Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Guide
Also known as: Swissy, GSMD, Great Swiss, Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Gentle giants with tri-colour coats, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are calm, strong working dogs whose steady nature suits those wanting large companions.

Quick facts about this breed
Size
Large
Weight
39-64 kg
Lifespan
8-11 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Large
Weight
39-64 kg
Lifespan
8-11 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
About Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Developed in Switzerland as a draft dog for Alpine farmers, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was bred to pull carts and drive cattle in challenging mountain terrain. Their distinctive tricolour coat and powerful build made them invaluable working dogs in Swiss communities.
Their short, dense coat requires minimal grooming but sheds seasonally. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are gentle and affectionate, known for their calm demeanour and strong work ethic.
They are devoted to their families and generally friendly with strangers and other dogs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need moderate exercise but excel at activities that engage their working instincts. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye conditions that can affect large breeds.
Complete Care Guide for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Expert advice on keeping your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Establishing proper nutrition forms the foundation of health for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, whose substantial size and active lifestyle demand carefully balanced meals. These magnificent dogs thrive on high-quality diets that provide appropriate proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain their robust energy levels and support their muscular build.
Breaking daily portions into multiple smaller meals proves particularly beneficial, as this feeding strategy helps reduce the risk of bloat—a serious condition to which the breed shows susceptibility. Maintaining precise portion control becomes essential, as these dogs can readily gain excess weight, potentially leading to joint stress and other health complications.
When planning their dietary regime, special attention must focus on supporting joint health, given the natural strain their size places on their skeletal structure. While commercial foods formulated specifically for large breeds often contain appropriate nutrients, some dogs may benefit from veterinarian-approved supplements that support joint function and mobility.
Monitoring food intake and body condition requires consistent attention, as these dogs sometimes display hearty appetites that can lead to overfeeding. Regular weight checks and adjusting portions accordingly helps prevent obesity while ensuring adequate nutrition for their active lifestyle.
How healthy is your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs from our community of pet parents
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly, sociable and calm temperament. They are typically good-natured, extremely loyal, and get along well with children and other pets. However, they can be a bit suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
Dog Breeds Similar to Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Rottweiler
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Bernese Mountain Dog
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