Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Sensible, friendly and smart
Swisses 101
Working groupThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one the giant Swiss breeds developed as Alpine farm and cart dogs. Today, these gentle dogs are a popular breed with families who have some room. They are intelligent, eager to please and relatively easy to train.
What we love about Swisses
Gentle giant makes a great companion
While Swissies may once have guarded their homes and people, today they are usually friendly to all. They are good with other family pets and adore children. Early socialization and manners training are necessary to prevent pulling on the leash as adults. They are perfect for active families, especially those who enjoy outdoor winter recreation.
Energy level
Energy level: 50% (Moderate)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 23 to 27.5 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Moderate (50%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 23 to 27.5 inches
- Lifespan
- 8 to 11 years
- Weight
- 85 to 140 lbs
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog stands 23 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs 85 to 140 lbs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a lifespan of 8 to 11 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get?
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs stand 23 to 27.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 85 and 140 pounds.
- How long do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs live?
- The average lifespan of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 8 to 11 years.
- Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good for first-time dog owners?
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs bark a lot?
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Greater Swiss Mountain Dog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Mid-life Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures poses very high risk.
- Seizures
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- Moderate Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Moderate Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Senior Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Seizures and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Seizures
- Very High Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Very High Risk
Swiss puppy
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis pose very high risk.
- Urinary tract infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis
- Very High Risk
Young adult Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
As Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion and Seizures are at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- High Risk
- Seizures
- High Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Mid-life Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures poses very high risk.
- Seizures
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- Moderate Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Moderate Risk
Senior Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Senior Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Seizures and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.
- Arthritis
- Very High Risk
- Seizures
- Very High Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Very High Risk
Swiss puppy
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis pose very high risk.
- Urinary tract infection
- Very High Risk
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis
- Very High Risk
Young adult Swiss
Risk level for common Swiss conditions
As Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion and Seizures are at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- High Risk
- Seizures
- High Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 1 year)
- Urinary tract infection: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Conjunctivitis: Very High Risk
- Young Adult (1 year to 4 years)
- Foreign body ingestion: High Risk, Seizures: High Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
- Seizures: Very High Risk, Skin cancer: Moderate Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Moderate Risk
- Senior (8+ years)
- Arthritis: Very High Risk, Seizures: Very High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Very High Risk
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was used to develop the Saint Bernard and the Rottweiler.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog coat care and colors
As befitting a breed originating from the Swiss Alps, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a downy undercoat and a short, weather-resistant overcoat. While the breed sheds all the time, the Swissie sheds most heavily in spring and fall, and because of their size, that means a lot of fur. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding significantly. Acclimate to nail trims early to prevent struggles down the line. Some Swissies drool.
How often should I bathe my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
How often should I bathe my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
What type of coat does my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have?
What type of coat does my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have?
How often should I brush my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
How often should I brush my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Swiss exercise & training
Swiss fun facts
Top girl names for Swisses
of Swisses are female
of Swisses are male
Top boy names for Swisses
Nationwide loves Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Swisses
Best. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free