Whippet

Profile Chow-Chow / Chow ChowHistory of the Chow ChowAccording to the FCI standard, the Chow Chow originates from China, where it was used as a guard dog and also for hunting. It has been known there for over 2000 years and only arrived relatively late (around 1800) in other countries, including England.AppearanceBody shape: You get a compact, short coupled, well-balanced dog with a lion-like appearance and a proud and dignified stance. The tail carried high over the back and the typical gait are also characteristic. Coat: The coat is very dense and weatherproof, either as a rough-haired or smooth-haired variety. Around the neck, it is often particularly luxuriant in the rough-haired type and looks like a mane.Temperament and characterThe Chow Chow is described in the standard as a calm, very alert dog, headstrong, loyal and at the same time rather reserved. This means that he often bonds strongly, but is not necessarily the "jump on everyone and be happy" type.GroomingYou should brush the dense coat regularly so that undercoat and knots do not become a problem, especially when changing coats. In summer, good heat management is important because a lot of fur can be a burden in the heat.HealthFrequently mentioned issues are eye problems such as entropion (curled eyelid), hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. When choosing a breeder, make sure that the examinations are transparent and discuss preventive care (eyes, hips, thyroid) with your vet at an early stage.TrainingThe best way to train your dog is with calm consistency, clear rules and respectful treatment. Because the Chow Chow is independent, it needs reliable everyday rituals early on, good socialization and training that builds cooperation rather than pressure.What special features does this breed haveThe lion-like appearance, the very dense undercoat and the bluish-black tongue are typical breed characteristics. In everyday life, he is often calm, but attentive and not "submissive", which makes leadership through clarity and trust particularly important.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather limited: If you familiarize yourself well, remain consistent and build up socialization and rules suitable for everyday life properly from the start, it can work. If you expect a dog that wants to please everyone by itself and always follows immediately, the breed is often less suitable.Family dog or not?This can be a good fit if the family is calmly structured and everyone respects the reserved character. In very turbulent households, management is important so that the dog has privacy, calm and clear boundaries.

The Miniature SchnauzerHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Miniature Schnauzer originated around the turn of the century in the Frankfurt am Main area and was initially known as the rough-haired Miniature Pinscher. The aim was to create a small dog with the character and appearance of the Schnauzer, without dwarf-like exaggerations.AppearanceThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small, strong, stocky rather than slender, rough-coated dog. It is said to be the miniature version of the Schnauzer and appears alert, robust and compact. Body shape: Squarely built, with the height at the withers roughly corresponding to the body length; strong, compact and well proportioned.Coat: Wiry, dense and weatherproof, with a distinctive beard and bushy brows. Nature/characterThe Miniature Schnauzer is considered to be smart, lively, alert and fearless. The FCI describes it analogously with the characteristics of the Schnauzer in a small form: benign, playful, spirited and alert.GroomingThe coat needs regular brushing and, in this breed, usually also professional trimming to maintain the typical wiry structure. The beard, eyebrows and legs require additional grooming because dirt easily accumulates there. HealthThe FCI standard requires functionally and clinically healthy breeding animals. The Miniature Schnauzer is generally considered to be a fairly robust small dog, but responsible breeding is important as always. The standard itself does not give a detailed list of typical breed diseases.EducationThe Miniature Schnauzer is eager to learn and attentive, but needs clear, friendly consistency. Because of its alertness and self-confident terrier temperament, you should work on socialisation, leash training and controlled alert behaviour at an early age.What are the special features of this breed?His distinctive Schnauzer head with beard and brows, wiry coat and mixture of small size and great self-confidence are what make him special. He is not a fragile lap dog, but an alert, robust and rather present companion dog.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Yes, often well suited. The Miniature Schnauzer can be very suitable for motivated beginners because it is manageable, intelligent and suitable for everyday use. However, you should be prepared to deal with its alertness, temperament and grooming requirements.Family dog or not?Yes, in many cases a good family dog. He is affectionate, lively and robust enough for an active everyday life, as long as he is treated with respect and kept busy in a meaningful way. They usually do well in families with clear rules and regular grooming.

The DobermanHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Dobermann is the only German dog breed to be named after its first known breeder: Friedrich Louis Dobermann. In the 19th century, the breed was developed as a vigilant, sharp and resilient guard and working dog and was later also used as a police and service dog.AppearanceBuild: medium to large, strong, muscular and at the same time very elegant. Typical are the proud posture, the clear lines and the athletic, almost square build. He appears powerful, determined and very present.Coat: The coat is very easy to care for because it is short and smooth. It provides less protection against the cold than densely coated breeds with an undercoat, which is why many Dobermans are more sensitive in winter or when wet.Nature/characterAccording to the FCI, the Doberman should have a friendly and peaceful disposition, be very affectionate in the family, with a medium temperament, medium keenness, good manageability, willingness to work, self-confidence and fearlessness. The VDH also describes him as intelligent, attentive, robust and loyal; he is often initially reserved towards strangers.GroomingGrooming is uncomplicated; regular brushing and the usual claw, ear and dental care are usually sufficient. Exercise, activity and close social contact are more important for the Doberman than grooming. They are athletic and want to be challenged both physically and mentally.HealthHeart health and responsible breeding are particularly important for this breed. Frequently mentioned issues are dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), von Willebrand's disease (vWD) and hip dysplasia (HD); VDH breeder websites mention heart examinations, genetic tests and HD examinations, among other things. Thyroid problems are also mentioned as a typical breed issue.EducationThe Doberman is very capable of learning and eager to work, but needs expert, calm and consistent leadership. His strength, alertness and sensitivity need to be channelled in the right direction. With fair training, early socialisation and clear rules, he is usually a very reliable partner.What are the special features of this breed?The Dobermann combines elegance, speed, alertness and a high willingness to work like hardly any other breed. He usually bonds very closely to his humans, is alert and quick to react, but also sensitive and not made for a side-by-side attitude. He needs closeness, structure and meaningful tasks.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather no. The VDH expressly describes it as not a four-legged friend for beginners because it is demanding and needs expert training. Dedicated beginners with very good guidance could keep him, but overall he is better suited to experienced dog owners.Family dog or not?Yes, in principle - but only if kept appropriately. The FCI standard expressly states that it should also be particularly suitable as a family dog. The VDH describes it as a loyal family dog with a close bond, high adaptability and good tolerance towards children. However, this requires good socialisation, sufficient exercise and competent training.

Profile Australian Cattle DogHistory of the Australian Cattle DogThe Australian Cattle Dog was developed in Australia specifically for hard work with cattle: What was needed was an enduring, strong dog that could also control and drive difficult cattle. The standard describes the development from crosses of working collies with the Dingo, later with other influences.AppearanceBody shape: It is a strong, compact, symmetrically built working dog. He appears very muscular, agile and enduring without being clumsy.Coat: The coat is short to medium length, dense and weatherproof, with a distinct undercoat.Temperament and characterThe standard describes him as very intelligent, alert, courageous and reliable. At the same time, he is naturally suspicious of strangers and has a strong protective instinct.GroomingThe coat is generally easy to care for, but should be brushed more frequently when changing coat to remove undercoat. Overall, it needs much more attention than "hair care".HealthTypical issues mentioned are hip dysplasia and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and a genetic tendency to deafness.EducationHe is very capable of learning, but he needs clear rules, early socialization and meaningful tasks. Without guidance, he may try to "do" moving things (this includes nipping at heels), which must be properly trained early on, especially with children.What special features does this breed haveHe is a real working dog in family format: extremely persistent, clever, often very closely bonded to his caregiver and happiest when he is challenged physically and mentally on a daily basis.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Only to a limited extent. If you are really sporty, take training seriously and offer consistent activity, it can work. It is usually too demanding for "relaxed beginners" who are looking for an uncomplicated companion.Family dog or not?It can be a good family dog, but often more for active families with clear rules. Many descriptions emphasize that he can "herd" children and other animals if not trained early, and that he can be reserved towards strangers.

The Gordon Setter History of the Scottish Terrier The Gordon Setter originates from Scotland and was bred there as an enduring hunting dog for bird hunting. The breed became particularly famous through the Duke of Gordon, who promoted it in the 18th and 19th centuries. The aim was to produce a powerful, elegant and robust setter with excellent tracking ability and close contact with humans. Today, the Gordon Setter is used both for hunting and as a sporting companion and family dog. Appearance Body shape: Strong, elegant and harmoniously built. The Gordon Setter is the heaviest of the setter breeds, but does not appear clumsy. He has a deep chest, a straight back and an overall athletic appearance. Coat: The coat is typically jet black with clearly defined chestnut-red markings. It is shorter on the head and the front of the legs, medium length on the body and clearly feathered on the ears, chest, belly, legs and tail. Nature/character The Gordon Setter is considered intelligent, loyal, sensitive and very people orientated. He is lively, attentive and eager to work, but often somewhat more serious and calm than other setters. He is very affectionate towards his family. Towards strangers he is usually more reserved than impetuous. He needs a close bond and feels most comfortable with clear, fair leadership. Grooming The coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting. Brushing several times a week is advisable, especially on the feathered areas. Ears, paws and teeth should also be checked. After walks in the woods and fields, it is important to check the coat and hangings for dirt, burrs or ticks. Health The Gordon Setter is generally considered a robust breed, but like many medium-sized to large dogs, it can be prone to hip dysplasia. Eye problems can also occur. Attention should also be paid to ear care, as the long hanging ears can favour inflammation. Responsible breeding, sufficient exercise and a balanced diet are important. Education Training should be loving, consistent and patient. The Gordon Setter is smart, but also sensitive and not suited to harsh methods. Its hunting disposition requires early training, especially in recall and impulse control. With good socialisation, clear rules and sensible exercise, he will develop into a reliable companion. What are the special features of this breed? The Gordon Setter has a great hunting instinct, stamina and a love of work. He is not a pure sofa dog, but needs both physical and mental activity. It is characterised by its close bond with its humans and its often somewhat more delicate, sensitive nature. Compared to other setters, he often appears somewhat more powerful, serious and calm, but still needs plenty of exercise and tasks. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditional. The Gordon Setter can be well suited to committed first-time dog owners with time, patience and a love of exercise. However, its hunting instinct, sensitivity and need for activity should not be underestimated. Without suitable exercise and consistent training, he can become difficult. Family dog or not? Yes, the Gordon Setter is basically a good family dog. He is affectionate, loyal and seeks to be close to his carers. In an active family with sufficient time, exercise and activity, he usually feels very comfortable. He can be friendly and patient with children, provided he is well socialised and treated with respect.

The Giant SchnauzerHistory of the Giant SchnauzerThe Giant Schnauzer originates from Germany. Originally, it was mainly used as a herding and farm dog in southern Germany. Around 1900, breeders recognized its suitability as a powerful working dog. It has been listed in the stud book since 1913 and was officially recognized as a service dog in 1925. AppearanceBody shape: The Giant Schnauzer is large, strong and compact rather than slender. It appears muscular, robust and alert, with an almost square format. Despite its strength, it should not appear clumsy, but harmonious and capable of working. Coat: The coat is typically schnauzer-like, wiry and hard. In addition, the distinctive bushy brows and the strong beard strongly characterize the expression of the breed. Pepper-salt, pure black with black undercoat and black-silver are permitted. Nature/characterThe Giant Schnauzer is considered to be self-confident, strong in character, alert and resilient. At the same time, it is described as benign, loyal and closely attached to its family. Its intelligence, trainability and high willingness to work are typical. It is precisely this mixture that makes him so interesting as a service and working dog.GroomingGrooming is more complex than it seems at first glance. The hard coat should be brushed regularly and dead hair must usually be removed by trimming to maintain the structure and function of the coat. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. HealthThe Giant Schnauzer is generally regarded as a hardy and efficient breed. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to responsible breeding. As with other large, athletic dogs, hip problems and other hereditary diseases can play a role, depending on the lineage. Controlled growth, good weight management and sensible physical exercise are also important. TrainingTraining should be clear, calm and consistent. The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and capable of learning, but also self-confident and not simply eager to please. It needs early socialization, reliable rules and a meaningful task. Underchallenging or unclear leadership can quickly become problematic with this strong and alert breed. What are the special features of this breed?What makes this breed special is the combination of its striking Schnauzer appearance, strong personality and high working ability. The Giant Schnauzer is not only an impressive family dog, but also a versatile sporting, working and service dog. Its alertness, resilience and self-confidence make it special, but also require experienced and committed owners.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Only to a limited extent. A very committed and well-informed first-time dog owner can cope with a Giant Schnauzer, but the breed is not easy. Its size, strength, alertness and the need for clear guidance and activity make it more demanding than many typical beginner dogs.Family dog or not?Yes, in principle the Giant Schnauzer can be a good family dog. They are often loyal, affectionate and closely bonded to their humans. However, it is best suited to active, structured households that have time for training, activity and consistent leadership. It is not intended to be an uncomplicated dog for everyday life.

The Hovawart dog History of the Scottish TerrierThe Hovawart is an old German working dog breed. Its name is derived from the Middle High German words for court and guard and already describes its original task as a guard and protection dog for house and yard. Modern pure breeding began in 1922 with dogs of a similar type from farms, later crossed with German Shepherds, Newfoundlanders and Leonbergers, among others. The FCI lists Germany as the country of origin of the breed. AppearanceBody shape: The Hovawart is a sturdy, medium-sized to large, slightly elongated dog with a harmonious and robust build. It appears alert, agile and self-assured, without looking clumsy. Coat: The coat is long, dense and lies close to the body for the most part. It is longer on the chest, belly, backs of the forelegs, thighs and tail, forming distinct feathering in these areas. The three recognised colour varieties are blond, black and black and tan. Nature/characterThe Hovawart is considered to be alert, self-confident, intelligent and closely attached to its family. It is not a nervous permanent barker, but has a pronounced protective and territorial behaviour. In everyday life, he is often loyal, sensitive and eager to learn, but needs people who give him security and clear guidance. Its close bond with its carers is also typical. GroomingThe coat is generally considered to be quite low-maintenance, although it is long. Regular brushing is important, especially when the coat changes and in areas that tend to become matted, such as the armpits or trousers. Ears, claws and teeth should also be checked. HealthThe Hovawart is generally considered a robust breed, but care should be taken to ensure responsible breeding with health checks. It is particularly important to check for hip dysplasia, and eye examinations also play a role in breeding. As with large, active dogs, a suitable weight, controlled growth and joint-friendly exercise at a young age are also important. EducationThe training of a Hovawart should start early and be consistent, calm and fair. He is smart and eager to work, but also tests boundaries and likes to act independently. Varied training, mental exercise and clear, reliable leadership are crucial. Harsh methods are unsuitable because many Hovawarts react sensitively and need a real partnership. What are the special features of this breed?The Hovawart has a mixture of alertness, independence, sensitivity and a high willingness to work. It is often late to mature and develops mentally more slowly than some other breeds, which requires patience in training. Added to this is his clear territorial behaviour. He wants to have tasks, be close to his humans and not just run along. It is precisely this combination of protective instinct, independence and close family ties that makes this breed so special. Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather only conditionally. A committed, well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Hovawart with plenty of support, dog training and consistency. Overall, however, the breed is rather demanding because it is powerful, independent, alert and often demanding at a young age. Without experience or clear leadership, a Hovawart can quickly take on too much responsibility itself. Family dog or not?Yes, in principle the Hovawart can be a very good family dog. He is loyal, people-orientated and usually feels most at home when he is closely involved in family life. At the same time, it is not an uncomplicated side dog. It is particularly suited to active families with space, time and the willingness to devote a lot of time to training and exercise.

St. Bernard shorthair or longhair profileHistory of the St. BernardThe St. Bernard goes back to the dogs at the hospice on the Great St. Bernard (Alpine Pass). The standard describes that large dogs were kept there from the 17th century onwards, which served as court and guard dogs, among other things, and later became famous for their use in the Alpine region.AppearanceBody shape: You get a very large, powerful and harmoniously built dog with plenty of substance and a deep chest. The type should appear agile and resilient despite its mass. Coat: Depending on the variety, the coat is stocky or long-haired, always dense and protective. Regular brushing helps to remove undercoat and dirt.Nature and characterThe standard describes the St. Bernard as a friendly, calm and alert companion, guard and farmyard dog. Many dogs are people-oriented and calm, but need clear rules to keep their size and strength under control in everyday life.GroomingYou should brush the coat regularly, and much more frequently when the coat is changing. Ears, claws and teeth should also be groomed. Practical in everyday life: St. Bernards often drool, so cloths and short routines after eating are useful.HealthAs a giant, joint and bone stress are among the most important issues, as is the risk of stomach torsion in large, deep-chested dogs. Controlled growth as a young dog, a lean weight and good food and rest management around mealtimes are sensible. Education They do best with calm consistency and early socialization. Leash manners, stop signals and calmness suitable for everyday use are particularly important because an adult St. Bernard is physically enormously strong.What special features does this breed haveThe St. Bernard is a "gentle giant" with an imposing appearance, a lot of physical strength and often great composure. It is particularly well suited to people who like a calm, massive companion and have the space, time and management skills for a very large dog.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather limited: If you train in a structured way, remain consistent and use help from a dog school or trainer early on, it can work. Without clear guidance, size and strength quickly become an everyday problem.Family dog or not?Often yes, if you are looking for a calm, child-friendly type and guide interactions with children (size, tossing, boundaries). It is important to have enough space, a regulated daily routine and preventive health care.

Profile Basset HoundHistory of the Basset HoundThe standard describes that the Basset Hound was probably bred in the Middle Ages by monks in France for hunting in dense undergrowth. The breed was later developed further in Great Britain, where it was brought "to perfection", emphasizing its strengths as an enduring scent hound.AppearanceBody shape: A very low-set, long-built running dog with a strong bone structure and a pronounced ribcage, able to work persistently despite its short legs. Coat: Short, smooth coat that is close fitting and easy to groom but clearly shows the contours of the body.Temperament and characterBasset Hounds are considered friendly, gentle and very family-oriented, yet independent and often stubborn, especially when there is an exciting lead in their nose. This mixture makes them charming, but requires patience in everyday life.GroomingThe coat is uncomplicated, regular brushing is usually sufficient. Ear care is more important: the long, drooping ears should be kept clean and dry to prevent inflammation.HealthBack problems such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which is more likely to occur with a long back and short legs, are typical. In addition, ear problems and obesity are common everyday issues for the breed, which is why weight control and appropriate exercise are important.TrainingWhen training your dog, calm consistency and positive reinforcement will get you the furthest. Recall can be a challenge due to their strong sense of smell, which is why a well-structured training program with clear rituals and meaningful nose work helps.What special features does this breed haveThe Basset Hound is a "nose dog" with great stamina who prefers to work thoroughly rather than quickly. Its physique is unmistakable and it is often pleasantly calm indoors, but quickly "in the tunnel" outdoors when a scent becomes interesting.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather limited: If you have patience for a sometimes stubborn, scent-driven nature and remain consistent, it can be a good fit. If you want a dog that works "on command" at all times, the breed is often not the easiest choice.Family dog or not?Yes, often a good family dog: Basset Hounds are usually friendly and social, but need clear rules and regular activity to prevent them from becoming overweight and to keep them manageable in everyday life.

The LeonbergerHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Leonberger originates from Germany and was selectively bred in the 19th century in the town of Leonberg near Stuttgart. Heinrich Essig, who wanted to create a very large dog reminiscent of the town's heraldic animal, the lion, is considered the founder of the breed. Today, the Leonberger is known as a family, companion and guard dog and is firmly established internationally.AppearanceBody shape: The Leonberger is a very large, strong, muscular and yet elegant dog. Its build is harmonious, the rump slightly longer than the height at the withers, and males in particular appear powerful and strong. Despite his mass, he should never appear clumsy, but calm, confident and agile.Coat: The coat is long, dense and weatherproof. It lies close to the body or is slightly wavy and often forms a particularly pronounced mane in males. The good undercoat, the feathering on the front and hind legs and the bushy tail are also typical. The colour ranges from lion yellow to reddish-brown or sand-coloured, always with the black mask typical of the breed.Nature/characterThe Leonberger is considered to be self-confident, calm, friendly and family orientated. According to the FCI, it should be neither shy nor aggressive and is characterised by its confident composure, medium temperament, good learning ability and friendliness towards children. Many Leonbergers are alert and watchful without being nervous or unnecessarily sharp.GroomingCoat care should not be underestimated. The long, dense coat should be brushed thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent matting, especially behind the ears, on the legs and when shedding. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. Due to its size, the Leonberger also needs sufficient space, suitable lying areas and grooming suitable for everyday use right from the start.HealthThe Leonberger is generally regarded as a resilient but demanding breed due to its size. As with many very large dogs, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, controlled growth, a suitable body weight and exercise that is easy on the joints when the dog is young. Depending on the lineage, joint problems, heart issues and other health issues typical of large breeds can play a role. EducationTraining should be calm, clear and consistent. The Leonberger is usually eager to learn, obedient and people-oriented, but needs reliable leadership and early socialisation due to its size and strength. Harsh methods are unsuitable. Particularly important are good everyday rules, leash training and a confident, friendly demeanour in various situations.What are the special features of this breed?What is special about this breed is the combination of imposing size, calm nature and closeness to the family. The Leonberger often comes across as a gentle giant and at the same time is described as child-friendly, confident and suitable for everyday use. Added to this are its impressive lion-like appearance, the water-loving nature of many representatives and its strong presence, which should not be underestimated in everyday life, both physically and organisationally.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditional. The Leonberger's character is often friendly and good-natured, which makes him generally approachable. However, due to its enormous size, strength, the amount of care required and the responsibility involved in training and keeping it, it is not the easiest choice for beginners. However, a very well-informed and consistent first-time dog owner can get on well with this breed with the right support.Family dog or not?Yes, the Leonberger is basically a very good family dog. The FCI standard expressly describes it as a pleasant family dog with a pronounced child friendliness. It is particularly well suited to families with sufficient space, time and understanding for a very large, long-haired and people-orientated dog.

Profile Australian Cattle DogHistory of the Australian Cattle DogThe Australian Cattle Dog was developed in Australia specifically for hard work with cattle: What was needed was an enduring, strong dog that could also control and drive difficult cattle. The standard describes the development from crosses of working collies with the Dingo, later with other influences.AppearanceBody shape: It is a strong, compact, symmetrically built working dog. He appears very muscular, agile and enduring without being clumsy.Coat: The coat is short to medium length, dense and weatherproof, with a distinct undercoat.Temperament and characterThe standard describes him as very intelligent, alert, courageous and reliable. At the same time, he is naturally suspicious of strangers and has a strong protective instinct.GroomingThe coat is generally easy to care for, but should be brushed more frequently when changing coat to remove undercoat. Overall, it needs much more attention than "hair care".HealthTypical issues mentioned are hip dysplasia and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and a genetic tendency to deafness.EducationHe is very capable of learning, but he needs clear rules, early socialization and meaningful tasks. Without guidance, he may try to "do" moving things (this includes nipping at heels), which must be properly trained early on, especially with children.What special features does this breed haveHe is a real working dog in family format: extremely persistent, clever, often very closely bonded to his caregiver and happiest when he is challenged physically and mentally on a daily basis.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Only to a limited extent. If you are really sporty, take training seriously and offer consistent activity, it can work. It is usually too demanding for "relaxed beginners" who are looking for an uncomplicated companion.Family dog or not?It can be a good family dog, but often more for active families with clear rules. Many descriptions emphasize that he can "herd" children and other animals if not trained early, and that he can be reserved towards strangers.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Its history The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originates from Switzerland and is one of the old farm and working dogs of the Alpine region. It was formerly used as a guard dog, draught dog and herding dog. For a long time, the breed was considered to have almost disappeared until it was specifically promoted again at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it is mainly kept as a family, guard and companion dog. Appearance Body shape: Strong, large, muscular and harmoniously built. The body is slightly longer than high, with a broad chest, strong back and powerful limbs. Despite its mass, it does not appear clumsy, but expressive and resilient. Coat: The coat is dense, weatherproof and easy to care for. Typical is the tricolored pattern with black base color, rust-red markings on the cheeks, above the eyes, on the chest and legs as well as white markings on the head, chest, paws and tip of the tail. Temperament/character The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered to be self-confident, calm, attentive and people-oriented. He is very loyal to his family and usually shows a balanced, friendly nature. He is often alert and reserved towards strangers, without unnecessary aggression. He has a mind of his own, but is reliable and loyal when well bonded. Grooming Grooming is generally uncomplicated. Regular brushing is usually sufficient, but more frequent brushing is recommended during the shedding season. Ears, claws and teeth should be checked and groomed. Because of its size, care should also be taken to ensure that it has a suitable weight and is exercised in a way that is easy on the joints. Health Like many large dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can also be prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Gastric torsion is also an important issue, which is why feeding and exercise should be well coordinated. Reputable breeding, controlled growth at a young age and a healthy body weight are particularly important. Training Training should be calm, clear and consistent. Harsh methods are unsuitable, as the breed can react sensitively to unfair treatment. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog learns well, but needs a close bond, patience and confident leadership. Early socialization is important so that it reacts calmly and confidently to environmental stimuli. What are the special features of this breed? This breed has a lot of strength, size and alertness. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not a dog to be kept on the side. It needs plenty of space, a close family bond and people who can lead it reliably. Its mixture of calmness and protective instinct is also typical. Many representatives of the breed mature rather late and appear youthful for a long time. Due to their size, they can be very physically present in everyday life, which should not be underestimated. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditionally. For motivated and well-informed first-time dog owners, the breed may be possible, but it is not the easiest choice. Their size, strength, independence and protectiveness require good, consistent training and a great sense of responsibility. If you have little dog experience, you should prepare yourself intensively and ideally work with a dog school or trainer. Family dog or not? Yes, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is generally a good family dog. He is affectionate, loyal and usually very close to his caregivers. They can be friendly and patient with children. Because of its size and strength, however, it should always be handled under supervision. It is particularly suitable for families who have enough space, time and understanding for a large, hard-working and alert dog.