Also called Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Grand Bouvier Suisse, Great Swiss Mountain Dog, Swissy
A good-natured, people-loving giant that is calm and dignified at home yet watchful and confident.
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Weight | 36 to 64 kg (79 to 141 lb)males 41 to 64 kg, females 36 to 50 kg12 |
| Height | 60 to 72 cm (24 to 28 in)males 65 to 72 cm, females 60 to 69 cm341 |
| Lifespan | 8 to 11 years1 |
| Coat | Short-to-medium double coat |
| Origin | Switzerland (Swiss Alps)31 |
| Group | FCI group 2 |
A typical home-care rhythm for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
No breed-specific rule names the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Moderate daily exercise. It enjoys drafting (cart pulling), hiking, herding, obedience, agility, tracking and weight pulling.25
The short coat is simple to keep, but it sheds all year with heavier seasonal sheds once or twice a year, so regular brushing helps.12
Needs room to move but not necessarily a large estate; a home with a garden and daily outings suits it.1
Very social; thrives when included in everyday family life and does not like being left out.21
Descended from farm dogs of the Swiss Alps used to herd, guard and pull carts, the breed had nearly disappeared by 1900. Professor Albert Heim spotted two short-coated examples at a 1908 show and championed them, leading to Swiss recognition in 1909 and a breed club in 1912. The first dogs reached the USA in 1968.361
Its pulling power earned it the nickname 'the poor man's horse'.2
It is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds.1
The US breed club calls it the oldest Swiss breed and credits it with a role in the early development of the St. Bernard and Rottweiler.5
The Swiss Army used these dogs as draft animals during the Second World War.6
In the 19th century they were often called 'Metzgerhunde', or butcher's dogs.6
I’m a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and today I helped my human haul firewood with my cart. After that, we hiked up the hill where I leaned into her legs and sniffed the crisp alpine air. Back home, I flopped on the cool floor, watching the kids play. At dinner, I rested my heavy head on a lap, thumping my tail. Life is good when you’re loved and useful.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Swissies are very food-motivated, so treats are great for training, but watch portions carefully as overfeeding can cause obesity and digestive upset. Choose low-calorie chews and brush their teeth regularly, as they are prone to dental disease. For any health concerns, ask your vet.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times, such as morning and evening, helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.7
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.8
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect its double coat.9 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog every few days to keep its short double coat healthy, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Regular brushing helps control the year-round shedding and keeps the coat shiny.12 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.9 Pet Wiki plan
This breed needs moderate daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, or hiking. It also enjoys activities like cart pulling, herding, and agility. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.25 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your dog's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, and aim for daily brushing ideally. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.9 Pet Wiki plan
The typical lifespan of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 8 to 11 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a full, happy life within that range.1
Yes, this breed is good-natured, people-loving, and bonds closely with its family, including children and other pets when properly socialized. It is calm and dignified at home, making it a wonderful companion for a busy household.3412
This very social breed thrives on being included in everyday family life and does not like being left out. It can be left alone for short periods, but long hours alone may cause distress. A good breeder or vet can help you plan for its social needs.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Saint Bernard
Rottweiler