The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Gro?er Schweizer Sennenhund, is the largest of the traditional Swiss herding breeds, the Sennenhunds, a grouping in which the Bernese Mountain Dog is also included.
History: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog comes to us from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. He is the largest (and probably the oldest) of the four Sennenhund Breeds. The Sennenhund breeds are thought to be descendants of Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago. The first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s were imported to the United States in 1967.
Appearance: It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog. The front legs are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet. The head is large with a broad, flat skull and slight stop. The skull should be approximately the same length as the muzzle and the teeth must meet in a scissors bite. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short double coat. The topcoat is dense and somewhat coarse, while the undercoat should be thick. The undercoat should show around the neck area. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a beautiful tri-color double coat (black with rich rust and white markings).
Size: Height: 23.5-28.5 (60-72cm)
Weight: 130-135 pounds (59-61kg)
Temperament: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a reputation of combining protectiveness with a gentle nature, particularly with respect to its love of its family, especially children. It is steady, watchful and protective, but not aggressive. Willing and loves to please, they are excellent with children. Loyal and adoring they are generally good with other pets and are not generally dog aggressive. This dog is very courageous and will bark at the sign of intruders or odd noises.
Health: Like many large deep chested dogs, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to bloat and hip dysplasia. Many Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have distichiasis, a condition in which extra eyelashes grow along the edge of the eyelid. These extra lashes can curl inward and scratch the eye. Though the condition may not pose any problem, it sometimes requires surgical correction. Some lines have incidences of epilepsy and digestive disorders.
Life expectancy: 10-11 years
Grooming: Averagely shedding, a rubber brushing occasionally will suffice, or a brushing with a hard bristle brush. This will keep shedding to a minimum. Regular bathing is not needed, and a good wipe down should be enough for this easy to groom dog.
Puppy price: $ 1.000.00