Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog temperament

The AKC rates the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog five out of five for affection with family, with young children and for openness to strangers, and four out of five for playfulness, energy and as a watchdog. Swissies are immensely strong draft and herding dogs with a sociable, outgoing nature.

They are also very food-motivated and can have a stubborn streak; the AKC says owners must be more determined than their dogs. Most are calm, confident companions that like to be involved in family life and keep an eye on the house.

How big do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get?

According to the AKC, males stand 25.5 to 28.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 115 to 140 pounds, and females stand 23.7 to 27 inches and weigh 85 to 110 pounds. The short double coat is a striking tricolor of black, red and white.

VCA notes the breed grows slowly and is prone to orthopedic disease because of its size, so a lean, steady growth rate matters. Plan your car, crate, bed and budget for a dog that can weigh as much as an adult person.

Lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lifespan of 8 to 11 years. It says the breed has no breed-specific disorders but can have problems common to large dogs, including orthopedic issues, although its orthopedics tend to be very good for its size. Recommended tests are hip, elbow, shoulder and eye evaluations.

The AKC notes that splenic torsion, a twisting of the spleen unrelated to gastric torsion, occurs more often in this breed than others, and VCA says the deep chest raises the risk of bloat. VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without producing anything and a swollen belly as bloat signs. Either needs a vet immediately, so learn the signs and keep your emergency vet's number handy.

Exercise needs

The AKC says the Swissy needs moderate exercise: a walk around the block or a romp in the woods generally satisfies its daily needs. The breed is better suited to someone wanting a hiking companion than a cycling or marathon partner.

Draft work and carting are natural outlets for a breed built to pull, and many enjoy obedience and rally. VCA notes a preference for cooler climates, so exercise in the cool parts of the day in summer, and avoid hard running while a puppy is still growing.

Grooming and shedding

The AKC calls the Swissy a basically wash-and-wear breed, but notes the double coat blows its undercoat about twice a year. During those sheds, a good bath and blow-out followed by thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool helps; the rest of the year, an occasional bath and brushing does the trick.

Shedding is three out of five and drooling three out of five on the AKC scale. The AKC stresses regular nail trims. Brush the teeth, check the ears and wipe the mouth after drinks.

Training a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The AKC says Swissies are very food motivated and respond well to training with food rewards, but owners need determination to match the breed's stubborn streak. Start puppy classes and socialization early, while the dog is still small enough to manage easily.

The AKC specifically advises against harness-type training devices for this breed: as a draft dog, a harness outside draft work tends to make it pull harder. Teach loose-leash walking on a flat collar from puppyhood, and keep treats small to protect the waistline.

Are Swissies good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates the Greater Swiss five out of five with young children, and VCA calls the breed generally excellent with children. Its size still means toddlers should be supervised, and children should be taught not to climb on or ride the dog.

With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA says Swissies are usually compatible with proper introduction. Early, calm meetings with other dogs and cats help a lot. Introduce new pets slowly, on neutral ground and with plenty of space.

What a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs at home

Plan for a big, strong dog: a secure fence, a well-fitted flat collar and sturdy leash, an extra-large crate or resting area, a thick orthopedic bed, heavy non-tip bowls, an undercoat rake or shedding tool, heavy-duty nail clippers and drool towels.

Food puzzles and slow feeder bowls, such as an anti-gulp bowl, slow a keen eater. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Swissy home and ask about safe growth for a giant-breed puppy, bloat and splenic torsion signs, and joint screening.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.