Height: 23.5-28.5 inches
Weight: 130-135 lbs.
Life Span: 11-13 yrs.
Breed Group: Guardian Dogs
Overview
Greater Swiss mountain dogs are bold, alert, and vigilant. They are good
family dogs and are protective of their property and families, patient with
children, and get along with other animals, although they can be troublesome
with other dogs.
Appearance
The outercoat is dense and one to two inches long; the undercoat may be
thick and shows through on the neck, belly, and underside of the tail.
Color is jet-black with rich rust-and-white markings on the face, neck,
chest, and legs, and rust markings over each eye.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Greater Swiss mountain dog only needs to be brushed once a week. It
needs a lot of room and exercise so is best suited to the suburbs or country.
Origins
Greater Swiss mountain dogs are descended from Roman mastiffs and have been
used in the steep villages of Switzerland as herding and guard dogs since
the Middle Ages.
Special Alerts
The Greater Swiss mountain dog is not suitable for inexperienced owners.
Breed-related health concerns: hip dysplasia, bloat, panosteitis,
mega-esophagus (dilation of the esophagus causing vomiting, weight loss,
growth impairment, and/or pneumomia; can be fatal in some cases).
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
