Greater Swiss Mountain vs. Border Heeler: Breed Differences and Similarities

Greater Swiss Mountain

Greater Swiss Mountain

Border Heeler

Border Heeler

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains or Border Heelers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Greater Swiss Mountain nor Border Heeler are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler dogs?

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Aggressive
Tenacious

Shedding Level

Do Greater Swiss Mountains shed more than Border Heelers, or which breed sheds more, Greater Swiss Mountains or Border Heelers?

1 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

3 / 5

Border Heelers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler breeds?

Roman Mastiff

Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), Border Collie

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

Unknown

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler?

A Greater Swiss Mountain can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Border Heeler can have a litter of 4-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

4 / 5

Border Heelers are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler breeds?

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler?

Distichiasis

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Cerebellar Abiotrophy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler breeds?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Hearing
Hip And Eyes
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Social Needs

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Border Heeler social needs comparison

4 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler?

1 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Border Heeler?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Prey Drive

Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler entertained?

Eating Snacks, Rough Housing, Play, Nap, Sniffing, Walk, Hike, Training, Tug-of-war, Case

Soccer, Catch treats, Run, Dog Parks, Tug-of-war, Walks, Frisbee, Swim, Rollerblading, Ball, Running, Play, Road trip, Cuddling, Hiking, Herding, Fetch, Being lazy, Sleeping, Jog, Camping, Training, Wrestling, Playing fetch, Watching storms, Walk, Vehicle rides, Heel, Hike, Tricks

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Greater Swiss Mountains or Border Heelers?

Both Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Greater Swiss Mountains or Border Heelers?

1 / 5

The Greater Swiss Mountain is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

2 / 5

The Border Heeler has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler dogs?

Greater Swiss Mountain should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Border Heeler should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Sensitivity Level

How do Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Border Heelers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

5 / 5

Border Heelers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains and Border Heelers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler?

4 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

3 / 5

Border Heelers are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Greater Swiss Mountain or Border Heeler?

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Greater Swiss Mountain and Border Heeler?

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

5 / 5

Border Heelers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Greater Swiss Mountains and Border Heelers compare?

3 / 5

Greater Swiss Mountains are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

4 / 5

Border Heelers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Compare Greater Swiss Mountain with other breeds