German Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Compare the German Shepherd to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

German Shepherd vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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General Details
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-11 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
24-29 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
85-140 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Origin Country
Germany
Switzerland
Origin Year
1899 AD
1515 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Above Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Energy Level
High
Low to Medium
Exercise Required
High
Medium
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
22 MPH
Strength
High
Very High
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
High
Medium
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-11 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Bloat
Entropion
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Panosteitis
Lick Fits
Splenic torsion
Female urinary incontinence
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Smooth
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
Black, White, and Red
Black, White, and Red
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
Red and White
Red and White
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