Groer Schweizer Sennenhund: Alles, Was Sie Wissen Mssen!
Can a dog truly embody the roles of guardian, worker, family friend, and gentle companion all at once? The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed originating from the Swiss Alps, proves that it absolutely can. This impressive breed, known for its striking tricolor coat and imposing size, seamlessly blends strength with tenderness, making it a remarkable choice for those seeking a versatile and loving canine companion.
With a history rooted in the rugged terrain of Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known by its German name "Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund" and the French "Grand Bouvier Suisse," has evolved into a breed of impressive proportions and multifaceted abilities. This dog is not just a pretty face; it's a testament to the enduring bond between humans and dogs.
The name "Sennenhund" itself provides a glimpse into the breed's past, referencing the "senn" or "senner," the dairymen and herders of the Swiss Alps. These individuals relied on these dogs for a variety of tasks, including guarding livestock, pulling carts, and even transporting milk from remote farms to cheese-making facilities. The dogs' physical attributes were perfectly suited to this life, and the dogs proved their ability to perform as a diligent worker.
One of the most defining features of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is its size. This breed stands as the largest and heaviest of the four recognized Sennenhund breeds. Males can reach a shoulder height of up to 72 centimeters (approximately 28 inches) and weigh up to 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds). This imposing stature is complemented by a robust and powerful build, which reflects their heritage as working dogs.
The breed's tri-color coat, a distinctive characteristic, is composed of a dense, medium-length topcoat and a thick undercoat. These dogs show their beauty through these three colors.
Despite their formidable size, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are renowned for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are known to be excellent companions for children and thrive in a family environment. However, it's essential to remember that, like all breeds, early socialization and consistent training are crucial to ensure they develop into well-adjusted and well-behaved dogs.
The history of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of working alongside humans in the Swiss Alps. These dogs were integral to the lives of farmers and herders, assisting with tasks that would be considered difficult today.
In the world of dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog often gets confused with the Bernese Mountain Dog, another breed of the Sennenhund family. While they share some similarities, such as their tri-color coat and friendly disposition, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog tends to be larger and more robust. The Bernese Mountain Dog is perhaps the most well-known of the four Sennenhund breeds, which is why this common misidentification occurs.
The breed's origins can be traced back to the old farm dogs of the Swiss Alpine region. Their ancestors likely played a role in the transportation of goods, the protection of livestock, and general farm work. The dogs were used to pull carts and assist with other heavy tasks. This history reflects their strong working drive and their loyalty to their human companions.
In the present day, the use of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for traditional working roles has diminished. Modern technology and changes in agricultural practices have reduced the need for dogs to perform these tasks.
Despite changes in use, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog retains its love for activity and exercise. They thrive on outdoor adventures, such as long walks in the forest or participating in activities.
They can be trained to pull sleds and participate in other activities. This breed is always ready to work.
When it comes to training the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, patience, consistency, and a positive approach are key. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into well-rounded and well-behaved companions. A well-socialized dog is more likely to be friendly towards strangers and other animals.
Due to their history as working dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs often exhibit strong protective instincts towards their owners. They are naturally vigilant and will typically alert their families to the presence of visitors. However, they are not typically prone to excessive barking without a reason. This breed also has the tendency to be stubborn, so those who are patient with training are typically better prepared.
A common exercise for this breed is dog sledding, a sport that is great for this breed.
The health and well-being of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is paramount in breeding practices. Responsible breeders prioritize the health of their dogs to ensure that they produce healthy and robust puppies. This commitment to health benefits not only the dogs but also their future owners, who can have peace of mind knowing that their new companion has been carefully bred.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short coat. Regular brushing is essential for removing loose hairs and maintaining skin health. During shedding seasons, in the spring and fall, more frequent brushing may be needed. These dogs are great family dogs.
This breed is also one of the largest of its breed, with a maximum height of 72 cm and weight of 60 kg, the greatest of all Sennenhunds.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like many large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are potential concerns, and responsible breeders screen their dogs to reduce the risk. Epilepsy has also been reported in the breed.
This club was founded in 1912 with the goal of preserving and promoting the breed of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The club is a section of the SKG and thus belongs to the FCI.
It is a descendant of the old farm dogs from the Swiss Alpine region.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not an easy dog to manage. Therefore, people who want to train him should ideally have experience in dealing with dogs. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is only suitable for apartment living to a limited extent.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog enjoys long and quiet walks, but is less useful as a sporting companion. It is simply too big and not agile enough for that. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog really feels at home on a farm or property with a large garden.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog if care is taken in breeding.
If the right steps are taken, this breed is a great addition to the family.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Grand Bouvier Suisse) |
| Origin | Swiss Alps |
| Purpose | Working dog (historically), family companion |
| Size | Large to very large |
| Height | Up to 72 cm (28 inches) at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 60 kg (132 pounds) |
| Coat | Thick, double coat, tri-color (typically black, white, and rust) |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, intelligent, can be protective |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate to high |
| Training | Requires consistent, positive reinforcement training |
| Health Concerns | Hip and elbow dysplasia, potential for bloat, epilepsy |
| Grooming | Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons |
American Kennel Club (AKC) - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
