At A Glance
Mountain dog breeds, irrespective of their place of origin, are robust, hardworking, and have the ability to endure extreme temperatures.
Most mountain dogs are great at working under severe weather conditions and assisting with search-n-rescue missions.
Last Updated on: Aug 15, 2022
Majestic and gigantic — that’s mountain dogs for you. Hailing from the snowiest and steepest terrains of the mountains, these dogs are sure to captivate you at the first glance. Mountain dogs are known for their tenacious nature and unique dispositions. While you might have come across an occasional St. Bernard or Siberian Husky, today let’s get to know some of the popular mountain dog breeds up, close, and personal.
What are mountain dogs like? Do they have unique personalities that set them apart from the rest? Can they be kept as house pets? Let’s find out.
Hardworking, with an atypical tricolor coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a mastiff-type dog hailing from the Swiss Alps. These dogs belong to the Swiss family of canines that includes the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
Don’t be misled by their large size. Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite gentle and well-behaved, especially around children.
Unless you threaten them, they showcase a protective demeanor that is not aggressive in any manner.
These dogs can weigh anywhere between 80 to 150 pounds and stand between 25 to 27.5 inches tall. Their distinctive coat is as functional as it is attractive. It helps them withstand chilly weather.
Also Read: Popular French Dog Breeds
Originating in the Swiss Alps, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs were bred to be herding dogs.
Out of the entourage of four Swiss dogs, the Entlebucher is the smallest, standing between 17 and 22 inches tall and weighing between 45 to 65 pounds.
Compared to other mountain dogs, they are a breed with a relatively smaller stature.
Entlebucher is known for being quite nimble and excels at dog sports. However, when it comes to their disposition, they are territorial and self-reliant.
They must be socialized at a very early age to get along with strangers. Their streak of independence doesn’t take away from the fact that they are extremely loving, loyal, and intelligent.
Dating back as early as 3,000 B.C, this breed is also known as ‘Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées’, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Used to hunt livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains of France, these dogs were so fierce that they could stand up to wolves to protect their livestock.
The thick, white double coat of fur that this breed is known for is meant to protect them from the cold temperatures of the Alps.
Due to their preying instincts, they can come off as intimidating dogs. But the Great Pyrenees loves its family and tends to get overprotective about them.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a popular dog originating from Switzerland’s Alps. Until the 1900s, this breed was adored and quite popular among the Swiss population. After that, machines and other agile dogs began to take over their job as watchdogs, livestock herders, and, most significantly, cart pullers.
If you threaten them, you’ll have to deal with their deafening barks. When it comes to their temperament, this breed can be both energetic and calm, but they are great with children.
This breed, quite literally, is the Snow White of the canine kingdom. These beautiful canines hail from Tibet in western Asia and are stark white in appearance. They are a rare and ancient breed that gained popularity in Hungary. They, too, have a history of guarding livestock.
The Kuvasz was known to be a favorite of Matthias Cornivus. The Hungarian nobleman possessed a large number of them to serve as guard dogs.
Sadly, these regal canines suffered a bleak fate post World War 2. They were executed mercilessly by troops because they were known for being protective of their people.
You’ve certainly heard of Saint Bernard, but did you know that they originated in Switzerland’s Western Alps?
The hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass holds them in great respect for their rescue efforts.
What exactly did they do?
They rescued travelers trapped in the snowstorms of the Alps. The first generation of St. Bernards are said to have found and saved 2000 individuals during their lifetime.
These dogs stand between 26 and 28 inches in height and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
These canines are enormous, have a lot of energy, and enjoy running around. When it comes to disposition, these dogs are among the most loving breeds. They get along well with both adults and children.
Siberian Huskies are one of the popular mountain dog breeds that originated in the far-flung terrains of Northern Asia.
This breed is characterized by its thick coat, which gives them a cuddly and soft appearance.
Bred by the indigenous Chukchi tribe, this breed is native to Siberia and was employed in pulling sleds. But they were also adored and adopted by households.
With their upright, triangle-shaped ears and a hint of white fur, they exhibit wolf-like characteristics. Huskies have bi-colored fur with black or brown markings.
Huskies tend to be extremely headstrong and independent to the point of being inattentive. They do, however, have strong pack instincts and require a pack leader to take charge.
Nonetheless, proper training turns them into one of the most friendly and loving dogs known to humans.
Also Read: World’s Most Expensive Dog Breeds
For centuries, dogs have accompanied mankind, making our lives better. Live in a chilly area and need a canine companion to keep you warm and cozy? Looking for an active hiking partner to accompany you to your local mountains? These popular mountain dog breeds are perfect for you. After all, what’s better than a big, huggable dog as a companion?
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
