Quick Stats for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 24 – 28 inches (60 – 72 cm)
• Weight: 130 – 135 pounds (59 – 61 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 11 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1995
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); okay with a small yard

Personality of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an absolute teddy bear. Full of love and affection that makes the perfect house pet, this dog is ideal for families that not only want a dog that can be trusted around children, but also one that makes an imposing watchdog. They are a sensitive breed, extremely loyal to its owners, and gentle with other pets in the home.

History of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

This breed originated in Switzerland. The first function of these dogs were used as guardians and draft dogs. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is said to be the largest and oldest of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs in existence. The other three are the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher.

One theory of the breed’s bloodline is that they were derived from Molossian dogs or the Mastiff, which were used when the Romans crossed over into Switzerland during the Ancient times. Other researchers claim that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog came from the Phoenicians when they brought them into Spain sometime during 1000 B.C.

Regardless of the specific truth behind the dog’s bloodline, we have watched them spread throughout Europe in great numbers to become interbred with various native dogs. Eventually, they developed through independent lines and small communities, still remaining excellent guard dogs, draft dogs, and herders.

All of these dogs were known as “Metzgerhunde Dogs” and shared common physical appearances. Therefore, they were assumed to be the same breed type. Up until the latter part of the 1800s did these dogs become separated into four distinct types by the research of Professor A. Heim. He noticed that there were more specific differences in these dogs than what was assumed.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was finally claimed as its own breed in 1908 but it took some time for them to become popular, especially with the disaster of two World Wars. In 1968, the breed made its way to the United States.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a member of the Working Group.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care and Grooming

As a member of the Working Group, this breed thrives on roaming the great outdoors in search of something to do, particularly in colder climates. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need plenty of daily exercise which can be met by a few brisk walks on the leash or long hikes through nature’s trails.

If need be, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can live outside, as they have a high tolerance for cold temperatures, but like all pets that thrive on human companionship, it is best for them to sleep inside with the family at night.

Grooming requirements consist of only a once-a-week brushing. When shedding, a daily brushing is best.

Health Problems of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The average life expectancy of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed is about ten to eleven years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• seizures
• panosteitis
• gastric torsion
• female urinary incontinence
• shoulder OCD
• distichiasis
• splenic torsion

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 26 – 28 inches (66 – 71 cm) ; bitches: 23 – 26 inches (58 – 66 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 60 – 80 pounds (27 – 36 kg)  ; bitches: 55 – 75 pounds (25 – 34 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1930
• Shedding: shed little to no hair; no doggy odor
• Living Conditions: not suitable for apartments; fairly active indoors; best with a large open space

Personality of the Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed

As the name implies, the Giant Schnauzer is just that, a giant, therefore, it may be a bit too rambunctious and rough for small children. But their playful character and protective loyalty to its family also makes this breed an excellent house dog. They may be a bit reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs, but this is what makes them a top-rated watchdog with the ability to defend its family through force if needed.

History of the Giant Schnauzer

This breed originally came from Germany, out of the the lands of Wurrtemburg and Bavaria.

Cattlemen were quite fond of the smaller standard-sized Schnauzer and thus wanted to breed a larger-sized version of the dog for specific jobs. They needed a bigger dog to drive cattle and so the Schnauzer was mixed with larger, smooth coated cattle driving dogs. The attempt was done to create a wire haired drover.

Although the exact breed crosses are not documented and cannot be accounted for first-hand, theorists have come to the conclusion that other dogs were added to the mix. These dogs are said to have been the black Poodle, Wolf Spitz, Wirehaired Pinscher, the Bouvier des Flandres, and even the Great Dane.

The end result was a dog referred to as the “Munchener”. It was smart, capable of handling cattle, and sported a weather resistant coat. In time, the breed became more and more popular and were used as stockyard dogs, guard dogs, butcher dogs, and brewery dogs.

Eventually the name was changed to the “Giant Schnauzer” and the breed was used as police dogs around the time of World War I. They excelled rapidly as a service dog but still remained unpopular around the world except for Germany.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a member of the Working Group.

The Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Giant Schnauzers need daily physical exercise but has more fun playing vigorous dog games. Long walks and hikes through the hills are a perfect activity to match this breed’s active lifestyle.

Giant Schnauzer dogs can live outdoors during cold temperatures but prefer to sleep inside with its family. Grooming requirements are 2 – 3 thorough brushings his each week to keep its wiry coat clean. Professional shaping, clipping, and scissoring are also recommended.

Health Problems of the Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Giant Schnauzer Dog Breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• OCD
• hypothyroidism
• gastric torsion

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 10 – 13 inches (25 – 33 cm)
• Weight: 25 – 30 pounds (11 – 14 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Herding Group – AKC recognized in 1935
• Shedding: seasonal shedder – twice per year
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); can be very active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an energetic dog. They are intelligent, obedient, fun-loving and friendly. These dogs make excellent pets as well as great watchdogs. They are great with children.

They are friendly towards people and other household pets. However, they can be reserved when a strange dog approaches them.

Corgis have a tendency to herd people by nipping at their heels and should be taught not to do this from an early age.

History of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has its origin in Wales, going back to ancient times. They were one of the first breeds to arrive in the British Isles. These dogs were brought to Cardiganshire from central Europe many centuries ago. They were used to drive cattle.

Where the breed actually came from is unknown. However, some experts believe that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a descendant of a short-legged, English turn-spit dog that is now extinct.

The breed was originally used to protect and guard their families. Some of these dogs were used to assist hunters. Eventually, framers realized that the breed was a natural cattle dog, great at keeping cattle moving by nipping at their heels. There were also agile enough to dodge any kicks from the cattle.

Over time, the Crown lands were divided and fenced. This made the Corgi’s job and usefulness all but go away. Some dogs were still kept as companions, but the breed almost became extinct.

To preserve the breed, it was crossed with the brindle herder. The breeding efforts worked well and the first Cardigan Welsh Corgi made its way to the United States in 1931. The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a member of the Herding Group.

These dogs are cousins to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Care and Grooming

Although Corgis are small dogs they still require sufficient exercise. They have moderate energy levels so take them on a couple of brisk walks daily, or provide them with active games in a safely enclosed area. They love herding activities and can get mental stimulation through dog training sessions.

Grooming requirements include a weekly brushing of their wiry, medium length coat to remove any dead hairs. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, such as a quality brush from Chris Christensen.

These dogs are seasonal shedders, shedding twice per year.

Health Problems of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The average life expectancy of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is about twelve to fifteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• degenerative myelopathy
• gains weight easily

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• urinary stones

Veterinarians recommend having the Cardigan Welsh Corgi tested specifically for PRA, hip, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

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