Our Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs or “Swissys, Swissies” as they are also known will make excellent family companions if properly raised and trained.  Early and intensive socialization is a must to mold a rambunctious puppy into the confident, reliable and friendly adult the GSMD   breed is known for. Thanks to its gentle, affectionate and protective disposition, a well socialized and trained Swissy is easy to take care of and will make a loyal and loving family pet.  If properly brought up, they are great with children of all ages, and if introduced and accustomed to from an early age on, they will get along well with smaller pets such as cats and small dogs as well as horses and farm animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep and cattle.

Originally bred as multi purpose farm dogs used for watching over the homestead and as outstanding draft dogs and able livestock drovers, GSMD  will easily take to pulling carts, wagons and sleds and carrying back packs on hiking trips. Their protective but non menacing nature makes them very effective and impressive watch dogs. Because of their short double coat, grooming requirements are minimal.

Like all pure breeds, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be affected by a number of health conditions such as bloat and gastric torsion, OCD in the shoulders, hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, entropion, etc. Careful breeding can reduce the incidence rate but because of the complex nature of inheritance of these diseases and the limitations of the tests currently available, they cannot be completely eradicated.

As longtime owner and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breeder since 1987, Brigitte Rhinehart is an excellent source of information regarding this wonderful breed.  Please take a moment and browse the Swiss Mountain Dog  pages on the Brush Creek Farm web site. There are plenty of pictures and facts for guests to look at including when an upcoming litter is due.  If you have any questions about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs or the litters, do not hesitate to contact Brigitte via phone or email.