How big do Swiss mountain dogs get? Surprising Answer

They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient.

“Taylor the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at 4 and a half years old—dhe receives two hours of off-leash park play a day. When she is not at the park, she is roaming the house, barking at anything that passes a window, esp. squirrels. She is extremely friendly to all creatures, but will more often greet an owner over his or her dog. The only thing she loves in this world more than love and affection is food. Anyone with a treat is her new best friend.”

Taylor the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog as a puppy at 9 weeks old laying down in the grass chewing on a stick.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was developed in the Alps of Switzerland, descending from the Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago. The largest and oldest of the four Sennenhund Breeds, which include the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzell Cattle Dog and the Entlebuch Cattle Dog. All four of these dogs have the same colors and markings but are different sizes. Used as draft dogs, guarding and herding livestock and as a farm sentinel, their popularity as a draft dog led to the nickname, “the poor mans horse.” The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may have contributed to the development of the St. Bernard. The breed almost became extinct in the late 1900s as machines and other breeds replaced the dogs in their work. Dr. Albert Heim, who was an expert of the Sennenhund breeds, rediscovered the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1908 while he was judging a dog show, and began to encourage breeders to take interest in them. His efforts resulted in the re-establishment of the breed. The GSMDs were first imported to the USA in 1967, but are still rare even in Switzerland. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1995. The GSMDs talents are tracking, watchdog, guarding, carting and competitive obedience.

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