Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs - Pictures
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs - OriginGreater Swiss Mountain dogs are believed to have originated from Molloser-type dogs brought and bred by the Romans. These dogs are said to have spread over Europe interbreeding with native breeds. As a matter of fact, there is little written history of the dog. It is due to the fact that the Greater Swiss Mountain dog has always been used as a working breed. It was common in Europe because it helped farmers handle cattle and households.The Greater Swiss Mountain dog has close relations with the Bernese Mountain dog, Appenzell Cattle dog, and the Entlebuch Cattle dog. They share a common ancestry and markings. The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is the largest of these breeds. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs - Old UseEuropeans made use of the Greater Swiss Mountain dog's physical qualities and talents for weight pulling and guarding. The breed was often referred to as the "butcher's dog." It was often called a horse for the poor. Indeed, it was indispensable in pulling carts with milk and other products that were the basic means of earning a living for many peasants and farmers. Though the sight is rare nowadays, one can still see Greater Swiss Mountain dogs perform their original duties.Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs - ThreatsThe Greater Swiss Mountain dog was common in the middle of the 19th century. However, with time, the breed lost its popularity and faced threats of going extinct. Thanks to Dr. Albert Heim, the breed has overcome these difficulties. Dr. Albert Heim, who happened to judge a show in 1908, marked outstanding qualities of the breed and encouraged breeders and owners popularize the dog.Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs - RecoveringSoon, the Greater Swiss Mountain dog started to recover. However, its popularity grew slowly and the breed never achieved great numbers. Nowadays, it is not common even in its motherland. The first dogs appeared in the United States in 1967. The AKC granted Greater Swiss Mountain dogs full recognition in 1995.
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