Nikki Moustaki - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Physical Characteristics of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Expression: Animated and gentle.

Skull: Flat and broad with a slight stop. The backskull and muzzle are of approximately equal length. The backskull is approximately twice the width of the muzzle.

Eyes: Almond shaped and brown, dark brown preferred, medium sized. Eyelids are close fitting and eyerims are black.

Muzzle: Large, blunt and straight and most often with a slight rise before the end. In adult dogs the nose leather is always black. The lips are clean and as a dry-mouthed breed, flews are only slightly developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Chest: Deep and broad with a slight protruding breastbone. The ribs are well-sprung.

Ears: Medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull.

Neck: Of moderate length, strong, muscular and clean.

Forequarters: Shoulders are long, sloping, strong and moderately laid back. They are flat and well-muscled. Forelegs are straight and strong. The pasterns slope very slightly. Feet are round and compact with well arched toes. The dewclaws may or may not be present.

Coat: Topcoat is dense, approximately 1.25 to 2 inches in length. Undercoat must be present and may be thick and sometimes showing, almost always present at neck but may be present throughout.

Body: Full with slight tuck up. The loins are broad and strong. The croup is long, broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion.

Topline: Level from the withers to the croup.

Tail: Thick from root to tip, tapering slightly at the tip, reaching to the hocks and carried down in repose. The bones of the tail should feel straight.

Hindquarters: Thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight when viewed from the rear. Feet are round and compact with well arched toes. Dewclaws should be removed.

Size: Height at the highest point of the shoulder is ideally: Dogs 25.5 to 28.5 inches. Bitches 23.5 to 27 inches.

Color: Topcoat is black. The markings are rich rust and white. Symmetry of markings is desired.

Contents

Explore the mysterious beginnings of the rare Greater Swiss Mountian Dog, the oldest and largest of Switzerlands Sennenhund breeds and forerunner of other more well-known breeds. Learn about the Swissys history as a superior herding and drafting dog, and follow his slow, steady rise to recognition in Europe and, most recently, the United States.

Discover what makes this versatile and friendly breed tick and the type of person best-suited to care for it. Loyal, powerful, friendly and good with children, the Swissy will be the perfect fit for any home that can guarantee this good-natured dog adequate activity and attention. Learn about training methods that will be beneficial in training the Swissy, as well as health issues pertinent to owners of this wonderful breed.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of dog identification and boarding.

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of housetraining the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog , including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter puppy kindergarten, introduce the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dogs healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Know when to consider your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dogs golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Heres how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and whats required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility trials, tracking tests and more.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS G REATER S WISS M OUNTAIN D OG

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-375-4

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-722-6

Copyright 2007 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

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