Description: The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a large and muscular dog, with a tri-colored coat.
Their coat should have a black base with white and rust marking, symmetrical marking are preferred by breeders.
They have straight legs with compact and round feet.
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog can weigh between 90-140 pounds and stand 24-29 inches, with males being on the larger size.
They have a deep chest with a level top line.
Their head is broad and flat with a square muzzle, their ears are triangular in shape and lie close to the head, with eyes that are almond shaped and hazel or chestnut in color.
History: As the name would suggest the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was developed in Switzerland, and is thought to be descended from the Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago.
They are the largest and the oldest of the four Sennenhund Breeds.
They were used as guard dogs, and as working dogs, at one time having the nickname 'the poor mans horse' they were used to pull carts and to guard and heard livestock.
It is thought that it was the rise in machinery that brought about the demise of the dog.
However, it's thanks to, Dr.
Albert Heim, who 'rediscovered' the breed in 1908 and worked to revive their numbers, that they are around today.
The Greater Swiss Mountain dog was recognized by the AKC in 1995, but to this day it still remains a rare breed.