Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese mountain dog is one of four related Swiss mountain dog breeds developed to work on farms, herd livestock, and pull heavy carts. The other three are the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Entlebucher mountain dog, and the greater Swiss mountain dog. All four breeds are similarly tricolored (black and white with tan markings), but their coat type and size vary.

The Bernese mountain dog is the only one of the four related Swiss mountain dog breeds to have a long coat, and it is the largest. These dogs originated near Berne, where they were a general-purpose farm dog used as a watchdog, property guard, and carting dog.

Intelligent and devoted to family, the Bernese mountain dog gets along well with children and most other pets. Although Berners are naturally protective, they are rarely aggressive. This breed needs moderate daily exercise, and you will need to brush out the thick coat at least weekly to keep shedding under control. 

Appenzeller Sennenhund

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the four related Swiss mountain dog breeds. They are also called the Appenzeller mountain dog or Appenzell cattle dog, and this breed was primarily used to herd cattle and guard the farm.

They have high exercise and training needs, are apprehensive of strangers, and are best left to expert-level dog parents. They’re also unsuitable for families with young children.  

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian shepherd dog originated in the Caucasus mountain range, an expansive region between Europe and Asia. The breed guarded livestock and protected the homestead. This dog takes a bold, fearless, self-confident, and fierce stance when defending a flock.

Despite their protective nature, they're a teddy bear with family and other family pets. They can be challenging to train. Caucasian sheepdogs are a powerful breed best left to expert-level dog parents who have experience with large guarding breeds. 

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher mountain dog, also called the Entlebucher Sennehund or cattle dog, is the smallest and fastest of the four related Swiss mountain dog breeds. This dog needed speed for their primary job as a cattle drover. The breed was also used as an all-purpose farm dog and property guard in the Entlebuch valley, where it originated.

Entlebuchers are intelligent and independent but also utterly devoted to their human families. They love to play and generally get along well with gentle children. Though on the smaller side, Entlebuchers need a great deal of exercise to be content. Training is challenging for these strong-willed dogs. 

Great Pyrenees

With their great size and white coat, the Great Pyrenees is magnificent to behold. The breed gets its name from the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France. These dogs worked high on the slopes of the mountains, guarding over flocks of sheep and protecting them from bears and wolves.

The Great Pyrenees is deeply devoted to family and watchful over their home. Though large, they are calm in the house and need only moderate daily exercise to be happy. They benefit from early training and socialization, as doing so can ensure they’ll behave well around strangers and other dogs.  

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss mountain dog is the oldest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds. The Swissy was a hardworking farm dog that did it all: herding livestock, working in the pastures, guarding property, and pulling heavy carts to the market.

They are excellent watchdogs that sound the alarm in the presence of suspicious strangers near the home. Swissys are highly devoted to their family. But they need extensive socialization as puppies to avoid shyness in their adulthood.

These dogs only need moderate daily exercise since high-intensity exercise can stress their joints. Recommended activities include 30-minute walks or pulling carts, which many enjoy.

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a large, all-white livestock guardian used in Hungary since the Middle Ages to protect horses, sheep, and cattle from predators and thieves. This breed hails from Hungary but likely originated in the steppes of Siberia’s Ural Mountains.

They generally get along well with respectful children. They are loyal, devoted, and protective of their families. The Kuvasz need early socialization as puppies, lifelong training, and extensive daily exercise. The breed is usually not recommended for novice dog parents.

Saint Bernard

The majestic and steadfast Saint Bernard is famous for rescuing travelers in peril on the snowy slopes of the Swiss Alps. Monks developed the breed at the St. Bernard Monastery and Hospice, which Bernard de Menthon founded during the 11th century.

Today’s Saint Bernard is a gentle and faithful companion. They get along great with kids and love to be part of family activities. Saint Bernards are very large, calm, and laid-back. A few short walks a day is all they need for exercise, though many are up for more activity. Saint Bernards drool a lot, so if slobber grosses you out, this isn’t the best breed. 

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff is a primitive breed. This is a hardy dog that can survive in Tibet and the high-altitude Himalayan range. Shepherds used them to guard livestock, and, whether tending a flock or not, they remain more active at night than daytime.

This breed is not a fan of strangers and needs lots of space to roam. They can be excellent family dogs but require an experienced dog parent to keep them in check.

Newfoundland

The native terrain of Newfoundland is hilly and rocky with plenty of perilous cliffs. The Newfoundland is a thick-coated canine that can withstand frigid, snowy winters and icy waters.

This breed did not originate in the mountain region but works as a search and rescue dog in water and mountain rescue missions worldwide. Newfoundlands are excellent working dogs as well as calm and affectionate companions. 

Leonberger

Also known as the Leo, the Leonberger is a giant dog breed from Germany, and it is a mix of the Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees, and the Saint Bernard. The breed appeared in the U.S. and Canada in the early 1900s.

Leonbergers are loyal and intelligent, and they like being given a job to do. These dogs are gentle with their humans yet hard-working. They are also protective, so they can make good watchdogs. However, because of their size, they need a lot of space, and because of their energy, they need a lot of exercise.

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian shepherd is a dog from Turkey that was bred to guard livestock and protect flocks of various animals, including goats, cattle, and sheep. These large dogs would bark loudly and work hard at keeping predators away. And they were capable of working on their own, thanks to their protective instincts and independent nature.

Because of their independent and protective side, these dogs do best when they are socialized early during puppyhood. They make good family dogs, but because of their size, they need plenty of space. And, even though they're very loyal, they aren’t overly affectionate dogs.

Icelandic Sheepdog

The rare Icelandic sheepdog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and also Iceland’s only native breed. This is a spitz-type dog that is athletic, energetic, and hardy. They were bred to live in the mountainous areas of Iceland, where they herded livestock.

Icelandic sheepdogs make great pets because they are playful, affectionate, intelligent, and devoted. They are also good for families with kids and other pets. They have a lot of energy, so they need a couple hours a day of physical and mental exercise.   

Karakachan

The Karakachan is an ancient dog breed from Bulgaria that was used to guard livestock. They were once used by the country’s military to help patrol their border, too. Today, they are used for guarding. 

These dogs are affections to their family, but they are very protective and can be wary of strangers, so proper socialization and training from a young age is important. They also do best when they are given a job to do, so they are best for families who are active and can give them the daily activity that they need.