Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are hardworking dogs that are family-oriented. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and warm up to strangers once they have been introduced. They are protective of their families, but tend to be friendly with non-threatening strangers as long as they have been properly socialized.

The other parent will introduce traits that could affect temperament or at least some potential quirks you may need to be aware of. So, it is important that you discuss them with the breeder. Also, although the breeder should have started training and socialization, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home.

A Swissy is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and exercise needs mean they do not tend to be a good fit for apartments. They tend to be a better fit for larger homes with room to run.

They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed may introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could inherit those common to one or both.

From the GSMD side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Swissy Mix include epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, entropion, distichiasis, and urinary incontinence. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health history of both of the parents.

As a large, barrel-chested breed, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and therefore potentially a Swissy Mix as well, is at risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs is sometimes just gas, but it can lead to gastric torsion, which is dangerous and can be fatal. It’s important to know how to reduce the risk and to know the symptoms so you can get to the emergency vet as soon as possible.

Swissies are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. But, they are working dogs that can be stubborn and determined.

This can be difficult for first-time dog owners. The other parent breed could make a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mix easier or more difficult to train.

Either way, novice or first-time dog owners should be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. Even if you don’t need them, these classes are a good idea as they strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, reinforce training, and also offer socialization.

A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mix could inherit a coat that is a carbon copy of one of their parents or they could inherit a coat that is a combination of both. Should a GSMD Mix end up with a Swissy coat, it will shed a little year-round and more heavily as seasons change.

Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath is enough to keep this dog’s coat healthy and looking great. In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for a Swissy Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and weekly ear checks can help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Swissies tend to have moderate to high energy. As a working dog, they need a job to do and they will often match their energy level to their family’s.

Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for this dog. If the other parent breed is a high-energy dog breed, then you will want to be prepared for the likelihood of a high-energy Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mix.

Fully-grown Swissies usually stand 24-28 inches tall and weigh 110-150 pounds. The other parent breed could have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother.

It’s not a guarantee, but you can get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown GSMD Mix by meeting the mother in person.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs generally live for 8-11 years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a GSMD Mix.