The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large breed that is believed to be descended from the Asian Mastiff, which was brought to central Europe by Romans in the First Century BC. It is the largest of the Swiss herding breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are believed to be the ancestors of the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler, and are excellent herding and guard dogs.
The popularity of the St. Bernard almost caused the extinction of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, but they were re-established by the efforts of Dr. Albert Heim, in 1908. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was not introduced to the United States until 1967, and even today they are considered to be relatively rare around the world. Full recognition as a member of the American Kennel Club Working Group came in 1995.
