The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America was formed in 1968 in order to obtain wider recognition for the breed. The breed is as rare in its native Switzerland as it is here; just over 100 puppies are born a year. The Swiss GSMD Club has a breeding test for both conformation and temperament that dogs must pass before they are certified to be bred.

A willing worker and faithful companion, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a renowned draft dog. They train quickly and are content to be family members, involving themselves in many aspects of your life. Outdoors, they tend to be at your side or watching as children play.

A striking, tri-colored, large, powerful dog of sturdy appearance, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a sense of territory and will not take kindly to a stranger's invasion of property or home. Their top coat is dense, 1 to 1/4; inches long, with a thicj undercoat.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Standard describes coat color, "The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on each cheek and on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white, and white is present on the feet with rust between the white and black on each leg. White patches or a collar is permitted around the neck."

This bold, faithful, willing worker has a gait that has good reach in front, powerful drive in rear. Movement is with a level back. Blue eye color is grounds for disqualification in show/breeding Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

To learn more about this alert and vigilant dog, please visit the
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America.