Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Complete Breed Guide

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are gentle, loving, lifetime companions. They live most happily with a devout partner who enjoys long walks and cool weather. Swissies are dedicated to protecting their loved ones and are wonderful companions for active children, but they know when to tone down their energy and enjoy quiet time.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may be large, but their kind souls make them seem like devoted puppies no matter how old they are. These attention seekers need a whole lot of lovin', but they'll repay you tenfold in security, devotion, and enthusiasm. "Swissies," as they're aptly nicknamed, appreciate long walks (preferably not on the beach) and quiet nights with family. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are prideful of their unique features and enjoy weekly brushings to their precious coats. They can be mischievous when they don't get enough attention, but a few years of good training make this breed reliable and well-behaved. As puppies, Swissies need socialization to live with other animals, but they take well to children and live best in a large, loving family.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Swissies are the perfect larger companion for small children. They're protective of their loved ones but sweeten up quickly to strangers. Once socialized, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are comfortable in homes with cats and other pets. They should be watched around visitors at first and may be dominant toward other breeds. Swissies are known to chew and often get into items that can cause serious damage to their digestive tracts. They should live with a companion or family that has time to spend with them each day, preferably in a cooler climate. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their calm temperament and are popular therapy dogs.

Exercise & Activity

These moderately active dogs enjoy many forms of doggy sports. Originally bred to herd and guard livestock, Swissies are diligent workers. They love long walks and hikes but should not be worked too hard in warm weather. They are also experts in agility and drafting. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are extremely fond of cold weather and appreciate the chance to roam leashless whenever possible. Strenuous activity should be avoided until Swissies are fully grown, or it may inhibit their ability to grow strong and mighty.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are a kind-hearted, enthusiastic, creative, loyal, and protective breed. They're calm, yet attentive and are known for their friendly attitudes and obedience. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are quiet and watchful, determined to keep your house safe. They require a dedicated human partner and don't like to be alone. Swissies are caring, devoted dogs that are prone to exploring the house and finding treasures. Though they require supervision at times, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are always easy-going, loving companions.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a unique and highly recognizable tri-color pattern. With a solid black body, legs, head, and ears, Swissies are most noted by their rust or tan cheeks and calves, along with their white chest, muzzle, toes, and tail tip. Some Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may have variation in the amount of white on their coats, but the ideal "Swiss Cross" shape of white on the chest is key to spotting them. Their dense undercoat covers the neck or the entire body and is topped by a medium-length outer coat. Swissies are average shedders that shed seasonally. Weekly brushing is an easy way to keep your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's coat gleaming.