Three words describe a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: loyal, friendly and athletic. You can rest assured they’ll be friends with your children and your cat.

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Be careful that your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog doesn’t end up walking you! They are a strong and athletic breed, so early obedience training is a must for a well-behaved pet. Calm and steady, they thrive on human companionship. The more time they spend with their humans the better. They make great feet warmers and enjoy leaning against their family. They are sweet and gentle, making them ideal family pets. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is child-friendly and they also get along with other cats and dogs.

You may annoy your neighbours if you leave them alone for too long, as they will pine and whine. They consider themselves indoor pets, but love being able to access a yard for a quick romp and game of fetch. Easy to train, your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog will pick up tricks super quick – much to the envy of other dog owners. They tend to hang on to their puppy-like personality until they are about five years old, and are highly boisterous.

Fun fact: They came back from extinction. By the late 19th century

it was thought the breed had died out, but it was rediscovered in the early 1900s.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs love to chew and may end up swallowing contraband items. Keep the tissues handy too, as they may slobber. While energetic, their demand for exercise is moderate and they love hiking. Try a bush track and you’ll have one happy puppy. Their alert nature also makes them great watchdogs.

Grooming is super easy. They have an easy coat that just needs a brush down weekly to remove loose hair. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately. Clean their ears and trim their nails as needed. If their coat starts looking dirty, a quick bath will restore it.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. This breed can suffer from bloat, epilepsy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

They are a giant-sized breed weighing between 38-63kgs, with an average height between 60-72cms.

Space

A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is best suited to a big yard, due to their size and energy levels.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a gym-bunny, loving a good workout, but they also love napping. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.

Difficulty of Training

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are extremely intelligent, although they tend to be independent and strong-willed. Consistent training is the key.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions.

Compatibility with other Pets

They love to meet new friends, including cats and dogs if socialised from a young age.

Need for Company

They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No

Coat and Grooming Needs

This breed requires moderate maintenance. They have a short, thick double coat in black, with white and rust markings. Brush them weekly to remove loose hair. Trim their nails when necessary.

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to Bark

They have a moderate to high tendency to bark, so expect some conversations.

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