Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a big, strong, energetic type of dog. Their body is not much longer than it is tall. The front legs are straight and strong with rounded, compact feet. The chest is deep, and the breastbone extends slightly ahead of the legs. The head is large with a broad, flat skull and slight stop. The skull should be approximately the same length as the muzzle and the teeth must meet in a scissors bite. The color of the eyes may vary from hazel to chestnut. Their expression is attentive and intelligent. The muzzle is blunt, and the nose and lips must always be black. The pendant, medium-sized ears are triangular. The long tail reaches to the hocks. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a beautiful tri-color coat (black with rich rust and white markings). The outer coat is no longer than 2 inches (5cm.), and lined with a dense undercoat. Rust markings include a spot over each eye, rust on the cheeks, and on either side of the chest. Symmetrical markings are preferred. The tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle and a large marking on the chest are white. A white collar or patches on the neck are permitted. Any base color other than black is a disqualification.
Interested in Great Swiss Mountain dog?
Great Swiss Mountain dog for saleThe Greater Swiss Mountain dogs' average height is usually between 60 and 72 cm, but bitches are almost always smaller. Their weight is around 60 kg, they need a garden, and much free space. They can be groomed easily, just make sure you look after them regularly. Their life expectancy might be 11 or 12 years.
About health: One study in the United States found that about 98% of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs carry the genes to produce epilepsy. The number of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs that actually have epilepsy is unknown. Other possible health problems are the same as those found in other large, heavy dogs, bloat and hip dysplasia, although the percentage of the breed affected by either ailment is unknown. Puppy buyers should make sure the sire and dam of their puppy have been tested for hip dysplasia, as it is an inherited condition and common in large dogs. However, many amateur breeders and large commercial breeders (that sell puppies in lots to brokers and pet shops) will not do such health tests, as they are expensive; they also may breed the dogs before they are two years old, the earliest age at which tests are done. The Swiss breed club, the Klub für Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde, has had breeding suitability tests that include testing for hip dysplasia since the 1960s, and does not allow dogs that test positive for hip dysplasia to be bred. In the 1980s, they began to test for shoulder dysplasia as well. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, although it has no Code of Ethics for breeders, strongly encourages members to "obtain passing clearances on their breeding stock" on elbows, hips and eyes, and the club maintains a health database.