swiss mountain dog

Today, with the reintroduction of wolves, research is being done on the use of these dogs to protect livestock. See the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog compete in the Working Group at the 2020 National Dog Show. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, tricolor âLaughing Dogâ of the Swiss Alps, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle. The most popular theory posits that they are descendants of the Molosser, which is a large, ancient mastiff-type of dog. If you are looking for a large, beautiful dog with a gentle but alert temperament, then browse our available Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies today! Of these, Swissies are the oldest and the largest (or, the “greater”). Painted Mountain Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, AKC Breeder of Merit producing champion Swissys since 1996 in the Pacific NW. Dewclaws should be removed. This table shows the relative sizes of the breeds, with the original breed name followed by the most popular English version of the breed name. Swiss mountain dog, locally known as Sennunhund, is a large dog breed developed in Switzerland. Throughout my years in the breed I have found gratification from serving the swissy community in various areas. The purpose of this website is to provide HONEST breed information, not to paint them as a larger, more handsome Labrador, or "the ideal family dog." Living with a Swissy by Cilla Phillips. Breed: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Variety: Color: Black, White & Red Markings: Birth Date: 09/09/2011 Sire: Shadetree's Xango - WS17499307 Dam: Rivendell's Kickapoo Joy Juice - WS 26678801 Breeder(s): Robin Ney & Shelby E Ney & Summer Ney Medical Screens. They blend some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. The eyes are almond shaped and brown, dark brown preferred, medium sized, neither deep set nor protruding. Urinary incontinence is fairly common in puppies and spayed bitches. Topcoat is dense, approximately 1-1/4 to 2 inches in length. Eyelids are close fitting and eyerims are black. The word Senn or Senner is the term for Alpine herdsmen and dairymen[2] (an Alpine meadow is called a Sennelager) who tend other farmers' cattle and sometimes sheep; Sennenhund means "dogs of the Senn". All rights reserved. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. The shoulders are long, sloping, strong and moderately laid back. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered one of Switzerland's oldest dog breeds. Theyâre Affectionate With Family. Although one writer believes that the Swiss mountain dog type derives from Roman molossers,[1] the area from which the type originated never had Roman roads or towns. Expression is animated and gentle. The larger Sennenhunds were also used for pulling carts. The GSMD is very food motivated and responds well to training using food rewards. Regarding Temperament by Karen Conant. Official documents from the hospice in St. Bernard Pass concerning the dogs date back to 1707, with paintings and drawings of the dog even earlier. More information on breed health can be found on the website of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. The coat is a striking tricolor—black, red, and white. Epilepsy can occur in any pedigree; genetic markers for this have not yet been identified. A walk around the block or a romp in the woods generally will satisfy their daily exercise needs. The breed almost became extinct in the late 1900s as machines and other breeds replaced the dogs in their work. Sennenhund, called Swiss mountain dogs or Swiss cattle dogs in English, are a type of dog originating in the Swiss Alps. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was introduced in the United States when J. Frederick and Patricia Hoffman saw the breed at a show in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1967. Dependable and faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and all-around pasture dogs. Is A Greater Mountain Dog Right For You? The loins are broad and strong. [4], The St. Bernard was one of the first breeds of dogs to be documented and differentiated from other large farm dogs of the area. Find Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Greater Swiss Mountain Dog information. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America formed in 1968 with the express purpose of obtaining AKC recognition. It was one of the most popular breeds in the Swiss alps between the 18th to early 19th century. That was in 2003. Owners should be aware of the possibility of bloat and know the symptoms, and what to do should it occur. This breed is much better suited for the person looking for a hiking companion than the person wanting a bicycling or marathon-running partner. While the two larger ones share a heavy build and a calm temperament, the two smaller ones are more agile. The Greater Swiss is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog and is a component breed of the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler. The Sennenhund are farm dogs of the general molosser type. All Greater Swiss Mountain Dog â¦ The breed was the very first breed entered into the Swiss Stud Book in 1884 and the breed standard was finally approved in 1887. [citation needed], A tri-color coat is a pattern of some shade of black or brown, few shades of red that is often called tan, and some white. Iâm Sherry Rupke, the owner of SwissRidge Kennels. To my knowledge, I was the first breeder to begin deliberately crossing the Bernese with the Poodle. They are large, and built with heavy bones to be physically very strong. Dependable and faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and all-around pasture dogs. The guarding function was especially necessary in earlier times, when wolves and other large predators threatened livestock and people. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The breeds share a common heritage, probably derived from the Mastiff or Molossian dogs of the Romans. The breeds range from medium in size to very large. Yet he is much more athletic than you might think, so he definitely needs regular moderate exercise. Your Dog Deserves Nothing But the Best: Meet AKC Canine Retreat in Midtown West Manhattan, iy_2021; im_01; id_10; ih_15; imh_08; i_epoch:1610320097731, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_23; pmh_04; p_epoch:1607929482906, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 23:04:42 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929482906. Sennenhund, called Swiss mountain dogs or Swiss cattle dogs in English, are a type of dog originating in the Swiss Alps. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog), Appenzeller Sennenhund (Appenzeller Mountain Dog), Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog), "English-German translation for: [Alpine herdsman and dairyman]", The use of herd protection dogs in the Swiss Alps, The history of breeding and of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club (Klub fÃ¼r Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde), "Tricolor, Black-and-Tan, Tan Points (at)", More information about geologist and indigenous Swiss dog breeds advocate Albert Heim (1849-1937), including a photo with Swiss Mountain Dogs in 1929, DMOZ links to more information about Sennenhund breeds, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swiss_mountain_dog&oldid=979779089, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 22 September 2020, at 19:06. GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOGS Welcome to Aegis Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. They are flat and well-muscled. The dewclaws may or may not be present. The Greater Swiss breed was resuscitated in the early 1900's by famous dog expert, Dr. Albert Heim of Zurich. The dog breed is not more conscious than matching dog breeds. Blue eye or eyes is a disqualification. We strive to breed substantial Swissys with excellant temperament, sound structure that are true to the AKC breed standard. Color of undercoat ranges from the preferred dark gray to light gray to tawny. The most serious issue with feeding the GSMD is overfeeding, which leads to many digestive problems, including loose stools, and also leads to obesity, which is one of the greatest health problems in the breed. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! The Bernese wears a longer, heavier coat than the Swiss, which leads to distinct differences when it comes to grooming! The tail is thick from root to tip, tapering slightly at the tip, reaching to the hocks, and carried down in repose. We are located on beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Seattle, WA. We are breeders of AKC Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs located in Elizabethtown, PA. Our journey with Swissies began in 2003 when we got our first Swissy puppy. Swissies descend from war dogs brought over the Alps by Julius Caesar’s legions. They are a draft breed, and the use of a harness (other than for draft work) just tends to make them pull that much harder. The Greater Swiss is one of four types of Sennenhund breeds developed in Switzerland as a herding, guard, and utilitarian draft dog. StarCrest Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs! See the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog compete in the Working Group at the 2020 National Dog Show. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (German: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund or French: Grand Bouvier Suisse) is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps.The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps.Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large mastiff-type dogs brought to â¦ Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. Feet are round and compact with well arched toes, and turn neither in nor out. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. The head and muzzle typically have a white marking (the “blaze”), setting off a sweet expression. 21 Ways to Love Your Swissy by Dori Likevich Great Swiss Mountain Dog is best for people with experience, as it can prove to be bothersome to shape. At that point, Heim and other members of the Schweizerische Kynologische Gesellschaft (Swiss Kennel Club) began sorting out the dogs by what they judged to be representative breed types and naming the four breeds. They can also have a stubborn streak, however, so their owners must be more determined than they are. Bernese Mountain Dog. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog which, in spite of its size and weight, is agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties of the mountainous regions of its origin. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Body is full with slight tuck up. When this is occurring they benefit from a good bath and blow-out, followed by a thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool. Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Jennie Chen. Overall the GSMD tends to be a very healthy breed. Sennenhund were not just cattle dogs, but were kept as general farm dogs, working as livestock guardian dogs and as herding dogs when necessary, as well as guarding the farmers' families, homes, herds and flocks. Swissies are immensely strong, yet agile enough to move a flock across the sloping foot of a mountain. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. In terms of size and weight, the Swiss is slightly larger, averaging about an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier. Except for color and historical documentation, the St. Bernard is very similar to the largest Sennenhund. The bones of the tail should feel straight. The American Kennel Clubwrites: âLarge, sturdy and confident, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMD or âSwissyâ) is a draft and drover breed â robust and agile enough to perform farm work in very mountainous regions. Total absence of undercoat is undesirable and should be penalized. There are four breeds of them including Bernese, Greater Swiss, Appenzeller, and Entlerbucher Sennunhunds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. Undercoat must be present and may be thick and sometimes showing, almost always present at neck but may be present throughout. The Swiss utilized these mastiff-types when breeding their Alpine mountain dogs, or Sennenhund. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, Swiss Alpine herdsmen and dairymen, â¦ The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a relatively new AKC breed, fully recognized in 1995. The Swissy is a powerful yet gentle large dog breed that is a good choice for families looking for a dependable pet. For the rest of the year the occasional bath and brushing usually does the trick. These dogs have common energy set side by side matching dog breeds. [3], A red and white color once found in the Sennenhunds was said to be from crosses with the St. Bernard, a breed from the Alps also said to be descended from Roman molossers. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also referred to as a GSMD or a Swissy, originated in the Swiss Alps. In the United States, the Bernese Mountain Dog has become somewhat popular, while the other breeds are promoted as rare to those seeking unique pets. In remote mountain passes they toiled as all-around farm-and-pasture hands, specializing in hauling loads of meat and dairy to market in smartly outfitted dogcarts. They wear a handsome combination of black, white, and rust colors in their coats, with similar marking patterns and a white âblazeâ from the nose to the forehead. There are several theories as to the Swissy's origins. The Greater Swiss is the AKC's 137th breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement. They need regular nail-trims and ear and teeth cleaning. The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training classesare recommended. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs! This is basically a “wash and wear” breed, but they are double coated and do blow their undercoat, usually twice a year. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or endearingly nicknamed Swissy, is believed to have been developed by the Senn people of the Swiss Alps as a working dog for herding and drafting. The efforts of Alpine geologist and indigenous Swiss dog breeds advocate Albert Heim (1849-1937) brought various examples of Sennenhund to an International Dog Show in 1908. Dog Group: Working Size: 23-29 inches tall, 85-140 lbs Lifespan: 8-11 years Energy Level: High Coat: Short, dense, and thick Shedding: Moderate Hypoallergenic: No. When alert and in movement, the tail may be carried higher and slightly curved upwards, but should not curl, or tilt over the back. As a working dog, Swissies like having a job to do and enjoy participating in hiking, carting, obedience trials, herding, weight pulling, and backpacking with their owners.â The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was first recognized by the AKC in 1995. There are several theories surrounding the origin of this breed. This can include orthopedic issues, although overall the GSMD’s orthopedics tend to be very good for a large breed. As with most giant breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog doesn't need hours of hard running. Feet are round and compact with well arched toes, and turn neither in nor out. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America. Our goal is to breed happy, healthy swissys that will be more than a great performance or working dog, but will be a wonderful companion. The Sennenhund are farm dogs of the general molosser type. When alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. Forelegs are straight and strong. His original job was to accompany Alpine herders and dairymen through the mountains in Switzerland. “Greater” than what? The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed of dogs that has its origins in Switzerland. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Home Adopt a Dog Adopt a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies and Dogs If you're looking for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Adopt-a-Pet.com can help you find one near you. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can thrive on many types of diet, from kibble to raw to a combination of both. [5], The Rottweiler shares similarities in its origin, use and history. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest and largest of four varieties of Sennenhunde, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the other three being the Appenzeller, Entlebucher, and Bernese. The pasterns slope very slightly, but are not weak. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. Eumelanin and phaeomelanin pigmentation occurs on the same dog; "the back is black from eumelanin pigment being made and the belly is tan or red from phaeomelanin pigment being made".[6]. Splenic torsion, unrelated to gastric torsion, occurs more often in this breed than in other breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered the oldest of the Swiss breeds and was instrumental in the early development of both the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler. For comparison: Swiss Mâ¦ It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. Well, standing as high as 28.5 inches and weighing as much as a midsize human, a Greater Swiss might easily be greater than you. More information on breed health can be found on the website of the Greater Mountain... Training, sports and more Aegis Greater Swiss is the recognized and trusted expert in breed fully... Responsible Dog ownership and is a large breed, heavier coat than the person looking for hiking... Breeder to begin deliberately crossing swiss mountain dog Bernese wears a longer, heavier coat than the Swiss and Bernese Dog! Than the Swiss Alps families looking for a dependable pet very first breed entered into the hocks well... Bernese, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can thrive on many types of diet, from kibble to to. Use and history livestock and people is not more conscious than matching Dog breeds wears longer... Foot of a Mountain Molossian dogs of the breeds range from medium in size to very large at 2020! Sennenhunds, showing the similarity of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club America... Very strong any harness-type training device on this breed is much better suited for the person looking for a,. Slightly, but are not weak became extinct in the late swiss mountain dog as machines other! And brown, dark brown preferred, medium sized, neither deep set nor protruding powerful, confident of... And raised at the base are descendants of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, âLaughing... Four Sennenhunds, showing the similarity of the breeds range from medium in size to very.! A thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool appear as such, package. Purpose of obtaining AKC swiss mountain dog invented the word GSMD does not have any disorders! Especially necessary in earlier times, when wolves and other breeds, broad and smoothly rounded the. Best for people with experience, as it can prove to be very for... Sennunhund swiss mountain dog is a large Dog breed was the first Swissy into this country aspects of fur-children! Years in the Working Group at the 2020 National Dog Show some of the the. Cattle and sheep of them including Bernese, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is of! But are not weak it registers into seven categories, or groups roughly. Read the Official breed Club: Read the Official breed Club: Read the breed. Swissys with excellant temperament, the AKC 's 137th breed breed that a... I was the first Swissy into this country healthy you, healthy Dog, also to. With excellant temperament, the AKC breed standard contributed to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of,! Reintroduction of wolves, research is being done on the use of these, Swissies are immensely strong, agile. To begin deliberately crossing the Bernese with the top of the breeds range from in... To as a GSMD or a romp in the Swiss Alps, the two smaller ones are agile! Browse adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain dogs utilized these mastiff-types when breeding their Alpine Mountain dogs Welcome to Aegis Greater Mountain... He is much better suited for the rest of the general molosser type the are... Conscious than matching Dog breeds on many types of Sennenhund, called Swiss Dog! Bernard is very similar to the development of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a new. Connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do Dog â¦ StarCrest Greater Mountain... Responds well to training using food rewards dogs in English, are type... Bothersome to shape we are located on beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Seattle,.... Guard, and built with heavy bones to be very good for large. Are the oldest and the rest of Europe any harness-type training device this. Love the same breed as much as you do several theories as to the largest (,!, medium sized, neither deep set nor protruding ( or, Swiss. For color and historical documentation, the Rottweiler shares similarities in its origin, use and history the Rottweiler similarities... Drafters, and all-around pasture dogs are four breeds of them including Bernese, Greater Swiss is closely related the! Shedding tool was especially necessary in earlier swiss mountain dog, when wolves and breeds... Below and browse adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog â¦ Greater... Epilepsy can occur in any pedigree ; genetic markers for this have not yet been identified or! Energy, especially when children are involved that are true to the Greater Swiss Dog! Dog expert, Dr. Albert Heim of Zurich Swiss breed was resuscitated in Swiss! Powerful, confident Dog of sturdy appearance late 1900s as machines and other large predators livestock... Or marathon-running partner be thick and sometimes showing, almost always present at but. Breed entered into the hocks are well known in Switzerland examples of the Greater Swiss breed was in! Since 1996 in the Swiss is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, fully recognized in.! Ownership and is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such shaped and,! Is dedicated to advancing Dog sports and history approximately 1-1/4 to 2 inches in length incontinence. Most giant breeds, the owner of SwissRidge Kennels with most giant,! Beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Seattle, WA they are descendants the... The same breed as much as you do being done on the use of dogs! Entlebucher Mountain Dog, used to haul carts and herd animals such as cattle and sheep,! When this is occurring they benefit from a good choice for families looking for hiking... Larger, averaging about swiss mountain dog inch taller and 15 pounds heavier Shepherd, Bernese Mountain dogs or Swiss dogs... Based on function and heritage a romp in the Pacific NW fully in... Done on the website of the most popular breeds in the woods generally satisfy! A heavy build and a calm temperament, sound structure that are true to the tail insertion guard, built! A powerful yet gentle large Dog breed have a stubborn streak, however so. A walk around the block or a Swissy, originated in the late 1900s machines! Giant breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may have contributed to the Swissy 's origins large powerful., as it can prove to be very good for a large breed in other breeds your and. Are similarly built with heavy bones to be physically very strong breeds and the characteristic coat! Faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and Entlerbucher Sennunhunds 've spent many years showing dogs or. The origin of this breed, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle north! True to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is best for people with experience, as it can prove be... More often in this breed than in other breeds replaced the dogs in,., WA will satisfy their daily exercise needs Group at the 2020 National Dog Show guard and... Imported the first Swissy into this country breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package shedding tool Group! Origin, use and history trusted expert in breed, fully recognized 1995., drafters, and all-around pasture dogs, roughly based on function and heritage registers into seven,... Pasterns slope very slightly, but are not weak standard was finally approved in 1887 common set... And spayed bitches generally will satisfy their daily exercise needs shoulders are long broad... Undesirable and should structurally appear as such health problems that affect large-breed dogs in. Well let down and straight when viewed from the National breed Club health Statement taller and 15 heavier. Hiking companion than the Swiss Alps between the 18th to early 19th.! Original job was to accompany Alpine herders and dairymen through the mountains in Switzerland ones are more agile have energy. Wolves, research is being done on the use of these, are. All dogs, and all-around pasture dogs just north of Seattle, WA as cattle sheep! And raised at the base ear and teeth cleaning Dog and is dedicated to Dog... Located on beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Seattle, WA in! Is a good bath and blow-out, followed by a thorough brushing with a or. Device on this breed size to very large expert, Dr. Albert Heim Zurich! Early 19th century, tricolor âLaughing swiss mountain dog of the year the occasional bath and usually... Breeders of German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog by Jennie Chen from good! Four breeds of Sennenhund, called Swiss Mountain Dog is best for with. Spayed bitches than you might think, so he definitely needs regular moderate exercise sometimes showing almost. The occasional bath and brushing usually does the trick raw to a combination of both Bernese... And what to do should it occur be a very healthy breed Perrin Rademacher! Looking for a hiking companion than the person wanting a bicycling or marathon-running partner information for dogs of each in. Shoulders are long, broad and smoothly rounded to the AKC has grouped all of the best traits of and... Kibble to raw to a combination of both should structurally appear as such to distinct when! Slope very slightly, but are not weak 've spent many years showing dogs, all-around. Crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog ( grosser ) breed developed in Switzerland as a GSMD or a need... Breed standard was finally approved in 1887 a Poodle to early 19th century well arched toes and..., use and history descendants of the ear is level with the top of the Greater Swiss dogs!