Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Videos

GSMD - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Attack

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Q&A

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog/ vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

I'd love to hear from actual owners of the two breeds about these gorgeous dogs. (To eliminate any confusion, I'll adding the AKC links to both breeds, as the names seems to have been used interchangeably in previous q's &a's)
If you would share a little about food, shedding, drooling, activity level, exercise needs, dog friendliness/lack there of, health issues, and anything else you think a GSMD or a BMD should know/consider/be aware of, I'd truly appreciate it!

http://www.akc.org/breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/

http://www.akc.org/breeds/greater_swiss_mountain_dog/

Hi! I have owned both Greater Swiss and Berners and can tell you the two are quite different!!!

They both require the same amount of food, since their size is quite comparable. I recommend feeding them a BARF diet. I use Dr. Billinghurt's raw diet and love the results. I swear, my dogs are so much healthier and live a lot longer than expected.

Shedding I used to giggle when people would ask me if my GS or Berner shed! I would simply tell them... "yes, once a year for 365 days!!" They do both shed, however, I would have to say my Berners did shed more than my Swiss. Berner hair is longer and therefore more noticeable, as well.

Neither breed really "drool", they just have wet mouths. Don't get me wrong... they do get pretty wet around the mouth when nervous, excited, or anxious, but I would abosoutely not go as far to say that they drool. Maybe it is because I now share my home with Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands who DROOL!!!

As far as activity level goes I would say my GS needed more exercise/stimulation in the form of giving them a job. They constantly challenge and are independent thinkers and need to be kept busy. They are also more challenging to train because they think independently and will often see how much they can get away with. Like toddlers!!!! They are not for everyone and I would not recommend this breed if this is going to be your first dog. They need a patient and firm hand, because they sure like to push buttons Swiss can be pretty protective of their family (which could be a positive or negative, depending on what you prefer) and are usually more shy around strangers. They just need a little longer to warm up to people they do not know. They are really a lot of fun and are really a riot to watch! I loved my Swiss!!

Bernese are much more eager to please and are probably the easiet to train out of all the breeds I have owned. They always want to be with their humans and are very intutitive. They need daily exercise (I took mine for a good 45 min. walk in the A.M. and again in the P.M.- they also have a large fenced in yard) and usually LOVE the water!! Kiddie pools anyone? Berners are more of a family dog than Swiss. They love to be included in EVERYTHING and will let you know they are upset with you if you leave them out!!!

The obvious main physical difference between the two breeds is the GS has a much shorter coat than Bernese, so grooming a Swiss is a LOT easier! Berners really should be brushed daily to prevent matting. Also, since Berners have a longer, thicker coat, they do a lot worse in warm weather than Swiss. Maybe that is something to consider depending on where you live.

Both have relatively the same health issues and have the same life expectancy. Like all large breeds, they sure do not live long enough!!!

Good luck in your search! Meet as many breeders, Bernese, Swiss, as you can! Go to local dog shows, dog fun days, etc. Spend time with both breeds and ask TONS of questions!!!

I am a member of our local Bernese Mountain Dog Club... let me know if I can be more of a help!

NOTE: I was laughing at someones comment comparing Berners to Golden Retrievers... so many people say they are similar! And they are!! I always tell people the main difference between a Golden and a Berner is: When you get home from somewhere (store, work, etc.) a Golden will greet you at the door like "OMG I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE HOME MOM!!!", while a Berner would greet you like "WELL WHY COULDN'T YOU BRING ME WITH YOU MOM?" hehe... ask any owners of both breeds!!!!! )))

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Videos

GSMD - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Attack

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Q&A

Anyone own Swissy (Great Swiss Mountain Dog)?

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