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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies for Sale
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
(Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) (Large Swiss Mountain Dog) (Great Swiss Cattle Dog) (Bouvier Suisse)
Harry the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at 2 years old
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Pronunciation |
Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog |
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Description |
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, strong,
muscular, draft dog. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The front legs
are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet. The chest is broad and deep,
and the breastbone extends slightly ahead of the legs. 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 color of
the eyes may vary from hazel to chestnut. Their expression is attentive and
intelligent. The muzzle is blunt, and the nose and lips must always be black.
The pendant, medium-sized ears are triangular. The long tail reaches to the
hocks. GSMD has a beautiful tri-color double coat (black with rich rust and
white markings). The outer coat is no longer than 2 inches (5cm.), and lined
with a dense undercoat. Rust markings include a spot over each eye, rust on the
cheeks, and on either side of the chest. Symmetrical markings are preferred. The
tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle and a large marking on the chest are
white. A white collar or patches on the neck are permitted. Any base color other
than black is a disqualification. |
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Temperament |
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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. Territorial, the Swissy should be
introduced to newcomers, but will quickly warm up to those the family accepts.
An excellent, courageous, alert watchdog who will bark at strange noises and
intruders. He needs to be a part of the family and prefers to be with his people
all the time. The GSMD gets along well with family pets, but may have to be
taught not to chase. They are slow to mature, both physically and mentally.
"Puppyhood" may last 2-3 years. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 23.5-28.5 (60-72cm.)
Weight: 130-135 pounds (59-61kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Like many large deep-chested dogs, the GSMD 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. |
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Living Conditions |
They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently
exercised. They prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient. |
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Exercise |
Moderate exercise is needed,
however they do need to be taken on a daily, long
walk. |
Life Expectancy |
About 10-11 years. |
Grooming |
An easy groom dog. Regular brushing will due. This
breed is an average shedder. |
Origin |
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 (including the Appenzell Cattle Dog,
Entlebuch Cattle Dog, and the AKC-recognized Bernese Mountain Dog). The
Sennenhund breeds are thought to be descendants of Roman Mastiffs, brought to
the area more than 2000 years ago. The four breeds are different sizes, but
share the same markings. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's natural drafting
ability led to his nickname, "the poor man's horse." GSMD's may have
contributed to the development of the St. Bernard. Then, when the St.
Bernard became popular, the GSMD lost favor and almost became extinct. An
authority of the Sennenhund breeds, Dr. Albert Heim, rediscovered the Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog in 1908 while he was judging a dog show. He publicized the
breed and encouraged people to begin breeding programs. Response was
enthusiastic and now the breed is re-established. The first Greater Swiss
Mountain Dog's were imported to the United States in 1967. The GSMD is still
fairly rare, even in Switzerland. However, the breed is now fully recognized by
the AKC. Its talents are tracking, watchdogging, guarding, carting, and
competitive obedience. |
Group |
Mastiff, AKC Working |
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, NKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Harry the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at 2 years old
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Photo Courtesy of
Bastian-NET
Photo Courtesy of
Bastian-NET
Photo Courtesy of
Bastian-NET
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This is Wishbone the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy at 3 months old
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Dabo, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at 8 weeks old
Dabo, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at one year old
Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog Pictures Page 1 - 2
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