- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Training
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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General Description
(Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) (Large Swiss Mountain Dog) (Great Swiss Cattle Dog) The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large and cheerful looking breed. A long rectangular muzzle comes from their round head. Also on their round heads are small brown eyes and large folded ears which hang down past their muzzle. A thick muscular neck, with folds of loose skin, leads to their deep chest and broad shoulders. Short, yet strong, legs lead to huge round feet. Short, sleek fur covers their body. This breed has no color variations; it should only be black with some patches of white and red.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very devoted family dog. This breed loves being a part of the family and will also be good as a watch dog because of their protective nature. However, even being protective, they are friendly if the family seems friendly with the person and not threatened. Plus, this breed is great to have with children because they are extremely gentle. Family pets will be treated kindly, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog will often do well with other dogs.
Size
23-28 inches
Weight
130-135 pounds
General Health
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to a few health problems. Some of these disorder are bloat, distichiasis (which often requires surgery), epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. This breed has an average life expectancy of 10-11 years.
History
As the name suggests, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog came from parts of the Swiss Alps. The breed is believed to be one of four from the area whose ancestry includes the Roman Mastiffs who traveled through the area thousands of years ago. Some believe the St. Bernard is related to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and may have led to its near extinction. In the early 20th century, Dr. Albert Heim actively began promoting the breed and encouraging people to breed them. His efforts were successful, and the dog’s popularity blossomed. More than a half century later, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog made its appearance in the United States. Despite increases in its numbers, the breed is not plentiful on either side of the Atlantic.
Maintenance
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an easy to care for dog in all aspects. Grooming just requires occasional brushing to keep their coat clean. A walk everyday or play sessions in a medium sized yard will keep them happy and calm indoors.
Ideal Environment
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large dog but a very sweet and gentle one as well. Great with the family and strangers who do not seem threatening, they also do well with all other animals. This breed is also a wonderful companion for children because of its calm nature. Even though this breed is big, it can easily live in an apartment without a yard. An even temperament and adaptability make this large breed perfect for almost any home.
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Ask a QuestionGreater Swiss Mountain Dog Q&A
I live in New England and am having a difficult time finding a gsmd breeder. Can anyone recommend one? Thanks.
One person posting an answer stated that her gsmd doesn't swim in her pool. Do gsmd like the water? Is is a nature or nurture issue?
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
How will these dogs do in warm climates? We live in Tampa, FL.
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.
I've heard that these dogs are not good for first time dog-owners. What is the reason for this?
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.
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