An octopus can escape out of a one-inch hole. An orangutan can unscrew nuts and bolts. But did you know a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can open a refrigerator door, grab a snack, and close it without you ever knowing? That’s right. They’re that intelligent and cunning, always one step ahead of you.
Often mistaken for a dairy cow due to their similar coat patterns, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, affectionately known as ‘Swissies’, are a bundle of energy, wit, and lovable experiences. Originating from the Swiss Alps, they were the go-to all-purpose farm dogs for Swiss farmers. These herculean canines aren’t just the knights in furry armor; they’re beautiful concoctions of brains and brawn.
But are they the Einsteins of the canine world? Are we talking about a breed that could beat you at a game of chess if only they had opposable thumbs? Or are they intelligent in their quirky ways, displaying sparks of genius that aren’t necessarily appended to academic laurels?
To answer this, we need to dive into the world of dog intelligence. Canine cognition isn’t all about fetching the ball or following sit-and-roll commands. Experts categorize dog intelligence into three types: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and work and obedience intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence refers to the tasks dogs were originally bred for, whether it’s herding, fetching, guarding or companionship. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were bred for work, to pull carts, herd cows, and act as watchdogs. Hence, they excel in instinctive intelligence, performing tasks they were bred for with little training. They can spot a stranger a mile away and will brave any threat to protect their family.
Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s problem-solving ability. This is where Swissies truly shine. These dogs are known to be crafty, using their capacity for problem-solving in inventive ways. They will find a way to reach the food on top of the counter, learn how to open doors or even create their escape routes if needed. Their adaptive intelligence skills are some of the best among dog breeds.
Finally, work and obedience intelligence relates to a dog’s trainability and its ability to understand and follow commands. Swissies might lose a few points here – while they are eager to please, their dominant personalities and independent thinking can sometimes make them stubborn, declining commands if they deem them unnecessary.
While they might not top the charts for work and obedience intelligence, one thing’s for sure: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are smart dogs with a capital ‘S’. They’re the Houdini’s of the dog world, using their slick problem-solving skills to steal treats and wreak adorable havoc.
But with this intelligence, comes responsibility. Swissies can get bored easily and when a smart dog gets bored, naughty things can happen. Can’t find your socks? Your Swissie probably thought they made great chew toys. Missing lunch? Don’t be surprised if your Swissie is looking a tad guilty.
For a Swissie to be content and not resort to these shenanigans, they need mental stimulation. Invest in puzzle toys that will challenge their brain and keep them busy. Training sessions should be frequent, interesting, and diverse; monotonous routines will bore them, leading to lack of interest in training.
These dogs are loyal and loving and thrive on companionship. They require time and affection from their owners, giving in return an unadulterated, pure love that fills homes with joy and laughter.
So, is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog the smartest dog?
If smartness is measured by the ability to solve problems, the capacity to learn quickly, and a tenacious memory, then Swissies are undoubtedly smart. They might not master a variety of tricks or obey commands like a military cadet, but they are intuitive and capable of independent thinking like few other breeds. Their intelligence, coupled with their love for family and protective nature, makes them an irresistible choice as family dogs.
Remember, the definition of intelligence varies. And while Swissies may spell ‘smart’ with their tricks, it’s their love, loyalty, and unyielding spirit that truly spells ‘smart’ for us. After all, you don’t need your dog to solve mathematical theorems; you need it to be a loyal companion, a tireless entertainer, a vigilant protector, and a forever friend. And the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is all that, and perhaps, a bit more.
