine veterinary care can cost 400 to 600 euros, and grooming as well as accessories add around 200 to 400 additional euros. These costs can vary depending on the dog's health and specific needs.

Name ideas

For a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, names like Titan, Bella, Rex, Luna, Maximus, Daisy, Zeus, Stella, Brutus and Aurora are appropriate. Titan evokes strength and grandeur, perfect for a powerful dog. Bella symbolizes beauty and elegance. Rex means "king," reflecting the dog's majestic stature. Luna adds a mystical touch. Maximus means "the greatest," ideal for a big dog. Daisy is sweet and charming. Zeus and Brutus recall powerful mythological figures, while Stella and Aurora bring a touch of light and beauty.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation prohibiting the possession of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Like all dog breeds, owners must comply with local laws regarding dog ownership, including vaccination requirements, licensing, and animal control. In Switzerland, this breed is not classified as dangerous and therefore does not require any particular restrictions. However, it is recommended to check local regulations before acquiring a dog to ensure compliance with current legal requirements.

Official recognition

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard No. 58. This recognition highlights the distinctive characteristics of the breed and provides guidelines for breeding. In Switzerland, it is also recognized by the Swiss Club of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (SCSBS), the reference organization for dog breeds in Switzerland. This breed enjoys international recognition within cynological circles, thus ensuring its promotion and preservation through strict standards and controlled breeding programs.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for the Grand Bouvier Suisse can be obtained from the Swiss Canine Society (SCS) and other recognized canine registries. These documents detail the dogs' lineages, ensuring their purity and compliance with breed standards. Pedigrees are essential for breeders and serious owners who wish to maintain the genetic quality and health of the breed. They also allow to trace the history of each dog and ensure the transmission of desirable traits to future generations, while minimizing the risks of hereditary diseases.

Destination and usage

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is mainly used as a working dog, especially for herding and carrying light loads. Thanks to its strength and endurance, it also excels as a mountain rescue dog. Aside from its working abilities, this breed is an excellent family companion, prized for its loyalty and affectionate nature. Its protective nature makes it a good house guardian, while its intelligence and desire to please make it adaptable to various roles, including dog sports and leisure activities.

Prohibitions

To date, there are no specific bans on owning Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in countries worldwide. This breed is not classified as dangerous and is generally accepted as a working and companion dog. However, it is always advisable to check local regulations regarding dog ownership, as some regions may have specific laws on owning large dogs or certain breeds. Make sure to comply with local laws to avoid any legal issues.

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