Greater Welsh Corswiss

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Greater Welsh Corswiss

30-100 lbs

12-28"

Unknown

Welsh Corgi

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Welsh Corswiss is a hybrid breed where the beautiful Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is crossed with the compact Welsh Corgi. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can weigh between 85 and 140 pounds and will be active and loving to his humans. The friendly Welsh Corgi is much smaller, and due to the difference in size, there can be great variances between the hybrid pups. Your Greater Welsh Corswiss can get along well with children and should be exposed to them as a puppy. Consistent leadership for this hybrid is needed as he can be stubborn. Active and perceptive, your dog will alert you to the approach of strangers.

Purpose
Companion


Date of Origin
2000


Ancestry
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Greater Welsh Corswiss Health

Average Size

Height: 12-28 inches Weight: 30-100 lbs

Major Concerns

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat
Degenerative Myelopathy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

Distichiasis
Epilepsy

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

Eye Examination
Blood Analysis
Complete Physical Examination
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Greater Welsh Corswiss Breed History

Looking at the parent breeds, we see that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was first found about 2000 years ago and is considered to be one of the oldest breeds in Switzerland. The most accepted theory of how the dogs came to be is that they are descendants of dogs similar to the Mastiff and were brought to the Alps by Roman Legions to be used for herding, guarding, and as draft dogs. The breed was among the most popular of farm dogs in the country, with its popularity decreasing upon the advent of machines to handle farm work. In 1990 the breed was listed as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in the Swiss Stud book of the Swiss Kennel Club. Dogs of the breed now work at guarding and tracking and make excellent watchdogs. Originating in Wales in the 1100s, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was first bred to herd sheep, leading them by gently nipping their legs. Dogs of the breed were also put to work as watchdogs and guard dogs. The breed’s ancestry has been debated, though it has been accepted by many that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi came from spitz type breeds taken by the Vikings to Britain; it is thought that the breed is the result of a combination of the Keeshond, Schipperke, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound and Finnish Spitz and introduced by Flemish weavers as a working dog. Corgi means “dwarf dog”, which is an accurate description of the breed, whose main role today is that of companion. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934.

Greater Welsh Corswiss Breed Appearance

The Greater Welsh Corswiss may vary in size from puppy to puppy due to the difference in size of the parent breeds. Both parents are beautiful dogs with unique and attractive looks. This hybrid will appear strong and have a either a broad, flat, head like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog parent or a narrower head with a longer muzzle as in seen in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. In some hybrids, a sturdy frame and a body longer than it is tall, and low to the ground will be seen. Other dogs will develop the longer legs and bulky frame. The dominant genes will determine the exact look. Eyes are typically medium sized and can be anywhere from chestnut to hazel to dark brown in color, and may have black rims. Both parents have thick coats of fur; colors in the puppy may range from tan and black to fawn or red.

Eye Color Possibilities

Hazel

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Red

Fawn

Brown

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Greater Welsh Corswiss Breed Maintenance

Your Greater Welsh Corswiss may shed a fair amount throughout the year. A weekly brushing with either the pin brush or the slicker brush will suffice, though during shedding season a daily brushing is advised as the fur may tangle into mats as opposed to coming out if left in place. A comb may also be a handy tool as the coat sheds potentially in its entirety twice a year. Happiest playing outside in cool to cold temperatures, the summer heat may be too much for a hybrid with a thick coat. Monitor them and provide plenty of water. Keep the coat maintained at this time of year as well in order to help thin out the extra fur. Bathing is not necessary except at those times that your dog finds something interesting to roll in. His teeth will need brushing a few times a week in order to keep his mouth and gums healthy. An active dog will often wear down his nails but check them on a bi-monthly basis as letting them grow long allows for breakage.

Brushes for Greater Welsh Corswiss

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Comb

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Greater Welsh Corswiss Temperament

The Greater Welsh Corswiss will inherit their temperament from their parents. They will be alert to their surroundings as well as gentle and loving with their humans; additionally they will be protective of their family, alerting them to strangers and protecting them from danger. Dogs of the breed display confidence and at times can be stubborn, choosing to make their own decisions rather than following your directions. Leadership and consistency will be key. The loud bark of the Greater Welsh Corswiss will protect the home as they will use this to alert you to potential issues. They may be cautious around strangers. Early exposure to children when they are a puppy will help your dog get along with them as he grows, though they do really enjoy being around people and will typically want to be spending time with the family. Physical and mental activity are important to both their physical and emotional well-being. This intelligent breed will be easy to train.

Greater Welsh Corswiss Activity Requirements

The activity requirements for the Greater Welsh Corswiss can be determined from those of his parents. Both parents were once bred to work; the Greater Welsh Corswiss will benefit from a fenced-in yard where they can be active during times when temperatures are cool to moderate. They will require about 60 minutes of activity on a daily basis. Athletic and very active, they enjoy physical activity and having a job to do. Daily exercise will be important for your hybrid to maintain a healthy weight, as well as to keep him occupied. As this busy canine does have a tendency to be headstrong and independent, obedience classes, agility or flyball can all be used as tools for training and as ways to encourage bonding with the family.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Greater Welsh Corswiss

Similarly Sized Breeds to Greater Welsh Corswiss

Greater Welsh Corswiss Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$2.00 - $3.00
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $36.00

Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 04/03/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

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