There are several articles on the internet about the Swissy being the "ideal family dog." These articles tend to make people believe that GSMDs are little more than larger, tricolored Labradors. This is far from the truth. Typical GSMDs are by nature more independent than Labs (not to be confused with aloof, which Swissies most definitely ARE NOT). Their desire to please themselves is naturally stronger than their desire to please you. They tend to be more protective and wary of strangers than Labs, as well as larger and more powerful. As retrievers, Labs are born with soft mouths. GSMDs have a strong herding/prey drive, and many enjoy chasing and nipping at moving appendages (as well as moving little people). The photos shown here is not to demonstrate how wonderful Swissies are with children, but rather to illustrate how these large, powerful dogs stack up against a small child.

Swissies are not automatically well-mannered, gentle members of the family. Swissy puppies must be taught bite inhibition and to use a soft mouth. Swissies are more challenging, slower to train, and require a great deal of time and commitment toward training and socialization...especially through the first two years of their lives. Swissies and small children should never be left unattended without adult supervision. Your Swissy is NOT a baby-sitter. If you have any doubt, or concerns, speak to Swissy owners who have small children in their household to find out what challenges they have faced. Take your children with you when you visit breeders or other Swissy owners, and see how they react and handle themselves. And you may also want to read The Top 5 Reasons Rescue Is Called, which was published in the GSMDCA's Senntinel. This article outlines the most common reasons that Swissies wind up in Rescue situations, the first two of which are Dominance and the owners Cannot Handle the New Baby and the Dog

So if you have small children, think about whether or not you will have the time to devote to training a Swissy puppy. It will be like having another child during those first eighteen months or so. You must also consider your children themselves. Are they physically strong enough to control a pushy Swissy? Are they mature enough to understand the possible consequences of their behaviors around a large dog? Will they be able to effectively establish their own leadership and position in the family pack, above the dog?