Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years, which corresponds to a large working breed. A balanced diet, good weight management and serious veterinary care help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its powerful build and double coat give it strong resistance to cold and moderate bad weather. This robustness does not remove the need for vigilance regarding growth, joint load, and the appearance of skin or tumoral disorders.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the skin, body condition and any unusual mass. In this large dog, prevention also involves appropriate exercise, growth without excess and regular veterinary check-ups.
Mast cell tumor: This skin tumor is among the predispositions cited for the breed and warrants careful monitoring of any mass or skin lesion.
Adenoma: Adenomas may also be observed, hence the value of a prompt veterinary examination in the event of a nodule or skin change.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog tolerates cold and damp or harsh conditions well thanks to its dense undercoat. On the other hand, high heat suits it less and requires limiting exertion to the cooler hours, with water and shaded areas available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight management is important in this breed, as excess weight increases stress on the joints and harms mobility. It is advisable to measure portions, avoid repeated treats and adjust the diet according to age, activity and body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly inspect the skin and any unusual lump.
- Monitor weight and body condition throughout the year.
- Maintain daily walks without excessive effort in hot weather.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, abnormal fatigue, or a skin nodule.
Vaccination
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog need? Like all dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Greater Swiss Mountain Dog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Regular veterinary follow-up with a complete clinical examination, weight control and skin monitoring is recommended. In case of unusual fatigue, lameness or the appearance of skin nodules, a prompt consultation is preferable.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
