Human orientation
High score: the breed is very close to the family. Expression depends on socialization.
THE PAW CATALOG
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
🇨🇭
History of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed
Origin: Switzerland
Swiss farmers and shepherds valued these dogs for their strength as early as the 19th century: they pulled carts, guarded yards and helped herd livestock. Subsequently, the breed became rare.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful tricolor dog with a short dense coat. Males reach approximately 65-72 cm and weigh 50-65 kg. Friendly, sensitive and very attached to the family. It needs space, moderate but regular activity and a responsible attitude to health.
SizeBig
OriginSwitzerland
Life is nearby
Needs a house with a yard, not a cramped apartment. He is attached to his family and does not like loneliness. The coat is moderately lazy, saliva may be present, and the large size means significant costs for feed and veterinary care.
Walks
Peaks of energy alternate with calm rest. Walks, hikes, traction exercises and mental tasks are needed. Excessive jumping and running on hard surfaces is not recommended for puppies and teenagers.
Training
Responds well to positive reinforcement, but strong-willed and needs patience. The leash is trained from an early age, because an adult weighing more than 50 kg pulling is a problem. Useful traction training under the guidance of a specialist.
Care
The short coat is combed once a week, more often during the molting period. Ears are cleaned weekly to avoid infections, and eyes and eyelids are examined for risk of distichiasis and entropion.
Children
He is known for his gentleness with children, but he is tall and strong, so games with small children are supervised. Even a friendly dog can unexpectedly knock a baby off his feet.
Other animals
With early socialization, it is usually peaceful. Herding instincts can manifest themselves in chasing cats and small animals, so puppies are introduced to them gradually.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
High Score: Learns well with reinforcement, but strong-willed nature requires patience.
Zooaggression
Average score: usually peaceful with dogs, but herding instinct can be manifested with small animals.
Health and reproductive risks
There is no comparable survival estimate for the breed in the British cohort used. Among the described risks: epilepsy, bloating or stomach twist, as well as eyelid problems and joint dysplasia; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
Medium-high rating: Short coat is easy, but shedding, ears and size of dog require effort.
Health
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is mentioned as a possible risk for the breed. Attacks most often begin at the age of one to three years, so the breeder is asked about cases in the line.
Bloating or twisting of the stomach
Bloating or twisting of the stomach is a life-threatening condition. They feed in small portions, avoid loads before and after meals, and at the first signs, immediately consult a veterinarian.
Photo of the breed
