MyDogBreedsWalker Hound is originated from United States but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Both Walker Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Walker Hound may weigh 38 kg / 83 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both Walker Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Walker Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Walker Hound requires Low maintenance. But Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance
The Walker Hound is actually two different breeds today both descendant from the original Walker. They are the Running Walker Hound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound and mark their ancestors as the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound. The Treeing Walker is a breed developed in the United States when a “Tennessee Lead Dog” was crossed with a Walker Hound. The Running Walker is considered a Foxhound not a coonhound. They Running Walker does not have a treeing instinct and is not as common in hunting in the southern US as the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
In 1945 the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound and by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 2012. They were developed to hunt and “tree” racoons – so the coonhound label. They also are capable of hunting bears, deer, bobcats and mountain lions. Their baying voice is distinctive that even at a great distance a hunter can recognize the voice of his dog.
Both types of Walkers are calm, gentle and friendly family dogs. The original Walker Hounds were bred in Kentucky by John Walker and George Maupin. The Walker Coonhound, Treeing was recognized as part of the English Coonhound breed by the UKC in 1905. In 1945, they were then recognized as their own breed by the UKC.
They have become the most popular hound competitor in coon hunt competitions. They are known for speed and an ability to catch more racoons in a shorter period of time than any other coonhound. They also tree squirrels, cougars. Opossums, roof rats and skunks.
Hailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.
Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.
It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.
In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.
This working dog is tall and lean with the males being somewhat larger than the females. They have broad skulls and hanging, long ears with a long muzzle. They have a soft expression in their dark eyes, straight legs and compact cat-like feet. The coat is smooth, glossy and fine. The traditional color is a tricolor or a bi-color in white with black and tan markings. The bicolors are white and tan or white and black. Their speed comes from the long , powerful and muscled legs and hindquarters along with the frame that is lean and streamlined.
Swissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.
He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.
His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.
He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.
2.Special talents Walkers are capable of covering a lot of ground in a hurry. Speed and treeing instinct.
The Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.
While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.
He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a fairly healthy breed needing to watch out for accidents on the hunting trail from shrubs, brush and tree limbs. They can become tick infested if you are not careful, especially in their long ears that flop on the side of their head. Clean their ears weekly and check them after every run in the woods.
They are also prone to hip dysplasia and eye issues. Hip dysplasia can cause lameness and/or arthritis. Before to keep the ear clear of debris and wax to avoid ear infections.
The GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.
He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.
1Feeding the puppy – don’t overfeed. Feed quality medium size breed 3-4 small meals per day
2.Feeding the adult – don’t overfeed. Feed quality medium size breed 1-2 small meals per day
running or hiking companion. long daily walks at a minimum. He loves to run and play with his family. Hunting and “coon trials” are his specialty and best ways to get exercise. He needs to run
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.
A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.
Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.
Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.
If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.