| Height | 25.5-28.5 inches (male), 23.7-27 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 115-140 pounds (male), 85-110 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 8β11+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Faithful / Family-Oriented / Dependable [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Switzerland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 71 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1β5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires moderate exercise. A walk around the block or a romp in the woods generally will satisfy their daily exercise needs. This breed is much better suited for the person looking for a hiking companion than the person wanting a bicycling or marathon-running partner. [1]
Grooming
This is basically a 'wash and wear'Β breed, but they are double coated and do blow their undercoat, usually twice a year. When this is occurring they benefit from a good bath and blow-out, followed by a thorough brushing with a rake or shedding tool. For the rest of the year the occasional bath and brushing usually does the trick. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The GSMD does not have any breed-specific disorders but can have health problems that affect large-breed dogs. This can include orthopedic issues, although overall the GSMD's orthopedics tend to be very good for a large breed. Splenic torsion, unrelated to gastric torsion, occurs more often in this breed than in other breeds. Owners should be aware of the possibility of bloat and know the symptoms, and what to do should it occur. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Shoulder Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 β $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1995. [1]
- It ranked No. 71 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 78 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the βSwissy, the Butcher's Dog.β [1]
- The AKC lists Switzerland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- β Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- β Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- β First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 8-11 years.
How big does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 25.5-28.5 inches (male), 23.7-27 inches (female) and weight 115-140 pounds (male), 85-110 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a typical vet bill runs $350 β $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.