Dog breed of this beautiful, strong, attentive guy?

February 16, 2011 2:31 PM

Just been following the 2011 Westminster Dog Show and stumbled across this beautiful guy. Love his (or her!) eyes. Can anyone identify what breed he (or she) is? Thanks!
posted by vizsla to pets & animals (15 answers total)

It's a Swiss mountain dog, aka a Swissie. So beautiful.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 2:34 PM on February 16, 2011

I will lay money that is the Bernese Mountain Dog. That is a beautiful breed and this is a beautiful example of it.
posted by bearwife at 2:36 PM on February 16, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yep. Full name Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog. I have the same crush. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernese_Mountain_Dog
posted by SpicyMustard at 2:36 PM on February 16, 2011

Yep, there are actually 4 breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs, and they vary substantially in size.
posted by 2bucksplus at 2:37 PM on February 16, 2011 [1 favorite]

@2bucksplus

Interesting. On second glance, maybe it's not a Bernese. Definitely in the family, though.
posted by SpicyMustard at 2:40 PM on February 16, 2011

Swiss Mountain Dog.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:42 PM on February 16, 2011

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, not to be confused with the Bernese Mountain Dog, which are also lovely but have an abundance of fur.
posted by InsanePenguin at 2:49 PM on February 16, 2011

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 2:51 PM on February 16, 2011

InsanePenguin may be right. Here is best of breed for Greater Swiss Mountain Dog at the show.

I still have a giant crush on the Bernese, though.
posted by bearwife at 2:52 PM on February 16, 2011

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, FTW.
But Bernese are similar, and WAY furrier.
posted by mmf at 3:40 PM on February 16, 2011

My auntie had a Bernese Mountain Dog when I was growing up and he was the sweetest-- and biggest-- creature ever. He also could pull a cart! He looked like that but with much longer fur (same markings).
posted by NoraReed at 6:00 PM on February 16, 2011

It's a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Nice dogs, but not the breed for everyone (no breed is).
posted by biscotti at 6:06 PM on February 16, 2011

Fun fact: That's the kind of dog that Kristy had in the Babysitters Club.
posted by maryr at 7:06 PM on February 16, 2011 [3 favorites]

biscotti : Why is that? What are its peculiarities?

Thanks for the answers everyone!
posted by vizsla at 7:49 PM on February 16, 2011

I love those guys! Good hearted, dumb and doofy (Pro!) but plagued with health issues (Con!). I think of them as much like Golden Retrievers, but bigger with more colors!
posted by troublewithwolves at 9:12 PM on February 16, 2011