Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. Sites like | Credit: Thomas Sebastian Walz / Shutterstock. One of the dogs was seen at a dog show in 1908, however, and the judge urged breeders not to let the breed die out. He doesnt reach maturity until hes four or five years old, though, and the long puppyhood of a large breed can be trying. Do you have neighbors nearby? You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. Not all Swissy dogs will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. The reason isn't exactly clear. Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Because this is a large, working dog, they need room to roam--a home with a large, securely fenced yard is ideal. Both are big breeds, hail from Switzerland, and sport similar black, white, and tan coats, but there are differences potential owners should know. If they have to be outside, make sure they have shade and, of course, plenty of water. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confidentstart in life. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference--the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. Swissies can also have a two-toned (or "bi-color") coat in red and white. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Here are a few health problems sometimes seen in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs: The Swissy is not suited to apartment or condo life. This procedure can also be done as a preventive measure. Males stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches tall and weigh 105 to 140 pounds. Dogs bloat when the stomach distends with gas and can twist on itself (called gastric torsion), cutting off blood flow. This is a giant breed, with males weighing in at 105 to 140 pounds and females at 85 to 110 pounds. These dog training tips will help you get started. All rights reserved. By the 1900s however, their numbers dwindled, probably because their traditional jobs on Swiss farms were taken over by other dog breeds or machines. Run from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed has no known problems, or who keeps puppies isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. Another common issue among Greater Swiss mountain dogs is bloat and gastric torsion, an abnormal twisting of the stomach, Garner says. Vetstreet. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Male Swissies can reach 115140 pounds, while females are 85110 pounds. Keep your Swissy in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Though they aren't the best marathon partners, they'll always be down for a neighborhood walk or scenic hike. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. A shedding blade will come in handy to remove the shedding hair, and additional brushing during that time will help keep loose hairs off your floor, furniture, and clothing. The Swissy enjoys the attention and company of youngsters if given plenty of exposure to them beginning in puppyhood, and the kids are taught to treat the dog with care and respect. Bloat strikes suddenly and can be life-threatening, so getting the affected dog to a vet as soon as possible is vital to giving them the best possible chance of recovery. Petfinder offers an Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppy or adult, take your Swissy to your veterinarian soon after adoption. The generally recommended daily amount for an adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is four to five cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. You should also pick up this dog water bottle for any outdoor adventures you have with your pup! Brush your Swissy's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog! Hes a great hiking companion and can excel in activities such as agility, drafting (pulling a cart or wagon), herding, obedience, rally or tracking. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Several legends surround the origins of the Greater Swiss mountain dog and other Swiss sennenhund breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995. With a muscular build and weight that tops 100 pounds, Swissies are gentle giants. It's no surprise that a dog with the descriptor "Greater" in his name looms large. Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. These mighty dogs also have broad heads, often with a white blaze striping their muzzle and running up between their animated, almond-shaped brown eyes. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. The flips side is that they're prone to heatstroke. Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? And take note: Swissies don't handle heat very well, and they prefer to be inside with the AC blasting during those sizzling hot summer days. Swissies dont do well in hot, humid weather. Also some local newspapers have pets looking for homes sections you can review. If you want a Greater Swiss Mountain Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Be patient, be consistent in scheduling potty times, and provide plenty of supervision until youre sure hes reliable in the house. They have a tendency to bark at neighbors and guests (and, yes, even things like your refrigerator's ice machine). This is especially true if they've been properly socialized with other dogs at an early age. "They are confident, observant dogs that are loyal and loving.". Swissies tend to be biggerwith males often outweighing male Bernese mountain dogs by roughly 30 pounds. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. That said, many dogs can be smaller or larger than average. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. The most popular tale states they descended from the Mollasian, a large mastiff-type of dog that once accompanied the Roman legions on their invasion of the Alps back in the first century, according to the GSMDCA. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs available on Petfinder across the country). The Swissy's ancestors served as herding, guard, and draft dogs. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. A breed that is likely to alert you to the presence of strangers. The color is distinct, with a black outer coat and rust and white markings on the face and body. attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. But, like any breed, hes not right for everyone. If possible, you may wish to choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up their littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Swissy dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. With an adult, you know more about what youre getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. elbow dysplasia; other orthopedic problems such as panosteitis and osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder; an eye disease called distichiasis; and gastric torsion. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Like every dog, the Swissy needs early socialization--exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences--when they're young. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Although they're generally good with kids, the Swissy is a large dog who can accidentally knock over a small child. Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. On the farm, his jobs included guarding and herding livestock and pulling carts loaded with milk and cheeses. You can also search online for other Swissy rescues in your area. There are several theories as to the Swissy's origins. Greater Swiss mountain dogs are extra-large pups who often top 100 pounds. Greater Swiss mountain dogs love having room to stretch their muscular legs. It's important to talk with your vet about how you can minimize your pup's risk of bloat. The good-natured Swissy generally enjoys the company of other dogs and loves to play rough and rambunctious. Don't let them run and play on hard surfaces such a pavement, do a lot of jumping, or pull weights until they're at least two years old and their joints are fully formed. Thats why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. Breeders must agree to have all test results -- positive or negative -- published in the CHIC database. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, How to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy Relationship With Pets, Greater Swiss mountain dogs performed duties for farmers and butchers during the 19th century in central Europe, pulling produce and meat to the market. Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Whatever diet youchoose shouldn't overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels: 22 to 24percent protein and 12 to 15 percent fat is recommended. Although he won't reach maturity until hes four or five years old, the confident Swissy is a born watchdog. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. This easygoing, gentle giant was bred to guard and herd livestock. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and. Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell whos good and whos not? No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. An optional test is an OFA shoulder evaluation. Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. With the advent of industrialization, though, the Swissy was headed for the dustbin of history. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. Owners of the breed are often asked, "What kind of dog is that?". Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. But did you know these pups weigh as much as some humans? Clean the ears and trim the nails as needed, and bathe the Swissy when hes dirty to keep his tricolor coat gleaming. This breed is better suited as a hiking companion than a marathon training partner, so you shouldn't be running around the neighborhood with him. They may, however, chase Another possibility, according to breed historians, is that these Roman dogs were bred with a large breed that was indigenous to central Europe during the Neolithic period (10,000 B.C.3,000 B.C.). Swissies can have issues with shyness and sometimes aggression, so temperament testing and meeting at least one of the parents as well as the breeders other dogs is a must. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. In 1908, a canine researcher named Albert Heim spotted two dogs at a Swiss Kennel Club jubilee, listed as "short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs." They're also low-maintenance, as their short fur is easy to care for with routine brushing and bathing. Fans of the breed affectionately call these dogs Swissy. Even though they are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Since then, the breed's popularity has grown slowly, but steadily. Remember that after youve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Talk with your veterinarian about properly exercising your young pup, and keep an eye out for signs he's getting too much exercise. Now, as for housetraining: while every dog is different, Swissy fans say that the breed generally takes to housetraining slowly. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. Socialization helps ensure that your Swissy puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. Profile treatment of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog wears red collar and sits in grassy on sunny day, Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lays on dock near body of water, Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog portrait against blue sky, Two Greater Swiss Mountain dogs walk down paved street, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy looks up at photographer sweetly, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy stands on fallen log. Although they need room to stretch their legs--this isn't an apartment dog--they need only a moderate amount of exercise. Their history as working dogs makes them loyal and fairly easy to train, says Shawna Garner, DVM and U.S. lead veterinarian at FirstVet. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps were taken to avoid them. Keeping him on a leash and within a fenced space is important: Because of his high prey drive from his history on Swiss farms, he can have a tendency to take off after unsuspecting squirrels. Breeders who offer puppies at one price with papers and at a lower price without papers are unethical. Puppies are highly active, mouthy, and rambunctious, so purchasing a Swissy puppy may not be the best decision for a family with young children. You should be able to see a waist. They should have access to a securely fenced yard, but when the family is home the Swissy should be with them. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know your lifestyle and personality. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Puppy kindergarten and obedience classes are a great way to socialize your Swissy and teach them good canine manners.
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