What kind of dog is that?
A Swissy owner will likely tell you this is by far the most frequently asked question. The Swissy's size and striking appearance immediately draws the attention of those unfamiliar with the breed.
Do Swissys make good family dogs?
Yes definitely. Swissys are very social dogs and become quite devoted to their people. They love to be involved in family activities. They are gentle with children, good with other pets, and readily trained. As with any large breed, puppies should be supervised around children and other pets, given proper socialization and provided basic obedience training.
What health issues are of concern in the breed?
In general, the Swissy is a healthy breed. However, certain health issues are of concern and should be discussed with your breeder and veterinarian.
As with many large, deep-chested breeds, gastric torsion or bloat, is a concern. Bloat is a gastro-intestinal condition in which the stomach rotates on its axis, causing a loss of blood flow and a build up of intestinal gasses. The condition is a veterinary emergency. Be sure to discuss the symptoms of bloat with your breeder and your veterinarian. Also discuss recommended preventative measures, such as splitting feedings into two or more smaller meals, feeding from raised dishes, and limiting exercise before and after feeding.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are also evident. Most breeders perform radiographs and seek certification from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA).
Certain eye anomolies, such as distichiasis, entropion, and ectropion are somtimes found. The common approach to preventing these conditions is through certification of unaffected breeding stock by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
Do Swissys respond well
to obedience training? Yes. Swissys are a working breed,
historically used to help farmers with a variety of
chores, such as herding and pulling carts. The natural
working aptitude remains strong in this breed, they are
typically eager to please and quick to learn basic
obedience commands. They are athletic for a large breed
and tend to be quite responsive in the obedience ring. How much exercise do
they need? The Swissy's exercise requirements
are moderate. Puppies are quite capable of tiring
themselves out from normal play activities and do not
need any additional forced exercise. As the dog matures,
daily walking or similar exercise should suffice, though
more vigorous activities such as hiking or cart pulling
are good ways to keep your dog fit. Keep excercise levels
moderate during hot weather to minimize the danger of
heat stroke. Do they shed much? How
much grooming is required? A common myth is that smooth coated
dogs do not shed. The Swissy has a thick undercoat, which
is shed twice a year. Between these periods, shedding is
fairly light. Regular brushing once or twice a week will
help to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat
healthy. How big will a Swissy
get? Males typically range from 105 to
140 pounds. Females from 85 to 110.
As with many large breeds, Swissies mature slowly, and
frequently appear as long-legged, gangly teenagers during
their second and even into their third year. They will
reach close to their adult height by about 18 months, but
will continue to fill out until about 3 years of age. Do they drool? No. The Swissy standard states that
this is a dry-mouthed breed, with only partially
developed flews. What precautions should
I take with my Swissy puppy? Make sure you take your new puppy
to a vet for a checkup within 48 hours of arrival. Follow
your vet's advice regarding all immunizations and
subsequent check up schedule. Be careful not to let your
dog get to heavy. Avoid activities that will put undue
stress on the hips, elbows and shoulders, especially
while your puppy's musculoskeletal system is still
developing. For example, keep your puppy from jumping
onto or off of objects such as truck beds, decks, etc.
Don't push your young puppy too hard. Let him exercise at
his own pace. Remember pups need LOTS of sleep. Before beginning training in open
obedience, agility, carting, or weight pulling, have your
vet evaluate the physical maturity and overall fitness of
your puppy with these sports in mind. Competetive jumping
and the straining connected with pulling can harm
underdeveloped bones and joints.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
