Swissy owners only-what is your favorite thing about owning the breed, and what do you wish you could change?

Question

I've been researching breeds, as I plan to get a dog in about 6 months and want to choose the right one. I've owned a large dog in the past (80 lbs) and love them. Research has told me that Swissies are hard to housebreak, and can be a bit strong-willed, but they are great with kids, other dogs, and very playful and loyal to the family. Have you found this to be true? Do you have a problem with heavy shedding or is it seasonal? Do they drool? Are they content with long walks or do they prefer to run? Any info is helpful!

Answer 1

I do not have a Swissy, but I have a Bernese Mountain Dog (which is like a smaller long haired Swissy) and I have a friend that has 2 Swissys. They were all fairly easy to housebreak (they were all fully housebroke by 6 months, and mostly housebroke by 4 months) and they all shed fairly bad. In my opinion the Berner sheds about the same as the Swissy, but Berner hair is easier to clean up (the vacuum will actually pick it up). They all are very protective, somewhat strong willed, and extremely loyal and sweet. My Berner does not drool, but the Swissys do sometimes, and mine really prefers to run if he gets the chance, but a long walk is okay too.

Answer 2

I personally do not own a Swissy, but my best friend does and that requires me to care for him when they are gone.

He sheds. A lot in my opinion. I have Newfs and they shed, but it is all in a clump. This guy covers everything with hair.

He does drool. While we are eating. While he is eating. While he is waiting to eat. When he is excited.
It isn't the thick drool like Newfs, but it is drool.

Otherwise, he is fine. Doesn't seem hard to train, and he doesn't seem too stubborn, as far as males go.

He walks with us daily when he is here, usually we do 2-3 miles daily in the woods, and he likes that. They are a big boned dog, so walking on pavement is not a good idea.