In 1994, a psychologist named Stanley Coren, PhD., DSc., FRSC, wrote a book called The Intelligence of Dogs (Atria Books). Of course, the Border Collie scored high in the tests, while it was America’s favorite dog, the Labrador Retriever, that scored the lowest. The researchers hope to focus on that next. The test did not cover the effects of training, environment, life experiences or the background of the dogs, which can also contribute to intelligence. It seems evident that breeds can vary behaviorally from each other even within their breed groups, since different traits may have been (both intentionally and unintentionally) selected for in different breeds, despite the breed group they belong to.” The report went on to say, “Similarly, during the unsolvable task, the Australian Shepherd was the least likely breed to abandon the task, whereas the Kelpie was among the breeds most likely to abandon the task. However, the Finnish Lapphund, also a herding breed, received the lowest score. An example was the Kelpie and Malinois scored high in the gesture test, which you’d expect from these herding breeds. The test concluded that pretty much the breeds performed how they were bred for, but not all. The researchers used the following criteria for the test: Between March 2016 and February 2022, a total of 2,352 adult dogs (13 breeds plus mixed breeds) went through cognitive and behavior tests, called the smartDOG test battery. Getting your Swissy used to having their paws, mouth, and ears handled as a puppy is a good idea as it helps makes grooming easier for both of you, especially once your puppy is a full-sized dog.A study on canine intelligence was published in 2022 in Scientific Reports by University of Helsinki researchers entitled Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). You can also supplement your efforts with a dental care diet and dental hygiene chews. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste at least a few times a week, if not every day, is ideal for helping to prevent dental disease. Proper dental care for dogs can help prevent the tartar buildup that causes tooth decay and gum disease. So, it’s important to check your dog’s ears regularly and carefully clean them as needed.ĭental care is so important for dogs, but it is also often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Dropdown ears, or floppy ears, tend to trap dirt, debris, and moisture more than pointy ears, which makes them more prone to ear infections. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for another trim. Usually, monthly nail trimming is sufficient, but you may need to trim more often if the nails aren’t being worn down as much between trimmings. Their nails need to be trimmed regularly to keep them from growing too long and hindering movement. During these times, they’ll benefit from more frequent brushing.Īlthough their coat is low-maintenance, there are other grooming tasks that are important for all dogs. They have a double coat, so they will go through a seasonal shedding session twice a year. They have a short, straight coat that requires occasional brushing and bathing for most of the year. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a low grooming level. The American Kennel Club fully recognized the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1995 as part of the Working Group. The breed was first recognized internationally in 1939 and was brought to the United States for the first time in 1968. The breed fell out of popularity as its work was taken on by machines and other breeds, but it experienced a surge in popularity in the early 1900s when it was rediscovered. They were also commonly used to pull carts full of meat and dairy to the market. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, or Swissies, functioned as all-purpose farmhands for Swiss dairymen and herders. GSMDs were used primarily as farm and pasture dogs and guard dogs. They are also closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog. These ancient dogs mated with indigenous dogs to make several dog breeds, including the one we now refer to as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Molosser was a popular war dog for ancient armies and it’s theorized that they were brought into the Alps more than 2,000 years ago when the Roman Legions invaded. The most popular theory posits that they are descendants of the Molosser, which is a large, ancient mastiff-type of dog. There are several theories surrounding the origin of this breed. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also referred to as a GSMD or a Swissy, originated in the Swiss Alps.
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