The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, the others being the Berner (Bernese Mountain Dog), Appenzeller and Entlebucher. Historically, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog assisted farmers and herdsmen with daily chores, such as pulling carts and keeping a watchful eye over livestock. Today the Swissy is primarily a family dog, though the working dog aptitude remains strong. As a family pet, the Swissy is noted for its gentle nature, great loyalty, and wonderful disposition toward children. Through careful breeding and selection of imports, the breed has shown steady growth since its introduction to the U.S in 1968. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. was formed in 1971 to promote the sound breeding, welfare, and wider recognition of the breed. In 1985, the GSMD was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC, and was granted full recognition in the Working Group in July 1995. For more history of the breed, CLICK THE PHOTO above.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is characterized by its large, muscular stature and beautiful tri-colored markings. Males stand approximately 25.5 to 28.5 inches at the withers and weigh anywhere from 105 to 140 lbs. Females stand 23.5 to 27 inches, with weight ranging from 85 to 110 lbs.
Training, Living with and Caring for Swissies Links
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
This link takes you to the National Club website. It is possible to become an associate club member before you bring a Swissy home. The club provides wonderful services and information to its members.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Standard
The GSMD breed standard describes what the ideal Swissy looks like and it’s temperament.
Swissy Forum
The Forum is a wealth of information for those who own Swissies or are thinking about it.
Podcast--Infectious Diseases: A specialist discusses "bugs" that can make our dogs sick, including parvovirus, kennel cough, mange and tick borne disease. Please click HERE to listen to Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, a specialist in infectious disease and a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, discuss these important issues now that spring, and "bugs", are on the way!
New bloat study results-- Recent studies are shedding more light on gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as bloat. Click HERE for a summary.
Free download to Dr. Ian Dunbar's book AFTER You Get Your Puppy. It's a free download for the time being!
Pain Management webcast--This webcast, sponsored by the Morris Animal Foundation, originally aired March 13, 2008. It covers all aspects of pet pain management, including common causes of pain, overlooked hidden causes of pain, anticipating and avoiding pain in your pets, communicating with your veterinarian and how to ask the right questions. Leading the webcast is Robin Downing, DVM.
Training, Health, Temperament Articles
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Turns 100
Is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Right for You?
A Portrait of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Twenty One Ways to Love Your Swissy
Living with a Swissy
Tip a Canoe a Swissy Can Do!
Burley and Mary Jo in Sylvania Wilderness Area, MI
