Swiss shepherd | Facts & Information

Temperament: devoted, protective, alert, fearless

Origin

It is believed that this breed is the oldest of the breeds created by crossing Roman mastiffs with local Swiss dogs. The breed may be an ancestor of Saint Bernard.

It was used as a versatile guard and hauling dog by farmers and merchants, but their numbers declined after the invention of the automobile. It was used as a military dog during World War II, but after that it was almost extinct.

It is also known as Great Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog or Berner Sennenhund(in German).

Swiss Shepherd feed

Each Master has the right to choose what kind of food to feed his own animal. There is information about the quantity and quality of the food they should receive.

The Swiss herd dog is a large dog that is prone to bloating and stomach torsion up to 8% of the breed.

Your dog will starve and eat cheap food and may not get hurt immediately, but in time this will cost you much more when you have to go with him to the veterinarian who will cut you receipts much larger than a bag of quality food.

Research has been done and very few brands of animal food in stores meet the requirements of dogs nutritionally.

Remember that you can also feed your dog with home-cooked food as long as you know what and how much to offer. Like most dogs it can be prone to obesity easily if you stuff it. Fresh water should not be lacking. Like the rest of the dogs, neither the Swiss Shepherd is allowed chocolate, which is almost like a poison for him, nor similar products.

Read more about ... dog food

Swiss Shepherd appearance

It is a large dog, more long than tall, strong, massive. It has a head proportional to the body, broad, flat skull with a wide, powerful snout.

The eyes are Oval, dark brown. The ears are of medium size, clamped up, triughiular and left.

The tail is large, long, a gate left at rest and slightly raised with the tip turned in a state of alert. The coat is double with a thick, short, woolly first coat and a thick, short, rough outer coat of black color with white and rust areas.

The height at the Withers is 65-72 cm for males and 60-68 cm for females.

Swiss Shepherd behavior

This dog is intelligent, friendly, eager to work, attentive, reliable, not easily fooled with "bribes" and has a protective character.

His other good points are that he is a balanced, sociable and obedient dog. These dogs bark only when necessary.

This breed gets along great with other dogs and other animals in the House.

Under your care it can become a great companion for children, but do not forget that it will protect your children from their friends if they consider that they do not leave them alone.

They are excellent guard dogs that will protect your family and property.

Swiss Shepherd training

Although this breed is attached to the family to which it belongs, they are not suitable dogs for everyone. The big Swiss Shepherd has a very strong character and needs a master with a character at least the same.

They need to have the chance to grow up in a well-balanced environment, to understand clearly what is allowed and what is not, and to be able to attach themselves to the family. Make sure you are consistent in your approach.

A severe approach will only destroy the character of the dog. During the growth period Watch and control it carefully so that the energy is focused on harmonious development.

For the same reason, don't save on dog food.

Read more about ... Pet Dog Training

Features Swiss Shepherd

It is a weather resistant dog that likes outdoor life with the possibility to make a lot of movement, to be always busy, with an active owner and experienced in dog breeding. He needs socializing and training.

It is an excellent watchman of herds, farms and homes, a good operating dog, a devoted and pleasant companion dog. It can also be used by the police and the military to track down.

The fur of this dog does not need much care. An occasional brushing with a rubber glove to pick up dead hairs is sufficient.

Swiss Shepherd diseases

Given that it is a large dog we could generally say that it is a dog with few health problems.

Next we will list the most common health problems: epilepsy, gastric dilation and torsion, dislocation of the elbow and shoulder.

The average life expectancy is 10 to 11 years.