| Description: The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a | | | | pull carts and to guard and heard livestock. It is |
| large and muscular dog, with a tri-colored coat. Their | | | | thought that it was the rise in machinery that |
| coat should have a black base with white and rust | | | | brought about the demise of the dog. However, it's |
| marking, symmetrical marking are preferred by | | | | thanks to, Dr. Albert Heim, who 'rediscovered' the |
| breeders. They have straight legs with compact and | | | | breed in 1908 and worked to revive their numbers, |
| round feet. They can weigh between 90-140 pounds | | | | that they are arround today. They were recognized |
| and stand 24-29 inches, with males being on the | | | | by the AKC in 1995, but to this day remain a rare |
| larger size. They have a deep chest with a level top | | | | breed. |
| line. Their head is broad and flat with a square | | | | Temperament: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |
| muzzle, their ears are triangular in shape and lie close | | | | makes a great family pet and will be very devoted. |
| to the head, with eyes that are almond shaped and | | | | They have an easy-going nature and will happily |
| hazel or chestnut in color. | | | | welcome, family and friends. They also make good |
| History: As the name would suggest the Greater | | | | watch dogs, and will bark if they hear or see |
| Swiss Mountain Dog was developed in Switzerland, | | | | something that shouldn't be there, however they do |
| and is thought to be descended from the Roman | | | | not make good guard dogs as they are not at all |
| Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years | | | | aggressive. They are slow to mature, taking 2-3 |
| ago. They are the largest and the oldest of the four | | | | years, and have a habit of chasing small animals, |
| Sennenhund Breeds. They were used as guard dogs, | | | | something they should be trained not to do from a |
| and as working dogs, at one time having the | | | | young age. Overall though they are a happy dog, |
| nickname 'the poor mans horse' they were used to | | | | that enjoys family life and has an even temperament. |