History
Health AKC
Standard
Colors and Markings Before You
Buy
Resources
BEFORE YOU BUY
Before you decide this is the right breed for you….
Have you done the following?
- Read An
Introduction to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Shannon
Hennigan;
- Read Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog, A Complete and Reliable Handbook by
Jim Barton;
- Read Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series) by Nikki Moustaki;
- Joined the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of
America, and any other
regional club;
- Searched for as much information as possible on the breed;
- Become familiar with large breed dogs;
- All family members are comfortable around large breed dogs;
- Researched training classes in your area;
- Researched Veterinarians that know large breed dogs in your area;
- Researched all medical issues of this breed as well as dogs;
- Investigated pet health insurance;
- Read books on housebreaking, training and care of dogs;
- Met some Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in person;
- Have an adequate home and yard for a large breed dog;
- Plan on having this dog as a family pet, sharing your living space with
it;
- Ability to afford a premium dog food, medical care, training classes and
other necessary items; and
- Full intention to fulfill your obligation to man’s best friend!
If you have said yes to all of the above items, and still desire to find out
more about the breed, then contact as many breeders as possible and plan to be
patient. Often times the breeders do have waiting lists for puppies and
responsible breeders do not breed to meet demands. Always look for a puppy from a responsible breeder. Talk to and/or
visit with as many breeders as possible. You will want to stay in contact with
your breeder for the lifetime of your pet. For a listing of Swissy breeders' web
sites click here.
Make sure you are purchasing an AKC registered
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Many puppy mills will use other pet registries where
reputable breeders use AKC to register their puppies.
Ask your potential breeder about the following:
- Have parents been x-rayed and cleared of hip and elbow dysplasia? Ask to
see proof;
- What is the temperament of the parents? Meet the parents whenever
possible;
- Ask about eye certification of the parents (CERF). Ask to see the proof;
- Ask about the longevity of the parents as well as close relatives;
- Ask about epilepsy and if there are any relatives in the pedigree that
have it;
- Ask if both parents are AKC registered on a full, breeding registration;
- Ask how puppies are raised, (home or kennel). Socialization to humans is
very important;
- Does the breeder have a contract? Ask for a copy and read it; and
- Be honest with what you are looking for in your puppy. A responsible
breeder puts each puppy in the best possible home.
If you get a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, please be a
responsible pet owner! Realize that these are big, strong dogs that require
obedience and socialization.
More things to
think about:
- The temperament should be calm and steady, often bold. A Swissy is athletic,
but does not need hours of exercise. However, you need to be prepared that
some are high energy and may need a productive outlet for that energy;
- Swissies love humans, but often jump, shove their body against and have
large paws that they are willing to demand attention with. They will naturally
want to pull even when on a leash;
- Many are watchdogs with a fierce bark. They can often scare people (especially
children) when they announce visitors...or in some cases announce that your
neighbor has visitors;
- Most accept your guest with a happy tail wag, however, some are more wary,
shy, spooky or aggressive. Early socialization is essential;
- Some Swissies have a high prey drive and will chase children and other
animals; and
- The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is related to the Rottweiler, Mastiff, St.
Bernard and the other Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
Site for pet health insurance.
PetCare
Insurance Another
site for pet health insurance
Research your potential puppy's family history at the GSSH
site.
When you think you are ready, then also read these items:
Is
a GSMD Right for You?
TWENTY-ONE
WAYS TO LOVE YOUR SWISSY
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