Mid Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
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Mid Atlantic Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
Home
About MAGS
  • Officers & Board Members
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  • Constitution and By-Laws
JOIN
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  • Why MAGS?
MAGS Dogs
About GSMDs
  • History
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  • What's a Lick Fit?
  • Breeders and More
  • Is a Swissy for You?
  • Learning Library
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  • Current Members
  • Member Contacts
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So You Want a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

Close-up of a black and brown dog resting its head.

 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are beautiful, loyal, and loving companions, but they're also a giant working breed. Before you decide a Swissy is the dog for you, here are a few things to know.  

They're BIG

 A fully grown Swissy can weigh over 100 pounds. That means bigger food bills, bigger beds, bigger crates... and bigger expenses overall.  

They're Not Couch Potatoes

 Swissies enjoy daily walks, playtime, training, and spending time with their family. A bored Swissy will happily find their own entertainment, and you may not like what they choose! 

Hair Happens

 They have a thick double coat and shed year-round, with even heavier shedding a couple of times each year. If dog hair drives you crazy, this may not be your breed. 

Training Is a Must

 That adorable puppy won't stay little for long. Teaching good manners early is essential when your dog may someday outweigh many adults. 

They Want to Be With You

 Swissies were bred to work alongside people. They want to be part of the family, not left alone  or ignored all day. 

They Can Be Talkative

Their Puppy Stage Can Be... Messy

They Need Time to Grow Up

Swissies often have plenty to say! While they aren't typically excessive barkers, they love communicating through deep barks, funny "baroos," grumbles, and other vocalizations. They'll happily alert you to anything new or out of the ordinary around the house. If you enjoy a dog with a big personality, you'll find it charming, but if you're looking for complete silence, a Swissy may not be the best fit. 

They Need Time to Grow Up

Their Puppy Stage Can Be... Messy

They Need Time to Grow Up

 Although they look like adults by about a year old, many Swissies don't fully mature mentally until around three years of age. Expect an oversized puppy for a while! 

Their Puppy Stage Can Be... Messy

Their Puppy Stage Can Be... Messy

Their Puppy Stage Can Be... Messy

 Large-breed puppies often take longer to fully house train than people expect. Some Swissies may not be completely reliable until they're 6–18 months old, and occasional accidents can happen along the way. Patience and consistency are key. 

Continue Your Research

 The AKC's breed profile offers additional information about temperament, exercise needs, grooming, and responsible ownership. .

Explore the AKC

Is a Swissy Right for You?

 A Swissy can be an incredible family companion if you're prepared for the size, training, shedding, and commitment. If you're looking for a loyal dog that wants to be involved in everything you do, you may have found your perfect match! 

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