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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

 The greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) is the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, the others being the Berner (Bernese Mountain Dog), Appenzeller and Entlebucher.  Historically, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog assisted farmers and herds man with the daily chores, such as pulling carts and keeping a watchful eye on the livestock.  Today the Swissy, as its friends know it, is primarily a family dog, though the working dog aptitude remains strong.  As a family pet, the Swissy is noted for its gentle nature, great loyalty, and wonderful disposition towards children.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is characterized by its large, muscular stature and beautiful tri-colored markings.  Males stand approximately 25.5 to 28.5 inches at the withers and weigh anywhere from 105 to 140 lbs.  Females stand 23.5 to 27 inches, with weight ranging from 85 to 110 lbs.

Through careful breeding and selection of imports, the breed has shown steady growth since its introduction to the U.S. in 1968.  The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc. was formed in 1971 to promote the sound breeding, welfare, and wider recognition of the breed.  In 1985, the GSMD was admitted to the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC, and was granted full recognition in the Working Group in July of 1995.*

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