GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG Breed Standards
Though its recognition as a distinct breed was quite recent, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s origins are ancient, and can be traced back to those of the Mastiff and Molossus war dog used by the Romans. The largest and oldest of Switzerland’s four Sennenhunde breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was introduced to the Alps by the Romans roughly 2000 years ago. There, these dogs served as herders, guardians and draft animals for hundreds of years; the breed also likely played a hand in the development of the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.
By the late 19th century the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was believed by many to have become extinct. But in 1908 these fears were laid to rest when Zurich dog expert Professor Albert Heim spotted a Swissy at a dog show. The dog’s owner thought he had a Bernese Mountain Dog, and was rather pleased to learn from Professor Heim that it was in fact an exceedingly rare Swiss Mountain Dog. With Heim’s help other specimens of the breed were located in the Alps, and renewed breeding of the dogs began; the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1910. The breed’s progress was slowed by World War II, and the dog did not make it to the United States until the 1960s. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America was formed in 1968, and the breed was admitted into the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1985; full recognition as a member of the Working Group came in 1995.
SKILLS: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a Draft and Drover breed and should structurally appear as such. It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog which, in spite of its size and weight, is agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties of the mountainous regions of its origin.
SIZE: Height at the highest point on the shoulder is ideally: Dogs: 25.5 to 28.5 inches Bitches: 23.5 to 27 inches Body length to height is approximately a 10 to 9 proportion, thus appearing slightly longer than tall. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog of sturdy appearance.
COAT: Topcoat is dense, approximately 1-1/4 to 2 inches in length. Undercoat must be present and may be thick and sometimes showing, almost always present at neck but may be present throughout. Color of undercoat ranges from the preferred dark gray to light gray to tawny. Total absence of undercoat is undesirable and should be penalized.
Color - the topcoat is black. The markings are rich rust and white. Symmetry of markings is desired. On the head, rust typically appears over each eye, on each cheek and on the underside of the ears. On the body, rust appears on both sides of the forechest, on all four legs and underneath the tail. White markings appear typically on the head (blaze) and muzzle. The blaze may vary in length and width. It may be a very thin stripe or wider band. The blaze may extend just barely to the stop or may extend over the top of the skull and may meet with white patch or collar on the neck. Typically, white appears on the chest , running unbroken from the throat to the chest, as well as on all four feet and on the tip of the tail. White patches or collar on the neck is acceptable. Any color other than the "Black, Red and White" tri-colored dog described above, such as "Blue/Charcoal, Red and White" or "Red and White" is considered a disqualification. When evaluating the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, markings and other cosmetic factors should be considered of lesser importance than other aspects of type which directly affect working ability.
CARE REQUIRED: An easy groom dog. Regular brushing will due. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Bold, faithful, willing worker. Alert and vigilant. Shyness or aggressiveness shall be severely penalized.
TRAINING: Moderate exercise is needed.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient.
EXERCISE: Loyal and adoring they are generally good with other pets and are not generally dog aggressive. Territorial, the Swissy should be introduced to newcomers, but will quickly warm up to those the family accepts. An excellent, courageous, alert watchdog who will bark at strange noises and intruders. He needs to be a part of the family and prefers to be with his people all the time
