GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG

The ancestors of the great Swiss cowherd, very scattered in Average Europe, frequently denominated butcher dogs (Matin), are described like strong dogs, tricolors, from time to time also dark coffee or yellows, used and bred by butchers, cattle dealers, workers and mess orderlies for protection, guide of cattle or dog of traction.

On the occasion of the Exhibition of 25º anniversary of Asociación Canófila Switzerland (SKG), in 1908 in Langenthal, they were shown to him Professor Albert Heim two of these units to be judged for the first time, exhibited as “great berneses cowherds of short hair”. This great promoter of the mountain dogs and Swiss cowherds recognized in old them, the almost extinct great Swiss cowherds or dogs of butcher.

In 1909 one was clear to him as special race in the Association Canófila Switzerland and were registered like “Great Swiss cowherds” in volume 12 of Libro of origins Swiss. In the corner of Bern more units were found than they agreed with the description of Heim, which motivated to the systematic raising of the pure race.

On year 1912 the “Club of the Great Swiss Cowherd” was based, who became position of the care and promotion of this one race.

During several years the raising was decreased enough since it was very difficult to produce dogs apt for it. It was not but until 1933, that year with year could be registered more than 50 dogs in Libro of origins Swiss.

Until the 5 of February of 1939 the first Standard in the ICF was published. A greater recognition and expansion of the race had to the credit that occurred him like a frugal and worthy dog

of confidence used for the traction and it loads in the service of the Swiss Navy during World War II, so that up to 1945 they were hardly possible to be registered more than 100 puppies, arriving at a 350-400 existence animal.

At the moment the race also grows up in the bordering countries, hoarding it by its sensible and calm temperament, mainly like familiar dog.