Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossian breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Section 3 Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Without working trial
Switzerland
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Male: 65-72 cm Female: 60-68 cm
Origin and History
In 1908 the Swiss cynologist Albert Heim discovered at an exhibition a big Bernese Mountain dog with short hair. He defined on this basis, a separate breed and gave her the name " Great Swiss Mountain Dog ".
In many cases, an origin is assumed in the current literature, which begins at the Tibetan mastiffs and ends with the Roman molosses; everything has not withstood scientific scrutiny. Reason for this assertion was the turn of the 20th century to create, centuries-old family trees fashion. Archaeological findings show that BC dogs existed since about 4000 on Swiss territory, and that this BC reached Mountain Dog size as early as 1000-600.
Description
Large Swiss Mountain Dogs are with their size up to 72 cm and a weight of up to 60 kg large, strong dogs with black ground color with reddish-brown (also fire called ) and white markings ( on the muzzle, paws, chest and tail tip ) and a coat of short to medium long awns ( guard hair ) and a soft undercoat ( hair). This Fellart is also called double coat. The color and markings are the same for all four Sennenhund breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is slightly larger than the Bernese Mountain Dog (and thus the largest of the four Sennenhund breeds); both breeds are but easy to distinguish, since the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, in contrast to the Bernese Mountain Dog has a short coat. He has a large, massive head, with slightly pronounced stop. The eyes are brown, the markings above the eyes gives the impression of so-called "double eyes ". The ears are triangular in shape and medium in size. They fall flat on the head in the peace and be rotated at attention forward. The chest is deep and wide, the tail heavy and is carried hanging in a relaxed state, often with a white tip.
Use
He is a classic house and farm dog, gets along mostly very good with children and other animals ( cats, small and poultry ). He is very alert and notifies visitors, but rarely barks for no reason. Previously it was used as a draft dog, he can therefore also train well, to pull sleds or wagons.
Health
Large Swiss Mountain Dogs are - if they come from a good breeding - very robust and healthy dogs. As with all large breeds, however, there is a certain susceptibility to joint problems (especially HD, hip dysplasia ) and bloat. Chance also occurs epilepsy.
Overview of the different breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs
From the Swiss mountain dogs, there are four different breeds ( according to the size ordered, starting with the largest and heaviest breed):
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Appenzell Cattle Dog
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog