Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Great Swiss Mountain Dog picture

History

The Swissy is considered both "new" and "old". It was not recognised until 1909 in Switzerland and did not acquire full recognition into the Working Group by the American Kennel Club until 1995, and it is considered Switzerland's oldest breed, dating back more than 2000 years to when the Romans entered this region. The Swissy had a significant influence in the development of the Rottweiler in Germany. In the US they have weight pulling competitions for Swissies as they were farming dogs and draught dogs.

In 1909, by accident, a pure specimen was exhibited at a show in Langental. The Judge, Dr. Albert Heim of Zurich, was delighted with him and called him ` an example of the almost extinct Grosse Schweitzer Sennenhund', and urged breeders to save the few remaining specimens. The dogs were then entered in the Berner category and Dr. Heim is further quoted as saying, "This dog belongs in a different category, he is too gorgeous and thoroughbred to push him aside as a poor example of a Berner". So the breed was recognised by the SKG and entered as "Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund" in volume 12 (1909) of the Swiss Stud Book. In Berne, further examples were found which measured up to Heim's description and were introduced systematically into pure breeding stock. In January 1912 the club for "Grosser Schweitzer Sennenhunde" was founded, which from then on took over the care and promotion of this breed. For a long period the breed remained small as it was particularly difficult to find suitable bitches. Only since 1933 could more than 50 dogs annually be entered into the SHSB (Swiss Stud Book).

The biggest population of the GSMD is in the US, then Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and some smaller European countries. Here in the UK their popularity is growing and as of 1st October 2008 the breed has KC Breed Recognition & Registration.

Characteristics

Swissies are a family dog and prefer to live in the home close to their family. They do not do well in a kennel environment. A tricolour, sturdy, heavy boned and well-muscled dog which in spite of his size and weight, he shows stamina and mobility. Confident, alert, watchful and fearless in everyday situations. Good natured and devoted towards those familiar to him. Self-assured with strangers.

Swissies are a large dog and need time to grow into themselves hence they are kept lean till around 14-15 months. This breed is not built for speed so do not be thinking this dog can jog alongside you because he can't and you'll do some serious damage to him. The breed is traditionally bred for guarding, herding, pulling a cart and walking longer distances.

As a true working dog the Swissies thrive on having a job to do and are able and capable of obedience, agility, working trials, search and rescue and being Pets asTherapy dogs. Firm handling from the start and keeping rules and boundaries in the home are a must for this breed along with socialising and regular training. They have naturally high chase and prey drives so early training and socialisation is vital to avoid them chasing small animals and livestock.

The Swissy is a very intelligent and sensitive dog and does not cope well with stress so be mindful of this. They need strong leadership where they can learn to live happily with their family and not allowed to become dominant.

Health

The Swissies, overall, are a healthy breed. All adults are health screened and put through Character Tests before being bred from. Hips and Elbows are x-rayed and scored under the BVA/KC Scheme. Shoulders (OCD) can be scored abroad as currently there is no scoring system for them in the UK. Eyes are tested every two years till 7 years and this again is under the BVA/KC scheme and done by a specialist. Certificates are issued for all these health screens.

The major health issues in the breed are those of any large breed dog such as muscular skeletal disease, which has already been mentioned above, Bloat and Epilepsy.

Mandatory Health Tests

Recommended Health Tests

More Information

Historical Average Puppy Prices

Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2018 2022 2023
Price (£) 1200 1100 1650 2000 1500 3800 2500
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