I've had a number of dogs in the past but haven't had one in the last six months or so. (my parents moved back to the country and took their dog to the new house).

Anyone have any experience with a greater swiss? My girlfriend thinks its the best idea in the world, but I don't know. The one I've interacted with is very friendly. I have a good sized fenced in back yard and it would be in the house some as well.

12/2/2005 8:25:52 AM

I'm sure you already know this but I would be hesitant to get a dog "for your girlfriend" because of your living situation. If things don't work out, you could end up with a dog that you didn't really choose because she doesn't have anywhere to take it.

[Edited on December 2, 2005 at 8:44 AM. Reason : v]

12/2/2005 8:44:04 AM

I found an article, "Is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Right for You?"
http://www.gsmdca.org/articles/article.php?Article=2

12/2/2005 8:45:46 AM

Well it would be HER dog, she's the one that wants it, and she's paying for it etc. She's a vet tech full time (so very low vet bills) and her love of animals is insane. I'd be keeping it untill the spring when her lease runs out (where she can't have pets).
Plus we've been dating for 5 years and I think we'll last untill then. (I also bought her a sweet Christmas present, so I have to maintain that investment)

That was a good article about the lesser qualities of the GSMD, some things to think about. The dog I'm looking at is not a purebread, it looks 90% of a swiss but is a little smaller. he's a year old and 50 lbs. They say they mature (physically) slower, but I can't imagine him more than doubling in size to 130lbs

[Edited on December 2, 2005 at 9:05 AM. Reason : .]

12/2/2005 9:04:36 AM

They are really great dogs....one of my neighbors has one and it plays with my dog (who by the way is only about 15 pounds, so that shows u how gentle the swissies are) just about every day. They are really sweet and calm natured. It is really important though that you get them trained and socialize early though, they are so large that if you let then have their run of the house they will be able to get away with anything down the line. They are awesome dogs though, Im thinking about getting one at some point. Let me know if you have any questions though, For about 3 years now Ive been in contact with one just about every day.

12/2/2005 10:01:49 AM

awww

12/2/2005 2:08:44 PM

Quote :

"her love of animals is insane"

not long ago, my girlfriend had 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 sugar gliders, 2 fish, and a duprasi. 1 dog and the duprasi died, and she gave the fish away when we moved.

back on topic though, you better have a lot of space for it, looks kind of big. and those things shed a ton. when we move to a bigger place and get a 2nd, bigger dog (first is a bichon) we want something with a short coat so it won't shed much.

12/2/2005 2:23:20 PM

^^seriously... awwwwwwwww

12/2/2005 2:34:27 PM

^^short coat does NOT equal less shedding! check out soft coated wheatens

12/2/2005 6:11:40 PM

well the spca wouldn't let me adopt it. Wanna know why? cause I took my girlfriend with me, and she had tried to adopt a month or so ago (different animal). She lives in a no pet apartment. SO they deny ME because I might let it go to her place.

WTF!?! I thought the spca tried to find safe and healthy homes for abandoned animals, not deny anyone who knows anyone else that lives in an apartment with no pets.

12/2/2005 7:04:56 PM

bitches, seriously

12/2/2005 9:26:58 PM

so just have one of your buddies go and get it and then sign the papers over to you. although if its from the spca i dont know that you would really care about papers since you can't breed it.

12/2/2005 11:20:38 PM

i love swissies


i will have one just as soon as i have a backyard


a breeder is a good friend of mine

i will say that since it is a rare breed they are anal retentive about who they sell dogs to...

every swissie breeder ive met is extremely careful and responsible

[Edited on December 2, 2005 at 11:38 PM. Reason : dont take swissies lightly]

they also do not entertain themselves easily

for example if you turn it outside to play, it will sit at the door and watch you. so once the obligatory 18 month attachment to you period is over, a companion for it is advisable

[Edited on December 2, 2005 at 11:40 PM. Reason : can talk for days about them]

[Edited on December 2, 2005 at 11:43 PM. Reason : http://www.thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=102270]

12/2/2005 11:34:57 PM