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How Big Will a Swissy Get? |
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This breed is slow to mature and will probably not achieve full size until they are 2-3 years old. The males typically stand approximately 25-28 inches at the shoulder and will weigh anywhere from 110-140 pounds. The females are slightly smaller and will typically stand approximately 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and will weigh anywhere from 80-110 pounds. Since every dog is different, you should check with your breeder or veterinarian to decide what weight is appropriate for your dog. |
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How Much Does a Swissy Eat? |
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Most adult Swissys will eat approximately one 40 pound bag of premium dog food a month. Ideally, the food should contain 22-28% protein and 14-18% fat and be of high quality. This should be fed throughout their lifetime, including puppyhood. Too high a protein level can cause too rapid a growth rate in puppies which could lead to growth related problems in the future. It is also very important to remember to NEVER allow your Swissy to get fat, as this can put undue pressure on their joints and can otherwise impair their health. |
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How is Their Temperament? |
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Proper socialization when they are puppies is a very important step. Swissies are a naturally friendly breed and should never be aggressive or fearful. They love their families and are happiest when in their company. |
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Are They Easy to Train? |
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Although they can be quite stubborn at times, Swissys are generally easy to train. They respond best to firm, but gentle, training with positive reinforcement (praise and treats) rather than physical punishment or other harsh corrections. They can also be clicker trained. |
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Do They Require a Big Yard? |
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Although they are a large dog, they don't require as much space as some smaller, more active dogs do. They prefer to be indoors with their families and don't like being left alone outside for any length of time. Therefore a moderate size, fenced yard is fine. Fencing is very important for the safety of your pet, and I, along with many other breeders, will insist you have one that is at least 4 feet high, due to the size your adult Swissy will reach. |
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How Much Exercise Do They Need? |
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Although as puppies they can be very active, when they reach adulthood they are generally very calm and need only moderate exercise. A normal day of play is plenty of exercise for a young puppy, and as they mature, games of fetch in the yard and/or walks will do. It's inadvisable to jog with your Swissy until they are mature, as it puts too much strain on their growing joints. It's important to remember that overdoing exercise is as bad as not enough exercise. |
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Are They Good With Children and Other Pets and Animals? |
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Again, early socialization is key. Just as you raise your children to be social, so should you raise your Swissy. Your children must be taught to have respect for all animals and to treat them kindly, and you must remember that even though these are very gentle dogs, they are also very large and should be supervised when playing with small children. If they are raised with other animals, there should not be a problem, but as always, it is recommended that enrollment be made in basic obedience classes. |
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What About Housetraining? |
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This can take awhile. They can usually be crate trained by the time they're 3 or 4 months old, but it will sometimes be 7, 8 or 9 months before they can be completely trusted in the house. |
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Do They Shed? |
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Yes, they do. Even though they are a short-haired breed, they have a thick double coat that sheds in the spring when they lose their heavy undercoat. Though you will still see some shedding, you can help this problem by prudent bathing and regular brushing. |
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Do They Chew? Drool? Bark? |
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Adults don't generally chew, but it is always a good idea to keep them occupied with any of a plethora of safe chew toys that are on the market today, such as Kongs. Puppies, on the other hand, ALL chew, so be sure to have plenty of chew toys on hand to keep them busy.
This is a dry-mouthed breed, and with very few exceptions, do not drool.
Aside from barking at anything new and different in their surroundings, i.e. strange people or cars, or as an attention getting device (a "Barooo", of sorts), Swissys are not any worse than most other breeds.
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Health Issues |
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These are discussed on the Health Information page. |
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