The most popular theory states the dogs are descended from the Molossus, a large mastiff-type dog, which accompanied the Roman Legions on their invasion of the Alps more than 2,000 years ago. There are several theories regarding the origin of the four Sennenhund breeds. Specific dog breeds were created by inbreeding, and puppies were given to neighbors and family members. Beginning in 1515, the remote valleys of Switzerland were more or less isolated from world history for three centuries. The origin of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not known. Among the four Sennenhunde, or Swiss mountain dogs, this breed is considered the oldest, and is also the largest.Ī painting of an Alpine Mastiff which was brought to Britain in 1815 It is relatively healthy for its size and tends to have far fewer problems than more popular breeds in its size range. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is sociable, active, calm, and dignified, and loves being part of the family. Its breed standard calls for a black, white, and rust colored coat. The breed is large and heavy-boned with great physical strength, but is still agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties it was originally used for. It was assumed to have almost died out by the late 19th century, since its work was being done by other breeds or machines, but was rediscovered in the early 1900s. At one time, the breed was believed to have been among the most popular in Switzerland. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland by foreign settlers. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog ( German: Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund or French: Grand Bouvier Suisse) is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps.
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