Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Detailed Introduction)

　　The main purpose of breeding the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog back then was for draft work. Its body size and height are very full and strong. The ideal height for a male Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 64.8～72.4cm, females 59.7～68.6cm. The ratio of body length to height is 10:9.
　　Morphological Characteristics
　　Head
　　The expression is lively and gentle. Eyes are dark brown, medium-sized, neither deep-set nor protruding, eyelids fit closely to the eyeballs. The eye rims are black. Ears are medium-sized, set high at the root, triangular, with slightly rounded tips. When resting, the ears hang down close to the head. When alert, the ear roots raise and ears turn forward. The ear tips are level with the top of the head. The head is flat and broad, with a slight stop. The length of the head and muzzle are equal. The muzzle is blunt, not pointed. The muzzle is solid and straight, the nose leather is black. Lips are neat, typical of a clean-lipped breed. Only the upper lip is slightly developed. The bite is scissors bite.
　　Neck, Backline, Body
　　The neck is moderate in length, muscular, and clean. The backline from withers to croup is level. The chest is wide and deep, the sternum slightly protruding. The withers are high and long. The body is full and slightly tucked up. The ribs expand well, the loin is wide and sturdy. The croup is long, wide, with a smooth curved shape at the base of the tail. Clearly, the tail extends to the hock. When resting, the tail hangs down; when excited, the tail is raised.
　　Forequarters
　　The shoulders are long, sloping, and solid. Flat and muscular. The forelegs are straight and sturdy. The wrists slope slightly but never appear lax. The paws are round and compact, toes arched. Dewclaws may be removed or retained.
　　Hindquarters
　　Thighs are wide, solid, and muscular. The stifle joint is moderately angulated, tapering gradually from thigh to hock. Seen from behind, the hocks are as low and straight as possible. Dewclaws must be removed. The paws are round and compact, neither turning inward nor outward.
　　Coat
　　The coat is dense, 1 inch to 1.75 inches long. Sometimes the undercoat appears dense.
　　Color
　　The base color should of course be black. Markings are rich rust and white. Symmetrical markings are ideal. Rust markings appear above the eyes, on the cheeks, on the sides of the chest, on the limbs, and under the tail. The muzzle has a white blaze. A white marking on the chest is typical; the tail tip is white, paws are white while rust appears between white and black. A white patch or white collar at the neck is allowed.
　　Gait
　　Forequarters extend freely, hindquarters provide powerful drive, back remains level.
　　Temperament
　　Brave, reliable, agile working dog, alert and watchful. Nervousness or aggression is a serious fault.
　　Disqualifications
　　Any base color other than black.