Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The precise origins of these magnificent Alpine dogs are lost to history, but the most popular theory links them to Roman Molossus dogs. It is believed that when Julius Caesar’s legions crossed the Alps, they were accompanied by large and powerful mastiff-type dogs. These dogs remained in the region, interbreeding with local herding breeds, which gave rise to the Sennenhunds. For centuries, they were used by farmers, butchers, and traders to guard livestock and pull carts loaded with milk and meat to the markets. Thanks to their strength and endurance, they were indispensable helpers in the harsh mountainous conditions.

By the end of the 19th century, with the development of transport and the emergence of other breeds, the demand for Grossers began to decline, and the breed was on the brink of extinction. For a long time, they were even considered a short-haired variety of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The turning point came in 1908, when at a dog show in Langenthal, Professor Albert Heim, a prominent cynologist and researcher of Swiss breeds, saw two such dogs. He immediately recognised them as representatives of an ancient, nearly extinct breed of “large butcher dogs” and successfully advocated for their recognition as a separate breed — the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. In 1912, the “Club for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs” was founded in Switzerland, which began a concerted effort to revive and popularise the breed. During the Second World War, the Swiss army actively used Grossers as draught and guard dogs, which helped increase their numbers. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognised the breed in 1939. Other Swiss breeds include the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, robust, and muscular dog with heavy bone structure, radiating both strength and serenity. Its appearance is harmonious and well-proportioned, without any hint of clumsiness.

1. Head: Massive but in proportion to the body. The skull is broad and flat. The stop is smooth. The muzzle is long and powerful.
2. Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium size, from hazel to chestnut brown. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and friendly. The eyelids are tight-fitting.
3. Ears: Medium-sized, triangular, set high. At rest, they hang close to the cheeks, and when the dog is alert, they lift slightly at the base and turn forward.
4. Body: Powerful, slightly elongated. The neck is strong, muscular, without a dewlap. The back is straight, broad, and strong. The chest is deep and wide, with an oval shape.
5. Tail: Long, heavy, and a continuation of the backline. At rest, it hangs down; when moving or excited, it is lifted to the level of the back or slightly higher, but it never curls into a ring.
6. Limbs: Straight, parallel, with a strong bone structure. The paws are rounded, compact, with strong claws.

Coat and Colour

The Grosser has a double coat. The outer coat is of medium length, dense, and coarse. Beneath it lies a thick, soft undercoat, usually grey or black, which provides excellent protection for the dog against cold and dampness.

The colouring is the hallmark of all Sennenhunds. It is always tricoloured: the primary colour is a rich black, with symmetrical reddish-brown (tan) and pure white markings.

• Black: Covers most of the body, neck, head, and tail.
• Tan: Located on the cheeks, above the eyes (in the form of “eyebrows”), on all four legs between the black and white, and under the tail.
• White Markings: Should be symmetrical. These include a blaze on the muzzle that extends into a “cross” on the chest, white “socks” on the paws, and a white tip on the tail. A white “collar” or a large white spot on the back of the neck are considered undesirable.

Behind the formidable appearance of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lies a heart of gold. It is a calm, balanced, and extremely loyal dog. They form deep bonds with their family and struggle with being alone. The Grosser is a shadow member of the family, always wanting to be near people but without being clingy. It cannot be left alone in a yard or kennel for long periods; it needs constant contact with its owner.

Vigilance and Guarding Instincts. They make excellent guard dogs. Their deep, resonant bark can deter any unwelcome visitor. It seems as though these dogs are always on alert, never truly sleeping. However, unlike many working breeds, Grossers are not prone to unwarranted aggression. They will first warn with a loud bark, and only in the event of a genuine threat to their family or territory will they use force.

Attitude to Children and Other Animals. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along wonderfully with children of all ages. They are very patient and careful, which makes them excellent “nannies.” The only small drawback is that due to their large size, they might accidentally knock over a small child, so games should always be supervised by adults. They generally live peacefully with other domestic animals, including cats and other dogs, especially if they were raised together. Their innate self-confidence means they do not need to dominate others, which sets them apart from some more excitable breeds like the Airedale Terrier or the Border Terrier, which have a stronger chase instinct.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, like most giant breeds, are prone to certain genetic diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for the most common ones, but potential owners should be aware of the possible risks.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is the most common problem for large dogs. Incorrect joint development leads to arthritis and pain. It is very important during a puppy’s growth period (up to 1.5-2 years) to avoid excessive stress, such as jumping from heights, running up and down stairs, or exhausting training sessions. It’s also vital to monitor their weight, as obesity puts additional strain on the joints.
• Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. To minimise the risk, feed the dog 2-3 times a day in small portions, avoid physical exercise immediately after eating (for at least an hour), and use special slow-feeder bowls.
• Epilepsy: The breed has a hereditary predisposition to epilepsy. If your dog has a seizure, it’s important to ensure it is calm and remove any bright lights or loud noises. After the seizure, be sure to contact a vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Eye Diseases: Problems such as distichiasis (eyelash growth towards the eyeball), entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid), and cataracts sometimes occur. Regularly check your dog’s eyes for redness or discharge.
• Splenic Torsion: A rare but dangerous condition that can occur independently or alongside gastric torsion.

Important: Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, weight management, and moderate physical activity are key factors in maintaining your pet’s health.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that feels most comfortable in a house with a fenced-in garden. Living in a flat is possible, but only if the owner is committed to providing long and active daily walks. These dogs do not need exhausting workouts like running breeds, but they do require daily physical activity: walks in the park, playing fetch, swimming, or even pulling small loads in a special cart (carting) — an activity they will immensely enjoy.

Coat Care

The Grosser’s coat does not require complex grooming, but you must be prepared for shedding. They shed all year round, with two peak periods in spring and autumn when they shed their undercoat heavily. During these times, the dog should be brushed daily with a furminator or a special undercoat rake. At other times, brushing 1-2 times a week is sufficient to keep the coat tidy and prevent matting. You should bathe the dog as needed when it gets dirty, typically no more than 2-3 times a year, to avoid damaging the skin’s natural protective layer.

Hygiene Procedures

• Ears: Regularly (once a week) check the ear canals. Clean them with a special lotion if dirt accumulates. Hanging ears create a favourable environment for infections.
• Claws: Trim the claws about once a month if they don’t wear down naturally during walks on hard surfaces.
• Eyes: Periodically wipe the corners of the eyes with a clean cloth moistened with a chamomile infusion or a special solution to remove any natural discharge.
• Teeth: To prevent tartar build-up, regularly brush your dog’s teeth with a special paste or provide dental chews.

Training a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a task that requires patience, consistency, and confidence. They are intelligent dogs, but they are not inclined to unquestioning obedience like, for example, German Shepherds. Grossers were bred to work independently, so they can sometimes be stubborn and make their own decisions. Training and socialisation should begin from a very young age.

The key to success is positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and play as rewards. Rudeness, shouting, and physical punishment are absolutely unacceptable — they can lead to the dog becoming withdrawn, fearful, or, on the contrary, uncontrollable. It is important to establish clear rules and boundaries from the outset so that the dog understands that you are the leader. Socialising a puppy involves introducing it to various people, animals, sounds, and situations. This will help raise a balanced and confident dog that reacts appropriately to the world around it. Its calm character contrasts sharply with the reactivity of some terriers, such as the Airedale Terrier, which requires much more control in an urban environment.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of a giant breed dog’s health and longevity. For a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, both high-quality super-premium or holistic dry food and a natural diet are suitable.

When choosing a dry food, select a range specifically formulated for large and giant breeds. Such food has a balanced content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and also contains chondroprotectors (glucosamine and chondroitin) to support joint health. During the growth period, a puppy needs special food for giant breed puppies, which ensures a slow and proper growth of the skeleton.

When on a natural diet, the basis of the ration (about 60-70%) should be lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken) and offal. The diet also includes:

• Porridge (rice, buckwheat);
• Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir);
• Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgettes);
• Sea fish (once a week, without bones);
• Eggs (1-2 times a week).

Important feeding rules:

• Feed an adult dog twice a day, in the morning and evening, strictly after a walk.
• Provide the dog with an hour to an hour and a half of rest after eating to prevent bloat.
• The portion should be such that the dog eats it within 10-15 minutes.
• Fresh drinking water should be freely available around the clock.
• It is strictly forbidden to give tube bones, sweets, smoked, spicy, or fatty foods.

• The Four Brothers: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest and likely the oldest of the four Sennenhund breeds. The other three are the long-haired Bernese Mountain Dog, and the short-haired Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
• “The Poor Man’s Horse”: In Switzerland, Grossers were used for a long time to pull carts with milk churns and other goods to the market, which is how they earned this nickname.
• Rescue Dog: Although this is not their main purpose, thanks to their strength, endurance, and excellent sense of smell, Grossers were sometimes used in mountain search and rescue operations.
• Slow to Mature: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs mature slowly both physically and psychologically. They remain “puppies at heart” until they are 2-3 years old.
• Not Noisy: Despite their guarding qualities, Grossers are not prone to barking without reason. They only use their voice when they deem it necessary.

Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog suitable for flat living? This is not the best option. Due to its large size and need for space, the dog will feel cramped. Living in a flat is only possible if the owner is willing to provide long (at least 2 hours) and engaging daily walks. The ideal place is a detached house with a large garden.

How much does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy cost? The cost of a puppy from a responsible breeder with documentation, vaccinations, and health tests for the parents can be quite high. The price depends on the pedigree, the class of the puppy (pet, breeding, or show), and the reputation of the breeder. In the UK, prices typically range from £1,800 to £2,800.

Do they shed a lot? Yes, quite a lot. Shedding occurs all year round, with two peak periods in spring and autumn. Be prepared for hair to be everywhere, and regular brushing will become your duty.

Is this breed suitable for an inexperienced owner? It is not recommended. Their large size, strength, and certain stubbornness require a confident and experienced hand, as well as an understanding of dog psychology. A novice may struggle with training and socialisation, which can lead to behavioural problems in the adult dog.

How long do they live? Unfortunately, like most giant breeds, they are not long-lived. The average lifespan is 8-11 years.