As you might expect, the dogs of Switzerland are a singularly independent-minded bunch; hardy, active and well-adapted to life in the hills and mountains. The majority of the dogs in this list fall into two categories – dogs for the care of livestock and hunting dogs – although it does also include the most famous mountain dog of them all, the noble search and rescue specialist St. Bernard.
Dog breeding standards in Switzerland are upheld by the Swiss Kennel Club, the Société Cynologique Suisse, established in 1883.
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Appenzeller Sennenhund
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 50-56 cm (20-22 inches)
Weight: 22-32 kg (49-71 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short double coat; in black, brown and white tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Herding dog/Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dog. They are versatile, courageous and reliable working dogs who also make cheerful, affectionate and loyal family pets. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are naturally wary of strangers and unwilling to be bribed by them, making for an outstanding watchdog. They are also very intelligent and quickly able to learn new skills, making them easy to train. However, their size coupled with their large amounts of natural energy and playfulness make these dogs quite unsuited to indoor living: the Appenzeller Sennenhund loves to get outdoors, run around and explore at every opportunity. They are most suited to very active owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Size: Large to Giant
Height: 58-70 cm (23-27½ inches)
Weight: 30-70 kg (70-150 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long double coat; in black, rust and white tricolour
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as a Berner Sennenhund, these huge dogs are – as is so often the case – real gentle giants. The Bernese Mountain Dog is extremely powerful, determined and hard-working but when kept by a family will also prove exceedingly gentle, sweet-natured and affectionate dogs. They are an intelligent and eager to please breed, easy to train and quick to learn new skills. However, their size and energy can easily prove to be problematic for anyone not equipped to deal with it.
Continental Bulldog
Size: Medium
Height: 40-46 cm (16-21 inches)
Weight: 22-30 kg (49-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, shiny and smooth; in fawn or brindle, sometimes with a black mask or white markings
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Companion dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Conti or a Swiss Bulldog, the Continental Bulldog is a relatively new dog, specifically bred as a companion animal. They are confident, friendly and blessed with endearingly clownish personalities. Contis are highly sociable and affectionate animals who rarely if ever show any aggression and love children, new people and other dogs. However, this is not a breed who likes to spend too much time on their own and is at their happiest by their owner’s side at all times.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 48-50 cm (19-20 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (45-65 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, close and smooth; in black, fawn and white tricolour
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund, this is the smallest of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dog. A skilful and determined cattle-herding dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known as the “laughing dog of the Alps” on account of their smiling faces. In fact, these stocky dogs are extremely determined, diligent and hard-working animals who are possessed of a powerful independent streak and are extremely adept at problem-solving. In the home, however, they are loyal, affectionate and friendly dogs who adore human company. Indeed, this breed is not recommended for anyone who will be unable to give them the high amounts of attention, play and exercise that they require.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Size: Very Large/Giant
Height: 60-72 cm (23½-28½ inches)
Weight: 36-64 kg (80-140 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short double coat; in black, rust and white tricolour
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as the Großer Schweizer Sennenhund, this is the largest of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs. These imposing dogs are friendly, good-natured and confident animals. However, they are no pushovers: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are immensely strong, determined and self-assured animals who love working hard. In common with the rest of the Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very intelligent and quick to learn new skills, but their stubborn and headstrong nature can sometimes make them challenging to train. This is not a dog for an inexperienced owner, or one not willing or able to meet their high requirement for daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Schweizer Laufhund
Size: Medium
Height: 47-59 cm (18½-23 inches)
Weight: 14-20.5 kg (30-45 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in red and white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Also known as a Swiss Hound, the Schweizer Laufhund is a strong, determined and alert dog whose ability on the hunt and excellence as a watchdog means that they are rarely kept just as family pets. If they are, Schweizer Laufhunds generally prove extremely loyal and affectionate animals who are patient, gentle and loving with children. They do, however, have huge amounts of energy which needs to be regularly depleted with vigorous exercise.
Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund
Size: Small
Height: 33-43 cm (13-17 inches)
Weight: 8-15 kg (18-33 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white with orange-red patches
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Also known as a Small Swiss Hound, the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund is a determined, relentless and tireless hunter, happy to spend all day outdoors following their nose. They are typical scenthounds: gentle, friendly dogs who will also prove to be fearsomely energetic, independently-minded and courageous when the situation demands it. Provided their prospective owner is equal to their dog’s prodigious need for action and activity, the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund will prove a good family pet.
St. Bernard
Size: Giant
Height: 65-90 cm (26-35 inches)
Weight: 54-82 kg (120-180 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth or medium and rough; in red and white with black shading
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Group: Search and Rescue dog
Personality
One of the most famous and instantly-recognisable dog breeds, St. Bernards were originally bred as search and rescue dogs to find people lost in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. These huge dogs also make excellent family pets, provided that their prospective owner has sufficient room. They are very gentle, loving, tolerant and patient dogs who are good with even small children. St. Bernards are also intelligent, eager to please and easily trainable dogs. This is a slow-moving and low-energy breed but one with a great deal of steady determination and stamina.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog
Size: Large
Height: 55-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 25-40 kg (55-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long and thick; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
An alert, lively and friendly herding dog, the White Swiss Shepherd can be versatile, hardy and robust but they are also notoriously sensitive dogs and very averse to harsh or unkind treatment. When well-socialised and trained with suitable kindness and positive reinforcement, White Swiss Shepherds make excellent family pets, particularly noted for their protectiveness for children. But be aware: they are a very energetic and intelligent breed who require plenty of regular exercise in open spaces and mentally stimulating play or tasks to complete.