How to Identify a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are members of the working group. [1] Although they share a few characteristics with other dog breeds, they have several distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Body Structure

  1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are large, with males being anywhere from 25.5–28.5 inches (65–72 cm) in height and weighing anywhere from 115–140 pounds (52–64 kg). Females are typically slightly smaller, being anywhere from 23.5–27 inches (60–69 cm) in height and weighing anywhere from 85–110 pounds (39–50 kg). [2]
  2. The dog's skull should have a slight stop, and it should be broad and flat. In addition, the muzzle and backskull should be around the same length. [3]
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  3. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should have ears that are triangular-shaped and medium-sized. The ears should also be set high on the dog's head, gently rounded at the tips, and hang close to the dog's head when the dog is at rest. When the dog is alert, the ears are typically raised at the base and brought forward. [4]
  4. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should have brown, almond-shaped eyes that are neither protruding nor set deep. [5]
  5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically have a tail that reaches to the dog's hocks, slightly tapers at the tip, and is also thick from the root to the tip. When the dog is at rest, its tail should be carried down. However, when the dog is alert, the tail is often carried higher, and with a slight curve upwards (however, this curve should not tilt or curl over the dog's back). [6]
  6. Overall, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should have a well-muscled, heavy-boned, and sturdy appearance. Their gait should have good reach in the front, with powerful drive in the back. Their back should also be level as they move. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Coat

  1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should have a black-colored topcoat, with rich white and rust-colored markings. The rust-colored markings are usually over each eye, on the underside of the dog's ears, over each cheek, underneath the tail, on both sides of the dog's forechest, and on all 4 legs. White-colored markings are usually on the blaze (head) (this marking may vary in length and width), muzzle, from the throat to the chest, on all 4 feet, and on the tip of the dog's tail. [8]
    • These markings should ideally be symmetrical. [9]
  2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs usually have a dense topcoat and an undercoat that should be thick and may sometimes be showing (but should always be present). [10]
  3. The topcoat of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should be 1.25–2 inches (3.2–5.1 cm) in length. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very friendly, and they will sometimes go as far as jumping in your lap (despite their big size) to show you love and affection. [12]
  2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known to have long puppyhoods, and they may not reach maturity until they are about 4 to 5 years old. [13]
  3. Although they are not usually aggressive towards strangers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known to be great watchdogs who will instantly alert their owners if something doesn't seem to be right. [14]
  4. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were originally bred as working dogs (for herding, weight pulling, pack hiking, etc.). As such, they thrive when they are given a job of some sort to do. [15]
  5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have been known to chase small animals. Therefore, they'll need to be kept on a leash when they're out, and they'll also need a fenced-in yard. [16]
  6. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known to be mouthy, meaning they will often put things like sticks and pebbles into their mouth, so they need training on what can and cannot be chewed on. [17]
  7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known to sometimes be confident, to the point of being stubborn. Therefore, they need consistent, firm training to help lessen this stubbornness. [18]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering what breed your dog is. DNA testing will help confirm your dog's breed.
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      • Occasionally, you may hear Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs be referred to as "Swissies".
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreaterSwissMountainDog.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      6. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/greater-swiss-mountain-dog
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/greater-swiss-mountain-dog
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/greater-swiss-mountain-dog/

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