Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

大瑞士山犬

GiantWorkingShort coat45–90 min/day

Updated 2026-09-09

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At a glance

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest and largest of the four Swiss mountain breeds — an immensely strong, tricolour drafting and pasture dog descended from the mastiffs of Caesar's legions, once used in pairs to haul milk carts to the cheese dairies and a component of the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler. Faithful, family-oriented and dependable, it is easy-going, bold and even-tempered, good with children and famously food-motivated, but with a stubborn streak that calls for an owner more determined than it is; the AKC advises against harness-type training aids on this natural puller. It needs only moderate exercise — a hiking companion, not a marathon partner — and, being big, black and thick-coated, tolerates heat poorly and must be exercised early or late in summer.

Facts

Size	Giant
Height	60–72cm
Weight	39–64kg
Life expectancy	8–11years
Breed group	AKC: working FCI: 2
Role	Working
Coat	Short coat
Shedding	3/ 5
Exercise	30–120min/day
Can be left alone	up to 3 hours
Companionship need	5/ 5
Trainability	4/ 5
Barking	3/ 5
Good with children	5/ 5
Good with other dogs	3/ 5
Heat tolerance	2/ 5
Cold tolerance	5/ 5

Health

This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.

Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia

Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.

[1] [3]

Elbow dysplasia

Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.

[1] [3]

Inherited eye conditions

Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.

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Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)

Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.

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Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.

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Heat sensitivity

Heat-related illness is a recognised risk for this breed. Ask your vet about summer precautions, especially in Hong Kong humidity.

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Splenic torsion

The AKC says splenic torsion, unrelated to gastric torsion, occurs more often in this breed than in others. Ask your vet promptly about a distended or painful abdomen, weakness or collapse.

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Urinary incontinence

The AKC says urinary incontinence is fairly common in puppies and in spayed bitches of the breed. Ask your vet if your dog leaks urine, especially when resting.

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Behaviour

Food-motivated, with a stubborn streak

The AKC says the Swissy is very food-motivated and responds well to reward-based training, but has a stubborn streak, so its owner must be more determined than it is; it advises against any harness-type training device, because a draft breed simply pulls harder in a harness. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended. Its exercise needs are moderate — a walk round the block or a romp in the woods — making it a hiking companion rather than a running or cycling partner.

[1]

Easy-going, bold and faithful

The CKC describes an easy-going, obedient dog of even disposition said to be both bold and faithful, alert and vigilant, energetic and eager to work. The AKC adds that Swissies are strong enough to move a flock across a mountainside yet have a sweet expression, and warns that because of their size, black colour and thick undercoat they do not tolerate high temperatures: summer walks should be early or late, with a sheltered — sometimes air-conditioned — refuge from the heat of the day.

[2] [1]

Temperament

The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "faithful / family-oriented / dependable".

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Energy and exercise

Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".

[1] [3]

Training and barking

AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.

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Official guidance

Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.

AKC

American Kennel Club — Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

CKC

Canadian Kennel Club — Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Working Dogs)

Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

The Royal Kennel Club — Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Breed characteristics (size large, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

FCI

FCI nomenclature — Great Swiss Mountain Dog (standard no. 58, group 2)

FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09