The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog historically is an all-purpose working dog. Good health and proper structure need to always be a priority! The following is a list of some of the major health concerns affecting the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:

• Distichiasis – This is an eye condition wherein the eyelashes grow from an abnormal location along the eyelid margin, causing ocular irritation. This can lead to irritation of the cornea.
• Entropion – This is an eye condition with the inversion (turning inward toward the eyeball) of the margin of the eyelid. This can be very painful to the dog and can cause damage to the eye, in some cases causing corneal ulceration.
• Ectropion – This is an eye condition wherein the eyelids droop outward from the eyeball. This can allow excess debris into the eye.
• Epilepsy – A brain disorder that results in seizures. There can be a breed predisposition to this, or it can be caused by environmental factors. No dogs with epilepsy should be bred. There does seem to be some evidence that this is a problem in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. If a breeder tells you there is no epilepsy in their lines, they do not know their lines well. Most responsible breeders will tell you it is in every pedigree of the GSMD, but you have to breed wisely to minimize the risk.
• Hip Dysplasia – A hereditary developmental disease in which the ball and socket of the hips are not formed or seated properly. It is a disease that is seen in almost all of the breeds of dogs, especially the large breeds.
• Elbow Dysplasia – A hereditary developmental disease of the elbow joint. Can cause lameness and pain. Seen in large breed dogs.
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) – This is a disease seen in young fast-growing breeds of dogs, more often in the large breeds. It is characterized by gradual lameness caused by a defect in the cartilage overlying the head of one of the long bones. It is considered a secondary degenerative joint disease. It might occur in the front shoulders, hocks elbows and stifle joints. There is some evidence of a genetic predisposition as well as environmentally caused factors.
• Bloat – Also known as Gastric dilation volvulus. This is a condition that involves the distention of the stomach, often flipping or twisting, resulting in a medical emergency. This is a disease or digestive problem that occurs in large breed dogs, but seems to have a higher incidence in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Bloat can often be fatal to dogs, and can happen at any age.
• Spleenic Torsion – A condition sometimes seen in conjunction with Bloat, but can also occur singularly. It involves the twisting of the spleen, often an enlarged spleen, and requires emergency medical treatment if the dog is to survive.
• Urinary incontinence – Seen in some females, often as a leaking or dribbling of urine.