Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Like every breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive reinforcement and a careful, gentle approach.
• Start socialisation early and keep it going.
• Teach good manners around people and other animals, as their size and long puppyhood can get them into trouble.
• Work on a solid recall so they can enjoy time off the lead.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends testing breeding dogs for hip dysplasia under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

• Elbow dysplasia

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends testing breeding dogs for elbow dysplasia under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus

  Purina lists gastric dilatation volvulus as a condition the breed is prone to.

• Epilepsy

  A condition in which abnormal brain activity leads to seizures.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.