Yes, very trainable, and like all dogs, if you put the time in to training and are calm, well-mannered owners, you will have a calm, well-mannered Greater Swiss. The Greater Swiss loves its family and really wants to please.

There is a GSMD breeder in Forrest Hill, Maryland. That is wonderful, it's a bit of a drive, but well worth it, there puppies are wonderful.

My swissy didn't like water first, but then he tried it once with his friend (beauceron) and now i cant stop him from getting wet...even when its cold :)

The first time I took my Swissie to the country for a run, she spotted the creek, which is almost a river, made a beeline for it and jumped in. She has even crossed it twice. Same thing when she was taken to the Lake. If there's water, she's in it. I must say this really surprised me as nothing I read about the breed mentioned an affinity for water.

Swissy's are by far the most loyal, loving & gentle dog. I have very busy house w/ kids 3-26 in & out all hrs. this dog loves all uncond. I will say anyone considering a swissy, MUST be willing to spend much time and attention they are dogs that must be included in everything.. Never leave them out. They also never grow up. constant puppy.. very smart. But forever playful. Not outside dogs. Need to be w/ people. If you can't handle a very big dog under your feet (or should I say between your legs) THIS IS NOT THE DOG FOR YOU...they need & want lots of love & attention.& they deserve it.

my gsmd fell in our pool one time and never went back again. he was not a strong swimmer and hated getting wet

i had a gsmd for 8 years and it was an amazing dog. very loyal and great personalitly. to be honest he loved the heat more then the cold and would sit out in the sun.

I also live in Tampa and have a gsmd. She does fine and loves it outdoors even in the warmer weather. She won't get in the pool but will stand in the water at the dog park.

one of the GSMD's job functions is herding ( imposing it's will over the herd to get them to go where they want) an inexperienced owner often doesn't know how to properly establish establish and maintain the alpha roll. ultimately this will lead to dog being alpha and uncontrollable ( imagine a 140 pound 5yr old in charge of you. ie gimme gimme ) I currently own an 11yr old rott however am seriously considering a GSMD as my next family member. Any dog properly trained with proper pack order established is a tremendous addition to any family.

"you"..... is spelled..... "you' ...not ....."u". I don't see any reason this would not make a fine first time dog, so long as you realize it is large. It's tempermant and behavioral chartaristics are much better than a Beagle and even given the GSMD's size I would still say it's a much better bet fro a 1st time dog owner!

Usually medium-sized dogs who don't shed much are recommended for 1st time dog owners.

Clearly you have problems spelling....."know" is spelled "know".....not "no"......get a dictionary and don't come back to this site.....GSMD for life!

i say you should get a golden retriver

Clearly you no very little about hounds. I would never recommend a beagle as a first dog.

these dogs are a specialized dog breed and need a lot of care and attention not only that the food bill is quite large and they are a handful at the best of times the best dog to start with if u are a first time buyer would be a beagle or a labrador retriever as there isnt much to worry about in a specialized way.