I am from switzerland and in my family we always had either greater swiss or bernese mountain dogs. Don’t underestimate their guard dog capabilities, they were bred as multi purpose farm dogs and therefore also as livestock guardian dogs. My grandparents had what we in switzerland call a swissy, a crossbreed between bernese and greater swiss mountain dog. Two burglars once broke into their home and the dog not only scared them away but even bit one.
Best dog ever. Our Swissie used to get up in the middle of the night and go to each of our bedrooms to make sure everyone was OK. It was like a night watchman making the rounds.
Mr Dennis, I'm sure you've heard this often, but all the dogs at your kennel just seem so happy. Not just the ones you're training, but all the ones running around in the backgroud of your videos!
Stonnie trained our Swissy/Berner puppy. He’s the best of the best! Brutus is now 8. The most well-behaved, loving dog we’ve ever owned. Stonnie was our best investment for Brutus as a puppy.
Stonie, this is my first time on your channel. But I would give everything I possess to have your life. Hanging with awesome dogs in the outdoors every day? That, my friend, it's heaven on earth. Thank you for helping the world love and appreciate our four-legged friends. Regardless of breed
I love my Swissie! He has an incredible personality. Loving and family oriented. He is food and affection motivated. Very smart but also stubborn. If he decides he doesn’t want to do something, you wont force him to do it; but he always wants to make me happy so he does what i ask. I have him trained to hand signals and voice commands. We work work on whistle signals next summer. He terrifies the amazon and fed ex guys. He gets along with cats watches over the chickens. He loves going everywhere with me. Travels well-does great in hotels and in the truck. He only barks when something is different in his domain. They are cool to watch in snow. Mine spreads his toes out, theres some webbing in between his toes, so his feet are like snow shoes. Walks on top of snow drifts
There a lot of dog experts on TH-cam who wouldn't know a dog from a cat. You are one of the few real dogmen on here who really cuts through the BS. And you are humble. I always tell anyone who wants to do anything with dogs that you must humble yourself before the mystery of the dog and leave your ego behind. Then you can learn what they have to teach.
A dear hello from Switzerland. Thank you for the video and yes it's true, they used to help the farmer. So, twice a day, they pulled a little wagon with milk, which had to be brought to the village. With a few exceptions this was generations ago. By the way, our Vets have an operation, which can be done especially for big dogs, so the stomach can't turn over. Maybe your Vet knows about it. Hopefully, I can have my own swiss mounty in a few years:)
I live in the US and stomach tacking is a common practice with large and giant breed dogs that are prone to bloat. My swissy had that procedure done several years ago when he had his spleen removed (enlarged spleens are also a common problem with the breed). I hope you can get your swissy!!
This video helped us choose a Swissy after 25 years of Labs. Our Swissy boy's now 5 months and an absolute star, exactly as you describe ... a good natured, cuddly goofball. We wouldn't have had the confidence to switch breeds without your expertise. Thanks, Stonnie 🙏
You are spot on. We have a Greater swiss who is now 6 months old, and 79 whopping pounds. He is absolutely the sweetest boy. He is definitely NOT treat motivated...like you said if he remembers, great...but most of the time he walks on passed me forgetting. We have 8 children and he just loves to be loved on. God forbid I wake up and not spend 10 mins rubbing his shoulders and chest, he demands to be loved..lol. We have a fully fenced back yard and he will run with the kids for a little bit then he lays down..we call him the big gloot or bum ..hahaha. He is incredibly soft and so fun to snuggle. We have already had one instance of a man walking outside near our property while I was with my kids waiting on the bus, Arlo definitely saw him first, and did exactly what you said (and something I've never seen him do before) he took a stance and he was blowing out the sides of his mouth with a deep bark...he was definitely intimidating. I can't imagine when he's grown. His dad was 18 months and 140 pounds. Arlo seems to be heading that way at 6 months and 79 pounds. Mostly you can find Arlo sleeping ON my feet in our family room. He's hands down the best dog I've ever owned.
The bigger dogs wear out because of Bergmann's rule. Bigger the warm blooded animal is the better it retains heat better. When you add blockiness, it is Allen's rule. The shorter limbs retain heat better. This is why deer in the far Upper Midwest are huge and why deer in Florida are tiny. I am very into Labradors, and Iove the way you do these breed profiles.
My Swissie was unfortunatly under socialized so we do have some reactivity issues but completely agree with the gaurd dog comment of liability wise I have basically zero fears of him biting. He makes sure people find him scary but he wouldn't go to the point of biting. (Obviously all dogs can bite and push comes to shove he might). Also in play with dogs he will back down the minute a dog says no. He's like oh yes oh god I'm sorry I will back up. We are actively working on his reactivity and have made a lot of progress. I would absolutely get another Swissy even with our reactivity issues. He absolutely has my heart.
I had a swissie mix and she was the most amazing dog ever! She came to work with me at a horse stable 3xs/week and was wonderful with all the animals. Horses, dogs, a pig, cats and occasionally goats. She was curious but gentle with them. Sometimes she'd try to "play" with the horses which was so funny to watch. She was very confident and would run alongside when I was riding a horse. She was also extremely responsive to the balanced training I did with her to the point that I was walking through town with her in heel with no leash at 9 months. Best dog I've ever owned. These dogs do need exercise. They will tire and rest as they need but I noticed that my dog was much more muscular than many other swissies I've seen. She was mixed with Australian cattle dog (blue heeler) but had the frame, build, temperament and coat length of a swissie but coloring (mottled spotty blue) of the heeler. She was friendly but a good judge of character and on a few instances put herself between me and sketchy people. Can't wait to get another wonderful dog of this breed.
10:13 was so funny how just as you said they would never grab ahold of somebody the GSW grabs that other pup and throws him down! They were just playing but the timing was hilarious 🤣
Mine was a Swiss/Malemute mix! In old age he learned how to bark in a Fred Meyer's parking lot, the dog in the next car taught him. Before he had a bass yodel😅! He did chase moose however, so it was clear that I had to see the signs and stop him before he went on the chase, bc once he was gone 40 feet, well you know. He got to be eleven years old! Best dog I ever had!
I love that we just walk and talk in your videos. Makes me feel like I'm just having a conversation about dogs with an old friend. Thank you for the work you do!
One did-about a month before her gasteropexy was scheduled. We live right near a specialty emergency dog so she made it. Very scary so definitely do the surgery.
We have a GSMD named Tate. She is honestly one the greatest dog I've ever had the pleasure of owning. We adopted her from an incredible facility in Oregon where she was rehabilitated. She was an owner surrender due to a couple of biting incidents. The poor pup was living in a condo in Portland. She is incredibly affectionate, protective ( I always feel safe walking her by myself), and funny. You described this breed wonderfully!
I love these breed specific videos. They are so helpful. I have had dogs all of my life . I’ve trained and competed with dogs and have had a wonderful time with them. But, your channel has opened my mind to another way of training a dog. A much better way ! The best way for the dog, which in turn is the best way for both of us. My last dog passed away three years ago. I am just now thinking about getting another dog. Even though I don’t have a dog right now, I read about them and watch videos also. That is how I found your channel. And, I am so glad I did. I Learn something every time I watch one. My next dog will be so happy that I did !
The thing I found with my Swissy is that - I relied more on his behavioral and situational training than I did with him perfectly responding to commands. Like you said. WHen I have his attention, he's on spot 100% of the time; but out on a walk he does his own thing. He's easily caught up in his own exploration, and it's fine. He doesn't always respond too perfectly, but he *never* leaves my side and I can trust him in every situation. When I decide we go, we go - no fuss. Other dogs, kids, sheep, horses - he's always sweet, calm and collected. As big and massive as he is, if dog poo hits the fan, he;s right between my legs. Edit: Oral stage, omg. The pain! My Swissy tried to eat rocks as a pup all the time! Edit more: Yeah, bloat worries me. My vet says to only feed *after* activity, and rest directly after. Also, feed more often, with smaller portions - as the Swissy will eat until he explodes. This sounds like hassle, but it's easy once it''s part of the routine. Edit even more: I love it to have my dog around when working outside. Especially when trying to get roots out of the ground - he loves it and is a great help!
I feel the exercise thing probably started as reasonable advice "don't take your growing puppy for long walks or runs on concrete" and somehow turned into "restrict their exercise"
I met a young women who would not allow her growing Newfie to walk down a hill that was easily managed by myself with a bum leg. No running no jumping of any kind. I felt so sorry for the gentle giant.
100% agree. sure, don't go on a 5 mile run with a puppy on concrete. But they can run all day on grass, and they can still exercise. A tired dog/puppy is a good dog/puppy. People also don't realize that training dogs is exhausting for them. There are many ways to get your dog exercised/tired.
@@wmickinley Your dog doesn’t pay attention because you aren’t very interesting; life is full of hard truths. It’s probably time for a little objective self evaluation on your part.
Stonnie. You are THE BEST dog trainer I have seen. This channel is like knowledge base. I wish I had the chance to send my dog. It is fascinating how much I learn from you every time I watch your videos.
I had 5 Swssys over 22 years...sometimes 3 at a time. I enjoyed driving, carting, and dog sledding with them. They loved cold weather..every degree below freezing made them happier/faster...like shot-puters running. They were good guard dogs due to their attentiveness, size, and bark. We never left them alone for more than 6 hours due their deep chests needing a small feeding to avoid stomach torsion.
My dogs mother was a purebred Swiss mountain dog and her father was a lab x Great Dane. She ended up with a blue merle coat She’s Very big, lazy, very squishy and there is no way this dog would ever work in her life but everyone absolutely loves her, people that are up to no good are terrified of her because of her tough sounding bark. It is really cool to see how mixed breed dogs have different instincts from their parents and they can either work beautifully together or create a monster. I am super happy with mine!
There is something very joyful about watching you hanging out with these dogs and them doing their own thing and checking back with you … ha ha … and all the different ages , luv it .
I love your honesty about your guard dogs. I had guard dogs that I raised the same way and my Boerboel which is a huge beast of a dog was socialized a lot more because of his 165 pound size and intimidation factor. He was a big teddy bear.
Great overview! You echo my experiences with my 3 yr old Swissie Willow pretty closely. We do long sections on the Appalachian Trail and she will do back to back 20 mile days but is also happy laying on the couch all day. We created Willow's channel to share our experiences with the breed. Great for hiking but definately have to hike your dog's hike. She loves the mountains. Again, great breed review
I absolutely LOVED my Swissy. He was sweet, wonderful, happy, calm, protective of and terrific with my children, and loved his people almost as much as food! 😂
I just lost my swissy, She was almost 6. She lost her fight with bone cancer. Greater Swiss mountain dogs are fantastic. Best dog ever! Best breed. I miss you Riley. Love you
I adopted a greater Swiss he's 2 yrs old. I live in a condo which I worry we walk him alot and we live in the country alot of wood's to travel. He wasn't trained at all. He is so strong and he loves hugs and kisses.
Stonnie, great content as always. I’ve been watching you for a long time and glad you featured the Swissy. We have a GSMD, Charlie, and love his personality. You described it perfectly where the personality is between Lab and Mastiff. And I feel they can be trained to do a variety of different things/roles for what you need…very versatile. Appreciate everything you do and keep the content coming.
Nothing better than camping with 7 of your favorite 4 legged friends! The Swissies seem like great dogs but I love my squishy Labs 😃 Annie is adorable, my next might be a field bred.
I was told not to exercise my 8wk old lab puppy too much because of his limbs. I took it slowly at first, making sure he could follow me on our entire walk. He never really wore out, so I just kept going further and further. We finally ended up walking around the pond every day about 2 weeks after I got him. He's 7 months old now and no limb problems at all.
These breed specific videos are always fantastic! It makes me want to consider a swissy- but then I see those black labs. Really no breed is better than them!
I have had my Greater Swiss Mountain dog for 8 years now, shes happy and very food motivated. I have done more or less everything with her, swim, long walks, we got a cart for her too. But most of all, lots of cuddles, she sleeps in my bed, sometimes under the duvet. She's the perfect dog for me.
Your channel is amazing. I've owned dogs most of my adult life and recently I have been trying to learn more about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Your video is spot-on about everything I have been researching and learning about this breed of dog. Everything that you've noted about the physicality of the breed, the behavior, and the other details has helped me greatly in understanding how these dogs thrive with the humans they have chosen for their own. I have a bit more research to do but this video has given me a greater sense of what to expect with this breed of dog. Thanks and I will continue to follow your channel. I actually watched the video segment on the Labrador Retrievers, the Belgian Malinois, and the German Shorthaired Pointer after this video on Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. I am getting a much better understanding of how you get people to understand the importance of knowing what a dog was bred for. ( herding, companionship, retrievers, protection, etc.)
The most fantastic breed. Everything you said, is right to the point, except that everyone loves them. Mine is very social and wants to greet everyone we pass in the forest. Resulting in a lot of negative/ rude comments. I hate those people. It due to living in a small, but denceley populated country. The most fantastic thing is how my dog adapts to small children. He is so carefull and gentle. Also doing his best to keeping the group together when we are ging for a hike.....love them. Thank you for the upload
Great dogs, very sweet..my female Ripley, is twelve..will be 13 if she makes it to March. She still plays and has a good quality of life and lives with 3 cats. She does bark at any noise outside haha
My dog's favorite treat chew is hoof trimmings from my horses. I lost a dog to twisted stomach a couple years ago. He was my "responsible" dog. He was a bassett lab mix ha. He had a special bark for rattlesnakes and skunks. I miss him dearly. I just lost another very good boy to a heart failure a couple days back. He was my latest responsible dog, an Aussie. Your videos are inspiring and cheer me up , thanks.
We rescued a dog from the shelter 4 years ago and he looks a lot like a Swissie (same colors and shape but on the smaller side). He is an absolute wonderful dog and out DNA testing cam back with a lot of different breeds with Staffy and Pit being the largest percentages. I just recently learned of the Swissie breed after seeing one on TV that lead me to this video because of how much our pup looks like one.
I’m down in FL, and have an old lab. Sweet dog now, but little hellion for the first three years! Now that she’s toward the end of her life, I’m looking at other breeds. My brother has bull mastiffs that I occasionally babysit, and would love for me to get one. I love large breeds, but don’t want a mastiff. So, I’m looking around for options. Very informative video! Thanks!
I love the idea of featuring the breeds that you had us guess what they were. Very interesting info about the SMD and some on the Cocker. Look forward to your view of the others as well. Great idea to help people understand the breeds better with details that the profiles wouldn’t think about. 👍🏻
Hello from Brazil!! Love your videos. Just purchase a Fila Brasileiro female. She is 4 months and a half, and walks 1 hour every day along with my 6 years old male Malinois. For sure a good exercise routine is the key to a calm and good life with my dogs.
Hi Stonnie, I love my Great Swiss Mountain Dog Franky (2,5 years old) to pieces, but sometimes he drives me up the wall and I think: 'whats wrong with you'? Watching your video last night was like you telling stories about Franky. He behaves exactly the way you describe that breed: picking up tissues, even little stones - swallow them quickly (both luckily only whe he was little), chasing deer if Iam not spot on (can't hold him on the long leach if he gets off, anyway), walking behind me with that: 'how much longer' look in his face when it is raining, getting me to play with him with his long forelegs, coming back for treats (not for me...). He is a great guy and I love him even more now I know it is not his fault (or ours for not having trained with him hard enough) - thank you very much for a great film:-)) I made the whole familiy watch it. Mandy from Germany
I love the Exercise topic you brought up. My family would get mad at me for taking my Australian shepherd on short hikes like yours. Through flat grass and everything. Of course I wouldn't take my puppy on crazy miles but definitely love taking her out to run and play instead of being inside all day.
Great video again. Great Swiss mountine dogs are beutiful dogs. As I mentioned in my comments to your Golden Retriver video I commented on a bit earlier today my first dog was a Golden Retriver. I recconed that the Golden would be an easy dog to have as a first dog and to learn all that dog training thing on. He turned out to be a hand full. Especially regarding getting house broke and also regarding chasing wild animals. Otherwise a verry nice and sweet dog. When fully trained he never had any interest for wild animals. We lived in the city centre and still I never had to even bring a leash when we were out for walks. I left him outside department stores etc. with just a stay command. He never moved an inch. He did not move even if I came out and forgot to tell him to come. Unfortunately I have to admit that this happened a few times. When I realised that he was missing I went back and found him where I had left him. So in summary he was a great dog. Our second dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback. By that time we were more confident and wanted a dog that would be a tough but controlled guard dog. A dog that would not hesitate to intervene when nessesary but at the same time would not be agressive if it was not nessesary. He turned out to be a pacifist by nature. He was absolutely not a hero by any means. He was just a sweet loving dog who wanted to cuddle. He was also a breeze to get house trained. But he was big, strong and beutiful. And he looked like a real tough bad ass Ridgeback and he's bark was like thunder. I experienced that this is enough, at least in some cases, to deter a would be bad guy. It is now almost 12 years since our Ridgeback passed away. Both I and my partner have come on a bit in age. I am now retired but not yet my partner. My partner does however have some problems with her arms and shoulders, due to her much to hard work. We have sometimes talked about getting a new dog. In my mind the Rhodesian Ridgebak is still the most beutiful dog in the world but perhaps we have to consider our age and my partner's arm and shoulder problems. Maby a young rumbunctious Ridgeback would not be the best fit anymore. He would probably tear her arms off before he is properly trained🙂 Breeds we have discussed are German Pincher, Staffordshire bullterrier and Olde English Bulldogge. We live in a quiet suburban area. Not much crime about but sometimes lively youngsters making some noise at the close by beach in summer nights. In the area next to ours there has been some more problems. We are not overly active but likle to go on at least one good walk per day. Perhaps 30-60 minutes. With a dog it would of course also be a few shorter breaks as well. Sometimes also a bit of a hike in woodlands. It could be that we would bring him on boat trips as well. We would be looking for a dog that would be able to keep up with that but would not demand a lot of excersise every day and which is easy to train. He would mostly be our pet but at the same time we would like him to guard and protect us and our home if needed. It would perhaps be fun to do a bit of nose work as well. Like e.g. search for muschrooms etc. Which bread whould you reccomend?
Annie, what a little cutie. Mr. No Name will have her schooled in no time. Tucker's a good boy. Never seen a Swiss Mountain Dog. I like your description of the breed, a shame they tend to have some health challenges. Short life span like the Bernese too?
Hi Stonnie, I am discovering your channel and liking your canine outdoor training philosophie. Information given are clear and full of common sense. Never seen anything like you are doing, Adventure walk and outdoor going. Bravo !!! 🤙 If by any chance you could do a video on the Beauceron breed and your opinion on it. Cheers from France
In France they show PVGV running in group like your dogs. But here in the US they say never take them off the leash because they just follow their nose & don’t look back. We had a lab and he could go off leash. Once we let the PVGV over leash at the beach and she ran away. We were able to get her back. So I agree having a breed that stays with you
We will be adding a dog to our family this Spring (we currently have a lab mix) and the Swisie is one we are considering. This video has been very helpful!
My 10 month old black lab puppy does exactly what you are talking about. He's quite big for a lab and he has a deep bark (and he bays like a hound, too). He will puff up and bluff charge. I'm sure he looks scary if you don't know him.
I had the pleasure to get to know Great Berneses that are working dogs. These doggos were very hardbodied, extremely so. One boy, Bari, weighed an amazong 90 kilos (around 180lbs). He was and is very cudly. He is a herding dogs. The goats he protects like him. And there are no wolve anywhere near, wherever the pasture.
I get lots of people I should just start a B channel for the other things I do, and keep this channel specifically for dog related stuff. What do you think?
Stormy, I am in Louisville. Yesterday we had a light stow. The snow was nice and crunchy. So, I made a stick pile of snowballs. Today there is no more snow on the ground. But the snowballs are just right. My dog is having a blast fetching snow balls. She finds it interesting that they are unexpected.
I did not hear you mention or give any attention to the cute little Jack Russel Terrier (I believe it was). Please describe more about this breed in future videos.
"Dogs of leisure" 😂 hahahah, yes. so true! My Swissy Dog (GSMD / Bernese mix) is super chill now, but the first two years were pretty hard work. Folks, don't be confused: a puppy is a puppy, so when they are young, they will be wild and energetic. And a 50 pound puppy is a lot of puppy and work! 😂
@@amandameyer5606 Hi Amanda! He's not from Iowa as we live in Germany and got ours from a breeder here. I get so excited when I see how popular the breeds are in the US. They are truly awesome dogs 💕
People used to come up to me all the time and ask if my Bernese was a Swiss! I did appreciate how you gave such precise traits on giant breeds. I’m hoping my next giant I’ll be able to come on down by you so I can get away from my husband and his chocolate lab lol
Lol! I have had the opposite experience. I have had multiple people come up to me and my Swissie and ask if I had him clipped or shaved and when i explain they always say , “never heard of that breed. Sure looks like a berner.”
I think this personality and lifestyle could be a really good fit for my next dog, but I’m worried about how they do in hot weather. I’m looking for a dog that likes to be a come-with buddy, working in the yard and around the house; going on walks, hikes, car rides, etc. but can also settle in my office while I do desk work for about 6 hours a day. A little bit of a guard dog/deterrent, but not someone I’m constantly worried about as a bite risk. And someone that gets along with people of all ages and dogs and cats. If they wanted to wear a backpack and carry things, that would be genuinely helpful, so it would be easy for me to give them a job to do. BUT I am in Phoenix, Arizona. Our spring and fall is in the 80s and 90s. Our summers are over 100°. We do have a swimming pool. Do GSMDs enjoy swimming? Would that plus air conditioning kept around 80 degrees be enough to keep them cool? Or is there another breed with a very similar personality that would be more comfortable in hot weather?
I’ve had 2 one was a girl who was a little on the smaller side at 90lbs at her peak who passed at 13years old and my 2 year old male who is 120lbs who is amazing and thriving, he will come to see me every morning when I’m in the shower and sit in front of the door. My favorite boy ❤❤❤
They are truly beautiful pups. I fear always that you will suffer as an owner bc they don’t live very long. I do love a Swissy! I fully laughed right out when you outed them as being Dogs of Leisure! BUSTED! 😂 they have a good bluster to be sure. They will happily pull carts if asked to do so. But they will take a long happy snooze in a sun patch over a cart pull any day of the week! At least the ones in my family! They are sweet and funny and beautiful to behold!
Hi @Stonnie Dennis! Love your content, thank you so very much for all the sharing and giving you do sir! You mentioned you have farm dogs in this video, what breeds do you use for your farm dogs and how does your training for your farm dogs differ from your normal training approach?
Watched the whole thing... feathering pencil lead and all. Q: so what are your night watchman dogs? Malinois? I think I recall a kangal or anatolian u had in video too... Just curious. Tx
I am from switzerland and in my family we always had either greater swiss or bernese mountain dogs. Don’t underestimate their guard dog capabilities, they were bred as multi purpose farm dogs and therefore also as livestock guardian dogs. My grandparents had what we in switzerland call a swissy, a crossbreed between bernese and greater swiss mountain dog. Two burglars once broke into their home and the dog not only scared them away but even bit one.
Best dog ever. Our Swissie used to get up in the middle of the night and go to each of our bedrooms to make sure everyone was OK. It was like a night watchman making the rounds.
My Pyrenees does that ❤️
Mr Dennis, I'm sure you've heard this often, but all the dogs at your kennel just seem so happy. Not just the ones you're training, but all the ones running around in the backgroud of your videos!
We do our best!
@@StonnieDennis what kind of farmdogs do you own?
Stonnie trained our Swissy/Berner puppy. He’s the best of the best! Brutus is now 8. The most well-behaved, loving dog we’ve ever owned. Stonnie was our best investment for Brutus as a puppy.
Stonie, this is my first time on your channel. But I would give everything I possess to have your life. Hanging with awesome dogs in the outdoors every day? That, my friend, it's heaven on earth. Thank you for helping the world love and appreciate our four-legged friends. Regardless of breed
I love my Swissie! He has an incredible personality. Loving and family oriented. He is food and affection motivated. Very smart but also stubborn. If he decides he doesn’t want to do something, you wont force him to do it; but he always wants to make me happy so he does what i ask. I have him trained to hand signals and voice commands. We work work on whistle signals next summer. He terrifies the amazon and fed ex guys. He gets along with cats watches over the chickens. He loves going everywhere with me. Travels well-does great in hotels and in the truck. He only barks when something is different in his domain. They are cool to watch in snow. Mine spreads his toes out, theres some webbing in between his toes, so his feet are like snow shoes. Walks on top of snow drifts
There a lot of dog experts on TH-cam who wouldn't know a dog from a cat. You are one of the few real dogmen on here who really cuts through the BS. And you are humble. I always tell anyone who wants to do anything with dogs that you must humble yourself before the mystery of the dog and leave your ego behind. Then you can learn what they have to teach.
Thank you!
A dear hello from Switzerland. Thank you for the video and yes it's true, they used to help the farmer. So, twice a day, they pulled a little wagon with milk, which had to be brought to the village. With a few exceptions this was generations ago. By the way, our Vets have an operation, which can be done especially for big dogs, so the stomach can't turn over. Maybe your Vet knows about it. Hopefully, I can have my own swiss mounty in a few years:)
I live in the US and stomach tacking is a common practice with large and giant breed dogs that are prone to bloat. My swissy had that procedure done several years ago when he had his spleen removed (enlarged spleens are also a common problem with the breed). I hope you can get your swissy!!
Thank you for your answer
Glad to hear that & happy for your swissy :) Wish you a happy & long friendship together :)
This video helped us choose a Swissy after 25 years of Labs. Our Swissy boy's now 5 months and an absolute star, exactly as you describe ... a good natured, cuddly goofball. We wouldn't have had the confidence to switch breeds without your expertise. Thanks, Stonnie 🙏
You are spot on. We have a Greater swiss who is now 6 months old, and 79 whopping pounds. He is absolutely the sweetest boy. He is definitely NOT treat motivated...like you said if he remembers, great...but most of the time he walks on passed me forgetting. We have 8 children and he just loves to be loved on. God forbid I wake up and not spend 10 mins rubbing his shoulders and chest, he demands to be loved..lol. We have a fully fenced back yard and he will run with the kids for a little bit then he lays down..we call him the big gloot or bum ..hahaha. He is incredibly soft and so fun to snuggle. We have already had one instance of a man walking outside near our property while I was with my kids waiting on the bus, Arlo definitely saw him first, and did exactly what you said (and something I've never seen him do before) he took a stance and he was blowing out the sides of his mouth with a deep bark...he was definitely intimidating. I can't imagine when he's grown. His dad was 18 months and 140 pounds. Arlo seems to be heading that way at 6 months and 79 pounds. Mostly you can find Arlo sleeping ON my feet in our family room. He's hands down the best dog I've ever owned.
Where did you find Arlo? We are looking for a pup, but want a big fella.
The bigger dogs wear out because of Bergmann's rule. Bigger the warm blooded animal is the better it retains heat better. When you add blockiness, it is Allen's rule. The shorter limbs retain heat better. This is why deer in the far Upper Midwest are huge and why deer in Florida are tiny. I am very into Labradors, and Iove the way you do these breed profiles.
Good post!
My Swissie was unfortunatly under socialized so we do have some reactivity issues but completely agree with the gaurd dog comment of liability wise I have basically zero fears of him biting. He makes sure people find him scary but he wouldn't go to the point of biting. (Obviously all dogs can bite and push comes to shove he might). Also in play with dogs he will back down the minute a dog says no. He's like oh yes oh god I'm sorry I will back up.
We are actively working on his reactivity and have made a lot of progress. I would absolutely get another Swissy even with our reactivity issues. He absolutely has my heart.
My neighbor had a Swissie and everything Stonie said about them was true about her.💖
I had a swissie mix and she was the most amazing dog ever! She came to work with me at a horse stable 3xs/week and was wonderful with all the animals. Horses, dogs, a pig, cats and occasionally goats. She was curious but gentle with them. Sometimes she'd try to "play" with the horses which was so funny to watch. She was very confident and would run alongside when I was riding a horse. She was also extremely responsive to the balanced training I did with her to the point that I was walking through town with her in heel with no leash at 9 months. Best dog I've ever owned. These dogs do need exercise. They will tire and rest as they need but I noticed that my dog was much more muscular than many other swissies I've seen. She was mixed with Australian cattle dog (blue heeler) but had the frame, build, temperament and coat length of a swissie but coloring (mottled spotty blue) of the heeler. She was friendly but a good judge of character and on a few instances put herself between me and sketchy people. Can't wait to get another wonderful dog of this breed.
10:13 was so funny how just as you said they would never grab ahold of somebody the GSW grabs that other pup and throws him down! They were just playing but the timing was hilarious 🤣
Mine was a Swiss/Malemute mix! In old age he learned how to bark in a Fred Meyer's parking lot, the dog in the next car taught him. Before he had a bass yodel😅! He did chase moose however, so it was clear that I had to see the signs and stop him before he went on the chase, bc once he was gone 40 feet, well you know. He got to be eleven years old! Best dog I ever had!
I love that we just walk and talk in your videos. Makes me feel like I'm just having a conversation about dogs with an old friend. Thank you for the work you do!
As a Swissy owner, there is nothing what I can dissagree on your breed judgment :-). Everything fits ! Great video !
I’m glad you liked it!
I’ve had three swissies and everything you say is spot on! Such wonderful companions. Love the bluff charge!
Did they ever have bloat?
One did-about a month before her gasteropexy was scheduled. We live right near a specialty emergency dog so she made it. Very scary so definitely do the surgery.
We adopted a Swissy just over a year ago and everything Stonnie said about them is absolutely spot on. We love our Bella. Big dopey squishy dog. ❤
We have a GSMD named Tate. She is honestly one the greatest dog I've ever had the pleasure of owning. We adopted her from an incredible facility in Oregon where she was rehabilitated. She was an owner surrender due to a couple of biting incidents. The poor pup was living in a condo in Portland.
She is incredibly affectionate, protective ( I always feel safe walking her by myself), and funny. You described this breed wonderfully!
I love these breed specific videos. They are so helpful. I have had dogs all of my life . I’ve trained and competed with dogs and have had a wonderful time with them. But, your channel has opened my mind to another way of training a dog. A much better way ! The best way for the dog, which in turn is the best way for both of us. My last dog passed away three years ago. I am just now thinking about getting another dog. Even though I don’t have a dog right now, I read about them and watch videos also. That is how I found your channel. And, I am so glad I did. I Learn something every time I watch one. My next dog will be so happy that I did !
The thing I found with my Swissy is that - I relied more on his behavioral and situational training than I did with him perfectly responding to commands. Like you said. WHen I have his attention, he's on spot 100% of the time; but out on a walk he does his own thing. He's easily caught up in his own exploration, and it's fine. He doesn't always respond too perfectly, but he *never* leaves my side and I can trust him in every situation. When I decide we go, we go - no fuss. Other dogs, kids, sheep, horses - he's always sweet, calm and collected. As big and massive as he is, if dog poo hits the fan, he;s right between my legs.
Edit: Oral stage, omg. The pain! My Swissy tried to eat rocks as a pup all the time!
Edit more: Yeah, bloat worries me. My vet says to only feed *after* activity, and rest directly after. Also, feed more often, with smaller portions - as the Swissy will eat until he explodes. This sounds like hassle, but it's easy once it''s part of the routine.
Edit even more: I love it to have my dog around when working outside. Especially when trying to get roots out of the ground - he loves it and is a great help!
Thankfully the vet takes the stomach at the same time we neutered.
I feel the exercise thing probably started as reasonable advice "don't take your growing puppy for long walks or runs on concrete" and somehow turned into "restrict their exercise"
Unfortunately we live in a world dominated by disinformation agents and faux experts.
I met a young women who would not allow her growing Newfie to walk down a hill that was easily managed by myself with a bum leg. No running no jumping of any kind. I felt so sorry for the gentle giant.
That’s for sure. Big audiences too. Ha. I take my growing doodle on walks. Big deal. He doesn’t listen much though.
100% agree. sure, don't go on a 5 mile run with a puppy on concrete. But they can run all day on grass, and they can still exercise. A tired dog/puppy is a good dog/puppy. People also don't realize that training dogs is exhausting for them. There are many ways to get your dog exercised/tired.
@@wmickinley Your dog doesn’t pay attention because you aren’t very interesting; life is full of hard truths.
It’s probably time for a little objective self evaluation on your part.
My favorite dog breed ever. I imported one from Belgium. Very protective but safe for the family ❤. I miss him sooo much
Its fun to see how different these dogs can be, as my Swissy is like my shadow. He follow's me all around. In and outside.
Stonnie. You are THE BEST dog trainer I have seen. This channel is like knowledge base. I wish I had the chance to send my dog. It is fascinating how much I learn from you every time I watch your videos.
Thank you!
Never mind my dog, I wish I could have sent my son to you for life skills training! He’d have loved it.
I had 5 Swssys over 22 years...sometimes 3 at a time. I enjoyed driving, carting, and dog sledding with them. They loved cold weather..every degree below freezing made them happier/faster...like shot-puters running. They were good guard dogs due to their attentiveness, size, and bark. We never left them alone for more than 6 hours due their deep chests needing a small feeding to avoid stomach torsion.
My dogs mother was a purebred Swiss mountain dog and her father was a lab x Great Dane. She ended up with a blue merle coat
She’s Very big, lazy, very squishy and there is no way this dog would ever work in her life but everyone absolutely loves her, people that are up to no good are terrified of her because of her tough sounding bark. It is really cool to see how mixed breed dogs have different instincts from their parents and they can either work beautifully together or create a monster. I am super happy with mine!
There is something very joyful about watching you hanging out with these dogs and them doing their own thing and checking back with you … ha ha … and all the different ages , luv it .
I love your honesty about your guard dogs. I had guard dogs that I raised the same way and my Boerboel which is a huge beast of a dog was socialized a lot more because of his 165 pound size and intimidation factor. He was a big teddy bear.
Great overview! You echo my experiences with my 3 yr old Swissie Willow pretty closely. We do long sections on the Appalachian Trail and she will do back to back 20 mile days but is also happy laying on the couch all day. We created Willow's channel to share our experiences with the breed. Great for hiking but definately have to hike your dog's hike. She loves the mountains. Again, great breed review
I missed my best buddy very , this dog enjoy life on 100% and deserve huge love . Guardian dog he is , but he is lover in #1 .
I absolutely LOVED my Swissy. He was sweet, wonderful, happy, calm, protective of and terrific with my children, and loved his people almost as much as food! 😂
I just lost my swissy,
She was almost 6. She lost her fight with bone cancer. Greater Swiss mountain dogs are fantastic.
Best dog ever! Best breed.
I miss you Riley. Love you
Hang on there, my friend. She will be there for you on the other side.
I adopted a greater Swiss he's 2 yrs old. I live in a condo which I worry we walk him alot and we live in the country alot of wood's to travel. He wasn't trained at all. He is so strong and he loves hugs and kisses.
Stonnie, great content as always. I’ve been watching you for a long time and glad you featured the Swissy. We have a GSMD, Charlie, and love his personality. You described it perfectly where the personality is between Lab and Mastiff. And I feel they can be trained to do a variety of different things/roles for what you need…very versatile. Appreciate everything you do and keep the content coming.
Nothing better than camping with 7 of your favorite 4 legged friends! The Swissies seem like great dogs but I love my squishy Labs 😃
Annie is adorable, my next might be a field bred.
I was told not to exercise my 8wk old lab puppy too much because of his limbs. I took it slowly at first, making sure he could follow me on our entire walk. He never really wore out, so I just kept going further and further. We finally ended up walking around the pond every day about 2 weeks after I got him. He's 7 months old now and no limb problems at all.
Common sense always wins! Good job!
Would love your take on the English Pointer one day. Im so impressed with the breed so far. Super soft to handle, and great working dogs.
Your videos really helped me pick my current puppy's breed.
I have a cross between a black lab and a swissie. Most layed back dog ever. Love this dog.
These breed specific videos are always fantastic! It makes me want to consider a swissy- but then I see those black labs. Really no breed is better than them!
Had a yellow for 17 years they're really great dogs. Everytime I look at other breeds for my next dog I always come to the Lab.
They are soo easy and low impact. Your characterizations of them are amusing and absolutely dead on accurate.
I have had my Greater Swiss Mountain dog for 8 years now, shes happy and very food motivated. I have done more or less everything with her, swim, long walks, we got a cart for her too. But most of all, lots of cuddles, she sleeps in my bed, sometimes under the duvet. She's the perfect dog for me.
Swissies are the best 😊
Your channel is amazing. I've owned dogs most of my adult life and recently I have been trying to learn more about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Your video is spot-on about everything I have been researching and learning about this breed of dog. Everything that you've noted about the physicality of the breed, the behavior, and the other details has helped me greatly in understanding how these dogs thrive with the humans they have chosen for their own. I have a bit more research to do but this video has given me a greater sense of what to expect with this breed of dog. Thanks and I will continue to follow your channel. I actually watched the video segment on the Labrador Retrievers, the Belgian Malinois, and the German Shorthaired Pointer after this video on Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. I am getting a much better understanding of how you get people to understand the importance of knowing what a dog was bred for. ( herding, companionship, retrievers, protection, etc.)
I’m glad you enjoy our content!
The most fantastic breed. Everything you said, is right to the point, except that everyone loves them. Mine is very social and wants to greet everyone we pass in the forest. Resulting in a lot of negative/ rude comments. I hate those people. It due to living in a small, but denceley populated country.
The most fantastic thing is how my dog adapts to small children. He is so carefull and gentle. Also doing his best to keeping the group together when we are ging for a hike.....love them. Thank you for the upload
Mine is an amazing farm /ranch dog. He doesn’t run the livestock, but definitely is protective of me and the stock. Best dog I’ve ever had.
Great dogs, very sweet..my female Ripley, is twelve..will be 13 if she makes it to March. She still plays and has a good quality of life and lives with 3 cats. She does bark at any noise outside haha
My dog's favorite treat chew is hoof trimmings from my horses. I lost a dog to twisted stomach a couple years ago. He was my "responsible" dog. He was a bassett lab mix ha. He had a special bark for rattlesnakes and skunks. I miss him dearly. I just lost another very good boy to a heart failure a couple days back. He was my latest responsible dog, an Aussie. Your videos are inspiring and cheer me up , thanks.
We rescued a dog from the shelter 4 years ago and he looks a lot like a Swissie (same colors and shape but on the smaller side). He is an absolute wonderful dog and out DNA testing cam back with a lot of different breeds with Staffy and Pit being the largest percentages. I just recently learned of the Swissie breed after seeing one on TV that lead me to this video because of how much our pup looks like one.
I’m down in FL, and have an old lab. Sweet dog now, but little hellion for the first three years! Now that she’s toward the end of her life, I’m looking at other breeds. My brother has bull mastiffs that I occasionally babysit, and would love for me to get one. I love large breeds, but don’t want a mastiff. So, I’m looking around for options. Very informative video! Thanks!
My 6 month old English lab already started that "posting up" and "puffing up" behavior at about 4 1/2 months... the ridgeback is impressive!
I love the idea of featuring the breeds that you had us guess what they were. Very interesting info about the SMD and some on the Cocker. Look forward to your view of the others as well. Great idea to help people understand the breeds better with details that the profiles wouldn’t think about. 👍🏻
Hello from Brazil!! Love your videos. Just purchase a Fila Brasileiro female. She is 4 months and a half, and walks 1 hour every day along with my 6 years old male Malinois. For sure a good exercise routine is the key to a calm and good life with my dogs.
I used to have a Fila!
Another good one! I enjoy these comparison videos in the field. I have one hell of a Golden because of them. Thanks Stonnie.
I'm glad you like our content!
Love your videos. Such a nice respite from the news. Thanks so much.
Hi Stonnie, I love my Great Swiss Mountain Dog Franky (2,5 years old) to pieces, but sometimes he drives me up the wall and I think: 'whats wrong with you'? Watching your video last night was like you telling stories about Franky. He behaves exactly the way you describe that breed: picking up tissues, even little stones - swallow them quickly (both luckily only whe he was little), chasing deer if Iam not spot on (can't hold him on the long leach if he gets off, anyway), walking behind me with that: 'how much longer' look in his face when it is raining, getting me to play with him with his long forelegs, coming back for treats (not for me...). He is a great guy and I love him even more now I know it is not his fault (or ours for not having trained with him hard enough) - thank you very much for a great film:-)) I made the whole familiy watch it. Mandy from Germany
Another awesome and informative video Stonnie. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I love the Exercise topic you brought up. My family would get mad at me for taking my Australian shepherd on short hikes like yours. Through flat grass and everything. Of course I wouldn't take my puppy on crazy miles but definitely love taking her out to run and play instead of being inside all day.
Great video again.
Great Swiss mountine dogs are beutiful dogs.
As I mentioned in my comments to your Golden Retriver video I commented on a bit earlier today my first dog was a Golden Retriver.
I recconed that the Golden would be an easy dog to have as a first dog and to learn all that dog training thing on.
He turned out to be a hand full.
Especially regarding getting house broke and also regarding chasing wild animals.
Otherwise a verry nice and sweet dog.
When fully trained he never had any interest for wild animals.
We lived in the city centre and still I never had to even bring a leash when we were out for walks.
I left him outside department stores etc. with just a stay command.
He never moved an inch.
He did not move even if I came out and forgot to tell him to come.
Unfortunately I have to admit that this happened a few times.
When I realised that he was missing I went back and found him where I had left him.
So in summary he was a great dog.
Our second dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
By that time we were more confident and wanted a dog that would be a tough but controlled guard dog.
A dog that would not hesitate to intervene when nessesary but at the same time would not be agressive if it was not nessesary.
He turned out to be a pacifist by nature.
He was absolutely not a hero by any means.
He was just a sweet loving dog who wanted to cuddle.
He was also a breeze to get house trained.
But he was big, strong and beutiful.
And he looked like a real tough bad ass Ridgeback and he's bark was like thunder.
I experienced that this is enough, at least in some cases, to deter a would be bad guy.
It is now almost 12 years since our Ridgeback passed away.
Both I and my partner have come on a bit in age.
I am now retired but not yet my partner.
My partner does however have some problems with her arms and shoulders, due to her much to hard work.
We have sometimes talked about getting a new dog.
In my mind the Rhodesian Ridgebak is still the most beutiful dog in the world but perhaps we have to consider our age and my partner's arm and shoulder problems.
Maby a young rumbunctious Ridgeback would not be the best fit anymore.
He would probably tear her arms off before he is properly trained🙂
Breeds we have discussed are German Pincher, Staffordshire bullterrier and Olde English Bulldogge.
We live in a quiet suburban area.
Not much crime about but sometimes lively youngsters making some noise at the close by beach in summer nights.
In the area next to ours there has been some more problems.
We are not overly active but likle to go on at least one good walk per day. Perhaps 30-60 minutes.
With a dog it would of course also be a few shorter breaks as well.
Sometimes also a bit of a hike in woodlands.
It could be that we would bring him on boat trips as well.
We would be looking for a dog that would be able to keep up with that but would not demand a lot of excersise every day and which is easy to train.
He would mostly be our pet but at the same time we would like him to guard and protect us and our home if needed.
It would perhaps be fun to do a bit of nose work as well. Like e.g. search for muschrooms etc.
Which bread whould you reccomend?
Annie, what a little cutie. Mr. No Name will have her schooled in no time. Tucker's a good boy. Never seen a Swiss Mountain Dog. I like your description of the breed, a shame they tend to have some health challenges. Short life span like the Bernese too?
I want one of these so bad❤
Hi Stonnie, I am discovering your channel and liking your canine outdoor training philosophie. Information given are clear and full of common sense.
Never seen anything like you are doing, Adventure walk and outdoor going.
Bravo !!! 🤙
If by any chance you could do a video on the Beauceron breed and your opinion on it.
Cheers from France
Excellent info. Appreciate real world advice.
Beautiful looking dogs would love to have one in my family
In France they show PVGV running in group like your dogs. But here in the US they say never take them off the leash because they just follow their nose & don’t look back. We had a lab and he could go off leash. Once we let the PVGV over leash at the beach and she ran away. We were able to get her back. So I agree having a breed that stays with you
We will be adding a dog to our family this Spring (we currently have a lab mix) and the Swisie is one we are considering. This video has been very helpful!
I like this guy. His advice makes sense, and hes not big on Donts as far as puppies. I agree withe the notion of "how else is a puppy going to learn?"
You're awesome with the animals and so informative.
Stonnie's vids are Music to my ears! Love it!
U da man stonnie I love these dogs
Thank you!
Verry on the point! Good explanation. Have fun with youre dogs
My 10 month old black lab puppy does exactly what you are talking about. He's quite big for a lab and he has a deep bark (and he bays like a hound, too). He will puff up and bluff charge. I'm sure he looks scary if you don't know him.
I really like the look of this breed
I had the pleasure to get to know Great Berneses that are working dogs. These doggos were very hardbodied, extremely so. One boy, Bari, weighed an amazong 90 kilos (around 180lbs). He was and is very cudly. He is a herding dogs. The goats he protects like him. And there are no wolve anywhere near, wherever the pasture.
Thank you…..learning so much from your channel over the past three years:). Enjoying the bush craft in this video, as well:)
I get lots of people I should just start a B channel for the other things I do, and keep this channel specifically for dog related stuff. What do you think?
Stormy, I am in Louisville. Yesterday we had a light stow. The snow was nice and crunchy. So, I made a stick pile of snowballs. Today there is no more snow on the ground. But the snowballs are just right. My dog is having a blast fetching snow balls. She finds it interesting that they are unexpected.
thats a beautiful dog, love your training field..think I need to make me one of those for our lab/pit mix who is just out of control for us...
I did not hear you mention or give any attention to the cute little Jack Russel Terrier (I believe it was). Please describe more about this breed in future videos.
"Dogs of leisure" 😂 hahahah, yes. so true! My Swissy Dog (GSMD / Bernese mix) is super chill now, but the first two years were pretty hard work. Folks, don't be confused: a puppy is a puppy, so when they are young, they will be wild and energetic. And a 50 pound puppy is a lot of puppy and work! 😂
We have the exact same mix! Amazing dogs and super duper spoiled. Stonnie trained ours as well. Any chance yours is from Iowa?
@@amandameyer5606 Hi Amanda! He's not from Iowa as we live in Germany and got ours from a breeder here. I get so excited when I see how popular the breeds are in the US. They are truly awesome dogs 💕
I would like to see a video about the beagle please
People used to come up to me all the time and ask if my Bernese was a Swiss! I did appreciate how you gave such precise traits on giant breeds. I’m hoping my next giant I’ll be able to come on down by you so I can get away from my husband and his chocolate lab lol
Lol! I have had the opposite experience. I have had multiple people come up to me and my Swissie and ask if I had him clipped or shaved and when i explain they always say , “never heard of that breed. Sure looks like a berner.”
I really like your approach.
This tracks with my 3mo old Swissy!
I think this personality and lifestyle could be a really good fit for my next dog, but I’m worried about how they do in hot weather. I’m looking for a dog that likes to be a come-with buddy, working in the yard and around the house; going on walks, hikes, car rides, etc. but can also settle in my office while I do desk work for about 6 hours a day. A little bit of a guard dog/deterrent, but not someone I’m constantly worried about as a bite risk. And someone that gets along with people of all ages and dogs and cats. If they wanted to wear a backpack and carry things, that would be genuinely helpful, so it would be easy for me to give them a job to do. BUT I am in Phoenix, Arizona. Our spring and fall is in the 80s and 90s. Our summers are over 100°. We do have a swimming pool. Do GSMDs enjoy swimming? Would that plus air conditioning kept around 80 degrees be enough to keep them cool? Or is there another breed with a very similar personality that would be more comfortable in hot weather?
I want one but I heard they’re not for first time owners, so I plan on getting a Bernese Mountain Dog first THEN getting my Swissy!
Stonnie, what other breeds do you like for a guard dog in a “safer” environment/neighborhood ? Especially in a warm/humid climate. Thanks.
I’ve had 2 one was a girl who was a little on the smaller side at 90lbs at her peak who passed at 13years old and my 2 year old male who is 120lbs who is amazing and thriving, he will come to see me every morning when I’m in the shower and sit in front of the door. My favorite boy ❤❤❤
Would you take a Cane Curiso puppy to train at your center? They a popular breed now, and need a lot of training to be a good dog.
They are truly beautiful pups. I fear always that you will suffer as an owner bc they don’t live very long. I do love a Swissy! I fully laughed right out when you outed them as being Dogs of Leisure! BUSTED! 😂 they have a good bluster to be sure. They will happily pull carts if asked to do so. But they will take a long happy snooze in a sun patch over a cart pull any day of the week! At least the ones in my family! They are sweet and funny and beautiful to behold!
Hi @Stonnie Dennis! Love your content, thank you so very much for all the sharing and giving you do sir! You mentioned you have farm dogs in this video, what breeds do you use for your farm dogs and how does your training for your farm dogs differ from your normal training approach?
Hello! Can you provide the breeders where you got your Swissys ?
I always put my stop before my come.
love your videos!
Thank you!
We have absolutely agonized over the right dog for us for YEARS. I just stumbled across this breed completely by accident, and they could be perfect!
What is your opinion about beauceron?
Nice video. Considering one of these, might want something a bit more aggressive tho. What kind of farmdogs do you have stonnie?
Watched the whole thing... feathering pencil lead and all. Q: so what are your night watchman dogs? Malinois? I think I recall a kangal or anatolian u had in video too... Just curious. Tx