What was the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog first bred for?

Answer 1

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was developed in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland, descending from the Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago. The largest and oldest of the four Sennenhund Breeds, which include the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzell Cattle Dog and the Entlebuch Cattle Dog. All four of these dogs have the same colors and markings but are different sizes. Used as draft dogs, guarding and herding livestock and as a farm sentinel. Their popularity as a draft dog led to the nickname, "the poor man's horse." The Greater Swiss Mountain dog may have contributed to the development of the St. Bernard. The breed almost became extinct in the late 1900s as machines and other breeds replaced them in their work. Dr. Albert Heim, who was an expert of the Sennenhund breeds, rediscovered the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1908 while he was judging a dog show, and began to encourage breeders to take interest in them. His efforts resulted in the re-establishment of the breed. The GSMD's were first imported to the USA in 1967, but are still rare even in Switzerland. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1995. The GSMD's talents are tracking, watchdog, guarding, carting, and competitive obedience.