Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Dog · Working · 22 live listings
The largest of the Swiss mountain breeds, bred to pull carts, drive cattle and guard farms in the Alps. The Swissy is a strong, confident and sociable family dog, slow to mature, and happiest with a job such as carting or hiking.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
Swissies are strong pullers and stay puppyish for about three years. They are prone to bloat, and some eat anything they find, so plan for training and a close eye on the yard.
Common questions
Is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog a good first dog?
Sometimes, for a committed owner ready for a big, slow-maturing puppy. Swissies are friendly and loyal but strong and can be stubborn, so early training and leash work matter.
What health problems do Swissies have, and what should be tested?
Bloat and splenic torsion, hip and elbow dysplasia, shoulder OCD, epilepsy, eyelash problems and urinary incontinence occur. Ask for OFA hips, elbows and shoulders and a recent eye exam on both parents.
How is a Swissy different from a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Both are Swiss farm dogs with the same colors. The Swissy is larger, with a short coat that is easier to groom, and the breed tends to live somewhat longer than the Bernese.
Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.
