Which is Better between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Longhaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Life Span 11 to 14 years 7 to 9 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 85 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 8.0 years
Price Range No Data $1750 – $3000
Average Price No Data $2390
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
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Longhaired Pointer 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 the German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125.

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

    German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 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.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is between 7 to 9 years. The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is 8.0 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointers and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointer or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxerdoodle.
  • 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 German Longhaired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken     German Longhaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyredoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     German Longhaired Pointer versus Yorkipoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Whoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Maltese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Afghan Hound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Whippet     German Longhaired Pointer versus German Pinscher     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Borzoi     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Skye Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Yorkipoo     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pomsky     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Standard Poodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bichon Frise     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Goldendoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cockalier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Mal Shi     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Keeshond     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Boston Terrier     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.