4 Fun Facts About Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

two greater swiss mountain dog puppies in a basket

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant dog breed. They are loyal dogs that are devoted to their families and tend to make a great family dog. Here are a few more facts about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs:

1. Their Origin Story is Based on Theory

Although we know that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog and originated in the Swiss Alps, their ancestry is still somewhat unknown. The most popular theory is that they are also a descendant of the Molosser, which was an ancient Mastiff-type dog that the Romans used as war dogs.

As the theory goes, the Molosser was brought into the area when the Romans invaded. Over centuries, they were crossed with dogs indigenous to the region, which resulted in several modern dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered to be one of them.

2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Were All-Purpose Farm Dogs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was developed as a breed to work on Swiss farms. Their large size, hardworking nature, and athleticism made them a fantastic all-purpose farm dog.

They were commonly found guarding, protecting, and herding livestock. They were also used to pull carts to market. Swissies, as they are sometimes called, can often be found competing in cart-pulling competitions today.

3. They Tend to be Fantastic Family Companions

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are hardworking and focused working dogs, but they also tend to be fantastic family companions. They are loyal, devoted, and dependable dogs that are family-oriented, which often means they get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets that are members of the family.

They do have a natural instinct to guard and protect, which makes them initially suspicious of strangers. However, as long as they have been properly socialized Swissies will be welcoming and friendly to non-threatening strangers who have been invited into the home or they have been introduced to outside of the home.

4. You May Need Puppy Training Classes

Although the Swissy is a highly intelligent dog that can pick up on things quickly and can be eager to please, they can also be stubborn. They are also known to be determined, and what they are determined to do may not always be aligned with what you want them to do. This is especially true if they haven’t been given a job to do as they will often find their own job if you don’t provide them with one.

Additionally, they can be quite boisterous when they are young. Because of this, they may be a better fit for more experienced owners. If you are a novice or first-time dog owner, you may need puppy training classes to make sure you can keep training interesting and consistent for your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy.

These are just a few facts about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them to make sure they are a good fit for you. Then, check out the available Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies for sale. You could end up finding your new best friend!