Dog breeds / Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Photo: Swissy.JPG: KIKKUZZO88 derivative work: Pleple2000 (talk) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, steady working dog that tends to be affectionate and eager to please. Most are patient with children and get along well with other dogs when properly socialized, though their size means a young child can be knocked over during play. They like to be near their people, and many do poorly when left alone for long stretches.
Day to day, this breed needs a daily walk or two, room to move, and regular brushing to manage its dense double coat. Early training and consistent routines help, since a 100-pound puppy grows quickly. Plan on a fenced yard or a home where the dog can come and go easily, and expect to spend real time with it indoors.
Good for: Families with space, patient owners who can handle a giant dog
| Size | giant |
| Height | 24–28 in |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Switzerland |
Its size and shedding are significant, so meet adult dogs from the breeder and plan for vet costs and a home that suits a giant breed.
Living with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Exercise
Plan on about an hour of daily walking or light activity, with moderate play. Avoid hard running or jumping while the dog is still growing.
Grooming
The double coat sheds heavily, especially twice a year. Brush several times a week and more during seasonal blowouts; bathe only as needed.
Health
This breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain cancers, and it has a relatively short lifespan for its size. Ask your vet about screening and what signs to watch for.
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Elbow dysplasia
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Weather
Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F
Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame
Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5
Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame
Questions owners ask
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed a lot?
Yes. They have a thick double coat and shed heavily, particularly during seasonal coat changes. Frequent brushing helps keep loose hair under control.
Can a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog live in an apartment?
It can, but it is not ideal. Their size and need for daily companionship suit homes with room to move and easy access to outdoor space.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs barkers?
They are generally moderate barkers and will alert you to visitors or unusual sounds. Consistent training helps keep barking under control.
Good picks for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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