While some dog breeds are known to keep their distance when it … In the United States, the Bernese Mountain Dog has become somewhat popular, while the other breeds are promoted as rare to those seeking unique pets. The following year the Hoffmans, along with Perrin G. Rademacher, imported the first Swissy into this country. They need regular nail-trims and ear and teeth cleaning. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs! The Bernese wears a longer, heavier coat than the Swiss, which leads to distinct differences when it comes to grooming! The Greater Swiss is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog and is a component breed of the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler. See the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog compete in the Working Group at the 2020 National Dog Show. The four Sennenhund breeds are well known in Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Except for color and historical documentation, the St. Bernard is very similar to the largest Sennenhund. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. At that point, Heim and other members of the Schweizerische Kynologische Gesellschaft (Swiss Kennel Club) began sorting out the dogs by what they judged to be representative breed types and naming the four breeds. Home Adopt a Dog Adopt a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies and Dogs If you're looking for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Adopt-a-Pet.com can help you find one near you. To my knowledge, I was the first breeder to begin deliberately crossing the Bernese with the Poodle. The breeds range from medium in size to very large. They are flat and well-muscled. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! Find Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Greater Swiss Mountain Dog information. Although one writer believes that the Swiss mountain dog type derives from Roman molossers,[1] the area from which the type originated never had Roman roads or towns. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered one of Switzerland's oldest dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires moderate exercise. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? There are several theories surrounding the origin of this breed. Swissies are immensely strong, yet agile enough to move a flock across the sloping foot of a mountain. The Greater Swiss is one of four types of Sennenhund breeds developed in Switzerland as a herding, guard, and utilitarian draft dog. The Beginner’s Guide to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Anna Wallace. The guarding function was especially necessary in earlier times, when wolves and other large predators threatened livestock and people. His original job was to accompany Alpine herders and dairymen through the mountains in Switzerland. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog which, in spite of its size and weight, is agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties of the mountainous regions of its origin. They can also have a stubborn streak, however, so their owners must be more determined than they are. Topcoat is dense, approximately 1-1/4 to 2 inches in length. They are large, and built with heavy bones to be physically very strong. Throughout my years in the breed I have found gratification from serving the swissy community in various areas. When this is occurring they benefit from a good bath and blow-out, followed by a thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool. [4], The St. Bernard was one of the first breeds of dogs to be documented and differentiated from other large farm dogs of the area. Several big mountain-dog breeds are described as “majestic,” but Swissies practically invented the word. Today, with the reintroduction of wolves, research is being done on the use of these dogs to protect livestock. Dependable and faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and all-around pasture dogs. The head and muzzle typically have a white marking (the “blaze”), setting off a sweet expression. The tail is thick from root to tip, tapering slightly at the tip, reaching to the hocks, and carried down in repose. Some have tan markings above the eyes. Your Dog Deserves Nothing But the Best: Meet AKC Canine Retreat in Midtown West Manhattan, iy_2021; im_01; id_10; ih_15; imh_08; i_epoch:1610320097731, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_23; pmh_04; p_epoch:1607929482906, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 23:04:42 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929482906. Well, standing as high as 28.5 inches and weighing as much as a midsize human, a Greater Swiss might easily be greater than you. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may have contributed to the development of the St. Bernard. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also referred to as a GSMD or a Swissy, originated in the Swiss Alps. The pasterns slope very slightly, but are not weak. Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog), Appenzeller Sennenhund (Appenzeller Mountain Dog), Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog), "English-German translation for: [Alpine herdsman and dairyman]", The use of herd protection dogs in the Swiss Alps, The history of breeding and of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club (Klub für Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde), "Tricolor, Black-and-Tan, Tan Points (at)", More information about geologist and indigenous Swiss dog breeds advocate Albert Heim (1849-1937), including a photo with Swiss Mountain Dogs in 1929, DMOZ links to more information about Sennenhund breeds, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swiss_mountain_dog&oldid=979779089, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 22 September 2020, at 19:06. They blend some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. The purpose of this website is to provide HONEST breed information, not to paint them as a larger, more handsome Labrador, or "the ideal family dog." We strive to breed substantial Swissys with excellant temperament, sound structure that are true to the AKC breed standard. We are breeders of AKC Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs located in Elizabethtown, PA. Our journey with Swissies began in 2003 when we got our first Swissy puppy. The croup is long, broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. This table shows the relative sizes of the breeds, with the original breed name followed by the most popular English version of the breed name. Overall the GSMD tends to be a very healthy breed. Urinary incontinence is fairly common in puppies and spayed bitches. Swiss mountain dog, locally known as Sennunhund, is a large dog breed developed in Switzerland. It was one of the most popular breeds in the Swiss alps between the 18th to early 19th century. We are located on beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Seattle, WA. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also referred to as a GSMD or a Swissy, originated in the Swiss Alps. The Greater Swiss breed was resuscitated in the early 1900's by famous dog expert, Dr. Albert Heim of Zurich. When alert and in movement, the tail may be carried higher and slightly curved upwards, but should not curl, or tilt over the back. The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. Feet are round and compact with well arched toes, and turn neither in nor out. The Greater Swiss is the AKC's 137th breed. The breeds range from medium in size to very large. The word Senn or Senner is the term for Alpine herdsmen and dairymen[2] (an Alpine meadow is called a Sennelager) who tend other farmers' cattle and sometimes sheep; Sennenhund means "dogs of the Senn". Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Undercoat must be present and may be thick and sometimes showing, almost always present at neck but may be present throughout. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was introduced in the United States when J. Frederick and Patricia Hoffman saw the breed at a show in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1967. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. Sennenhund were not just cattle dogs, but were kept as general farm dogs, working as livestock guardian dogs and as herding dogs when necessary, as well as guarding the farmers' families, homes, herds and flocks. All Greater Swiss Mountain Dog … The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. It is not recommended to use any harness-type training device on this breed. There are four breeds of them including Bernese, Greater Swiss, Appenzeller, and Entlerbucher Sennunhunds. The loins are broad and strong. A walk around the block or a romp in the woods generally will satisfy their daily exercise needs. If you are looking for a large, beautiful dog with a gentle but alert temperament, then browse our available Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies today! The most serious issue with feeding the GSMD is overfeeding, which leads to many digestive problems, including loose stools, and also leads to obesity, which is one of the greatest health problems in the breed. Official documents from the hospice in St. Bernard Pass concerning the dogs date back to 1707, with paintings and drawings of the dog even earlier. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (German: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund or French: Grand Bouvier Suisse) is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps.The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps.Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large mastiff-type dogs brought to … The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed of dogs that has its origins in Switzerland. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. Of these, Swissies are the oldest and the largest (or, the “greater”). The dewclaws may or may not be present. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. Eyelids are close fitting and eyerims are black. Bred to work hard and enjoy humans, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is a beautiful, sturdy breed that makes an excellent companion if you have the available room. [3], A red and white color once found in the Sennenhunds was said to be from crosses with the St. Bernard, a breed from the Alps also said to be descended from Roman molossers. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. There are four breeds of Sennenhund, all sporting a unique tricolor coat. The Swiss and Bernese Mountain Dogs are similarly built with heavy bones and strong muscles. The American Kennel Clubwrites: “Large, sturdy and confident, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMD or “Swissy”) is a draft and drover breed – robust and agile enough to perform farm work in very mountainous regions. The breed almost became extinct in the late 1900s as machines and other breeds replaced the dogs in their work. Blue eye or eyes is a disqualification. by Karen Conant. Examples of the four Sennenhunds, showing the similarity of the breeds and the characteristic tri-color coat. Breed: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Variety: Color: Black, White & Red Markings: Birth Date: 09/09/2011 Sire: Shadetree's Xango - WS17499307 Dam: Rivendell's Kickapoo Joy Juice - WS 26678801 Breeder(s): Robin Ney & Shelby E Ney & Summer Ney Medical Screens. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, tricolor “Laughing Dog” of the Swiss Alps, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle. The breeds share a common heritage, probably derived from the Mastiff or Molossian dogs of the Romans. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a relatively new AKC breed, fully recognized in 1995. Owners should be aware of the possibility of bloat and know the symptoms, and what to do should it occur. This large mountain dog breed was an all-around farm dog, used to haul carts and herd animals such as cattle and sheep. As a working dog, Swissies like having a job to do and enjoy participating in hiking, carting, obedience trials, herding, weight pulling, and backpacking with their owners.” The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was first recognized by the AKC in 1995. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, 25.5-28.5 inches (male), 23.5-27 inches (female), 115-140 pounds (male), 85-110 pounds (female), qbavsop/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. There are four breeds of Sennenhund, all sporting a unique tricolor coat. Body is full with slight tuck up. The most popular theory posits that they are descendants of the Molosser, which is a large, ancient mastiff-type of dog. Expression is animated and gentle. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. Sennenhund, called Swiss mountain dogs or Swiss cattle dogs in English, are a type of dog originating in the Swiss Alps. This breed is much better suited for the person looking for a hiking companion than the person wanting a bicycling or marathon-running partner. There are several theories as to the Swissy's origins. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered the oldest of the Swiss breeds and was instrumental in the early development of both the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest and largest of four varieties of Sennenhunde, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the other three being the Appenzeller, Entlebucher, and Bernese. When alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Yet he is much more athletic than you might think, so he definitely needs regular moderate exercise. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. Total absence of undercoat is undesirable and should be penalized. [1], The Sennenhunds, especially the largest ones, began to disappear in the 1800s with the decline in need for butcher's dogs and carting dogs. The breed was the very first breed entered into the Swiss Stud Book in 1884 and the breed standard was finally approved in 1887. StarCrest Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs! Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Jennie Chen. The eyes are almond shaped and brown, dark brown preferred, medium sized, neither deep set nor protruding. 21 Ways to Love Your Swissy by Dori Likevich The Sennenhund are farm dogs of the general molosser type. Color of undercoat ranges from the preferred dark gray to light gray to tawny. The GSMD does not have any breed-specific disorders but can have health problems that affect large-breed dogs. The Swiss utilized these mastiff-types when breeding their Alpine mountain dogs, or Sennenhund. All rights reserved. For comparison: Swiss M… [citation needed], A tri-color coat is a pattern of some shade of black or brown, few shades of red that is often called tan, and some white. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can thrive on many types of diet, from kibble to raw to a combination of both. AKC Marketplace is the only site to exclusively list 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters and the breeders who have cared for and raised these puppies are required to follow rules and regulations established by the AKC. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, Swiss Alpine herdsmen and dairymen, and does not translate as "mountain" or "cattle". As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training classesare recommended. The efforts of Alpine geologist and indigenous Swiss dog breeds advocate Albert Heim (1849-1937) brought various examples of Sennenhund to an International Dog Show in 1908. This is basically a “wash and wear” breed, but they are double coated and do blow their undercoat, usually twice a year. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. While the two larger ones share a heavy build and a calm temperament, the two smaller ones are more agile. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement. Dependable and faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and all-around pasture dogs. Is A Greater Mountain Dog Right For You? More information on breed health can be found on the website of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America. The bones of the tail should feel straight. Dog Group: Working Size: 23-29 inches tall, 85-140 lbs Lifespan: 8-11 years Energy Level: High Coat: Short, dense, and thick Shedding: Moderate Hypoallergenic: No. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain dog is one of four breeds of the Sennenhund-type. As with most giant breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog doesn't need hours of hard running. Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. I’m Sherry Rupke, the owner of SwissRidge Kennels. Our goal is to breed happy, healthy swissys that will be more than a great performance or working dog, but will be a wonderful companion. GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOGS Welcome to Aegis Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. For the rest of the year the occasional bath and brushing usually does the trick. It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. The larger Sennenhunds were also used for pulling carts. 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