Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund: A Comprehensive Guide
Is the bond between humans and animals truly unconditional? For many, the answer lies in the unwavering loyalty and companionship offered by the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, a breed whose history is as rich and enduring as its gentle nature.
For those who dedicate themselves to the breeding of these magnificent dogs, its not primarily a pursuit of profit, but a labor of love. It's a commitment that demands time, resources, and a deep-seated passion for the well-being of these animals. Even with lofty breeding aspirations, the dog remains, first and foremost, a cherished life companion, a partner through both the good times and the challenging ones.
Here's a video reference about the breed: [link to video about VSSP from a Czech source].
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog, with its imposing stature and gentle temperament, has captured the hearts of many. They thrive in the company of other animals, lacking a strong prey drive, and rarely display unprovoked aggression. This breed is known for its sensitivity and devotion, characteristics that necessitate considerable attention and care. These dogs yearn to be close to their people, sharing their homes and participating in their lives.
The Swiss Mountain Dog family extends beyond just the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. Several closely related breeds, such as the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, which is born with a naturally bobbed tail, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, known for its tail that curls over its back, all share a common heritage.
For us, the dog is primarily a partner and a friend. Show successes are merely the icing on the cake. Our goal and desire is that our litters primarily produce healthy, beautiful, and well-balanced individuals, conforming to the breed standard.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog's journey into the annals of canine history began when it was first recorded in the Swiss Stud Book (Volume 12). In February 1939, the breed achieved international recognition and was officially acknowledged by the FCI (Fdration Cynologique Internationale).
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog, often referred to as "brutto" or the "Greater Swiss Mountain Dog," is an excellent choice for a large family. These dogs are known for their good nature, patience, and intelligence. They are easily trained and eager to perform any task entrusted to them, making them suitable even for novice dog owners.
The breed is formally recognized by the FCI under standard number [FCI standard number]. The date of publication of the original valid standard is [Date of Publication].
Originally bred as watchdogs and draft animals, today, they also serve as companion dogs, protectors, and family members. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog (German: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog) is, after the Saint Bernard, the largest of the Swiss mountain dogs. This breed is very old, known since the Middle Ages. They were used for pulling, carrying, and guarding in villages.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is an excellent choice for a large family. They are known for their good nature, patience, and intelligence. They are easily trained and eager to perform any task entrusted to them. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is friendly, devoted, and balanced.
They have a wonderful character and temperament, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. They are intelligent, easy to learn, and enjoy working with people. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, massive dog with a strong skeleton and excellent musculature. Despite their powerful build, they are agile.
Their coat is short and thick, in a tricolor pattern (black, brown, white). The Great Swiss Mountain Dog will be a great friend to active people, enjoying close contact with people. They also serve as excellent watchdogs, deterring intruders with their impressive appearance.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a very good family dog, provided that you teach it gentleness from puppyhood. The "Atlas" is supplemented with personal experiences of owners and offers of dogs from shelters. Choose your new friend wisely. Loyal to one family, distrustful of others.
Here is the information regarding the breed:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Name | Great Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) |
| Also Known As | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Group | Working Group |
| Height | Dogs: 25.5-28.5 inches (65-72 cm) at the withers; Bitches: 23.5-26.5 inches (60-68 cm) at the withers |
| Weight | 60-85 pounds (27-38 kg) |
| Coat | Double coat; short, dense, and of medium length |
| Color | Tricolor: Black, white, and rust (brown) |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, devoted, intelligent, eager to please, good-natured, confident, watchful |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Grooming | Regular brushing |
| Health Concerns | Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), osteosarcoma |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Ideal Environment | Family home with a yard; adaptable to various climates |
| Good With Children | Yes |
| Good With Other Pets | Generally, yes |
| FCI Standard Number | 45 |
| Reference Website | FCI Official Website |
The initial registration of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog in the Swiss Stud Book occurred, marking a crucial step in the preservation and standardization of the breed. In February 1939, this dog achieved international recognition, solidifying its place in the world of purebred canines.
As working farm dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs naturally needed to coexist harmoniously with other animals on the farm. Furthermore, the ideal dog for farm life had to be robust, healthy, and undemanding regarding feeding, care, and living conditions. They also needed to be intelligent and trainable, easily grasping and performing tasks.
The origins of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog can likely be traced back to the large dogs of the ancient Romans. Separate, similar breeds then developed in individual Alpine valleys, distinguished by size, coat type, and tail shape.
Given that the Appenzeller Mountain Dog has a layered coat, care for it is easy, and theres no need for daily brushing. Even after long walks in muddy weather, a towel is usually all thats needed to dry the dog.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, is an impressive and powerful breed that combines strength, loyalty, and a calm nature. Originating in Switzerland, it was traditionally used as a working dog on farms and for pulling carts.
The automatic system assigns your dog after you submit your application. After the deadline, dogs are divided into their respective groups according to a time schedule. The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest representative of the Sennenhund breeds; in terms of similarity to the Entlebucher, its quite the opposite.
The withers height is between 65 and 72 cm for males and 60 and 68 cm for females. The Bernese Mountain Dog, on its own, doesnt engage in much activity, spending most of its time resting and observing its surroundings. However, this changes the moment the owner takes the leash, leading to a walk where the Bernese can move freely and explore its surroundings.
Example from a Great Swiss Mountain Dog breeder: Herkules vom Frsterrain import (German bloodline) mother: Dlk a, dkk 0, ocd negative, class winner.
Hronov's Great Swiss Mountain Dog, a proven kennel, accepts reservations for Great Swiss Mountain Dog puppies.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is undoubtedly a descendant of the original dogs bred in Switzerland. The origin of these dogs goes deep into the past. Given the remoteness of the individual valleys in the Swiss mountains, Switzerland lived more or less apart from world history.
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