About Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, powerful dog that was orginally developed for draft work, livestock management, and as a farm sentinel. "Swissies" can make fine companions provided that their owners expend the time and energy required to properly develop the robust mental and physical characteristics of these dogs. Here, you will find important breed specific information to help you decide if a Swissy is the right breed for you.

Physical Appearance

Adult males stand 25 to 28 inches at the highest point of the shoulder and generally weigh between 115 and 150 pounds when fully grown. Females are 23 to 27 inches in height and generally weigh 85 to 110 pounds at adulthood.

The GSMD has a black base coat and markings of rust and white. The coat is composed of two layers: A dense black top coat 1 to 1.5 inches in length, and a fine undercoat which may be quite thick. Grooming requirments for a Swissy are not extensive. Brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient to keep shedding of the coat under control. The GSMD undercoat, however, will shed significantly on a seasonal basis and may require additional attention at these times.

The Swissy in the Home

The GSMD is a very social dog that thrives on being intergrated into its family's life and home. To seperate a Swissy from everyday "around the house" activities is a waste of GSMD's rich and affectionate personality.

Each individual GSMD is a different, but as a breed, Swissies tend to take to house-training slowly. With consistent instruction by its owner, a Swissy will usually grasp the general concept of house-training within a week or two of arriving at its new home, but will not be completely reliable in the house until many months later. Patience and consistency are essential for the seccessful house-training of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Swissies seem to have a higher incidence of urinary incontinence than other breeds. A GSMD with incontinence is not resisting house-training. This is a medical condition that requires veterinary attention and treatment.

Swissy Activities and Activity Levels

It is important for a GSMD to have regular exercise. Given the dog's substantial size, structure and body type, however, moderation is definitely called for. Intense, high-impact activities, like chasing ater a bicycle, are definitely a bad idea for a breed such as this, and owners should be espicially cautious that young dogs with rapidly developing skeletal structures are not overworked or overexerted. Be sure to discuss appropriate exercise levels for your growing Swissy with your breeder and your veterinarian.

As multi-purpose working dogs, Swissies thrive on having a job to do. There are many different activities that they may enjoy with their owners when they are sufficiently mature, including hiking, carting, obedience trials, herding, weight pulling, and backpacking.

Character and Temperament of the Swissy

The GSMD is described in its AKC breed standard as a "bold, faithful and willing worker." By "bold," it is meant that the ideal Swissy temperament is robust and confident. Because the Swissy is a big dog with a characteristically "big" personality, it it imperative that the members of a GSMD's human family are regarded as its leaders, and that this is established when the dog is still young. A GSMD will grow to a considerable size and strength level at a relatively early age. It is necessary that a dog of this size, strength of will, and strength of body be secure and comfortable with its place in the family hierarchy. If the owner is not established in a leadership position, the dog will gladly take over that role.

Socialization and Training

It is essential that GSMD puppies receive extensive socialization, allowing them to be comfortable and confident in a wide variety of situations. Puppy classes are excellent places for puppies to develop social skills with other dogs and people.

The mastery of basic obedience commands is vital for a dog of this size and strength. Participation in obedience classes can help provide a firm foundation of training. GSMDs respond well to training methods that are consistent, intelligent, fair, and firm, but not harsh.

Health

Health concerns which exist in general canine population, such as eye abnormalities, cancer, and elilepsy, are also present in the GSMD breed. In addition, Swissies may be affected by many of the same problems common to other large and giant breeds. These include internal conditions such as gastric and splenic torsions, and orthopedic conditions including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and OCD of the shoulder. A concern somewhat unique to the breed is splenic torsion. It is important that you consult with your vet regarding these health issues, as well as dietary and exercise requirments for your Swissy puppy.

Gastric torsion, also known as gastric dilation-volvulas or "bloat," is a condition that involves a dog's stomach filling with air or gas and then rotating within the abdominal cavity, cutting off blood flow and displacing other organs in the process. Although the causes of "bloat" are not well understood, it is clear that this is a veterinary emergency that may result in death unless treatment is administered quickly. All Swissy owners should discuss this condition with their vet and learn what to watch for.

The GSMD was orginally bred to live and work in the alpine regions of Switzerland. Because of the breed's characteristic large size, black color, and thick undercoat, Swissies do not tolerate high temperatures well. If exercised for prolonged periods in hot, sunny conditions, a GSMD can fall prey to heat prostration or heatstroke. During the summer months, walks and other exercise should be planned for either early or late in the day, avoiding the hottest midday hours. A Swissy should have a sheltered place to escape from the heat of the day, and in some areas the only suitable daytime refuge may be inside an air conditioned house.

Swissies and Children

Swissies usually enjoy the attention and company of young children if they are properly socialized with children when they are puppies... and if the childen are properly instructed to treat the dog with care and respect. It would be uncharacteristic for a properly socialized GSMD to purposely harm a child. However, young children should never be left unsupervised with a large dog of ANY breed, as the consequences of an accident are certainly not worth the risk. Additionally, due to its size, a Swissy can easily knock over a small child without even being aware of what has happened. Pictured below is Banjo with his 3yr old little girl.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. The Bernese Mountain Dog

Caught in a love triangle with the Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog? Can’t blame you. Both are so lovable, so good-looking, and such good companions! How do you possibly choose?

It’s true—the Bernese and Swiss Mountain Dogs are both irresistible breeds. And they have a great deal in common. Both working dogs hail from Switzerland, with the Bernese originating specifically from the Swiss region of Bern. Both wear the same black, white, and rust colors in their coat. And both make great additions to the family.

Quick Breed History

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog traces back to the war dogs of Julius Cesar, who brought his armies over the Alps in an effort to conquer Europe. The Swiss used these descendants of Cesar’s mastiff-type dogs to haul carts of meat and dairy products through the mountains to market. For this reason, they’ve been called “the poor man’s horse.”

The Bernese Mountain Dog is closely related to the Greater Swiss, but localized to a region of Switzerland famous for its cheese and chocolate. The Bernese was also used for hauling, but also herding. Both are component breeds of the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Appearance

The Swiss and Bernese Mountain Dogs are similarly built with heavy bones and strong muscles. They wear a handsome combination of black, white, and rust colors in their coats, with similar marking patterns and a white “blaze” from the nose to the forehead. The Bernese wears a longer, heavier coat than the Swiss, which leads to distinct differences when it comes to grooming!

In terms of size and weight, the Swiss is slightly larger, averaging about an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier.

Temperament, Training & Lifestyle

Both breeds are prized for their devotion to the family and their loving disposition. The Swiss is a bit more imposing, both in size and personality. They’re ardent watchdogs and slightly more serious, but not aggressive. These robust dogs give off a booming bark, and they tend to move through the puppy phase more slowly. Because of their size, they can challenge an owner’s patience through this extended puppy phase. Their awkward, clumsy bodies (at 100 pounds) can make bumps and big paws a bit much to take.

The Bernese is known to be more shy, laid back, and more aware of how they move their large bodies around small children. The Bernese, over the Swiss, would win the Gentle Giant competition, but both are great family dogs.

In terms of training, the Swiss Mountain Dog can be a bit more stubborn and should be trained early—food is a great motivator when helping the Swiss learn good behaviors. They don’t respond well to harnesses, unless they’re used for hauling, and tend to pull harder with a harness during leash training.

The Bernese, like the Swiss, is an intelligent dog. Their affectionate nature makes them more sensitive to negative feedback and separation. They want to be close to the family and will develop unwelcome behaviors if left alone for long stretches of time.

Exercise

Both breeds require moderate daily exercise. They aren’t ideal for dedicated bikers and runners who like to train with their dogs, but they do make a good match for owners who like long walks or hikes through nature. Both are great camping dogs, and will even pull kiddos and camping gear in a cart.

Health & Wellness

Both the Swiss and the Bernese Mountain Dogs are relatively healthy breeds, and neither carries any breed-specific disorders. But they are susceptible to health issues that generally affect larger breeds, such as joint problems in the elbows, shoulders, and hips. That said, overall, their orthopedic health is generally good. All large breeds are vulnerable to a life-threatening condition called bloat, as well, but owners simply need to know what to look for. The Swiss Mountain Dog compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog, tends to have a longer, healthier lifespan though. Swissies live up to ten to twelve years, compared to seven to ten years for the Bernese.

Shedding & Grooming

This is perhaps the starkest difference between the two breeds. The Bernese wears a thicker, longer coat, and therefore requires much more grooming than the Swiss. The Bernese’s long outer coat and wooly undercoat shed heavily twice a year, but the dogs will, of course, shed continually. The Bernese needs a weekly brushing year-round, and daily brushing during shedding seasons to keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. Because of their longer fur, owners may need to use a metal comb or brush to work out occasional tangles. Professional groomers are a good idea to help maintain the Bernese's wooly coat. The Swiss, on the other hand, demands less in the way of grooming. They are also double-coated, but lower-maintenance. They would benefit from a blowout of the undercoat twice a year during heavier shedding times. Otherwise, an occasional bath and brush keeps the Swiss looking sharp.

Swiss vs. Bernese Mountain Dogs: The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about adding a Swiss or Bernese to your family, it’s important you understand your own tolerance for large dogs that take up a good bit of space. While neither breed is aggressive, both are physically imposing. The Swiss is more formidable in terms of its guard-dog nature and loud bark, while the Bernese exudes a softer, gentler, more shy personality.

Prospective owners should be committed to training, have a healthy tolerance for “the puppy phase,” and be willing to provide at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Both dogs will cost a pretty penny, with the Swiss carrying a slightly higher price tag—both generally fall in the range of $1,500 to $3,000. But owners agree both breeds are worth every penny in light of the devotion, love, and companionship these dogs provide.