--- title: "Great Swiss Mountain Dog" id: "191636" type: "breeds" slug: "great-swiss-mountain-dog" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:12+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T04:31:50+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/great-swiss-mountain-dog/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/great-swiss-mountain-dog.md" excerpt: "The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is an impressive and gentle giant, originally bred in the Swiss Alps for herding cattle and pulling carts. With their warm disposition and affectionate nature, these dogs have become beloved family companions, fitting seamlessly into..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Hybrid & Designer Breeds" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Large" --- [Back to Breeds](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/) Large breed # Great Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed of dogs that has its origins in Switzerland. It was one of the most popular breeds in the Swiss alps between the 18th to early 19th century. Today, however, its use has been revolutionized. Despite its size, it is considered a companion or a friendly family dog. Discover more about our **[Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/)** below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog - Protective [Ask about Great Swiss Mountain Dog puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Great Swiss Mountain Dog puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Adult weight 85–140 lbs - Height 23–30 in - Lifespan 8–11 years - Exercise 60 min a day ![Greater Swiss Mountain Dog](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/great-swiss-mountain-dog-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fgreat-swiss-mountain-dog%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fgreat-swiss-mountain-dog%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fgreat-swiss-mountain-dog%2F&description=Great%20Swiss%20Mountain%20Dog%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fgreat-swiss-mountain-dog%2F&description=Great%20Swiss%20Mountain%20Dog%20puppies) ## About the Great Swiss Mountain Dog [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is an impressive and gentle giant, originally bred in the Swiss Alps for herding cattle and pulling carts. With their warm disposition and affectionate nature, these dogs have become beloved family companions, fitting seamlessly into households that enjoy an active lifestyle. Their friendly demeanor makes them great companions for young children, and they generally get along well with other dogs, providing a delightful and sociable presence in any home. Read more about the Great Swiss Mountain Dog Show less While they have a moderate energy level, Great Swiss Mountain Dogs thrive with regular exercise such as long walks, playtime in the yard, or engaging in dog sports. Despite their size, they are not particularly suited for apartment living, as they need space to stretch their legs and explore their surroundings. Their grooming needs are manageable, requiring weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and to manage shedding. Be prepared to include them in your family’s routine, as their loyalty and affection shine through when they are involved in activities with you. Trainability is another strong suit of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, as they are intelligent and eager to please. With consistent and positive training methods, they respond well and learn commands quickly, making them a joy to teach. Their calm temperament and moderate barking tendencies contribute to their charm, ensuring they will fit well in family settings in locations like Petland Ashland, Kentucky. A Great Swiss Mountain Dog will be more than just a pet; they will become a cherished member of your family and a loyal companion for years to come. [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) ## Great Swiss Mountain Dog breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Very affectionate - Playfulness Playful - With strangers Warms up - Territorial Somewhat - Prey drive Low ### Family & other pets - Young children Good - Older children Good - Other dogs Sociable - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy Moderate - Mental stimulation Moderate ### Training - Trainability Quick to learn - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness Biddable ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Heavy - Drooling Some - Barking Occasional ### Home life - Apartment living Needs real space - Time alone Short periods - Cold weather Comfortable - Warm weather Needs shade ### A good match for - First-time owners Some experience helps - Senior owners Good - Running partner Moderate - Hiking Good - Therapy work Possible - Guarding Strong guardian ## Living with a Great Swiss Mountain Dog ### Breed History The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland. Several theories have been passed around but there is no certain theory about its exact origin. However, two theories stand out from the rest. The first theory claims that they were brought by the Romans during the Roman invasion. The second theory, on the other hand, claims that these dogs were brought by the Phoenicians to settlements in Spain in 1100 BC. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest and largest of the four Sennenhund Breeds. These include the Appenzell Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, and the Bernese Mountain Dog. In ancient Switzerland, the average Swiss farmer needed a large dog that could perform several tasks on the farm. As such, these dogs were used as farm dogs. They were also used by butchers and other laymen who used them as guard dogs. Thus, they earned the name “Butcher’s dog” or “The poor man’s horse”. Many people believe that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog nearly went extinct in the late 19th century. This was because several other breeds were doing their jobs. However, they were rediscovered in the early 20th century. ### Temperament The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very sociable and enthusiastic animal. It relates well with children and humans around them. Although it may be cautious around strangers at first, it quickly warms up to friendly humans. Despite their large size, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not aggressive. They are considerably gentle. They also require a lot of attention and affection from their owners and do not cope well in isolation. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog could be stubborn and determined. As such, it may be difficult and time-consuming to housebreak them. One would need to be firm yet loving with this breed of dogs. ### Environment Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs fare better in large apartments because of their size. Their huge and sturdy body frame requires a lot of space to stretch and run around. They are also suited for the outdoors, provided that the weather is cool. They love to run outdoors when the weather is cool. However, they are prone to overheating and as such, should not be left outdoors for long during hot periods. These dogs do not fare well in kennels either and generally prefer to be indoors. Thus, families or individuals who want to adopt a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog must ensure that they have a large apartment space. ### Exercise Just like any other breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs daily, regular exercise. This could range from minor exercise routines such as a walk or playing fetch. These dogs should not be taken on a run because they simply cannot keep up with it. They are more suited for exercises that involve pulling and dragging. Owners should watch out for signs of exhaustion during exercise routines so as to avoid heat exhaustion. ### Grooming The Great Swiss Mountain Dog does not require much in the way of grooming. Although it sheds heavily, this can be taken care of by brushing its coat weekly. They also require regular baths in order to keep their coats shiny and reduce the risk of fleas. In essence, the grooming process for this breed of dogs is quite simple and straightforward. Our **Greater Swiss Mountain Dog**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Greater Swiss Mountain Dog**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Great Swiss Mountain Dog GroomingWeekly brushing Grooming costAverage Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Great Swiss Mountain Dog Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs safe for children? Yes. Despite their large size, these dogs are actually very friendly and farewell with children. ### Do I have to worry about bites with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs? Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not aggressive and won’t bite unless they sense animosity. If they show signs of aggression, you can curb the behavior. ### Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs be used as a guard dog? Yes, they can. This breed of dogs are very alert and will bark if they notice anything strange or dangerous. ### Will my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along with my cat? Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very friendly and will get along with other pets. However, it is better to raise them alongside other pets in order to reduce the risk of territoriality. ### How often do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need shots? This depends on the age and health status of the dog. It is important to consult your vet. ### What health problems do I need to look out for with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs? These dogs are usually prone to bloating. They may also experience bone or joint problems. ### What do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs eat? They eat mainly dry food of high quality. It is important to feed them on a diet well suited for large dogs. ### Can I keep Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs outdoors? Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs loves the outdoors but do not cope well when isolated from their family. Thus, it is best to keep them indoors. ### How do I potty train Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs? Monitor your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and take it out for walks. Ensure that you take it to the same place every day to defecate. With time, it would get used to it. ### What games can I play with my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? You can play fetch or games that involve pulling and dragging. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may be large but are one of the best breeds for your family. With sufficient space and tolerance for slobber, you can successfully train your very own Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. ## Similar Breeds ![Bernese Mountain Dog](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bernese-mountain-dog-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Bernese Mountain Dog](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/bernese-mountain-dog/) 1 available ![Brittany Spaniel](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/brittany-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Brittany](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/brittany/) ![Mastiff](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mastiff-2-300x300.jpg) ### [Mastiff](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/mastiff/) ![English Setter](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/english-setter-1-300x300.jpg) ### [English Setter](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/english-setter/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Great Swiss Mountain Dog. - [Ashland, KY (606) 329-0357](tel:6063290357) ## Ask About Great Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Ashland 750 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Robinlee Eversole Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is very friendly and helpful. It's clean and well cared for, we love to see whats new Posted on Google Katelyn Smith Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved petland they helped me so much with getting my summer she is so loving her life with getting spoiled lol and sleeping in bed with her mommy Posted on Google Kathy Horsley Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Friendly & knowledgeable staff. Posted on Google Ha Ha Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kylee was SUPER helpful today with my visit. I had some questions about getting a ferret and she helped me all the way! Definitely would recommend asking for Kylee when you have any pet needs! Posted on Google katelyn clark Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jalyn is a wonderful and such a pleasant worker at ashland Petland Posted on Google Deb Newsome Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good experience. ```