Dufenhof Swissies

The Sennenhunden, or Swiss Mountain Dogs as they are called in English, are a family of dog breeds who trace their origins to the Swiss Alps. There are four distinct breeds of Sennenhund, all sharing the same striking tricolor markings and all being farm dogs. 

The name Sennenhund refers to the alpine dairymen, called Senn or Senner, and “hund” simply means dog, so literally translated “Sennenhund” means “dog of the alpine dairyman”.

The largest of the four Sennenhund breeds is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, which is nicknamed the Swissy. Next is the Bernese Mountain Dog, or Berner, the only one of the four with long hair. The two smaller breeds of Sennehund are the curly-tailed Appenzeller and the Entlebucher, both of the smaller breeds are true herding dogs and typically are far more active and intense than their larger cousins.  All four breeds were used by the Swiss dairy farmers.

Given their size and strength, the Swissy was used primarily for draft and drover work. The dogs were most often used to pull carts to the market and were sometimes referred to as the poor man’s horse. Unlike some other working breed dogs who were trained to do a job and work independently, as a draft dog the Swissy worked along side the farmer, and as a result they are happiest when in the company of their human family members.

As with most farm breeds, the dogs were also used to help to protect the homestead and alert the farmer to potential trouble. With their deep, loud bark the Swissy could not only intimidate a would-be intruder, but the dairyman was sure to hear them “barrrooo”  from anywhere on the farm. 

Whether in the Swiss Alps or in the suburbs of the USA, the majority of Swissies today live as family companions. Although they often do make wonderful pets, they are still a working breed and potential owners must educate themselves about the breed and the reality of living with a large, strong dog. Some first time dog owners may not be prepared for the challenge of raising a Swissy to become a well-mannered, happy, friendly member of the household.  

For information about   our upcoming litter, currently available puppies or adults, please contact me by phone or email



Peter

Ch. Dufenhof Miss Potter's Favorite

Peter is shown winning Best of Breed from the classes in Richmond, VA at 14 months of age.