Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Working Group

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog sitting in front of white background

Height at Shoulders

Females 23.5-27 in, Males 25.5-28.5 in

Weight

Females 85-110 lbs, Males 115-140 lbs

Life Expectancy

8-11 yrs

History

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's origins are a bit unclear, as the Swiss valleys were isolated from the rest of the world between the 16-19th centuries. It is believed that mastiff-like war dogs that Julius Caesar's legions brought over the Alps were used to breed Sennenhunds, or Alpine mountain dogs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were one of these Alpine mountain dog breeds and were used as multipurpose farm and pasture dogs. One of their more charismatic jobs was to pull a specially made dog cart carrying milk and meat to market.

Breed Characteristics

While not all Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.

Intelligence

Affection Towards Family

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

Exercise Needs

★★★☆☆

★★★★★

★★★☆☆

★★★★★

★★★★☆

Energy Level

Sensitivity

Noise Level

Prey Drive

Shedding

★☆

★☆

★☆

★★★☆☆

Intelligence

★★★☆☆


Affection Towards Family

★★★★★


Friendliness Towards Strangers

★★★☆☆


Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

★★★★★


Exercise Needs

★★★★☆


Energy Level


Sensitivity

★★★★☆


Noise Level

★☆


Prey Drive

★☆


Shedding

★☆

Common Traits

Gentle, fun, loving, and devoted to family 

Bold, independent, confident, and can be stubborn

Make great watchdogs but are not aggressive

Need lots of mental stimulation and are happiest when they have a job to perform

Some have a strong prey drive and love to chase anything that moves

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