Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest of the four Siss varieties bred from Mastiff types left some 2000 years ago by the Romans as they marched north. This lively, attentive, courageous, and agile dog is one of the oldest breeds in the world. It was the most popular working dog of Switzerland until the mid-19th century.

Known as "Old Blaze," the Swissy has no written history. He was simply the common big working dog of rural cantons. He has a calm and steady disposition, is eager to learn and wrok, and at one tiem, was probably the best known draft dog in the world. He performed many farm chores other than herding and guarding.

This breed has an aptitude for obedience, loves to pull carts and sleds, and has a natural protective instinct. He is happiest with his family. In 1910, the breed was recognized by the Swiss Kennel Club and, shortly thereafter, the Club fur Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde was formed. The first dogs were imported to the U.S. in 1968. In 1985, the breed was accepted in the AKC Miscellaneous Group.

-- CANINE CRESTS, SAN DIEGO, CA