Although Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs appear to have a short-haired coat, they have in fact two separate coats, including a thick undercoat. Due to this, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Shed heavily approximately twice a year.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's undercoat is very short but extremely thick, retaining any heat in the Dog throughout the winter months, whilst cleverly reflecting any heat back to the environment and away from the Dog in the summer months. Their outer coat is approximately 2 inches long in all parts of their body and because of this length the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs will generally Shed their outer coat fully twice a year, in the spring and autumn months.
Some Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have been known to Shed quite substantially when not in spring and autumn times. To reduce the amount of shedding from the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, a regular grooming routine is necessary. A weekly brush and a bath approximately every 12 weeks - with a diet high in the appropriate vitamins and minerals and low in additives and preservatives - should ensure that the amount of shedding is minimal.
