Sunstone Swissy Club
Breed Information
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, the others being the Berner (Bernese Mountain Dog), Appenzeller and Entlebucher. Historically, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog assisted farmers and herdsmen with daily chores, such as pulling carts and keeping a watchful eye over livestock. Today the Swissy, as it is known to its friends, is primarily a family dog, though the working dog aptitude remains strong. As a family pet, the Swissy is noted for its gentle nature, great loyalty, and wonderful disposition toward children.
Through careful breeding and selection of imports, the breed has shown steady growth since its introduction to the U.S in 1968. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. was formed in 1971 to promote the sound breeding, welfare, and wider recognition of the breed. In 1985, the GSMD was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC, and was granted full recognition in the Working Group in July of 1995.
The ancestors of the Swissies are of the types that were often found throughout Central Europe, especially on farms and isolated areas. They were frequently described as butchers' or slaughters' dogs. This was in part because they were used to pull carts and assist the butcher with his work. These dogs were strong, tri-colored and sometimes black and tan. They were popular with butchers, cattle dealers, manual workers and of course the farmer. This was due in part to the dogs' desire to work and their ability to function in this capacity. Even today we see this strong working dog drive along with the form and function to get the job done.
Some Swissies have very strong working dog drives. Some are great herders, while others have a strong prey drive, pulling drive, protective/guardian drive, and companion drive. All of these working abilities made this dog a great all-purpose farm dog and reserved its' place in history! It is important to note that even today; many Swissies have a natural working dog drive and temperament.
Today the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is loved for its calm, even temperament and ability to be a family dog as well as a working dog. A Swissy is happy as a working dog and does have the temperament of a working dog. They do require much training and socialization. This is a strong breed and should be under control at all times. They love attending obedience classes and desire to please their master.
We recommend that you also view the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America web site.