Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?

[coco-bean]

just curious about them, if anyone knows alot about this breed i'd appreciate it! what does a puppy normally cost? health problems ect...
thanks!

[Pam]

My daughter has a female Swissie right now and she is a doll. She had a male Swissie, named Dale, who died of bloat at the age of 2. I have forwarded your thread to her but it will probably be a couple of days before she replies as she is in the middle of a move. Here is Harlee, her current Swissie, who is two years old, and my Bella. This picture is deceiving because Harlee weighs 90 lbs and is much bigger than Bella who is only 50 lbs. It is all about the camera angle.

[Danegirl2208]

what a cutie And yes swissys are prone to bloat...as well as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia as with most large breed dogs.

[caseysmom]

My casey looks like a swissie...specifically an entlebucer...I am at work and can't post pics but here is one in the smile thread.

[Genny]

I've seen them on tv and read about them. They seem like neat dogs. I use to want one....they are good guard dogs (like for sheep) They are $$$ all the ones I've ever seen are. I've never seen one for less that $400!

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Swissies are excellent dogs! They are prone to bloat, as mentioned above, but they are very sweet, very loving dogs. They're one of my favourite large, short-coated breeds. I've loved every single one that I've ever met.

I've never seen one for less that $400!

I don't think a purebred of any breed from any (reputable) breeder would be less than $800. A well bred, purebred dog, runs anywhere from $800-$2500 usually, perhaps even more.

[Lori Jordan]

They are great dogs,I only know one and it was from a Obediance class i had Molly in,Mind you it was a puppy,but all together well behaved,Too the price i find anymore you have to spend the money on the animal,But they would be a great addition to any family.

[Pam]

I agree that purebred dogs come with a price and especially from a good breeder. I believe that Dale was $1,200 but Harlee was a gift to them by the breeder because of Dale dying at such a young age. This is the difference between an excellent breeder and just a good breeder. They stand behind their dogs 100%.

[Christiansmommy]

I am Pam's daughter, who posted above. I have a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, female, age 2. I had a male who died very young of bloat. This is the most prevalent illness that occurs with Swissies...and if not treated immediatley the dog will die. A good breeder will inform any potential adopters of this disease. You may need to be put on a waiting list for this breed, since most reputable breeders will want to make sure that the potential adopter will be a good match as a Swissie parent...and they don't breed like a puppy mill would...so you may have to wait up to a year for a litter.

Swissies are generally gentle giants but with any breed, if not socialized properly from a young age, they can be a bit to handle, especially due to size...males can be anywhere from 110-140lbs. Females 90-115. My male had more of a dominant personality than my female...she was also more trainable. Swissies need to be trained with patience and with gentle commands, they don't do well with harsh training.

I took Harlee to the bus stop to pick up my son yesterday and kids crowded her, and she just loved it....completely tolerated it with no problems. They are great dogs.

I am about to head out to the store, and I haven't even touched base on the many aspects of owning this breed...if you have more questions, feel free to ask.

I love my Swissie and I am sure she will not be the last Swissie I own.

Here is a VERY reputable Swissie website with a list of breeders that are only for bettering the breed...very good site...

www.agsba.com