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

Fila Brasileiro versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Fila Brasileiro versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Overview

Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are similar in size. The Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 7 to 9 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 85 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 8.0 years
Average Price $1270 $2390
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1750 – $3000
Temperament Score 78.6 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog!

    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 Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

  • Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro Versus the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 82.8 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-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 Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 262 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
    Average Price $1270 $2390
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1750 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Sheepadoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Bearded Collie     Fila Brasileiro versus Scottish Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Schipperke     Fila Brasileiro versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Sloughi     Fila Brasileiro versus Swedish Vallhund     Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Field Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cockapoo     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Mountain Cur     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bichon Frise     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.