Faithful, gentle and even-tempered, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed is a great family companion. Here’s what you need to know about this breed:
Originally bred as herding, draft and guard dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs love to work. Having spent their early days in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, these pups are as agile as they are strong muscled and can complete any task with ease.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are famous for their beautiful tri-colored coat and gentle, family-friendly attitudes. Though they love to spend their days pulling carts and keeping watch, at night they love nothing more than to curl around your feet and be close to you.
If you think these dogs are right for you, consider rescuing a Swissy pup who’s already in need of a home.
Why We Love the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed
- Swissies make great family companions. These gentle giants love kids and are true cuddle bugs.
- There’s a reason these dogs are called Mountain dogs, and it’s not just because of where they’re from. These canines love to hike and make great outdoor walking buddies.
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are incredibly faithful. Once they know you, they’ll be by your side forever.
Things to Consider
- Because of their size and personalities, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not suitable for apartment living. They need space where they can roam, work and bark at their disposal.
- Hailing from chilly Switzerland, these dogs do not do well with heat and are not the dog to adopt if you live in a warm climate.
- These dogs are natural protectors, which means they will keep their people safe from anyone they perceive as a threat. This means they need to be socialized early, so they know that not every stranger is dangerous!
Why Rescue?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great companions, which can lead to high demand and over-breeding. Though naturally healthy, over-breeding can exacerbate known Swissy health issues, such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis dissecans (joint problems) and gastric torsion.
