[2] They should not drool. Epilepsy can occur in any pedigree; genetic markers for this have not yet been identified. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue Information: The Swiss Mountain Dog is a sturdy, heavy breed. At one time, the breed was believed to have been among the most popular in Switzerland. [2] When alert and in movement, the tail may be carried higher and curved slightly upward; it should not curl over the back. [1] Large, sturdy and confident, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a draft and drover breed that is robust and agile enough to perform farm work in very mountainous regions. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. Having the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog pull the kids on a sled or sleigh is an excellent way to enjoy the colder season and ensure the dog is obtaining enough exercise. Our dogs are foremost important members of our family that are integral to all aspect of our daily life. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. Swiss Mountain Dogs make wonderful family pets. Total absence of undercoat is undesirable and should be penalized. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Survey. The origin of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known. The Swissy is the oldest of the four Switzerland breeds, and he is the foundation of all four Swiss breeds. The breed is large and heavy-boned with great physical strength, but is still agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties it was originally used for. Our involvement with this breed began in 1997 with our first swissy Inga. The objective in training this dog is for the owner to build trust through humane methods. [1] Distichiasis has been reported in 19%, of the breed and in the vast majority of cases it is non-symptomatic and does not cause an issue for the dog. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. [26] Dog lifespans may vary in different countries, even in the same breed.[27]. [2] The breed was also used as a butcher's dog, having been "popular with butchers, cattle dealers, manual workers and farmers, who used them as guard dogs, droving or draught dogs and bred them as such. [1] They want to be with their owners and to participate; their activity level most often matches the activity level of the family. [1] A goal for raising a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog from puppyhood is to feed them so they mature more slowly than smaller breeds to help avoid hip and other orthopedic problems in adulthood. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. [3] Because of this strict selection, and because puppies were often kept in their original neighborhood, the appearance and character of the dogs remained stable. [3], There are several theories regarding the origin of the four Sennenhund breeds. [36] The breed probably contributed to the development of the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler. Textures of the topcoat can range from short, straight and fine to longer, wavier and coarser. When this is occurring they benefit from a good bath and blow-out, followed by a thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. They can also have a stubborn streak, however, so their owners must be more determined than they are. [1] Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are bold, faithful and willing workers[2] and are eager to please. [1] Seizures occur when nerve cells in the brain become hyperexcited and send rapid-fire messages to the body. [24] Two websites list the life expectancy for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs at 10 to 11 years;[25] another lists it as 8–10 years. [3] Farmers did not typically take their in-season females to selected males, so breeding was left to chance. [20], The activity level in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is variable. [6] Heim recognized them as representatives of the old, vanishing, large mountain dog, whose ancestors had been widely spread across Europe, and bred as guard dogs, draft dogs, and droving-cattle dogs. A well known and working dog cannot disappear in such a short time, especially not if he had all the good qualities he is credited with. The tail is thick from root to tip, tapering slightly at the tip, reaching to the hocks, and carried down in repose. Splenic torsion, unrelated to gastric torsion, occurs more often in this breed than in other breeds. [2], The lips are clean and as a dry-mouthed breed, flews are only slightly developed. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! 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. [1][unreliable source? It is common to hear the phrase "the head doesn't pull the cart" or "markings don't pull the cart" to mean that cosmetic features are not highly valued. 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. [2] The muzzle is large, blunt and straight, and most often has a slight rise before the end. [21]:1 Primary diseases of the spleen are splenic torsion and splenic tumors. About Us. [1] Unless x-rays are taken many owners are not aware that they have a dysplastic dog. [1] This breed is sociable, active, calm and dignified. ], Selective breeding was based on a dog's ability to perform a particular function, such as pulling loads or guarding. [3] He said to Schertenleib, "The dog belongs in a different category; he is too gorgeous and thoroughbred to push him aside as a poor example of a Berner. Male. I am dedicated to the preservation and betterment of these mon-umental breeds. [1], Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as involuntary urination, and most often occurs in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs as leaking of urine while sleeping; it is a non-life-threatening condition. Dewclaws should be removed. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a relatively new AKC breed, fully recognized in 1995. [1] The hip is a ball-and-socket joint and the femoral head must fit well into the socket for the joint to function properly. There are several theories surrounding the origin of this breed. [1] They are a large breed; because of their history as farm dogs in mountainous terrain, they are extremely agile and this is apparent in their gait. Southbound GSMD Club does not police, endorse or recommend any breeder listed. [21]:8 The spleen becomes torsed because it is no longer anchored in its correct location. [6], Heim was a Sennenhund expert, and started to encourage breeders to take an interest in them. $3,950. [2], Being alert and vigilant,[2] the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a good watchdog. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? [6] The first breed club was formed in 1912 to promote the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. [2] Dewclaws should be removed. 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. [1] IE is present in all Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lines; it typically surfaces between the ages of 1 to 3 years, but it can become evident as early as 12 months and as late as 5 years. [2] Their eyes are almond-shaped, vary in color from hazel to chestnut – dark brown is preferred – medium-sized, and neither deep-set nor protruding. [1] It is diagnosed by x-rays, and treatment depends on the severity of the case. The Continental Kennel Club (CKC) lists the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and provides minimal information about the breed. [2], The thighs are broad, strong and muscular;[2] broad, strong and muscular hindquarters, and proper angles between the stifles and hocks are essential for a draft dog to provide powerful rear-drive during movement. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was developed in Switzerland as an all-purpose farm dog. [1] If not treated, the dog may die. [19], The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is happy with an enthusiastic nature and strong affinity to people and children. For the rest of the year the occasional bath and brushing usually does the trick. [2] Their forelegs are straight and strong. This breed is much better suited for the person looking for a hiking companion than the person wanting a bicycling or marathon-running partner. [1], The shoulders of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are long, sloping, strong, moderately laid back, flat and well-muscled. [3] He had seen this dog and bought him as an oddity. "[3], Heim gave Bello the name Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund and dismissed the first representative of a newly named breed from the ring. As with all dogs, early socialization and puppy training classesare recommended. Dogs deceased before January 1st of 2008 and dogs born on or after January 1, 2013 are not eligible for inclusion in this study. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland by foreign settlers. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. The Molosser was a popular war dog for ancient armies and it’s theorized that they were brought into the Alps more than … [1] Body length to height is approximately a 10 to 9 proportion; they are slightly longer than tall. Double Q is a term used in Obedience, Rally, Agility and other AKC events. To find out more about Swissies, click the image above to go to The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America website. [3] From the litter, puppies who were likable and looked suitable were chosen. [2] Feet are round and compact with well-arched toes; the feet turn neither in nor out. Serious health problems. Crown Kennel is a fancy name for a loving home that caters to the happiness of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs that live here. The breeds share a common heritage, probably derived from the Mastiff or Molossian dogs of the Romans. [1] Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are accepting of a non-threatening stranger. It’s also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. [6] In 1968 the breed was imported into the U.S.[1] In 1983 The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America registry contained 257 dogs. It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. [2], The chest is deep and broad with a slightly protruding breastbone, with well-sprung ribs. [6] Symmetry in markings and coloring are not a priority in the American Kennel Club standard for the breed. [1] Many owners are able to prevent lick fits by ensuring the dog never has an empty stomach by frequent, smaller meals and large dog biscuits as between meal snacks. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. Male Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches tall; Females stand 23.5 to 27 inches tall.Expect males to weigh 130-150 pounds and females to weigh 110-130 pounds.. [10] Oscar the Grouch,[11]a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, was featured in the front page of The Wall Street Journal [12] as he prepared to compete at the Westminster Dog Show. ], A third possibility is that a large dog breed was indigenous to central Europe during the Neolithic Period, when humans grew wild and domestic crops and used domesticated animals. [2] Eyelids are close fitting and eyerims are black. We call the beautiful Pacific Northwest home which is the next best place to Switzerland! Exercise as puppies is necessary as well but can be difficult because they are extremely rambunctious and display a very awkward and uncoordinated romp.