Greater Swiss Mountain
History
As you know, now in Switzerland there are four breeds of
dogs, which are considered a local properties. And one of the oldest and most popular
is the large Swiss Sennenhund. They resemble a breed appenzeller Sennenhund
but still have some differences.
It is believed that they were brought by Roman legionnaires
during the time of Octavian Augustus (3rd century AD), or rather not
themselves, but their ancestors, from which modern Swiss breeds of dogs
originated. Their bellicose ancestors resembled the present Mastiffs, were
large, fearless, and undividedly devoted to their masters. Among the local
population, they have gained great popularity due to their strength and
versatility, as well as through endurance and intelligence.
Locals used these dogs for a variety of purposes - as guards
for livestock, as guards for the house, as a companion on the hunt, and even as
a tractor-owning animals. And everywhere they have shown themselves in the best
way, though, up to the present day they are used as shepherd dogs, and
sometimes harnessed in a garden cart.
Until 1908 they were not considered a separate breed,
however, breeder and dog researcher Albert Heim being an honorary member of the
Swiss Kennel Club, once at the anniversary party saw two large dogs, which the owner called short-haired Bern mountain dogs.
Despite the unusual name, Albert understood that these dogs
belong to the family of Sennenhund, although they have a somewhat peculiar
appearance. He began to promote them, breed them, and assign the status of a separate
breed of dogs. Just a year later, in 1909, a new breed - a large Swiss Sennenhund
- was included in the Swiss breeding book.
Characteristics of the breed
popularity 07/10
training 08/10
size 08/10
mind 07/10
protection 10/10
Relationships with
children 08/10
Dexterity 05/10
Breed information
country |
Switzerland |
lifetime |
10-12 years old |
height |
Males: 65-72 |
weight |
Males: 60-70 |
Longwool |
Short |
Color |
three-colored |
price |
350 - 900 $ |
Description
The Swiss mountain dog has a large physique, a wide, massive
rib cage, and wide, heavy bone. This breed has huge physical strength,
powerful jaws, and well-gaining muscle mass. Paws are slightly shorter than the
average, muscular, strong, tail long, usually hanging down. The neck is thick,
but not short, the muzzle is square, and the ears hang on the sides of the head on the
cheekbones. The color combines black, brown, and white.
Personality
The Swiss Sennenhund character is balanced, distinguished by
friendliness and openness. We can say that this is a big and strong good man
who adores children. But, do not be deceived - if you think to offend a child
from the family of this large and strong dog, or to cause offense to its owner,
you will have a hard time. For his family, the great Swiss Sennenhund will give
life if necessary, as the instincts of the defender of this breed are extremely
strong, and have roots that go back centuries.
They love different types of activity, walks, workouts,
games, and blossom in the company of loved ones when they feel that they
occupy an important place in the life of their family. These dogs need to know
what they need; they cannot just spend their days lying on a soft pillow near a
bowl of food.
The ideal place to maintain a large Swiss is a private house
with its own courtyard. Although the breed has a high activity, still, it is a
large dog, which also likes to spend time on the street - it all says. On the
other hand, they in any case cannot be called hyperactive - rather, periods of
activity and rest alternate between each other, so that the dog is harmonious and
full of character.
Strangers are perceived with caution, but if they see the
location of the hosts, act accordingly. They like to play with other
dogs, Cats perceive
normally if you are accustomed to their presence from an early age. The Swiss Sennenhund
is perfect as a guard dog, as it is quite territorial and has a suitable
temper. Besides, instincts and intelligence.
In any case, the Swiss Sennenhund is a wonderful companion
for everyone, from small to large. He has a developed mind, and therefore is
well amenable to learning and even needs it, as it will make his life more
interesting and will give food for intelligence.
Teaching
The Swiss Sennenhund requires training and training, in part
because the dog feels an inner need for self-development and training. Such
training should take place regularly, with permanence, and the process of
maturation of the individual is from 2 to 3 years. This means that you will
have enough time to form the character of the dog in the right way.
If you try with the help of pressure, force, and brute
dominance just to break the personality of the animal, first, it can lead to
harmful consequences, and secondly, it will be simply difficult to do because
of the nature of the breed. Therefore, you better be patient, and gradually,
guided by kindness, to occupy in the mind of the animal the position of an
authoritative leader.
The Sennenhund breed needs both behavioral correction and
team training. Developed intelligence allows you to master both simple, basic,
and complex commands with a lot of distractions. To start, of course, you need
to start with a simple, moving to a more complex as your pet grows up.
Care
The large Swiss Sennenhund needs regular combing of wool,
about once a week, bathing the animal should also be done once a week. Be sure to
keep your ears and eyes clean, check them after walking, and do not forget
to prune the claws. The Swiss Sennenhund has an excellent appetite and can eat
almost anything. But it is better to make sure that the animal has the best
possible and proper food.
Common Diseases
It is believed that this breed is quite strong health as for
its size - many other large dogs have much more problems. Among the diseases to
which the Swiss Sennenhund is affected are:
- hip dysplasia;
- elbow dysplasia;
- osteochondrosis;
- Urinary incontinence;
- distichiasis - the presence of additional eyelashes along the eyelid;
- entropion - twisting the century;
- face-up - intemperate licking, when the dog literally licks everything, starting from its own limbs and ending with walls or floor (observed in 17% of the test dogs);
- epilepsy;
- Expanding the stomach;
- twist the spleen;
- tumors of the spleen.
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