Which is Better between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dutch Shepherd and for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Life Span 12 to 15 years 7 to 9 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 85 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 8.0 years
Average Price $1590 $2390
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1750 – $3000
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 82.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (Effective 7/1/15 the minimum eye exam age to qualify for CHIC is 18 months)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Shoulders
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs weigh 85 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 82.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.8 percent, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 262 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy is $2390. The price of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1750 – $3000. However, the price of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 110 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
    Average Price $1590 $2390
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1750 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:

  • Bracco Italiano (75 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Komondor     Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren     Dutch Shepherd versus Vizsla     Dutch Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound     Dutch Shepherd versus Azawakh     Dutch Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound     Dutch Shepherd versus Border Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Dutch Shepherd versus Pekingese     

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus American Bulldog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Boston Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Field Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Labradoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pomapoo     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dutch Shepherd and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.