ARTICLES ON THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
These articles were written by dedicated, long time Swissy owners. They are not just more hype promoting the GSMD as the "ideal family dog" but an honest description regarding Swissy ownership. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very wonderful and special breed, however it is not for everyone. Swissies vary in size, energy level and temperament and can be challenging for the first time dog owner and even experienced dog owners who have never lived with a true working breed.
In addition to reading and researching as much as you can, you should absolutely meet as many Swissies as possible before you commit to this breed. You can't possibly know if you are well suited for Swissy ownership if you have never met Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Information from books, television or the internet should never substitute for meeting the dogs and talking with experienced owners and breeders in person.
These articles were written by dedicated, long time Swissy owners. They are not just more hype promoting the GSMD as the "ideal family dog" but an honest description regarding Swissy ownership. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a very wonderful and special breed, however it is not for everyone. Swissies vary in size, energy level and temperament and can be challenging for the first time dog owner and even experienced dog owners who have never lived with a true working breed.
In addition to reading and researching as much as you can, you should absolutely meet as many Swissies as possible before you commit to this breed. You can't possibly know if you are well suited for Swissy ownership if you have never met Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Information from books, television or the internet should never substitute for meeting the dogs and talking with experienced owners and breeders in person.
- Meet the Breed - FAQ
- Be A Breed Ambassador
- Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Jennie Chen
- 21 Ways to Love Your Swissy by Dori Likevich
- Is A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Right For You? by Karen Conant
- Living with a Swissy by Cilla Phillips
- The Beginner’s Guide to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by Anna Wallace
- Regarding Temperament by Karen Conant
- AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’…EXCEPT WHEN I AM A Frank Discussion of Swissy Temperament and Behavior
DOGS AND CHILDREN
Swissies can become well-mannered, gentle members of the family, but they are not automatically born that way. Through consistent training and socialization of the GSMD, and some training/education of your children as well, will that balance be reached. Even then, Swissies and small children should never be left unattended without adult supervision. Your Swissy is NOT a baby-sitter. If you have any doubt, or concerns, speak to Swissy owners who have small children in their household to find out what challenges they have faced. Take your children with you when you visit breeders or other Swissy owners, and see how they react and handle themselves. And you may also want to read The Top 5 Reasons Rescue Is Called, which was published in the GSMDCA's Senntinel. This article outlines the most common reasons that Swissies wind up in Rescue situations, the first two of which are Dominance and the owners Cannot Handle the New Baby and the Dog. So if you have small children, think about whether or not you will have the time to devote to a Swissy puppy. It will be like having another child during those first eighteen months or so. Also, you must take your specific children and how they handle themselves into consideration. Are they physically strong enough to fend off a pushy Swissy? Do they remain calm and respectful around large, at times boisterous dogs? Are they mature enough to understand the possible consequences of their behaviors around a large dog? Will they be able to effectively establish their own leadership and position in the family pack, above the dog?
Swissies can become well-mannered, gentle members of the family, but they are not automatically born that way. Through consistent training and socialization of the GSMD, and some training/education of your children as well, will that balance be reached. Even then, Swissies and small children should never be left unattended without adult supervision. Your Swissy is NOT a baby-sitter. If you have any doubt, or concerns, speak to Swissy owners who have small children in their household to find out what challenges they have faced. Take your children with you when you visit breeders or other Swissy owners, and see how they react and handle themselves. And you may also want to read The Top 5 Reasons Rescue Is Called, which was published in the GSMDCA's Senntinel. This article outlines the most common reasons that Swissies wind up in Rescue situations, the first two of which are Dominance and the owners Cannot Handle the New Baby and the Dog. So if you have small children, think about whether or not you will have the time to devote to a Swissy puppy. It will be like having another child during those first eighteen months or so. Also, you must take your specific children and how they handle themselves into consideration. Are they physically strong enough to fend off a pushy Swissy? Do they remain calm and respectful around large, at times boisterous dogs? Are they mature enough to understand the possible consequences of their behaviors around a large dog? Will they be able to effectively establish their own leadership and position in the family pack, above the dog?
- "Invisible" Signals - Why Parental Supervision Isn't Enough from the Pawfectionist
- Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact With Dogs by Sophia Yin
- Kids & Dogs by All Pets Education & Training
