Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies for Sale

overview of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Dog Breed

Are you looking for a large dog that loves human companionship, is an alert watchdog, has a big heart, and is not afraid of hard work?

If that describes your ideal dog, then browse our Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies for sale below! (If that’s not your ideal dog, check out our other available puppy breeds.)

Bred to work hard and enjoy humans, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is a beautiful, sturdy breed that makes an excellent companion if you have the available room.

If you are looking for a large, beautiful dog with a gentle but alert temperament, then browse our available Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies today!

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog temperament

Strong:  Bred to work hard and pull carts, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is truly majestic and strong.  With their broad chests, large size, and heavy bodies, they are not afraid of hard work!

Gentle:  Although they are strong, large, and majestic, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs also have a very kind side, especially with their owners and children.  They have a big heart and enjoy spending time with people they know.

Companion:  The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed is known for its love of human companionship.  Even though he is large, his easy-going temperament makes him a good companion for anyone who doesn?t mind the larger size.

Good Watchdog:  Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs make good watchdogs for several reasons.  Not only are they alert to intruders, but their deep, powerful bark combined with their large size makes any intruder think twice before hurting your family or property.

Calm and Stable: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are usually known for their calm and stable temperament. They are less excitable than some other breeds and can be reliable and steady companions.

Intelligent: Swissies are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly. They often respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy mental challenges.

Hard Worker:  The breed was bred and designed to work hard, and they love being given a task and work to do.  They need plenty of exercise to help them stay active and not become too bored, especially if kept in a house or small yard.

Remember that individual dogs may vary in personality due to genetics, upbringing, and socialization. Providing early and consistent training, socialization, and positive experiences can help shape a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog into a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed history

As the name indicates, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have their origins in the Swiss Mountain region.  It is thought they are descendants of Mastiff-like dogs that Romans would have used during their time of European conquest.

During the centuries, the Swiss continued breeding and using the dog for work in the Swiss mountains.  This included herding animals, watching flocks, and pulling small carts and wagons.

As more people moved off farms and into towns in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed almost became instinct.

The breed was saved, however, when it was spotted at a dog show in 1908 by Albert Heim, a dog researcher.  He urged that the breed continue, and the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1909.

The first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog entered the United States in 1968, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are similar to Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Newfoundlands.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Average size

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the larger dogs.  Many adults stand 23-28 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds, with heavier ones weighing around 150 pounds.

Average Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lifespan

The average lifespan is 8-11 years for the breed.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog body features

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a distinct and beautiful coat and face markings.  Their head is usually tri-colored, often with varying shades of black, white, and red.

Many of them also have a distinct white mark that runs down their nose.  This mark is sometimes referred to as a “blaze.”

grooming Your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppy

The breed has a short, thick double coat that is relatively easy to groom.  They should be groomed regularly, preferably several times a week.

It is not uncommon for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs to go through regular shedding spells, often during the spring and fall.  During this time, it is critical to groom daily with a shedding brush to keep the loose hair contained.

Keeping Your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppy Healthy

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed is an overall healthy breed, and there are few diseases or health concerns specific to the breed.

Because of the larger size, it is critical to watch for orthopedic issues that can arise more quickly in larger and heavier dogs.

The most common of these issues are hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from excessive running on hard surfaces.  This is especially vital when they are a puppy.

Typical Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Allergens

With their thicker coats and periodic shedding times, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the most allergy-free dogs around.

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells.  Any animal, including humans, shed these dead skills.

Regular brushing and grooming help reduce the allergens from the breed.  If you have a family member with allergen concerns, it is also wise to consult with your family physician.

• 1. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs rare?
  Swissies are rarer than some breeds. Many people don’t even know what the breed is, and Swissy owners may get repeatedly asked what breed their dog is.
• 2. What is the difference between a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog?
  These two breeds are similar, but not the same. They are both large, black-white-and-tan dogs that come from Switzerland and were bred for farm work and pulling. And people often get them confused on sight. But there are differences between the two breeds, and here are a few of them: The Bernese Mountain Dog is more common than the Swissy. Swissies are slightly taller. Swissies have shorter, sleeker coats. Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly “softer” and easier to train than Swissies. Swissies are more alert and curious. There are other slight differences too, but the two breeds are fairly similar.
• 3. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good with kids and pets?
  Swissies have a good attitude toward kids, but they may overwhelm small children because of their size and energy. You may have to watch them with the neighbors’ cats, as they like to chase small animals. Make sure you have secure boundaries for your Swissy.
• 4. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs aggressive?
  Swissies do not tend to be aggressive towards human strangers or strange dogs. However, they do make good watchdogs simply because their size and loud bark are enough to scare any intruder!
• 5. How fast do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs grow?
  Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to mature slowly and may retain a bit of a “puppy streak” until they are around three years old. It’s important to teach your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog how to contain himself, seeing as he might be over 100 lb even though he is still a puppy at heart.
• 6. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs an intelligent breed?
  Swissies have brains and are eager to please their owners. But they do have a stubborn streak that you’ll have to overcome with time and patience.
• 7. How do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs deal with heat and cold?
  Swissies handle cold temperatures like pros, but they are prone to overheating, so you should make sure not to exercise them too hard when it is warm.
• 8. Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs drool a lot?
  No, Swissies do not tend to drool. They may drool a little while they are waiting for you to serve dinner, but in general, they are a dry-mouthed breed.
• 9. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs stubborn?
  While they are easygoing and good-natured, Swissies are not pushovers. They have confidence and are full of their own ideas sometimes—and they can be a little stubborn. This, coupled with their size, means they may not be a great choice for first-time dog owners.
• 10. Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good farm dogs?
  Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were born to be farm dogs! They love hard work, keep critters away, and would make an excellent addition to a farm.