Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Group: Working
Size: Large
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
These dogs are large, sturdy and muscular. They have a thick but short double coat and specific tricolour markings of brown, white and black. They are similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog but with a shorter coat.
They originate from Switzerland where they were used to herd cattle and pull milk carts which led to them being nicknamed "the poor man's horse".
They are eager to please, calm and good natured. They make a very good watchdog and will bark if they suspect anything untoward. Although they like to chase, they warm to people. They are great with children, not dog aggressive and generally good with other pets. They need a good long daily walk.
They are easy to groom. They are prone to bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, digestive problems and excess eyelashes.