History

The ancestors of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog are of the previously widely spread across Central Europe and frequently described as butcher's or slaughterer's dogs. They were strong, tricolour, sometimes black and tan or yellow dogs, popular with butchers, cattle dealers, manual workers and farmers, who used them as guards, droving or draught dogs and bred them as such.

On the occasion of the jubilee show to mark the 25 years of the founding of the "Schweizerische Kynologische Gesellschaft" (Swiss Kennel Club) SKG, held in 1908, two such dogs, called "short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs", were for the first time presented to Professor Albert Heim, for his assessment. This great promoter of the "Swiss Mountain and Cattle dogs" recognized in them the old, vanishing, large Sennenhund (mountain dog) or butcher's dog. They were recognized as a definite breed by the SKG and entered as "Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund" in volume 12 (1909) of the Swiss stud book.

In the canton of Berne, further exemplars were found which measured up to Heim's description and were introduced systematically into pure breeding stock. In January 1912 the club for "Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde" was founded, which from then on took over the care and promotion of this breed. For a long period the breed remained small as it was particularely difficult to find suitable bitches. Only since 1933 could more than 50 dogs annually be entered into the SHSB (Swiss Stud Book).

The Standard was first published by the FCI on February 5th, 1939. Recognition and wider distribution came along with the breed's growing reputation as undemanding, dependable carrier or draught dogs in the Swiss army during the second World War, so that by 1945 for the first time over 100 puppies could be registered, which was evidence of the existence of about 350-400 dogs. Today the breed is bred also in the adjacent countries and is appreciated universally for its calm, even temperament, especially as a family dog.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in America can be traced to this historical background. The breed is bred here in the United States as well as its' native homeland of Switzerland and the adjacent countries.

Historic photos from the Natural History Museum of Bern

The following is a brief historical summary of the breed.

The ancestors of the Swissies are of the type that were often found throughout Central Europe, especially on farms and isolated areas. They were frequently described as butchers' or slaughters' dogs. This was in part because they were used to pull carts and assist the butcher with his work. These dogs were strong, tri-colored and sometimes black and tan. They were popular with butchers, cattle dealers, manual workers and of course the farmer. This was due in part to the dogs' desire to work and their ability to function in this capacity. Even today we see this strong working dog drive along with the form and function to get the job done.

Some Swissies have very strong working dog drives. Some are great herders, while others have a strong prey drive, pulling drive, protective/guardian drive, and companion drive. All of these working abilities made this dog a great all purpose farm dog and reserved its' place in history! It is important to note that even today, many Swissies have a natural working dog drive and temperament.

The FCI Standard for the breed gives the following historical summary:

On the occasion of the jubilee show to mark the 25 years of the founding of the <<Schweizerische Kynologische Gesellschaft>> (Swiss Kennel Club) SKG, held in 1908, two such dogs, called <<short-haired Bernese Mountain Dogs>>, were for the first time presented to Professor Albert Heim, for his assessment. This great promoter of the <<Swiss Mountain and Cattle dogs>> recognised in them the old, vanishing, large Sennenhund (mountain dog) or butcher's dog. They were recognized as a definite breed by the SKG and entered as <<Grosser Schweizer Sennenhunde>> in volume 12 (1909) of the Swiss Stud Book. In the canton of Berne, further exemplars were found which measured up to Heim's description and were introduced systematically into pure breeding stock. In January 1912 the club for <<Grosse Schweizer Sennenhunde>> was founded, which from then on took over the care and promotion of this breed. For a long period the breed reservoir remained small as it was particularly difficult to find suitable bitches. Only since 1933 could more than 50 dogs annually be entered into the SHSB (Swiss Stud Book). The Standard was first published by the FCI on February 5th, 1939.
Recognition and wider distribution came along with the breed's growing reputation as undemanding, dependable carrier or draught dogs in the service of the Swiss army during the second World War, so that by 1945 for the first time over 100 puppies could be registered, which was evidence of the existence of about 350-400 dogs.

Today the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is loved for its calm, even temperament and ability to be a family dog as well as a working dog. A Swissy is happy as a working dog and does have the temperament of a working dog. They do require much training and socialization. This is a strong breed and should be under control at all times. They love attending obedience classes and desire to please their master.

We recommend that you also view the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America web site at www.gsmdca.org.