Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Strong, loyal, and affectionate, this breed thrives as a devoted family companion and reliable watchdog. Distinctive tricolor markings add to its striking, sturdy presence.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
65–72 cm (male)
60–68 cm (female)
WEIGHT
54–63 kg (male)
48–54 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
8–11 years
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for its gentle, loyal, and confident temperament, often forming strong bonds with family members and displaying a calm, stable demeanor.
Key Personality Traits
Warm and welcoming with family and strangers
Learns commands quickly, eager to please
Moderate exercise needs, not overly hyper
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts to change with some initial hesitation
Strengths
- Loyal to family and children
- Strong work ethic and stamina
- Tolerates cold weather very well
- Generally good-natured and calm
- Effective watchdog with alert instincts
Challenges
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- Needs ample daily exercise and space
- Can be stubborn during training
- High risk for bloat and gastric issues
- Sheds heavily, especially seasonally
Protect your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly but may show some independent thinking, requiring consistent, patient training and clear guidance to achieve the best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require moderate daily exercise and mental stimulation, benefiting from walks, play, and activities that engage both their mind and body to prevent boredom and promote well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced training and strong leadership
Apartment Living
Large size and activity needs make apartments unsuitable
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with daily exercise and outdoor activities
Kids
Gentle nature and patience suit homes with young children
Multiple Pets
Usually gets along if socialized early with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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