GiantWorking Group

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, used historically as a draft, cattle-drover, and general farm utility dog.

Calculate Greater Swiss Mountain Dog age

Lifespan9.5 yrrange 8–11

SizeGiantWorking Group

Weight85–140 lb38.6–63.5 kg

Senior at5 yrgeriatric at 8

Gallery (3)

About

About the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, used historically as a draft, cattle-drover, and general farm utility dog. Nearly lost in the 19th century before cynologist Albert Heim's restoration work; AKC recognition dates to 1995.

Aging

How Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs age

Not in RVC VetCompass; breed-standard estimates indicate 8-11 years — among the shortest-lived giants. Gastric dilatation-volvulus is the defining late-life killer; breed-specific female urinary incontinence and OCD are secondary.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 9.5 yr · range 8–11 Senior careSenior at 5 · geriatric at 8 Common health issues6 tracked conditions

Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight: 85–140 lb(38.6–63.5 kg)
Height: 23.7–28.5 in(60.2–72.4 cm)
Coat type: Short
Colors: Black, White & RedRed & WhiteBlue White & Tan

Temperament

How Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

good-naturedfaithfuldependablebold

Energy
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Good with kids
5/5
Good with other dogs
3/5
Shedding
3/5

Health

Common health issues

Full health profile

Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Description and veterinary guidance for Osteochondritis Dissecans land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise

60min

per day

About 60 minutes of activity per day keeps a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog physically and mentally satisfied. Split it between a structured walk and free play.