Gross Sennenhund or Great Swiss Mountain Dog

A devoted and loving companion who is a good protector. He seeks to win the favor of his masters. From the dog you can bring up a beautiful guard, as the breed is characterized by special vigilance.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog is an excellent bodyguard. This dog will bravely rush on the intruders, defending its owner.

A bit of history

Great Swiss Mountain Dog is an ancient breed. Its history is two thousand years. It is likely that the ancestor of this dog was the Tibetan Mastiff. Phoenicians brought the dog to Europe. And then with the legions of the Romans, he quickly spread across the continent. In the course of natural breeding, he gave rise to almost all modern Molossian breeds.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (the photo you see in our article) has a dense, but not flabby body with a broad chest, muscular legs and a heavy hanging tail.

Wool and color

The coat of these animals is of medium length, with a thick undercoat. The standard allows the dog and short hairs, but if they have an undercoat. The basic color of the covering wool is black with brown tan and white spots.

The basement is located on the cheeks, on the ears, above the eyes, on the sides of the chest, on the legs and on the tail. On the head there are white markings (protochina). In addition, they can be seen on the face, chest, neck (United), legs. Sometimes they can be observed at the tip of the tail. There must be a black stripe between the groove and the spots above the eyes. The standard allowed white collar or white speck on the neck.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very capable dog. She is intelligent, attentive. This dog learns easily, quickly learns many commands and can perform various tasks.

But the distinctive feature of these animals is their inseparable connection with man. Communication with the owner for them is a necessary need. Starting with puppy age, the little-footed little baby follows the man — the leader of the pack that he has recognized. Such affection stays with your pet for life.

When you start teaching your puppy to walk on a leash, it will be enough for him to just explain which way to go - he will never resist again. This dog would never think of moving away from the owner (for his own business). In the House of the Mountain Dog does not cause any trouble.

"Swiss", unlike many breeds, will not become a dog of one person, which is tied only to the owner. True, he can select the person who gives him the most attention. He generously gives his affection to all family members. He unquestioningly obeys and allows himself to control several people. But such a result can be achieved with proper and consistent education.

Beautiful and intelligent, bold and affectionate big Swiss Mountain Dog, whose photo often adorns the covers of animal magazines, was born to live with a person, to cooperate with him.

These are dogs that can not be left alone in the yard - they should always feel like family members. For you, even a very small puppy will leave all his fun and interests. Their most important feature is the amazing ability to love without limit!

Grooming

Sennenhundy strongly shed, and this process continues throughout the year. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the dog's coat carefully and regularly, especially during the period of the greatest molt.

When moulting is moderate, it is enough to wash out the mountain dog once a week, and possibly once in two weeks.

Do not be afraid to cut off areas of tangled or heavily soiled wool that cannot be cleaned of dirt, but you should not do this all the time.

Sennenhundy does not require great physical exertion, as, indeed, many other large working dogs.

The best kind of physical activity, which is quite suitable for a mountain dog, is long walks (or light slow jogs).

Great Swiss Mountain Dog - owner reviews

If you need a faithful and devoted friend, a cheerful and attentive family member, an affectionate and caring nurse, then you need a “Swiss”.

This is the opinion of all the owners of these amazing animals. Puppies of the big Swiss mountain dog will not leave anyone indifferent. They are the pride of the owner. The owners of these dogs love their beautiful pets for intelligence, kindness. But, probably, most of all - for their ability to give their love to everyone around them.

Breed history

It is difficult to say about the origin of the breed, since development took place when there were no written sources yet. In addition, they were kept by farmers living in remote areas. But, some data is still preserved.

It is known that they appeared in the region of Bern and Durbach and are related to other breeds: the large Swiss, Appenzeller Zenennhund and Entlebucher.

They are known as Swiss Shepherd Dogs or Mountain Dogs and vary in size and length of coat. There are disagreements among experts as to which group they belong to. One refers them to the Moloss, others to the Volco-Moloss, and the third to the Schnauzer.

Shepherd dogs lived in Switzerland for a long time, but when the Romans seized the country, they brought with them the Molossus, their fighting dogs. A popular theory is that local dogs intersect with the Molossians and Sennenhundas. This is most likely true, but all four breeds are significantly different from the Molossian type and other breeds also took part in their formation.

Pinchers and schnauzers have lived in German-speaking tribes since time immemorial. They hunted for pests, but also served as guard dogs. Little is known about their origin, but most likely they migrated with the ancient Germans throughout Europe.

When Rome fell, these tribes seized territories that once belonged to the Romans. So, the dogs got into the Alps and mixed with the locals, as a result, there is an admixture of Pinschers and Schnauzers in the blood of the Mountain Dogs, from which they inherited a tricolor color.

Since the Alps are difficult to access, most Sennenhundi developed in isolation. They are similar to each other, and most experts agree that everyone is descended from a large Swiss mountain dog. Initially, they were intended to protect livestock, but over time, predators were knocked out, and shepherds taught them to manage livestock.

The Dogs coped with this task, but the peasants did not need such large dogs only for these purposes. In the Alps, few horses, because of the terrain and the small amount of food, and large dogs were used in the transport of goods, especially on small farms. Thus, the Swiss Shepherd Dogs served people in all possible guises.

Most of the valleys in Switzerland are isolated from each other, especially before the advent of modern transport. There were many different types of Mountain Dogs, they were similar, but in different areas they were used for different purposes and differed in size and long hair. At one time there were dozens of species, albeit under one name.

At the beginning of the 20th century it was believed that only three breeds survived: Bernese, Appenzeller and Entlebucher. A gross mountain dog was considered extinct, but at the same time, Albert Heim began work on the rescue of the surviving representatives of the breed. Dr. Game gathered around himself the same fanatically loving people and began to standardize the breed.

In 1908, Franz Shentreleb showed him two large short-haired puppies, which he considered to be Bern. Game identified them as surviving large Swiss zenehundov and began to look for other members of the breed.

A part of modern Sennenhuds has been preserved only in remote cantons and villages, mainly around Bern. In recent years, the number of disputes has increased, as rarely were large zenehundy in those years. Geim himself believed that they were on the verge of extinction, although small populations remained in the wilderness.

The efforts of Heim and Shentreleb for the rescue of the breed were crowned with success, and already in 1909 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the breed and contributed it to the stud book, and in 1912 the first breed lovers club was created. Since Switzerland did not participate in either the First or the Second World War, the dog population did not suffer either.

However, the army was preparing for hostilities and used these dogs, as they could work in the harsh conditions of the mountains. This increased interest in the breed and by the end of World War II there were about 350-400 dogs.

Big gross similar to other Mountain Dogs, especially Bernese. But, it differs in massive sizes. Males at the withers reach 65-72 cm, females 60-69 cm. Although the standard of breed weight is unlimited, usually males weigh from 54 to 70 kg, females from 45 to 52 kg. Very large, they are not as dense and massive as mastiffs, but with the same broad chest. The tail is long and straight when the dog is relaxed is located below the back line.

The head and face of a large Swiss Mountain Dog is similar to other molossian breeds, but it does not have such sharp features. The head is large, but in harmony with the body. The skull and the muzzle are of approximately equal length, the muzzle is clearly distinguished and ends with a black nose. Stop sharp, the muzzle itself is wide. The lips are slightly saggy, but do not form fleas. The eyes are almond-shaped, in color from brown to brown. Ears of medium size, triangular in shape, hang down along the cheeks. The overall impression of the breed: friendliness and calm.

The main difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and gross gross dog in wool. It is double and well protects the dog from the cold of the Alps, the undercoat is thick and the color should be as dark as possible. The core coat is of medium length, sometimes short, from 3.2 to 5.1 mm in length.

Color is critical for gross Zennukhund, black dogs with rich and symmetrical spots are allowed by the clubs. The dog should have a white spot on the face, a symmetrical spot on the chest, white paw pads and the tip of the tail. Scorch tan on cheeks, above the eyes, on both sides of the chest, under the tail and on the paws.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog has a different character, depending on the breeding line. Nevertheless, properly educated and trained these dogs are stable and predictable. They are known for their tranquility and are not prone to sudden changes in mood. Grosses are very attached to the family and the owner, they want to spend as much time with them as possible. Sometimes they can be too loving and jump on the chest, which is quite noticeable, given the size of the dog.

The main problem from which they can suffer is loneliness and boredom, when the dog spends most of the time on its own. Breeders try to make dogs friendly and friendly and as a result, they treat strangers well. But this applies only to socialized dogs, since by nature they have a strong protective instinct and without socialization they can be both timid and aggressive with strangers.

Large Mountain Dogs are very sensitive and can be excellent watchmen. They bark loud and rolling and one of them is enough to sober up any thief. The downside of this is that they can warn the owner when someone just walks down the street and bark often. They do not like to resort to aggression, but if people are in danger, they will use it without thinking. And these are intelligent dogs that can understand when things are serious, and when just a game.

Trained and socialized, big zenehundy get along well with children. They not only do not bite, but they also tolerate children's games extremely patiently and play themselves softly. Most owners say they adore children, and children adore them. The only thing for very young children, they can be dangerous purely because of their strength and size, inadvertently knock them down during games.

Breeders tried to breed to be tolerant of other animals. As a result, most of the Gross get along well with other dogs, although they do not crave their company. They get along as if paired with another dog, but also tolerate loneliness. Some males show aggression towards other males, but this is more likely a mistake in training and socialization. Unfortunately, such aggression is dangerous for dogs, as the strength and size will allow a large Zennhund to seriously damage an opponent.

Zennehundy were created to protect livestock and help herders. In general, they are good to other animals and are able to live in the same house with cats, but it all depends on the nature.

The breed is capable and easily trained, they are smart and try to please. They especially like monotonous tasks, such as cargo transportation. Actually, it was one of the tasks in those times when there was no modern transport in the Alps.

However, much of the training depends on the owner’s ability to control his dog, as they need a steady hand. However, they are quite submissive and it is easy for an experienced dog breeder to become the leader of the pack in their eyes. But those who do not control them, will have difficulties in training.

The master must firmly and consistently show that he is in chargebut without shouting and strength. This is not a dominant breed and they fight off at the hands, only if they are allowed. It is best to complete a dog training course, since even small behavioral problems can become huge, given the size of the dog.

Quite easy to clean breed, quite regularly combed. Only it is necessary to take into account that they molt a lot, and twice a year they are also very abundant. At this time, it is desirable to comb daily. If you or your family members are allergic to dog hair, you should think about a different breed. The advantages include the fact that they do not flow saliva, unlike most large dogs.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a much healthier breed than most of its size. However, like other large dogs, their life expectancy is short. Different sources call excellent numbers, from 7 to 11 years, but the average life expectancy is probably 8-9 years. Often they live to 11 years, but extremely rarely longer than this age.

Most often they suffer from distichiaza, an anomaly, in which an additional row of eyelashes appears behind the normally growing eyelashes. This disease occurs in 20% of the gross dogs. However, it is not fatal, although annoying the dog in some cases.

Three times the common disease - urinary incontinence, especially during sleep. Although males also suffer from it, the incontinence is most common in females, and about 17% of them suffer in varying degrees.

Dog Brief

• Other possible names: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Alpine Senenhund, Grand Sennenhund, Gross, Greater Swiss mountain dog, Swiss Senenhund.
• Adult growth: Males grow to 65-72 cm, bitches to 60-68 cm.
• Weight: norm for a dog 60-70 kg, for females 50-60 kg.
• Characteristic color: tricolor.
• Wool length: short, smooth.
• Lifespan: 9-11 years old.
• Breed advantages: good-natured, brave, hardy, intelligent, strong, calm, loyal, love children, do not require grooming.
• The complexity of the breed: are stubborn, live a little.
• Averageprice: a large Swiss Mountain Dog costs between $ 500 and $ 1,500.

The origin of the breed

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog already more than two thousand years. Their ancestors allegedly were great mastiffs who fell into the Alps with the Roman conquerors. Of all four types of Mountain Dogs (Bernese, Swiss, Appenzeller and Entelbuch), it is the Swiss that is considered the oldest and largest breed.

Some believe that this is a failed version of the selection of the Bernese long-haired. But in fact, quite the opposite. It was to the gross that blood of other breeds was grafted. And after the Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized as a separate breed in the 19th century, breeders began to select the largest smooth-haired dogs with large heads, which by that moment were not so many.

Unfortunately, the further formation of the breed occurred mainly through inbreeding (crossing between direct relatives), which somewhat weakened the health of the dogs.

Initially, the breed was called "smooth-haired Bernese Mountain Dog" and under this name even took part in the exhibition, which was held in Langenthal in 1908. But already in 1912, the Great Swiss Dogs Club was founded, which took control of the further breeding of such dogs.

These dogs are so fond of Swiss people that outside the country even mongrel puppies were sold for very big money. They gained such popularity due to the story about one member of the breed, whose name was Barry. He lived at the monastery and once, thanks to his instinct, he saved forty monks from certain death.

In 1939 the breed has officially received recognition by the International Federation of Dog Handlers (FCI). Until 1956, the Swiss remained red with white accents on the chest, paws and head. Then they were crossed with the Berners, who by that time already had a tricolor color due to the intervention of the Newfoundland. Так появился привычный всем, яркий и узнаваемый окрас больших швейцарских собак.

Предназначение породы

Большие швейцарские зенненхунды были очень востребованными. Они охраняли дома фермеров, помогали им пасти отары овец, а также служили тяговыми собаками, таща на себе тяжелую повозку с товаром или пожитками.

It was easy to leave a cart with things on the gross, knowing that the dog would not leave her a single step and would not let anyone near her. The abilities of the tractor were evaluated by the Swiss army. During the Second World War, the Dogs independently delivered bales with ammunition and food from the rear.

Large tricolor Swiss is not in vain considered family dogs. They can faithfully protect the house, be a reliable companion for the whole family, and a caring nurse for children.

Description of the nature of the breed

Incredible loyal and good-natured Great Swiss Mountain Dogs are very smart and obedient. But if they do not want something, then no persuasion or motivation will help. Despite their kindness, these dogs are able to scare away any uninvited guest, warning him with their massive bass. They treat all strangers with caution, but if the host shows joy when meeting a guest, the dog will begin to flinch, waving his tail in a friendly way.

Gross have a stable psyche. They are calm and balanced and they are not characterized by mood swings. They can watch others for a long time and cannot stand loneliness.

How to choose a puppy

Before you go for a puppy, you should be well aware that this cute three-colored toddler will grow up a big dog that needs your attention. If you nevertheless decided on such a step, then first of all, inspect the room in which the mother with puppies is located.

If it is not clean enough, then there is no question of any proper care. So, puppies of a large Swiss Mountain Dog can be weakened and have health problems. They, of course, can go out, but it can take some amount of time and money.

Now pay attention to the puppies themselves:

• They should be moderately well-fed, but not to create the impression of koloboks.
• They should have a smooth and shiny coat, and on soft tummies there should be no signs of irritation.
• Inspect the baby's ears, which should be clean and not have an unpleasant smell.
• Walk your fingers along the ribs of the puppy. If you have found small peas, then this may be a sign of rickets.
• Take a closer look at the gait. The puppy should not limp, and on the paws should not be any growths other than the articular points of growth.

If you like a puppy, and you chose it, then ask the owners about the availability of vaccinations, as well as whether the puppy is swallowed.

Dog Nicknames

As practice shows, in choosing a name, recommendations rarely apply. Owners call their pets names they like, which are sometimes comically combined with the animals themselves. For example, they call the toy terrier Grand, and the St. Bernard, on the contrary, is affectionately called Funtik.

For such a big dog like a Swiss Mountain Dog, proud and majestic names are more suitable. Male can be called Zhigan, Bangor, Caesar, Eustace, Baron, Hard and so on. Whiskey, Salma, Jema, Terra, Greta, Bonnie, Chloe and similar names are suitable for the bitch.

Care and maintenance

Great Swiss Mountain Dog more suitable for private country houses. They feel much more comfortable walking around the yard freely, and an aviary will be out of place in relation to such dogs, and it is better to build a cozy booth for the pet.

If you still decide to have a gross in the apartment, then immediately wean him off barking without much reason. And also instill the dog cleanliness. Up to six months at a time there can be incidents in the form of puddles. Therefore, it is necessary to be patient and persistently explain to the puppy that it is impossible to do this.

Short, but dense and thick wool can protect them from the cold. And also such wool much simplifies care of a dog. You can purchase a special brush, which will play the role of a massager more than a comb. But even in such wool, parasites are infested (ticks and fleas), which must be regularly fought.

Once a week you should clean the dog's ears, if you do not want to treat them through time. Grosses do not need frequent bathing. They love to swimtherefore, in the summer if possible, bring them such pleasure and take the pet to the pond.

Possible health problems

Like any dog, Swiss Mountain Dogs need to be vaccinated, as well as in periodic medication for worms.

It is recommended to even protect or limit the climb on the steps. This disease is incurable and leads to joint deformity, which sometimes causes unbearable pain to the dog. In advanced cases, sometimes even sleep is recommended. Another complex disease is osteochondrosis, i.e. destruction of cartilage tissue.

Gross eyes are also subject to some serious problems. These include cataract and retinal atrophy. Late treatment may threaten the dog to complete blindness.
Unfortunately, there are more serious moments in the health of the Swiss. This is epilepsy and hereditary oncology.

Eating puppy and adult dog

One of the important factors that relate to the care of the pet, is to ensure its balanced and regular meals. For a large Sennenhund to maintain muscle mass in a normal state, at least 40-50% of protein is required, which they can get with meat or by-products.

Gel-forming substances that are found in cartilage are useful for joints. Meat can be any, including chicken and turkey, but not fat. Sometimes you can replace it with fish.

Rump, oatmeal, wheat and buckwheat are more suitable from cereals. Sour-milk products will serve as a source of calcium for the dog. It is also useful to add vegetables to the menu.

Nutrition puppy is slightly different in composition and number of meals from feeding an adult dog. But both kids and adult dogs need the constant presence of a bowl of water.

Briefly about training

As a rule, large Swiss Mountain Dogs are easily trained and quickly learn the lessons. But their stubbornness will require patience and persistence from you. By violent methods you will turn away the dog from yourself, therefore such a manner of education is absolutely not suitable for gross. First of all, become an authority for your dog and take a leadership position.

Such dogs grow up very slowly, and they need a little more lessons to do. But their perseverance and desire to please, as well as your understanding, will help to make a big and well-bred dog out of a Swiss mountain dog. In addition to studying standard commands, you can optionally take special courses with your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Friendliness, good nature and dedication - These are the distinguishing features of a large Swiss Mountain Dog. Intelligence and perseverance help them become obedient students. But sometimes these pupils tend to be stubbornwhich is almost impossible to fight.

In this situation, it is better not to punish the pet, but to show understanding and affection. Strong and durable Swiss with great pleasure ride your child in a cart, and in winter in a sleigh. But until the year they are not recommended heavy loads.

If guests come to you, you can not bother to isolate the gross. It is enough to show kindness to them, and the dog will immediately follow your example. But if you are unhappy with an uninvited guest, then for a start, he will be viciously barked. To other animals, large Mountain Dogs are usually indifferent. But with children they will be happy to play games and pranks.

If you show patience in learning, as well as love, care and affection towards large Swiss Mountain Dogs, then it is difficult to find a more family dog ​​and a reliable and dedicated companion.

Owner reviews

Alexander:

Very suitable for any family dog. She is calm, kind and intelligent. Always close, but never in the way. He loves children very much and can eat with a cat from one bowl. Unpretentious and does not require special care. Here is a brief description of our pet. Highly recommend.

Kristina:

The most beautiful and most devoted and intelligent dog in the world. I am so amazed that such an ideal dog has only one, but a very big drawback. According to statistics, she lives very little. I am afraid to think that I will have to part with her once.

Breed origin

Even historians have not fully figured out where these beautiful dogs came from, but it is believed that among their ancestors there were early mastiffs, Phoenician dogs and ancient butcher dogs. As for the large Swiss Mountain Dogs, then, as a separate breed, they began to develop intensively only in the early 20th century, when at one of the exhibitions Judge Albert Khayyam looked at the two participants and saw in their appearance the similarities with ancient dogs.

Since the species was rather small, breeding work proceeded slowly, the litters consisted of both long-haired and short-haired puppies. Therefore, they both were referred to Bernese Mountain Dogs. When, as a result of the crossing of the Bernz and the big Swiss, the offspring turned out only with short hair, after a while it was possible to achieve a clean breed.

These dogs have experienced both ups and a decline in popularity, and today, in order to acquire a puppy, you will have to make an effort and considerable means.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog breed description

The largest mountain Swiss shepherd has a large size. This is a tall, harmoniously built dog with strong bones. The impressive dimensions do not make the animal awkward, the gross is a very dexterous, agile and hardy dog. Male from female can be distinguished visually growth Males varies between 65-72 cm, females - 60-68 cm.

According to the standard, the breed is described as follows:

1. Large headwide, but not heavy, wedge-shaped, occipital region not pronounced. The forehead is wider than the muzzle, wide, there is a groove, smoothly passing into the nose.
2. Jaws are strong, with tight lips and strong teeth. The bite is correct, according to the type of "scissors". The standard allows for the absence of first and second painters.
3. Nose is large, stands for the jaw line, pigmented with black color. Eyes small size, round shape. Looks wary, carefully. The color of the iris is brown.
4. Ears in the form of a triangle, thickish, adjacent to the head. When the dog is working or concentrating, they rise and turn forward.
5. Body It has a rectangular format, but without extension, proportional. The neck is strong, of medium length, turns into a poorly standing withers.
6. Back straight, with developed muscles, the rib cage descends to the elbows, oval, with a non-convex keel bone. The croup is in line with the shoulders, smoothly moving into the hips. The stomach is tucked up, but without dryness. The skin is well wrapped around the body, does not form folds.
7. Limbs strong, with good, lean muscles, especially on the thighs, strong hocks, the front are wider than the rear. The brushes are large, round shape.
8. Tail thick, preserved natural length, the dog carries it low, at the level of the spine or higher, but does not wrap itself in a ring.

Wool coat and colors

The coat is of medium or short length, the undercoat is thick, abundant, preferably black, but it may be gray. All puppies, including the big Swiss, have a bright color - a symmetrical tricolor.

The main tone is black, there are marks: the tips of the limbs and tail are white, the same spots are on the neck and chin, the mark in the form of the letter T on the muzzle, the separating groove is white. As well as patches of saturated red or reddish-brown hue on the superciliary arches, cheekbones, cheeks, inside of the ears, in the shoulders, upper part of the tail from the inside, on the extremities.

It is important that the markings contrast with the rest of the coat color. It is unacceptable that the spots above the sockets and the T-shaped white zone merge.

Character gross

Naturally, all dogs are different and the character is influenced by various factors, for example, the line of breeding, culling, individual characteristics, etc. But if we talk about educated, trained in large Swiss Mountain Dogs, they have a stable psyche and behave predictably.

These dogs are calm, they have no inclination for a sudden change of mood. Grosses are very attached to the owner and family members, they like to spend time with the family. You can suffer from the lovingness of such a large pet, as the gross is capable of jumping onto the chest with joy. Such behavior must be stopped even in puppy age.

It is not recommended to leave the dog alone for long, longing for the owner and boredom can negatively affect the behavior and character of the animal. Experienced breeders pay special attention to the correction of the behavior of their pets, and dogs are friendly and friendly to outsiders. But without early socialization, their strong protective instinct can manifest itself, some of the gross become overly vicious, while others become cowardly.

Of the large Mountain Dogs are excellent watchmen - vigilant and sensitive. Most often, ill-wishers need to hear their loud, rolling barking, so that they would leave the thought of invading another's territory. But there is a negative side to this behavior - grosses can bark at any sounds - by passing people, passing vehicles, etc.

Such a pet reacts aggressively only when there is a real threat, its balance and composure allow, before acting, to assess the situation.

A pet that has been trained and socialized will get along well with children. He is very careful in communication, will not snap if the child accidentally hurt him. The owners confirm that the Dogs are crazy about children and love to be close to them. But when dealing with babies, a large animal can drop a crumb, so do not leave them alone.

For breeders it is important that such large dogs treat their fellows as tolerantly as possible. Sennenhundy able to get along with another dog, but can perfectly do without such a company. Males tend to dominate, which often manifests itself in the form of aggression against other males. But such behavior suggests insufficient or improper upbringing and the absence of the necessary socialization.

Training

Swiss mountain shepherd dogs are highly trained, as they have high intelligence and love to please the owner. They are able to perform monotonous, monotonous tasks, for example, to transport cargo. There is nothing surprising in this - once in the Alps, these dogs were successfully used as a force for the dogs.

However, the success of dressing depends largely on the owner - he must have a firm hand and control the actions of the pet. But this will not be a problem if the person has experience and knows how to show the dog that he is the leader. The owner without experience may have problems - the dog will try to dominate.

During training, you can not shout, show brute force, the owner must be confident, collected and focused. The dog should receive clear commands, and after doing - deserved praise.

Having missed the moment of upbringing, the owner may not notice how the pet has become a leader. In this case, he will not respect the master, to obey and perform tasks. Therefore, if difficulties arise, you should seek professional help.

Care and health

These beauties need routine grooming procedures:

1. Combing wool - Grosses have a short coat with a soft undercoat that sheds twice a year. At usual times, it is sufficient to brush the wool with a stiff brush once a week, during the linking procedure, it is necessary to carry out the procedure every 2-3 days, paying special attention to the chest and neck, where the hair falls out more abundantly.
2. Auricles and eyes - they are recommended to be checked daily if they are contaminated, cleaned with a cotton pad soaked in loose tea brewing, chamomile broth or boiled water. If suppuration is found, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for advice.
3. Claws and paws - active working dogs usually do not need clipping of claws, but pets are cut as necessary. Paw pads should be regularly inspected for damage. Dog paws are washed or wiped with a damp cloth after each walk, it is important to remove the dirt that accumulates between the fingers.
4. Flea and tick treatment - the more often the dog is on the street, the more often it is necessary to inspect not the subject of ticks. Stabbed parasites should not be pulled out on their own, in this case, the help of a specialist is required. It should be once every 2-3 months to wash the pet with a special shampoo with insecticidal action and apply a preparation for fleas and ticks along the spine, which comes in the form of drops - according to the instructions.

Diseases

The Swiss Shepherd dogs by nature have good health and endurance, they have good immunity, increased resistance to stress and adaptability. But the selection did make its own adjustments, awarding representatives of the breed with hereditary diseases:

• dysplasia of the elbow and hip joint,
• osteochondrosis,
• entropion - twisting century,
• retinal atrophy,
• cataract
• allergic reactions
• oncological diseases.

This does not mean that every dog ​​will necessarily be sick. Большинство гроссов не страдают от подобных недугов и живут без болезней до 11-12 лет.

Владельцам стоит учесть, что полноценный рацион для собак таких крупных пород является основой для здоровой, полноценной жизни. With improper feeding, the pet may show problems with bones, joints, especially often observed in adolescent puppies - they often develop irreversible processes in the articular and bone tissues.

Puppies are given food up to 6 times a day, gradually reducing the number of feedings to 2. Dogs, in fact, are predators, the main food of which is meat and a source of animal protein and useful elements. It should be given raw, cut into pieces and scalded with boiling water.

But this does not mean that the pet's diet should consist only of it. It is also important for dogs to give the following products:

• offal - kidneys, heart, lungs, etc., they are well boiled beforehand,
• cereals - porridges are boiled in various broths or water, vegetables are added, pieces of meat, greens, you can season the dish with vegetable oil,
• vegetables - they are given both raw and cooked,
• fruits and berries - many dogs love them, and everyone has different preferences, but it is not recommended for dogs to give grapes,
• cheese - pieces of low-fat product will be an excellent incentive delicacy,
• dairy products - A couple of times a week you can treat your dog with yogurt, kefir or yogurt without additives.

You can not give your pet food from your table, sweets, pastries, chocolate, tubular bones. With natural feeding, the dog needs additional sources of vitamin and mineral substances. For this purpose it is recommended to add bone meal to food. It is also worth consulting a veterinarian who will recommend a suitable vitamin complex.

If the owner gives preference to feeding the production rations, then it should be a quality food, suitable for dogs of large breeds. In this case, the animal does not need additional additives.

Buying a puppy

Unfortunately, in Russia, this breed remains rare, and if Kennels of Bernese Mountain Dogs are found quite often, there are not many breeders of the “Swiss”. In Moscow, there is only one kennel "Kingdom of Mountain Dogs" http://www.z-hund.ru/cntnt/rus/menyu_2_eng/kontakty_.html, which is breeding this breed.

Acquiring a puppy requires a serious approach, as there is a risk of acquiring a dog with genetic abnormalities or an unstable psyche. You need to contact only experienced breeders or nurseries who specialize in breeding no more than 3 breeds.

A pet-class puppy costs an average of 25,000 rubles, a brid-class baby - 30000-45000 rubles. If you need a pet for exhibitions, then you should buy a puppy with excellent data - show class. In this case, you have to pay 50,000 rubles, but this is not the limit.

Today it is not often possible to meet on the street of a large Swiss Mountain Dog. The rarity and showiness of representatives of this breed should not be the main reasons for acquiring a puppy. Such a pet will require a lot of time, patience and finances, so it is important to weigh its capabilities.

Characteristics and description of the breed

The Swiss Mountain Dog is a hardy, strong dog that is used to living in the open air of the mountains, dragging loads and moving long distances.

Height at withers in a dog: 65-73 cm
Height at withers bitches: 60-68 cm
Weight: 50-68 kg

Color: tricolor, the main shade of black with brown-tan tan. On the chest and face is a symmetrical white pattern. White socks and collar are allowed.

General form:

• The dog is strong, with a muscular chest and strong limbs, front legs wide apart.
• The tail is heavy, in a calm state hanging down, raised above the level of the back and the curved tail is considered a vice.
• The head is powerful, large.
• Hanging ears, black.
• Eyes of brown shades, from light nut to dark chestnut, almond-shaped incision.
• The nose is big, black.

Breed deficiencies:

• Blue eyes,
• long or too short hair,
• clubfoot,
• visible light undercoat, violation of the overall color,
• aggressiveness and cowardice.

Behavior and temperament

Swiss Mountain Dogs rightly bear the title of one of the most harmonious in character rocks. They are calm, intelligent, confident and very social. The Swiss does not choose one master for himself; he binds to the whole family and saves her as his own pack.

• friendliness,
• fidelity,
• curiosity,
• excellent learnability
• calm, balanced temperament,
• courage.

• stubbornness, willfulness
• difficulty in making contact with strangers.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog and man

This breed is very difficult to live in an urban setting because of its size and the constant need for serious physical exertion. Swiss is better to start those who have private house in the countryside. These dogs live with pleasure in the open air, but the owners need to organize for them a safe shelter from the cold, sun and wind.

Swiss no way you can not keep on the chain and in closed pens - it causes the development of neurotic states, increases aggressiveness and does not allow the dog to realize in what he is really good. Today, the Swiss is a companion dog, a companion dog, a family member and a reliable friend.

Grossy get along well with children, protect them from dangers and allow them to play with themselves. This feature is a legacy of the time when the Swiss were herding dogs.

With other pets, the grosses also make contact and consider them members of their pack. The more people and animals in the house - the more comfortable the dog.

Maintenance and care

It takes a lot, a lot of physical activity! Sennenhund requires a large amount of space.

Wool should be combed regularly. Wash Swiss Mountain Dog should not be, but it is recommended to clean it with a special rubber brush.

Swiss Mountain Dog requires a careful approach to the diet:

• regular feeding is important,
• After eating, the dog needs at least 1.5 hours of quiet rest,
• high-fat foods can lead to overweight, which is unacceptable for Sennenhund - it is very harmful to the joints,
• High protein foods often cause skin allergies in Swiss
• puppies need fortified supplements for proper skeleton formation.

Health and life expectancy

Sennenhundy live total 10-12 years.

Common breed diseases:

• Diseases of the joints and the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
• Cardiovascular pathology.
• Allergic and dermatological diseases.
• There are cases of epilepsy.

Diseases of the joints and the heart due to the large size of the breed. In order to reduce the risk of these pathologies, you need to carefully monitor the dog's weight: follow a diet and play sports.