Greater Swiss Mountain

also known as Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Pros History


The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the "Swissy" is a large and strong breed of dog that was developed in Switzerland. The breed's name "Greater Swiss Mountain Dog" refers to their origin in the Swiss mountains and their large size.

The breed was developed in the Middle Ages by crossing the local farm dogs with large mastiff-type breeds. They were used as a general-purpose farm dog, for herding cattle, pulling carts and as a guard dog.

The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1985 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1911. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is still used today for herding, as well as for carting, drafting and as a companion dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is Greater Swiss Mountain a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Greater Swiss Mountain name? How do you say Greater Swiss Mountains?

grey-ter swis moun-tn dawg

Purpose

What were Greater Swiss Mountains originally used for?

Drafting, Guarding, Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Greater Swiss Mountains Live? What is average life expectancy for a Greater Swiss Mountain? How long can Greater Swiss Mountains live?

10-12 years

The average Greater Swiss Mountain lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Greater Swiss Mountain Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Greater Swiss Mountain?

What is the average height of a Greater Swiss Mountain? How big is a Purebred Greater Swiss Mountain height? Greater Swiss Mountain dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-28 inches (63.5 - 71.1 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm)
Female 23-27 inches (58.4 - 68.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Greater Swiss Mountain? How much should Greater Swiss Mountains weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 115-140 pounds (52 - 64 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 95.0 pounds (43 kg) 122.5 pounds (56 kg)
Female 85-110 pounds (39 - 50 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 97.5 pounds (44 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Greater Swiss Mountains get fat easily?

The Greater Swiss Mountain is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Greater Swiss Mountain is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Greater Swiss Mountain personality? What are Greater Swiss Mountain dogs best known for?

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Shedding Level

Are Greater Swiss Mountains heavy shedders? How Much Does a Greater Swiss Mountain Shed?

Greater Swiss Mountain will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Greater Swiss Mountain dog?

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Greater Swiss Mountains come from?

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are Greater Swiss Mountains descended from?

Roman Mastiff

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountains first bred? How old is the Greater Swiss Mountain breed?

Ancient Times

Greater Swiss Mountain Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Greater Swiss Mountain eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Greater Swiss Mountain nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Greater Swiss Mountain coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
White

Coat Length

How long is a Greater Swiss Mountains coat?

The coat of a Greater Swiss Mountain dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Greater Swiss Mountain Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Greater Swiss Mountain?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Greater Swiss Mountain have in a litter? How many puppies can a Greater Swiss Mountain have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Greater Swiss Mountain can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Greater Swiss Mountain Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Greater Swiss Mountains have a lot of health problems?

The Greater Swiss Mountain is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Greater Swiss Mountain?

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Greater Swiss Mountains?

Distichiasis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Greater Swiss Mountain Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Greater Swiss Mountains have a lot of energy?

Greater Swiss Mountains are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Greater Swiss Mountains need socialization? How social are Greater Swiss Mountains?

Greater Swiss Mountain have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Greater Swiss Mountains get?

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Greater Swiss Mountain have? Do Greater Swiss Mountains sleep a lot?

Greater Swiss Mountains are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Greater Swiss Mountain drool a lot?

The Greater Swiss Mountain is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Greater Swiss Mountains exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Greater Swiss Mountains mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Greater Swiss Mountain running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Greater Swiss Mountain dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Greater Swiss Mountains enjoy doing? How do I keep my Greater Swiss Mountain busy?

Eating Snacks, Rough Housing, Play, Nap, Sniffing, Walk, Hike, Training, Tug-of-war, Case

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Greater Swiss Mountain? How much energy does a Greater Swiss Mountain have?

Medium

Greater Swiss Mountains are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Greater Swiss Mountain walk each week? How many miles should a Greater Swiss Mountain walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Greater Swiss Mountain, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Greater Swiss Mountain should exercise a day? How much activity does a Greater Swiss Mountain need?

60 minutes

In general most Greater Swiss Mountains usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Greater Swiss Mountain?

The Greater Swiss Mountain is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Greater Swiss Mountain?

Weekly

Greater Swiss Mountain should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Greater Swiss Mountains?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Greater Swiss Mountain eat?

4.5 cups

For an average 115-140 pound (52 - 64 kg) Greater Swiss Mountain feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Greater Swiss Mountain Cost Daily?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of a Greater Swiss Mountain is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Greater Swiss Mountain Cost Per Month?

$126 - $147 / month

The average per month expenses of a Greater Swiss Mountain is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Greater Swiss Mountain Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Greater Swiss Mountain?

The Greater Swiss Mountain have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Greater Swiss Mountains lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Greater Swiss Mountain dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain do well in apartments? Are Greater Swiss Mountains good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Greater Swiss Mountain in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Greater Swiss Mountains living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Greater Swiss Mountains good with kids? Are Greater Swiss Mountains good around children?

Greater Swiss Mountains are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Greater Swiss Mountains good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Greater Swiss Mountains good with cats? How friendly Greater Swiss Mountains are toward cats?

Greater Swiss Mountains are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain dogs get along with other dogs? Are Greater Swiss Mountains OK with other dogs?

Greater Swiss Mountains are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Greater Swiss Mountain dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Greater Swiss Mountains friendly with strangers?

Greater Swiss Mountains are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Greater Swiss Mountains like to play? Are Greater Swiss Mountains playful?

Greater Swiss Mountains have an average level of playfulness. The Greater Swiss Mountains, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Greater Swiss Mountain easily trained?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are loyal and protective of their family.
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't bark, this one could be a good choice as they're known for being quiet.
  • Strong and hardy
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are a large and strong breed that can handle tough conditions. They are well-suited to life on a farm or ranch.

Cons

  • High energy
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs may not be suitable for indoor living environments.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Greater Swiss Mountains may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Greater Swiss Mountain.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Not paying attention to a Greater Swiss Mountain's weight can cause it to become overweight.
  • Grooming needs
    Greater Swiss Mountain dogs require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Their coats need to be brushed regularly.