Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for being devoted, alert, and protective. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog History

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog which is also known as the Swissy is one of the oldest breeds of dog to come from Switzerland. Being that they are an older breed, it is hard to know their exact origins, but they more than likely descended from large, Mastiff-like dogs. These large dogs were more than brought to the Alps by invading Roman Legions.
Like most dog breeds and certainly the larger ones, their ancestors were working dogs. They worked as herding, guard, and draft dogs. They helped their families out on the farms. At one time they were probably the most popular breed in that area. As technology has increased, the need for them has obviously decreased somewhat. They have been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), since 1995. They are a member of the working group.

Harrier History

There is not exactly consensus on how the Harrier came to be. It is a French word that means hound or dog. They more than likely descended from other Hound breeds that are native to France and Belgium. Such as the Bloodhounds, Talbot hounds, and perhaps even Basset Hounds.
The Harrier breed was developed in England a very long time ago. A long time ago being around the thirteenth century. They were originally of course bred to hunt hare. Most of this was done with hunters on foot, so they didn’t need to be real fast. However, once Fox hunting became fashionable they
Originally, these packs were used to hunt hare with the hunters following on foot, so at that time, they were a much slower and more methodical type of hound than today's Harriers. When fox hunting became fashionable with the hunters on horses, Harriers were adapted to have more speed.
They are not a very popular breed, but they are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix Size and Weight

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Height: 24-28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 110 - 150 lb.
Lifespan: 10-11 years

Harrier
Height: 21 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45 - 65 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix Personality

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog mixed with the Harrier might be prone to joint dysplasia, gastric torsion, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in