Greater Swiss Mountain Poodle

As with most giant breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog doesnt need hours of hard running. Yet he is much more athletic than you might think, so he definitely needs regular moderate exercise.

Pulling a cart or sled is a wonderful productive outlet for his energy, especially when children are involved.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs thrive on your companionship, though their determination to jump up into your face, shove their body against your leg, or slap a massive paw into your lap can be disconcerting.

This vigilant watchdog will sound off in a loud, deep voice to announce visitors – or simply to let you know that your neighbor has stepped outdoors.

Most Swissys are friendly with guests, but some are more wary, and some are shy and spooky. Early and ongoing socialization is essential to develop a stable Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Some Swissys are peaceful with other animals. Others have a high prey drive and arent safe with small animals such as cats, while still others are downright aggressive with strange dogs.

Obedience training should start at three months old and include praise and food. Walking nicely on a leash is an imperative lesson, for these powerful dogs can literally pull you off your feet.

During adolescence when their hormones will kick in, many Swissys, especially males, will start to test your rules. You must respond with assertive, consistent leadership.

Slower to mature (both physically and mentally) than many other breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog remains playfully puppy-like for many years. This sounds delightful, but can wear away your patience when that “puppy” weighs over 100 pounds!

For example, you must control the tendency of this breed to mouth your hands. Similarly, he may try to ingest everything in his path, from sticks to gravel.

Frankly, with all of his special needs, the Greater Swiss is “too much dog” for the average household.

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

Dog training videos. Sometimes its easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.

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Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle Dog Breed Information

A Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle is a cross between a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They are also referred to as a Swissy Mountain Doodle. These dogs are intelligent, loyal to their families, are protective of them, and are affectionate with them.

Greater Swiss Mountain Doodles are loyal and devoted to their families. They are protective of them and enjoy nothing more than spending time with their favorite humans. Although they are hardworking and determined working dogs, they are affectionate family companions as well.

These dogs tend to have sweet natures and playful personalities when they are with their families. They also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective and watchdog tendencies, they are initially wary of strangers. But, as long as they are properly socialized, they warm up quickly to strangers once they are introduced.

Swissy Mountain Doodles are moderately adaptable dogs. They are large dogs with a lot of energy, so they are better suited to larger homes with room for them to run. They are sensitive to heat, but can handle some cold. Because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone.

Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, von Willebrand’s disease, skin conditions, and eye issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents.

As a large dog breed with a barrel chest, the Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle is at risk for bloat. Although bloat can sometimes just be gas, it can lead to gastric torsion, which is dangerous and fatal if not treated. Because of this, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and also what symptoms to look for so you can get help as soon as possible.

Swissy Mountain Doodles are highly intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. They also tend to be sensitive and in tune with their owners, but they can have a stubborn and determined streak that can be a challenge for first-time dog owners.

Even if you don’t need them, puppy training classes can be a great resource and a good activity to do with your puppy. Not only do these classes offer opportunities to socialize a puppy, but they also strengthen your bond and reinforce training.

Although a Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle can sometimes inherit the non-shedding Poodle coat, they could also end up with a coat closer to their Swissy parent. If they have a Swissy coat, they’ll shed year-round and heavier when seasons change. You’ll need to brush them regularly and give them the occasional bath.

If your Swissy Mountain Doodle has a Poodle coat, they may not shed, but you will need to do a lot of maintenance. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming will be needed every 4-6-ish weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Swissy Mountain Doodle’s nails, ears, and teeth. If you’re visiting the groomer regularly, they will be able to take care of some it, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits.

Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis and carefully cleaning ears as needed helps prevent ear infections. As for dental care, daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Greater Swiss Mountain Doodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. They will sometimes match their energy level to yours, but will not maintain a lower activity level for long.

Daily walks plus playtime and other activities are usually enough for this dog. But, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure you are keeping things low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damage to developing bones and joints.

A fully-grown Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle usually stands 22-28 inches tall and can weigh 40-100+ pounds depending on which parent they take after more.

A Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle generally lives for 8-11 years.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Poodle (Standard) Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog History

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog which is also known as the Swissy is one of the oldest breeds of dog to come from Switzerland. Being that they are an older breed, it is hard to know their exact origins, but they more than likely descended from large, Mastiff-like dogs. These large dogs were more than brought to the Alps by invading Roman Legions. Like most dog breeds and certainly the larger ones, their ancestors were working dogs. They worked as herding, guard, and draft dogs. They helped their families out on the farms. At one time they were probably the most popular breed in that area. As technology has increased, the need for them has obviously decreased somewhat. They have been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), since 1995. They are a member of the working group.

Poodle (Standard) History

The Poodle originally came from Germany, just like the Rottweiler. So, this is a German sucker. The other names it goes by are the Pudelhund or the Caniche. What this is referring to is the Standard Poodle. They were initially bred for collecting waterfowl for hunters. They are known for being extremely intelligent as well as very good swimmers. Their funky haircuts came about to make them more buoyant in the water. While there are three sizes of Poodle they are not individual breeds just small Poodles bred to get small Papillon Poodles. They are hypo-allergenic so are good for families with allergies and are highly intelligent and eager to please which means they are good at training and learning. They are loyal and good natured dogs but highly energetic so need a lot of stimulation and exercise.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Poodle (Standard) Mix Size and Weight

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Height: 24-28 inches at the shoulder Weight: 110 – 150 lb. Lifespan: 10-11 years

Poodle (Standard) Height: 18 – 24 inches at the shoulder Weight: 45 – 70 lb. Lifespan: 12 – 15 years

FAQ

Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs?

A fully-grown Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle usually stands 22-28 inches tall and can weigh 40-100+ pounds depending on which parent they take after more. A Greater Swiss Mountain Doodle generally lives for 8-11 years.

How rare are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

Greater Swiss mountain dogs are extra-large pups who often top 100 pounds. Their energetic, outgoing, and friendly nature makes Swissies excellent family dogs.