Differences and Similarities between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle.

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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Puggle: 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 Puggle? 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 Puggle 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 Puggle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle 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 Puggle. 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 Puggle.

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 Puggle.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle: Overview

A very important difference between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Puggle is a small-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 Puggle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to the Puggle 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 Puggle

Factor Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puggle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 15 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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Life Span 7 to 9 years 10 to 15 years
Weight 85 to 140 pounds 18 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 8.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2390 $1330
Price Range $1750 – $3000 $995 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (Effective 7/1/15 the minimum eye exam age to qualify for CHIC is 18 months)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Shoulders
  • No Data

    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 Puggle. 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 Puggle is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Puggle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle

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

  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Puggles adapt well to apartment living.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Puggles are good for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle

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

  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle

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

    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, Puggles weigh 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Puggles are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle

    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 Puggles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Puggles is 12.5 years.

    Puggles live longer than Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Price of Puggle

    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 reviewing the prices of 110 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Puggle puppy is $1330. The price of the Puggle typically ranges from $995 – $1400. However, the price of the Puggle can be as low as $400 and as high as $5125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 145 Puggle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Puggle.

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puggle
    Average Price $2390 $1330
    Price Range $1750 to $3000 $995 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy or the Puggle 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Adopting the Puggle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and many Puggles 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 Jeopardy that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs like Jeopardy on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Puggles are also available for adoption. For example, Cool Joe is a Male Puggle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Puggles like Cool Joe that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Puggle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, 5820 Oliver is an adorable Male Puggle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Puggles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle

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

    Puggles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Puggles?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.

    Puggles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Puggle

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

    Puggles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Puggles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Puggles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Puggles?

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

    Puggles are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Puggles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Puggles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Puggle

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

    Puggles have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Puggles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Puggles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Puggles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Puggles?

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

    Puggles are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Puggles?

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

    Puggles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Puggle?

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.

    Puggles are not easy to train.

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

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

    Puggles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Puggles are very good 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:

  • Bracco Italiano (75 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Puggle vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (78 percent match with Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Puggle vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puggle

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

  • Beaglier (75 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Beaglier.
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (71 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Saint Berdoodle (72 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Saint Berdoodle.
  • Skye Terrier (70 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Skye Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Canaan Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pointer     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Afghan Hound     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Mal Shi     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pekingese     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Skye Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Cockalier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Toy Poodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Weimaraner     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Komondor     Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltipoo     

    Puggle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puggle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Puggle versus Skye Terrier     Puggle versus Korean Jindo Dog     Puggle versus Samoyed     Puggle versus American Eskimo Dog     Puggle versus Chi-Poo     Puggle versus Sloughi     Puggle versus Weimaraner     Puggle versus Catahoula Bulldog     Puggle versus Mudi     Puggle versus Samoyed     Puggle versus Pomchi     Puggle versus American Foxhound     Puggle versus Brittany     Puggle versus Goldador     Puggle versus English Setter     Puggle versus Jack Russell Terrier     Puggle versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Puggle versus Shih Tzu     Puggle versus Chinook     Puggle versus Ibizan Hound     Puggle versus Kai Ken     Puggle versus Pyredoodle     Puggle versus Cockapoo     Puggle versus Maremma Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle. 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 Puggle better suits you and your family.