greater swiss mountain dog puppy
Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will clear. You can check CHICs website to see if a breeders dogs have these certifications. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). The Greater Swiss mountain dog, thanks to his drafting lineage, is strong and capable of pulling carts loaded with 3,000 pounds or more. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Greater Swiss mountain dogs are gentle giants. Most people who love Swissies love all Swissies. Hes a great hiking companion and can excel in activities such as agility, drafting (pulling a cart or wagon), herding, obedience, rally or tracking. "This, combined with their intelligence, also means they love to play. The Swissy has a dense outer coat, about one to two inches in length, and a thick undercoat. So it's a good idea to stay on top of a brushing and bathing routine. In 1968, J. Frederick and Patricia Hoffman imported the first Swissies to the U.S. Nail trims and teeth brushing should also be a part of the Swissie's care routine. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Teach your child never to approach any dog while they're sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away. And take note: Swissies don't handle heat very well, and they prefer to be inside with the AC blasting during those sizzling hot summer days. The Swissy remained a European breed until 1968, when some were imported to the United States. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. 2001-2022 Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. That said, many dogs can be smaller or larger than average. Level of health issues a breed tends to have. Any time they are outside, they need access to plenty of shade and fresh, cool water. Though they aren't the best marathon partners, they'll always be down for a neighborhood walk or scenic hike. Don't let their size intimidate you: The Greater Swiss mountain dog temperament is friendly, good-natured, and confident. Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Swissy. Keep your Swissy in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. A typical Swissie is happy to go on hikes, run around a ranch, or even do some agility exercises, Ellis says. Those dogs conducted their own invasion of the local canine gene pool, and one of the results was the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a large, shorthaired farm dog used for herding flocks, guarding the property, and pulling carts. Dog puppy varies depending on the breeders locale, whether the pup is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isnt exactly what you expected. Handle their paws frequently--dogs are touchy about their feet--and look inside their mouth. Red flags include over availability, multiple litters on the premises, a choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. In 1908, a canine researcher named Albert Heim spotted two dogs at a Swiss Kennel Club jubilee, listed as "short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs." For more on feeding your Swissy, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. This easygoing, gentle giant was bred to guard and herd livestock. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. That means your alert and perceptive Greater Swiss mountain dog will proudly assume watchdog duties, alerting his owners with a loud bark if something seems amiss. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat. Don't wait until he is six months old to begin training, or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when they're an adult. Swissy dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. The Swissy was bred to work and likes to have a job to do. These include: How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? RELATED: How to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy Relationship With Pets, "Swissies are a friendly breed, meaning that they may struggle with extended periods of time alone, particularly when they are young," she says. **All dogs are individuals. Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. A home with a fenced yard is ideal. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. The good-natured Swissy generally enjoys the company of other dogs and loves to play rough and rambunctious. They usually hauled the heavy cans of milk in pairs, so it was common to see two of them hooked up to a cart. Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. Some Swiss Mountain Dogs will chase small animals. The rest is basic care. Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. In states with puppy lemon laws, be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995. Health problems that have been seen in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs include hip and Profile treatment of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog wears red collar and sits in grassy on sunny day, Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog lays on dock near body of water, Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog portrait against blue sky, Two Greater Swiss Mountain dogs walk down paved street, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy looks up at photographer sweetly, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy stands on fallen log. As in any breed, dogs of the same sex who haven't been spayed or neutered may not tolerate each another. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Teach them that bumping, chasing, and tackling children is not OK. This, combined with their intelligence, also means they love to play.". please install the latest version of Flash. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. All Rights Reserved. Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise. Choose a breeder who has agreed to abide by the GSMDCAs They should not be shy or aggressive toward strangers or other dogs. They're also low-maintenance, as their short fur is easy to care for with routine brushing and bathing. Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" But if you use crates and stick to a good housetraining routine, your Swissy will grasp the general concept of housetraining within a week or two of arriving at their new home. All rights reserved. While lots of mastiff-type dogs are known for drooling, the Swissy isnt one of them. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out as many problems as possible. In general, plan to give him a long walk daily or several short walks throughout the day, avoiding strenuous exercise when its hot outside. Whatever you want from a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. They were nicknamed. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. These days, the Greater Swiss is primarily a family companion or show dog, beloved for his gentle, easygoing temperament. Powered by Brightspot. Breed isn't the only factor. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and. Greater Swiss mountain dog breeders' standards call for a short black coat with white and red markings, but they may also come in blue, white, and tan tri-color, according to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America. Remember that after youve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a short, easy care coat. Clean the ears and trim the nails as needed, and bathe the Swissy when hes dirty to keep his tricolor coat gleaming. Originally bred to herd cattle, pull carts, and serve as a watchdog, the modern Swissy likes to have jobs to do. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Heres what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. The Swissy is prone to overheating. And although both dogs are good-natured, family-oriented pets, the Swissie is a bit more alert and watchful, while the Bernese is calmer and more likely to greet strangers like they're part of his own family. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. Some breeds sound off more often than others. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue Foundation! This procedure can also be done as a preventive measure. Early socialization is key to curtailing their loud, low-pitched bark. First, look down at your dog. All rights reserved. The flips side is that they're prone to heatstroke. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. The breed nearly disappeared as farmers and shopkeepers began using motorized vehicles and other labor-saving devices that didnt require a dog. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. Swissies worked in remote mountain passes where they specialized in hauling loads of meat and dairy with dog carts and assumed roles like herding dogs to move dairy cattle. Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. "They do shed some, but otherwise don't require much grooming," Ellis says. Fans of the breed affectionately call these dogs Swissy. Even though they are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by. The Greater Swiss Mountain dog breed was developed to be an all-around working dog, herding cattle, pulling carts, and standing guard. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts - Dogtime, monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc", See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living, See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners, Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather, See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers, Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Otherwise, he might develop undesirable behaviorslike barking at neighbors or the mail man. Keeping him on a leash and within a fenced space is important: Because of his high prey drive from his history on Swiss farms, he can have a tendency to take off after unsuspecting squirrels. There are several theories as to the Swissy's origins. The Greater Swiss mountain dog is currently ranked by the AKC as the 74th most popular breed in the U.S. Although theyre very affectionate and playful, theyre also large dogs, and not well suited for novice owners. Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? The long march to maturity also means that the Swissy does not housetrain as quickly as some breeds. Not every Swissy will get all or even any of these conditions, but knowing about them beforehand will help you in your search for a breeder. In 1968 the first Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were brought to the US, and soon after, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America formed. They excel in obedience, agility, and conformation competitions and do well in drafting, weight pulling, herding, pack hiking, and versatility. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. You should be able to see a waist. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear. Because of their bold personality, Swissy dogs do best with owners who can be kind, yet confident, leaders. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Swissies are notorious for eating socks, dish towels, and other items that can cause intestinal blockages. Thats why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation (show), and, ideally, working titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. This strength means these dogs require training from an early age so they can learn to not let their pulling tendencies take over. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability (not trainability). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Due to their large size and their energy, Greater Swiss mountain dogs tend to do best in a home with a yard they can romp around in, Ellis says, and they're a good match for an active family. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. A shedding blade will come in handy to remove the shedding hair, and additional brushing during that time will help keep loose hairs off your floor, furniture, and clothing. Now, as for housetraining: while every dog is different, Swissy fans say that the breed generally takes to housetraining slowly. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch. Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed or who promote the dogs as being good with kids.. Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs available on Petfinder across the country). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly. The Swissy enjoys the attention and company of youngsters if given plenty of exposure to them beginning in puppyhood, and the kids are taught to treat the dog with care and respect. Theres no 100% guaranteed way to make sure youll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation.
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