A renowned draft dog and native of Switzerland the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the earliest descendants of the large Mastiff-type dogs introduced to the Alpine by the ancient Romans. Of the four Sennenhund or Mountain Dog breeds he is the largest and oldest and played an active role in the early creation of the Saint Bernard and the Rottweiler. However by the 19 th century the Swissie was being replaced by machines and by the 20 th century was thought to have died completely out. However, in 1908 Dr. Albert Heim of Zurich judged a show in which a Swissie was entered, he then urged others to locate other specimens and encouraged breeders to save this ancient Alpine dog. In 1910 the Swissie was recognized by the Swiss Kennel Club and in 1995 AKC followed.

 

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog displays the temperament of a willing worker and faithful companion, always alert and vigilant. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs train quickly and are content to be family members, involving themselves in many aspects of your life. Outdoors, they tend to be at your side or watching as children play. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a sense of territory and will not take kindly to a stranger's invasion of property or home. Normally a quiet dog, they do have a deep, loud bark that, combined with their size and self-assurance, keeps home and family well protected.

(from AKC.org)

- Breed Standard : A standard is a description of what the ideal specimen of that breed should be like. The standard is used as a blueprint by breeders in order to improve the breed over generations and as a guide by judges who compare this "ideal" to the dogs before them in competitions.
- Is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Right for You? : An article by the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America that discusses the Swissie's pros as well as cons.
- A Portrait of the GSMD : Another article by the GSMCA on the Swissie.
- History of the GSMD : More in depth article on the Swissie's history.
- GSMD FAQ : GSMDCA FAQ
- GSMDCA : The general club site where you can find more than the articles I pinpointed above such as a health datebase and further resources.