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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund)
Large Breed
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a fantastic dog; it is a breed that loves to please its owners and will try anything to achieve this means.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Switzerland
Weight
Males 50-66kg / 110-145lbs;
Females 39-48kg / 85-105lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 65-72cm / 26-29in;
Females 60-68cm / 24-27in (standards may vary)
Coat
Double coat – a thick, medium-length outercoat and a dense undercoat
Markings
Tricolour. White markings on the head, running down unbroken from the throat to the chest and also found on the feet, tip of the tail, neck and collar. Tan markings on the cheeks, above the eyes, inside of the ears, on both sides of the forechest, on all four legs and under the tail.
Lifespan
Under 10 years
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a social dog and loves to be around people, where it is doting and affectionate to its family and friends, once introduced to them. A good watchdog, it is protective of its family without being too aggressive; this has helped to make it the popular breed it is today.
Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a protective dog that is always vigilant and its loyalty is unflappable. These dogs are naturally territorial and therefore require sufficient, early socialisation to acclimatise to people. They enjoy being around their families all the time, and if they are left for too long on their own they will not be happy.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a unique coat and is beautiful to look at. He is a loving, protective dog and is very good with children.
- Makes a good family pet and is excellent with children
- Performs well as a guardian and watchdog
- Does not require trimming or stripping
- Regular grooming is needed
- Requires a large yard or acreage
- Requires sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Not a dog recommended for novice owners
- Prefers cooler climates
- Can be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, digestive problems and distichiasis