#friendsofwilliamwalker - Breed Profile Great Swiss Mountain Dog

What exactly does "dog breed" mean?

A dog breed is a specific and distinguishable breeding of a domestic dog. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) currently has about 370 different dog breeds listed and thus recognized. The cynological umbrella organization assigns the dog breeds to different groups and sections based on their appearance and nature. There are 10 FCI groups, including, among others, FCI Group 1: Herding Dogs & Cattle Dogs or FCI Group 3: Terriers.

The choice of dog breed - which dog suits me?

To deal with the different dog breeds is crucial for us humans especially when we want to get a new four-legged friend. Which dog suits me? That is the most important question when buying a dog. It does not always have to be a purebred puppy, because even in the case of mixed breeds from the shelter, the various breed combinations give us information about whether the dog will be very large, for example, or possibly has a hunting instinct. However, not only the breed and its characteristics determine the development and behavior of the four-legged friend, but also the education and socialization.

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog - a real friend and family dog

• Weight: 35-60 kg
• Height (Shoulder): 65-72 cm
• Ø Life expectancy: 8-11 years
• Fur Color: black/brown/white spotted/ tricolor
• Breed assignment: FCI Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 3: Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs

History of the Swiss Mountain Dog

At the end of the 19th century "butcher dogs" were known in Switzerland and bordering states, the ancestors of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. These massive and powerful dogs were very agile and resilient despite their size, making them perfect working animals. They pulled smaller carts, drove herds of cattle and were also used as guard dogs. From the middle of the 20th century the Swiss Army used the robust and reliable Great Swiss as draft and carrying dogs.

Character/Nature - a lovable family dog

A Greater Swiss is chilled like hardly any other breed. He is a lovable and sociable dog, perfect for a large family. Still, these good-natured pelt-noses are very alert and vigilant, preferring to bark once more than too little when they notice something strange. They are friendly and adaptable, but like to be the center of attention when playing or walking as the leader of the whole pack of people and animals.

Education - a Swiss Mountain Dog needs sustained education

Great Swiss Mountain Dogs can be very stubborn. Therefore, they should really be educated consistently. If you show assertiveness when your pet is a puppy, you will get the most loyal friend for life you can imagine. He always takes his job as a guard dog seriously, but can very quickly distinguish between friends of the family and strangers who are not quite familiar to him.

Holding - rather than dog snack together on the track

The big dogs need space, so a large garden is the way to go. Large Swiss Mountain Dogs are very sociable and often become active only when their reference person or preferably the whole family is also "in action". Even the late round to the garden fence shortly before bedtime they prefer to do in company. Great Swiss are never averse to a treat, tend to eat rather than give up. Then overweight as well as problems with the joints can threaten.

Fashion Tip for the Swiss Mountain Dog

For a Great Swiss Mountain Dog fits our suede collar in Lambrusco especially good. The noble dark red color comes on the tricolor fur to great effect. Matching dog leash or poop bag dispenser are available in the same color. For the beloved snack in between, there is also directly the matching treat bag. In summer, Great Swiss Mountain Dogs also like to go swimming. Our paracord collars and leashes can not only get wet and washed, but also fit great to the robust physique of the large four-legged friends. For all collars, we recommend the size XL.