Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Swissy, Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) is the biggest of the swiss mountain dogs. In this group there are 4 breeds, which are very similar in appearance:

- Entlebuh mountain dog (the smallest, short tail)
- Appenzell mountain dog (short, curled tail)
- Bernese mountain dog (large, long coat)
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (the largest, short coat)

GSMD's coat consists of three colors: a black base color, white and red-brown spots. Males rich a height of 68- 72 cm, females 62- 68 cm. In contrast to other large breeds this one doesn't drivel, probably because of the proportionally small upper lip. Females weigh anywhere from 45 to 55 kg, males 55 - 65 kg.

These dogs have been used to hard work for centuries. They were useful dogs, mostly used by farmers and pedlars. They were used for towing, and were bred for this purpose. They like to tow, they have it in their genes. They used to tow milk two times a day from distant stations, and also different cargo to the market. Because of their endurance they were called "poor man's horses", because they helped poor farmers  who could not afford horses. They were used to tow chopped wood from forests, carriages and other things. They were excelent guard dogs. They were also used in the Second world war to carry cargoes for the army. They turned out to be better towing animals than horses in the mountains. Today they are used for rescuing, for towing of heavier loads and also for therapeutical purposes. They also compete in cart towing, load carrying, obedience, they are also shepherd and guard dogs. They instinctively take care of the herd and they don't have a killer instinct. Even a rabbit or a deer doesn't distract them from work. They are a calm and nicely guidable dog.

They are excelent guard dogs, suspicious towards strangers or other novelties (like a new bowl for  water). They pay atention to smallest details and like many other breeds, they pay attention to their master with pleasure and enjoy a commendation from him. But we must not forget that they are a working breed, so they can be sharp. A swissy will not run to a stranger and wag it's tail, it will near him with caution and bark at him. The uninvited fear it, because it barks loudly and also because of it's size. But the swissy will just bark, because it's not an agressive breed. Many decide for the swissy just for protection.

They are precise and sweet, they have a nice character, which is a product of many centuries of breeding. All in all they are a good companion and worker, loyal to their master and home. They love the whole family, not just one member. They are also fond of kids, they act tenderly, patiently and protectively towards them.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are a fast learning breed, they never forget what they were taught. If we want to master them, they must consider us as the leader of the pack.

At the end of the 19th century the breed was near extinction, probably because of two reasons; the farmers did not devote themselves to breeding, because it was not important if the dog was purebred or not, just if it can work or not. The second reason is the appearance of machinery. In 1908 things accidentally changed. A judge named Heim found out on a dog show in Switzerland that this dog was placed in a wrong group, and that was one of the most beautiful speciments. He started with planned breeding in was able to save the oldest breed in Switzerland. In two years it was recognized by the kinological association of Switzerland. From then on they are known as Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. Today there are not many swissies in the world. There has been a lot of progress in the last hundred years, but they are still rare. This breed survived mostly because of their heartiness, eagerness for work, and also their beauty. They are described in many kinological books as the most beautiful breed in the world.

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