Schweizer Sennenhund: Alles, Was Du Wissen Musst! | Tipps & Infos
Are you fascinated by the gentle giants of the canine world? The world of Swiss Mountain Dogs, particularly the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog, offers a captivating glimpse into breeds known for their size, strength, and unwavering loyalty.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed that, as a puppy, might seem destined for greatness as evidenced by its imposing paws. It is the largest of the four Sennenhund breeds, a testament to their size and strength, often reaching up to 72 cm in height and weighing up to 60 kg. These dogs, with their short coats, are less commonly seen than their Bernese counterparts, yet they share the same roots and a similar, endearing temperament. The Bernese Mountain Dog, on the other hand, is a fluffy, teddy-bear-like breed known for its playful and athletic nature. Both breeds possess qualities that make them ideal family companions, but their specific needs and characteristics differ.
Lets delve deeper into the specifics of these remarkable breeds.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed that, as a puppy, might seem destined for greatness as evidenced by its imposing paws. Known for their sturdiness and strong build, these dogs are not easily ruffled. They're the largest of the Sennenhund breeds, standing tall at up to 72 cm and weighing in at up to 60 kg. Unlike the Bernese Mountain Dog, they sport a shorter coat, making them less prevalent. This breed even faced the threat of extinction at one point, highlighting the importance of preserving their lineage.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, a large, teddy-bear-like breed, is known for its sportiness and playful demeanor. They thrive in family settings, as these gentle giants need owners who pay close attention to their needs. They're beloved by families for their cuddly appearance and loyal nature. Just like any dog, these bear-like canines have specific care requirements. These include regular grooming, health checkups, and a balanced diet to prevent diseases.
SwissyDogs, a blend of various Sennenhund breeds, are created through pairings like Bernese and Greater Swiss, Entlebucher and Appenzeller, or Bernese and Swissydog. Breeders specializing in Bernese Mountain Dogs can be found on certain maps, where you can click on symbols to access additional breeder information. Please note that the map positions approximate the breeder's location by postcode only.
For those seeking a Swiss Mountain Dog, you can explore a wide selection of purebreds or advertise your dog on platforms like deinetierwelt, a leading animal market in Germany with vetted providers.
Providing the right food is key for the well-being of the good-natured and loving Bernese Mountain Dog. The choice of food plays a vital role in their health.
The result of these breed mixes is a unique companion that brings joy and happiness to any home. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog appears like a larger, short-haired Bernese Mountain Dog, sharing the same tricolor pattern of black, tan, and white. Despite their size, they should give off a lively impression.
The Bernese Mountain Dog stands out as a large, friendly, and loyal family dog that needs lots of exercise and social interaction. Intensive care for the Bernese Mountain Dog includes regular grooming, health checks, and a balanced diet to prevent illnesses.
Bruno, a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, is 22 months old and exceptionally kind and friendly to everyone. His two different eye colors are a particularly interesting feature!
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, strong dog, that originated in the Swiss Alps. They were utilized as watchdogs, draft animals, and herding dogs. Their robust build makes them suitable for heavy tasks.
In November 1907, breeders dedicated to maintaining the purity of these dogs established the "Schweizerische Drrbachklub," setting breed standards. By 1910, 107 dogs were showcased at the Burgdorf exhibition, and were subsequently named "Bernese Mountain Dogs," in alignment with other Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
The association provides care for dogs owned by dog owners, as well as those from foreign animal shelters, in foster homes. The Bernese Mountain Dog is nonetheless a popular family dog. Those interested in a Bernese Mountain Dog should ensure proper socialization and exercise, regardless of housing conditions.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is less known than the Bernese Mountain Dog. Originally widespread in Switzerland, this dog breed is common in Germany, Austria, and worldwide.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be found on edogs.de, where you can find dogs from shelters, purebreds, mixed breeds, and puppies. You can read a PDF compendium about Bernese Mountain Dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, and Appenzeller Mountain Dogs. This deep dive explains, develops, and clarifies breed standards using comments and illustrations.
Like the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a calm, balanced nature and enjoys participating in family life. They also require physical activity and mental stimulation. This makes them great partners for hikes, as well as for brain games and training sessions.
A large, long-haired bear like the Bernese Mountain Dog can bring a lot of dirt into the house after being outdoors. Especially in rainy weather, a lot of dirt tends to stick to their fur and large paws.
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog & Bernese Mountain Dog | |
|---|---|
| Common Nicknames | Swissy, Swissie |
| Origin | Swiss Alps |
| Purpose | Draft work, farm work, companionship |
| Weight | Greater Swiss: 85-140 pounds (38-63 kg); Bernese: 70-115 pounds (32-52 kg) |
| Height | Greater Swiss: 23.5-28.5 inches (60-72 cm); Bernese: 23-27.5 inches (58-70 cm) |
| Lifespan | Greater Swiss: 8-10 years; Bernese: 7-10 years |
| Coat | Greater Swiss: Double coat, short to medium length; Bernese: Double coat, long, silky |
| Colors | Tricolor: Black, white, and rust markings |
| Temperament | Loyal, friendly, good-natured, confident, and intelligent. They are generally good with children and other pets with proper socialization. |
| Grooming | Regular brushing (several times a week, especially during shedding seasons) to maintain coat health. |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate to high. They need daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. |
| Health Concerns | Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, cancer (especially in Bernese), eye problems. |
| Training | They are intelligent and eager to please but can be sensitive. Positive reinforcement methods work best. Early socialization is important. |
| Ideal Owners | Active families, experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training and socialization. |
| Notable Traits | Strong working dogs, loyal companions, and gentle giants. |
| Reference | American Kennel Club |
