"Bold, faithful, willing worker.  Alert and Vigilant"

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Origin & Purpose

While there are a few theories as to when and where the GSMD originated dating back to the 1st century B.C., the early development of the breed was in central Europe. These ancestors were honed to fill a working purpose and were primarily owned by farmers, tradesmen and herdsmen, etc. Their duties included pulling carts, herding livestock, guarding and livestock management as well as fulfilling other general working tasks needed by their owners.

Their contribution to the working man helped drive their population into the 19th century. Once believed to be one of Switzerland's most popular breeds, when the industrial revolution began in the early 1900's, the GSMD's population decreased substantially.

By the 20th century, the GSMD's population gradually started to rejuvenate partly due to the Swiss Army's need for a draft dog during WWII. By 1945, there were approx. 350-400 GSMD's in existence.

The first Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were imported from Switzerland and Austria into the U.S. in 1968. The first litter born in the U.S. was in 1970 in Indiana.

The GSMD was permitted entrance into AKC under the Miscellaneous Group in 1985 but it wasn't until 1995 that the AKC officially recognized the breed in the Working Group.

For further detail on the history of the breed, click here

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Standard

 Dogs: 25.5 to 28.5 inches ; Weight: 105 - 140 lbs.
 Bitches: 23.5 to 27 inches; Weight: 85-110 lbs.

Body Length to height is slightly longer than tall.  Appearance is muscular, sturdy and heavy boned.

For a more detailed description of today's breed standard, click here
For a look into the evolution of the breed standard, click here

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​Historical Slideshow

For more historical photos with descriptions, click here