English Shepherd vs. Greater Swiss Mountain: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

Both the English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds have an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither English Shepherd nor Greater Swiss Mountain are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?

Adaptable
Courageous
Friendly
Intelligent
Responsive
Alert
Energetic
Independent
Playful

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Shedding Level

Do English Shepherds shed more than Greater Swiss Mountains, or which breed sheds more, English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains?

3 / 5

English Shepherds are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

1 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

English Shepherds make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

5 / 5

Choose a Greater Swiss Mountain if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain dog breeds?

United States

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are the origins of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

Collie-type

Roman Mastiff

Date of Birth

When were English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds first developed?

17th Century

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?

Brown
Amber

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

Silver
White
Brown
Black
Sable
Pied

Black
Brown
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

3 / 5

English Shepherds have medium-length coats.

2 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

Curly

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

An English Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Greater Swiss Mountain can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

4 / 5

English Shepherds are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain, which breed is more prone to health problems?

2 / 5

English Shepherds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

3 / 5

While the Greater Swiss Mountain breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

Patellar Luxation
Separation Anxiety
Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Distichiasis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

Allergy Tests
Ophthalmic And Ear Exam
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Hearing and Ear Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of English Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?

5 / 5

English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

English Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain social needs comparison

5 / 5

English Shepherd has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

4 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

English Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

English Shepherds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

1 / 5

English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

English Shepherd drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

1 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Compared to most other breeds, English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Territorial

Is the English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain a better guard dog?

5 / 5

These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: English Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

English Shepherd vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

2 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain entertained?

Walking

Eating Snacks, Rough Housing, Play, Nap, Sniffing, Walk, Hike, Training, Tug-of-war, Case

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains?

English Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Greater Swiss Mountains are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For English Shepherd, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Greater Swiss Mountain, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains require more exercise?

In general most English Shepherds usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Greater Swiss Mountains usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains?

2 / 5

The English Shepherd has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

1 / 5

The Greater Swiss Mountain is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?

English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for English Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountains?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain in cups?

For an average 40-60 pound (18 - 27 kg) English Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 115-140 pound (52 - 64 kg) Greater Swiss Mountain feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

The average cost of an English Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Greater Swiss Mountain is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

The average per month expenses of an English Shepherd is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Greater Swiss Mountain is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: English Shepherds vs Greater Swiss Mountains

3 / 5

English Shepherds are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

2 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Do English Shepherds or Greater Swiss Mountains have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

4 / 5

English Shepherds are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

4 / 5

English Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountains are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain dogs interact with other pets?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: English Shepherd or Greater Swiss Mountain?

2 / 5

English Shepherds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain?

3 / 5

English Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of English Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?

4 / 5

English Shepherds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.