Switzerland has four different breeds of farm dogs, but the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (also known as the Swissy) is the largest and most popular. His responsibilities on the farm included protecting and herding cattle, as well as hauling carts stocked with milk and cheese. It is a giant dog breed, with males measuring 110 to 140 pounds and females weighing 90 to110 pounds.
Despite its size, this muscular breed excels in a wide range of dog activities, including agility and weight hauling. Even though they are incredibly friendly and energetic, they are also huge dogs and are not recommended for first-time owners. This pup may be a good fit for an energetic, experienced family that likes dogs and has a large house.
As a family friend or a show dog, the Greater Swiss has been more popular in recent years. He is known for his calm and easygoing disposition. He possesses various positive characteristics, including an attentive disposition that makes him an outstanding watchdog.
In order to obtain a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, you must first conduct extensive research to locate him and then devote significant time and effort to training and socializing him after he has been acquired.
Are you interested in the cost of this beautiful giant working dog? If yes, then continue reading to find out how much it costs along with its essentials.
In case you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary:
How Much Does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Puppy Cost?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not easy to find and train. Due to this, they are costly as compared to other pups.
| Min Price | $1500 |
| Max Price | $5000 |
| Price Range for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs | $1500 to $3000 |
| Average Price | $2250 |
Alternatively, free adoption from a rescue shelter is an option; however, you must take the dog to the veterinarian to be tested for any illnesses that he or she may have picked up from another dog at the shelter. Various factors determine the effective cost of these dogs, some of which are listed below.
Factors Affecting Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Cost
Type of Coat and Color
Generally, they are Tri-color dogs that specify a black, white, and rust color. But sometimes, this dog breed does appear in a variety of other colors, including blue, white, and tan tri-colors, as well as rust and white bi-colors. Tri-color Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs with classic black, white and rusty colors are considered the most expensive.
Size
The overall size of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy can significantly influence its pricing! Generally speaking, giant pups command a higher asking price!
Location
The location of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a significant impact on the price of the dog. This is because the effective price of living and maintaining a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog varies depending on where you live and where you get your dog from. You may discover that the cost of these puppies is lower in locations with a cooler temperature, or they have a low price in their homeland, i.e., Switzerland. Occasionally, the price difference might be as much as $300 or more.
Where do you buy them from?
As previously said, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs’ pups sold by breeders are extremely expensive ($1500 to $3000); however, those found at rescue shelters are completely free (except for a small adoption fee of around $400 to $450).
The majority of people choose to purchase from breeders since they are a lot more dependable source when it comes to providing you with a healthy, disease-free puppy for purchase. On the other hand, the breeder’s reputation is extremely important in deciding the selling price of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog—the selling price increases in direct proportion to the breeder’s reputation.
Basic Supplies Costs for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Harnesses, collars, and leashes
Always choose a body belt/harness over a neck collar when purchasing. Because you may end up harming your dog when pulling them back or simply giving the leash a slight tug, neck collars are extremely risky.
In large part, the cost of a dog harness is determined by the size of your dog. As big breed dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs harnesses are priced between $25 and $40.
The cost of a leash is based on the length of the leash you use. In ideal circumstances, a leash should be around 4-5 feet in length. Nowadays, the majority of dog leashes are made of leather or nylon.
Avoid purchasing chain leashes since they are heavy, pricey, and have the potential to erode your dog’s collar. They may also cause injury to you or your dog if they are let fall out of your grasp.
Nylon leashes of good quality are available for purchase for roughly $15. You may also discover several offers online that will provide you with a leash and harness combination for less than $20.
Bowls for food and water
Bowls for food and water are vital goods that you must have on hand. You should consider the following criteria when purchasing a food and water bowl for your pet:
Stainless steel food dishes are extremely long-lasting and easy to clean. They do not break easily when dropped, and they are lightweight and easily transported anywhere. They are extremely resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent material for use in the production of food bowls.
A stainless-steel meal dish may be purchased for $14 and $25. Avoid purchasing disposable plastic food dishes for your pet! Your dog may suffer hormonal imbalances and intestinal difficulties if it accidentally bites off a piece of plastic and consumes it accidentally.
Ceramic food bowls are bulky and more costly than stainless steel food bowls, so avoid them too. Elevated food bowls are another option to explore since they can help to discourage dogs from eating too quickly.
Considering all of these factors, the anticipated cost of your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs’ food bowl should fall between $30 and $50 for each bowl.
Toys
Sturdy toys will benefit your intelligent puppy since they will keep him interested. Toys keep your pal entertained while also stimulating his or her brain abilities. Chew toys can also be used to relieve your pet’s irritated gums while they are teething. Vibrating toys, balls, string toys, Nylabones, and Kong toys are all good choices for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs as basic toys. On average, this will cost approximately $50.
Grooming gear
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are known for having gorgeous and delicate coats. As a result, it is absolutely necessary to regularly groom and trim their coats. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog owners are advised to invest in good-quality grooming tools/kit items to keep their dogs in good shape. Grooming kits usually cost around $100-$150.
Bed and crate
If you don’t want your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs to share your mattress or sofa with you, you can consider purchasing a dog bed for them. Dogs, like people, can suffer from bodily aches and pains if their bed does not enable them to sleep in a comfortable position while they are sleeping. As a result, you must get a bed with the appropriate material, form, and size.
The following is a breakdown of the expenses of the most basic supplies for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs:
| Item | Cost | |
| Essentials | Leash | $10.00 |
| Collar | $10.00 | |
| Food and water bowls | $30.00 | |
| Bed | $50.00 | |
| First aid kit | $20.00 | |
| Dog waste bags | $10.00 | |
| Extras | Absorbent house-training pads | $20.00 |
| Harness | $20.00 | |
| Brush or comb | $10.00 | |
| Nail clippers | $10.00 | |
| Canine toothbrush | $5.00 | |
| Carrier | $20.00 | |
| Car dog seat belt | $10.00 | |
| Toys | $50.00 | |
Training Costs for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
When it comes to teaching your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, you have a wide range of alternatives at your disposal. Training is essential, regardless of whatever choice you choose. These intelligent canines can easily become spoiled if they are not properly trained. That is something you do not want to happen. As a result, it is essential to maintain strict control from the outset.
The following are the dog training costs in the United States in 2022:
Expect to pay anything from $30 and $80 for each lesson, with an average hourly rate of $50 to $60. Dog obedience schools are also a notion that has gained popularity. As well as mingling with other puppies, your puppy will learn some fundamental instructions in this environment. These might cost anything from $200 to $600 every week, depending on the situation.
If you want to send your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog pup to the instructor for residential training, that is also possible. According to reports, this boot camp training is really successful, and your little one will undoubtedly be a different dog due to it! But it comes at a price: expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1250 each week for this greater boot camp training experience.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great therapy and service animals, so you might want to think about getting them some specific training as well. It does, however, need several months of training. Therapy dog training may cost up to $120 for each session, which is a lot of money.
Here’s a brief table for your convenience that shows you the many training alternatives available as well as their approximate expenses:
| Group training (cost per class) | $30.00 to $50 per class |
| Private obedience school (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp | $45.00 daily (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| Minimum online training program price | $99.00 |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Minimum puppy basic training cost (total) | $500.00 |
| Maximum puppy basic training cost with boarding (total) | $2000.00 |
| Specialized training for behavioral issues like anxiety, aggression | $1000 per package of 8 lessons |
| Service dog training | $200 |
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Food Costs
Your breeder will offer you some of the puppy food, which you may use to feed your puppy for a few weeks after it has been born. It is essential to take your pet to the veterinarian so that you can monitor its growth. If your pup is in the right weight range, your veterinarian may advise you to continue giving him the same diet for the foreseeable future. The shift to adult dog food will occur when your pup matures into an adult.
A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed puppy requires three to four meals each day. Two large meals a day are also plenty for an adult.
Here are some feeding recommendations for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs that should be followed:
- Generally, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs puppy requires 500-550 calories each day, while adults require 900-1200 calories per day.
- Because Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may be of different sizes/ages, your veterinarian can advise you on the correct number of calories to give them each day.
The following is a table outlining the costs of feeding Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs:
| Item | Monthly quantity of food for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog weighing around 110-140 lb. | Cost per month |
| Premium dry food | 20 lb. | $50 to $75 |
| Premium wet food | 300 lb. | $150 to $200 |
| Freeze-dried food | 12.5 lb. | $280 to $350 |
| Raw food | 30 lb. | $75 to $240 |
| Dog treats | $30 |
Dog Food Comparison for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are giant dogs who require a lot of exercise. They require food that can give them the energy they require. However, they may acquire weight quickly simultaneously, which is why you must adhere to the feeding instructions to the letter at all times.
In addition to the amount of food, the food quality is quite crucial. There are several alternatives in the world of commercial dog food, and deciding which one is the finest can be daunting.
Wet food
It is beneficial for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs to consume wet food since they require more moisture in their diet. Many Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs prefer wet/canned food since it has a deeper flavor and is easier to prepare. The drawback of wet dog food is that it is more expensive than kibble in most cases. Preservatives, fillers, and artificial colors should be avoided while purchasing food.
Kibble/dry dog food
The majority of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog owners choose to give their dogs dry dog food or kibble. It is more convenient, remains fresher for a longer time, and is better for your dog’s teeth. You’ll also find a wide range of food options for pups, adults, and senior dogs at this store. Look for kibble that has meat as the first ingredient in the list of ingredients. In addition to kibble, you can obtain ‘natural’ and organic varieties.
BARF diet
BARF refers to a raw animal protein diet, which many dog owners prefer. It can aid in the prevention of a variety of health problems. The BARF diet is also beneficial to the skin and the hair of the dog.
Keep an eye out for signs of food sensitivities or allergies
According to some reports, some components in commercialized dog food might cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. Grains such as wheat, soy, and other legumes might be included. People may experience protein allergies at times. See your veterinarian if you feel that your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a food allergy. These items might be of great assistance to your dog.
Here is a table illustrating the various food expenditures associated with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs:
| Name | Features | Price |
| Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach | Easy to digest, contains probiotics, free from corn, wheat, and soy | $1.75/lb. |
| Just Food for Dogs | Ready-to-serve contains real, wholesome ingredients, free from BHT, corn, soy | $1.8/lb. |
| Royal Canin Medium Dog Breed | It contains EPA, DHA, probiotics, antioxidants | $2.51/lb. |
| Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food | Supports heart and bone health, easy to digest, high-quality protein | $3.11/lb. |
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Medical Costs
Vaccinations are essential, and you must adhere to the vaccination regimen outlined in your pet’s yearbook at all times. Because the breeder will have administered the initial immunizations, you should avoid administering them to your little friend a second time.
The majority of doctors charge between $50 and $75 for basic vaccines. If you want to get flea and pest prevention as well as deworming, you should expect to pay between $100 and $150 for booster injections, spot treatment, and deworming tablets.
You may also wish to consider desexing your pet within the first year of ownership. Female dogs should be spayed or neutered after their first heat cycle, and male dogs should be neutered or spayed before the age of one year. The cost of desexing operation for male dogs is $100, while for female dogs, the cost is $250-$400.
| Name of the Vaccine | Age to give | Cost of vaccine |
| Canine parvovirus | 6 to 10 weeks, repeat again at 9 to 10 weeks, 12-13 weeks, and 15-17 weeks. | $75 to $100 |
| Canine distemper | Same as above | |
| Hepatitis | Same as above | |
| Rabies | 15-17 weeks and booster at one year. As per state laws, vaccines are to be repeated for adult dogs every three years. | $15 to $20 |
| Leptospirosis | 9-10 weeks and 12-13 weeks. | $75 to $100 for DHTPP and Leptospirosis vaccine |
| Optional vaccines/non-core vaccine – Lyme disease and Canine influenza | 12-13 weeks and booster at 15-17 weeks. | Lyme vaccine costs $20-$40 Influenza vaccine costs $25-$35 per shot. |
| Bordetella (also non-core vaccine) | 6-7 weeks and booster at 9-10 weeks | $19-$45 |
The majority of standard vaccines costs are between $78 and $100. In most cases, the rabies vaccination is about $20. Non-core vaccinations, such as Leptospirosis, can cost as much as $30. Non-core vaccinations are not required for all dogs, and whether or not they are required depends on where you reside.
As a dog owner, you may also be responsible for several additional medical expenses:
| Name of test | Cost |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Vaccines | $20-$50 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $5000 |
Health Issues in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
If you get a pet from a reputable breeder, you may be confident that they have tested their dogs before mating them. This helps to ensure the puppies’ health and reduces the likelihood of health problems.
However, this dog breed is predisposed to the following hereditary problems:
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is a disorder characterized by the growth of additional hairs inside the eyelids that brush against the surface of the eyeball. One of the most frequent genetic diseases in canines, and your GSMD has a higher risk of developing this painful ailment than other dogs in the same breed. These aberrant hairs, if left untreated, can lead to corneal ulcers and prolonged eye discomfort. There are various therapeutic methods available, and the prognosis is favorable after the hairs have been eliminated completely. Its complete treatment is surgery which costs around $2500.
Bone Pain
GSMDs can have severe inflammation of the long bones in their legs, a condition known as eosinophilic panosteitis, often known as pano or e-pan, which is a kind of pan osteoarthritis. It generally begins at the age of 6 to 10 months and progresses from one leg to the other. Panosteitis is typically not permanent; however, it does necessitate the use of pain medicine. You may need to do rehabilitation exercises on your dog if he or she has developed an unusual gait to compensate for the painful leg(s). its treatment should cost around $4000.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane
Small pieces of tissue that were intended to be shed shortly after birth can sometimes remain connected to the iris for an extended period of time. When this occurs, it is referred to as Persistent Pupillary Membrane, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is more prone than other dogs to be affected by this ailment as well. Fortunately, these tissue fragments are rarely painful or obstructive in their eyesight, although they can occasionally create issues. Their complete removal necessitates the surgery and costs around $3500.
Lymphoma
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are more prone to lymphoma or lymphosarcoma than other breeds of dogs. Their body develops aberrant lymphocytes, which are a kind of white blood cell resulting from this condition. Because white blood cells may be found all through the body, this cancer has the potential to manifest itself practically anyplace in the body. Lymphoma is a very curable kind of cancer, with a favorable prognosis in dogs that are treated with chemotherapy. On the other hand, treatment may be expensive (costs around $8000-$10000) and necessitates a long-term commitment.
Should You Purchase Pet Insurance for your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?
Pet insurance has been increasingly popular in recent years. It can assist with covering some of the medical expenses that are both unexpected and expected, as indicated above. Pet health-care expenses such as illnesses, injuries, and even routine checkups may be quite expensive, making it impossible for the typical dog owner to pay them. Pet insurance may be able to alleviate some of that strain and provide you with peace of mind.
It should be noted that many pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing diseases or immunizations, but some do. According to certain pet insurance, dog owners must settle the costs/bills upfront before being reimbursed later.
Another option is to merely pay a co-pay fee, with the balance of the vet’s expenses being covered by the insurance company. In any case, look into various firms and programs and thoroughly examine their specifics and nuances. Only after that should you select a firm that will fulfill your needs.
The following is a table displaying the costs of several pet insurance plans:
| Name | Features | Price per month |
| Pumpkin Insurance | Voted as the best overall pet insurance in 2021, it offers 90% cashback on most bills. | $18.95 |
| Healthy Paws | Number #1 rated pet insurance by customers in 2010-2021; most claims are processed in 2 days | $39 |
| Pawp | Rated the best pet insurance for those on a tight budget | $24 for up to 6 pets |
Additional Costs of Owning a Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
Here are some additional expenses that Greater Swiss Mountain Dog owners may spend when purchasing a dog:
Cost of dog-proofing your home
Once your pet has returned home, you may choose to make certain modifications to make the environment safer for him or her. If you have an unprotected yard, there is a possibility that your dog will escape. Installing a robust fence around the property will assist in making it more secure. This might result in a bill of up to $500.
Some landlords also want a pet deposit to cover the cost of cleaning up after dogs. This cost might run anywhere from $200 to $400. If you own your home, you may also want to consider purchasing home insurance to protect your investment from any damage caused by your rowdy dog.
Grooming
Fortunately, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on Greater Swiss Mountain Dog grooming. However, if you decide to take your pet to a professional groomer, expect to pay anything from $30 to $90 for basic grooming. Bathing, blow-drying, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and, in rare cases, anal gland expression are all part of basic grooming.
Traveling with your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs might be expensive
If you travel regularly, you will need to choose whether you will board your pet or bring it with you on your journey. It doesn’t matter what happens; you’ll have to pay hundreds of dollars. The cost of a one-way flight with a specific dog carrier or kennel might reach $300 per person. Boarding your dog can also be expensive, with most pet hostels charging between $50 and $75 a day for their services.
You may also think about hiring a pet sitter to keep an eye on your pet while you’re away. The majority of them charge between $25 and $40 a day, depending on the services they provide.
Dog walker
To provide your Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs with adequate exercise, you should anticipate paying around $355 per month if you do have to walk your dog once a day for 30-35 minutes.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Cost?
Whether you buy or adopt a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the costs may quickly mount. Listed here are the costs related to having a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
Initial Investment
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s pricing or adoption fees are included in the initial costs. For Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, this is roughly $1500-$3000. Champion dogs cost a lot more than average.
Initial costs include a bed, collar, bowls, leash, vaccines, and other necessities.
Monthly costs
Keeping a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog as a pet is expensive. This price includes food, medical care, flea and tick treatment, and pet insurance. The cost of premium dog food alone may be around $100 per month. So, monthly, you should anticipate paying between $200 and $300.
Costs per year
Annual licensing renewal for your dog can cost up to $25. If you travel, boarding expenses might reach $500. A Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may easily cost $1500 to $2000 per year when combined with additional monthly costs such as traveling, grooming, etc.
Total Costs
With an annual cost of $1500 to $2000 and a lifespan of up to 12 years, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog could easily cost $17,000. This is simply a guess. The actual cost depends on your location, your dog’s health, and your pet-raising preferences.
We hope this information helps you estimate dog ownership costs and decide if a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is appropriate for you or not.
