Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Swissy is the short-coated, sturdier cousin of the Bernese, with males often over 55 kg, and a cheerful, sociable family dog that enjoys a job such as pulling a cart. Grooming is easy, but the breed has a known risk of splenic torsion and bloat, and many owners learn to recognise lick fits, bouts of frantic licking and grass-eating linked to stomach upset. Quoted lifespans run from about 7 to 11 years, with the breed club's own survey at the lower end.