Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Overview
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
- Adopting the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier?
- Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Harrier
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier?
- Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Harriers?
- Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier? 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and for the Harrier. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to the Harrier 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier
| Factor | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 9 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 85 to 140 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1750 – $3000 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 76 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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 Harrier. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier.
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.
On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
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.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Harriers live longer than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Adopting the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and many Harriers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Bastion Bane that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs like Bastion Bane on pefinder.com.
Also, like Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bailey is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Bailey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Pilot is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Popularity of Harrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 74 | 173 |
| 2014 | 80 | 181 |
| 2015 | 78 | 183 |
| 2016 | 78 | 186 |
| 2017 | 75 | 183 |
| 2018 | 74 | 189 |
| 2019 | 73 | 186 |
| 2020 | 76 | 190 |
Health Problems of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog than for the Harrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and in Harriers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Problems
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs here.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Harriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed is Receptor Platelet Disorder problems.
This is because the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Receptor Platelet Disorder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, 4 of them had Receptor Platelet Disorder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier:
| Disease | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Receptor Platelet Disorder problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 10 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 22 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 38 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 57 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 85 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 88 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Harriers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
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.
Harriers 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Harrier
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Harriers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Harrier?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Spinone Italiano Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Boston Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Barbet Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bull Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus King Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Schnoodle Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cavachon Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Chorkie Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kuvasz Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Briard Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Clumber Spaniel Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltese Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Affenpinscher Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Siberian Husky Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Akita Chow Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Scottish Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sheepadoodle
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Boxerdoodle Harrier versus Afghan Hound Harrier versus Bolognese Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus Lhasapoo Harrier versus Mudi Harrier versus Pomeranian Harrier versus Berger Picard Harrier versus Skye Terrier Harrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Harrier versus Cockalier Harrier versus Shiba Inu Harrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier Harrier versus Dogo Argentino Harrier versus Bulldog Harrier versus Cesky Terrier Harrier versus Italian Greyhound Harrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Rottweiler Harrier versus Afghan Hound Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Harrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Harrier. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Harrier better suits you and your family.