GREAT SWISS CATTLEDOG (or Moutain dog)
or Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
The Great Swiss Cattledog has been recognized as a breed quite late, at the beginning of the 20th century.
It is still not recognized by the British Kennel Club.
Like the three other Swiss Cattledogs (Appenzeller, Berner, Entlebucher), the Great Swiss Cattledog is farm-dog.
Its job was to drive and protect the flocks, to protect the farm and to carry the milk to the valley. It is then a draught dog.
During World War II, it was used to carry munitions, to transmit messages and to protect the military installations.
It is a strong, powerful and enduring dog.
It is also a wonderful protector with a surprising sense of property and memory. It naturally protects the house and its occupants.
It has a composed temper and has a perfect self-control : strong and quiet.
Nevertheless, as for every dogs, a strong trainig is essential in order to fully appreciate its qualities.
I have discovered the Great Swiss Cattledog in 1990, in a book that was dealing with the working breeds of dogs. After having read the description, I was keen interested in having my own.
In 1991, I got my first Great Swiss Cattledog bitch and I have discovered the so many qualities of this breed.
My family took a fancy to this unfamous breed very quickly.
Today, we have a bitch and a male. They are living with us in the house and are playing with our children.