The greater swiss mountain dog was originally bred to be a herding dog for both sheep and cattle, a guard dog and a draft breed. Franz Schertenlieb, who saved and restored the bernese mountain dog, believed that this was a shorthaired variety and showed one in a show held in 1907, but mountain dog expert professor Albert Heim recognized the dog as one of the old missing black mountain dogs. Schertenlieb managed to find a few more similar dogs, and the breed club was formed in 1912. The breed experied different problems several times, but in 1919 enough dogs had been found to start a breeding project.

The greater swiss mountain dog should appear large, compact, agile, brave and with good endurance. The head is powerful with little stop and muzzle/skull the same length. The muzzle should be powerful and rounded. The eyes should have a trustworthy expression. The ears are triangular, set rather high and of medium size. The neck is of medium length, dry and muscular. Powerful body with straight topline and deep chest with little tuck up. The coat can be smooth or short.