Discover Swiss Mountain Dogs: History & Facts You Need To Know
Were these majestic, tri-colored giants of the Swiss Alps, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, once on the brink of disappearing forever? The story of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a testament to the power of dedicated individuals and the resilience of a breed, a breed that faced extinction and was saved by the foresight of one man.
In the early years of the 20th century, the breed faced a critical juncture. They had faded from prominence, their roles in the agricultural life of Switzerland diminishing. Fortunately, Professor Albert Heim, recognizing the breed's historical and cultural significance, took decisive action.
The following table provides a snapshot of Professor Heim's contributions:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Professor Albert Heim |
| Profession | Professor, Canine Enthusiast, Breed Promoter |
| Key Actions | Recognized the importance of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Initiated breeding programs to preserve and promote the breed. |
| Impact | Played a crucial role in saving the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog from extinction. |
| Related Associations | Swiss Kennel Club (SCS) |
| Legacy | Credited with the breed's survival and continued popularity. |
| Reference Link | FCI (Fdration Cynologique Internationale) - Breed Standards |
At a canine exhibition in Langenthal in 1908, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Swiss Kennel Club (SCS), Professor Heim, a fervent supporter of Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, was presented with two examples of the dogs a moment that sparked his deeper involvement.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, is one of the four Sennenhund breeds, a group of farm dogs originating in Switzerland. The other three breeds are the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
The common ancestry of all Swiss Mountain Dogs can be traced back at least 2,000 years. Their lineage, like that of the Molossers, includes the Tibetan Mastiff, brought to Europe by the Romans. From these ancestral dogs, the Swiss Shepherd Dog developed, which is considered the ancestor of today's Mountain Dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog, for instance, hails from the Mittelland region of Bern. With its robust build, sturdy legs, and long, soft coat, it evokes the image of a cuddly bear. Its muzzle reflects a good-natured disposition.
Swiss Mountain Dogs, known as Sennenhunde, were selectively bred by Swiss farmers to assist with farm tasks in the Swiss Alps. These dogs are distinguished by their tri-color coats and size, which varies from medium to large. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest of the four, closely resembling the Bernese Mountain Dog but with a shorter coat. They differ also in the build.
The four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds share the distinctive tricolor coat of black, white, and rust (or fawn). The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, powerful, and lively dog with a massive head and an alert, intelligent gaze. Its triangular ears hang down, its muscular and robust limbs are perfectly balanced, and its tail falls naturally, never curled. Reaching up to 72 cm at the withers, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog stands out as the largest among the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds. In its native land, it served as a farm dog.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the most imposing breeds one might encounter. It's a true giant, often mistaken for the Bernese Mountain Dog, of which it can be considered a particularly robust cousin. The dogs were prized for their strength and endurance, qualities critical in the Swiss agricultural landscape.
The ancestors of the modern Swiss Mountain Dog can be traced to shepherd dogs that evolved from Mastiff type dogs that were brought to Switzerland by Roman legions.
Originally valued as guard dogs, these dogs are now cherished as family pets and, in mountainous regions, as rescue dogs.
Historically, Swiss Mountain Dogs worked alongside farmers, merchants, and butchers in their daily activities, helping to pull carts, guard livestock, and protect property. These dogs are believed to descend from Molossers brought to Switzerland by Roman legions, so it's no surprise that they share genetic traits with other breeds.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, the second most popular of the four, is a large dog belonging to the category of Swiss Mountain Dogs, tricolored with long hair, large, robust and agile, with vigorous limbs, originating in the central countryside of Switzerland and the Bernese Prealps.
The breed is known for its balanced temperament. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are affectionate, intelligent, and easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their families and can be reserved towards strangers, but without being aggressive. Despite their imposing size, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are also known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their human families. However, they require appropriate training from puppyhood to properly manage their size and strength.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the "Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund," belongs to one of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs. In the mountainous regions of the country, these dogs were particularly appreciated for their strength and endurance, qualities that were very important in the Swiss agricultural environments.
The Berner Rescue Center Italia on Facebook is the first and only rescue for Swiss Mountain Dogs, and takes care of Bernese Mountain Dogs and other dogs in need of help.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed of dog of Swiss origin, belonging to the FCI group 2 (dogs of the pinscher, schnauzer, molossoid and Swiss mountain dog types).
The Appenzeller, like all Swiss Mountain Dogs, was selected by mountain farmers for use as a herding and guard dog. The result is an intelligent, courageous, and tireless helper, highly appreciated both as a working dog and as a family dog.
