Breed of Swiss working dog brought to Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by invading Romans.
The hardy breed was widely used to pull carts and to drive cattle to and from their pastures. It has a broad chest, hanging V-shaped ears, and a long, silky, black coat. Markings include brown spots on the chest and forelegs and over the eyes, and sometimes white on the chest, nose, feet, and tail tip. The breed stands 21–28 in. (53–70 cm) high and weighs about 90 lbs (40 kg).