Greater Swiss Mountain DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that in 1908, at the anniversary show in Langenthal, two “short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs” were presented to Professor Albert Heim. He recognised in them the descendants of the old large mountain dog or “butcher's dog”, once used all over Europe for guarding, draught work and driving cattle.

In 1909, the Swiss Kennel Club recognised them as a separate breed, and in 1912 the breed club was founded. The FCI published the first standard only on 5 February 1939. Wikipedia says that at the end of the 19th century the breed was thought to have almost disappeared, because its work was being done by other breeds or by machines.

How the breed developed

• 1908 – Albert Heim recognises the breed at the Langenthal show.
• 1909 – The Swiss Kennel Club recognises it as a separate breed.
• 1912 – The breed club is founded.
• 5 February 1939 – The FCI publishes the first standard.
• 13 August 1954 – The FCI definitively recognises the breed.
• 25 March 2003 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a tricolour, sturdy, heavy-boned and very muscular dog. The AKC says it is immensely strong, yet agile enough to drive a herd on a mountainside.

General appearance

The head is powerful but not heavy, with a flat, broad skull. The AKC says it usually has a white blaze on the head and muzzle. The undercoat is as dark as possible, grey or black.

It is typically tricolour: a black base colour with symmetrical reddish-brown markings and clean white markings. The tan lies between the black and the white, on the cheeks, above the eyes, inside the ears, on the chest and on the legs.

The standard describes it as self-confident, attentive, vigilant and fearless in everyday situations, good-natured and devoted to people it knows, self-assured with strangers, with a medium temperament.

The AKC says it is highly food-motivated and responds well to reward-based training. It can also be stubborn, so the owner must be more determined than the dog.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. The AKC says it is highly food-motivated.
• Be determined. It can be stubborn.
• Use a collar for training. The AKC does not recommend a harness except for draught work: it is a draught breed and it pulls.
• Socialise it as a puppy. It will become a very large dog.

The AKC says it needs moderate exercise: a walk around the block or a ramble in the woods is enough each day. It is better suited as a hiking companion than for cycling or marathons.

Tips for a balanced life

• In summer, keep it out of the heat.
• Do not overfeed it: obesity is a major problem in the breed.
• Your car and home must have room for such a big dog.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it is an easy breed to groom, but it sheds its undercoat, usually twice a year. At those times a bath, a blow-dry and a thorough brushing with an undercoat rake help. The rest of the time, an occasional bath and brush are enough. The nails should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says it has no breed-specific diseases, but it can have the problems of large breeds:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.

The AKC says the biggest feeding problem is overfeeding, which leads to digestive problems and obesity, one of the breed's biggest health problems.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Measure the portion; do not feed it “by eye”.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• The largest Sennenhund. It is the largest of the four, and considered the oldest.
• The “butcher's dog”. Albert Heim recognised it as a descendant of the old butcher's dog.
• Mistaken for the Bernese. The first two dogs were presented as short-haired Bernese.
• A draught dog. It pulled carts and drove cattle.
• A big appetite. The AKC says it is highly food-motivated.

How does it differ from the Bernese Mountain Dog?

It has short to medium-length hair, not long, and it is bigger.

How big does it get?

Males measure 65–72 cm and females 60–68 cm; males can weigh more than 60 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes, it is calm, reliable and very good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 8–11 years.