Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Summary
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest and oldest of the four Sennenhunde, and also the least known internationally. Bred in the Swiss Alps to pull heavy carts, guard properties, and drive cattle, it is a dog of considerable strength combined with a surprisingly balanced temperament. Its tricolour coat — black, rust, and white — is identical to that of its smaller cousins. Professor Albert Heim rescued it from near extinction in the early 20th century, recognising it as a breed distinct from the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Large to giant
- Height (male)
- 65–72 cm
- Height (female)
- 60–68 cm
- Weight (male)
- 50–64 kg
- Weight (female)
- 40–55 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 8–11 years
- Coat
- Short to medium, dense; double coat with abundant undercoat
- Common Colors
- Tricolour: black base with symmetrical rust (reddish-brown) and white markings; white on the face (nose and muzzle), chest, paws, and tail tip
Temperament & Personality
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is confident, serene, and friendly — it has a commanding presence without ever being unnecessarily intimidating. It loves the family, is patient with children, and tends to get along well with other animals. It can have a moderate stubbornness that calls for consistency in training. It is an attentive watchdog that barks when it detects something unusual, but it is not an aggressive guard dog by nature.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate to heavy
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Epilepsy
- Gastric dilatation/torsion
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Urinary incontinence (in spayed females)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Epilepsy test
- Eye examination
- Hip and elbow X-rays
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
