Bostie vs Greater Swiss Mountain Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Boston Westie or Swissy?
Compare the Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Boston Westie or a Swissy? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Boston Westie, Bostie Terrier
Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Weight
What is the average weight of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
40.0 pounds
( 18 kg )
122.5 pounds
( 56 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain
14.0 inches
( 35.6 cm )
26.5 inches
( 67.3 cm )
Hypoallergenic
Are Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, neither Bostie nor Greater Swiss Mountain are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?
Do Bosties shed more than Greater Swiss Mountains, or which breed sheds more, Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains?
Bosties are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.
Greater Swiss Mountains shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
Bosties aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.
Choose a Greater Swiss Mountain if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.
Ancestry
What are the origins of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Boston Terriers, West Highland White Terrier
Roman Mastiff
Date of Birth
When were Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds first developed?
Unknown
Ancient Times
Eye Color Possibilites
What are the eye colors of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?
Brown
Hazel Brown Amber
Nose Color Possibilites
What are the natural nose colors of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What are the natural colors of the coat for Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Black White Brindle Brown
Black Brown White
Coat Length
What is the typical coat length for Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Bosties are known for their coat length.
Greater Swiss Mountains have coats that can be either short or medium in length.
Coat Density
What is the density of the coat of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Coat Texture
What is the hair texture of Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Wiry
Straight
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
3-5 puppies per pregnancy
A Bostie can have a litter of 3-5 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.
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
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.
Adaptability
Bosties are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Greater Swiss Mountains have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.
Health Issues
Between Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain, which breed is more prone to health problems?
Bosties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.
While the Greater Swiss Mountain breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
How do the energy levels of Bosties and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?
Bosties are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.
Greater Swiss Mountains thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Bostie vs Greater Swiss Mountain social needs comparison
Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain 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.
Exercise Needed
Bostie vs Greater Swiss Mountain exercise need comparison.
Bosties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Greater Swiss Mountains need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
Bosties sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.
Greater Swiss Mountains are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Tendency to Bark
Do Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains bark more/less frequently?
Bosties bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Bostie vs Greater Swiss Mountain?
Roaming urge
Bostie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Activity Level
Which breed has higher energy, Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains?
Medium
Both Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain 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
Walks per Week
How many miles should Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain walk each week?
6 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bostie, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
12 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Greater Swiss Mountain, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
Do Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains require more exercise?
60 minutes
Both Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.
Grooming
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains?
The Bostie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.
The Greater Swiss Mountain is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.
Brushing Frequency
What is the recommended brushing frequency for Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?
Daily
Ideally, Bostie should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
Weekly
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
Brushing Tools
What brushing tools are used for Bosties and Greater Swiss Mountains?
Slicker Brush Comb Nail Clipper
Pin Brush Slicker Brush Nail Clipper
Cups
How much food should be given to Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain in cups?
1 cups
For an average 15-20 pound (7 - 9 kg) Bostie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
4.5 cups
For an average 115-140 pound (52 - 64 kg) Greater Swiss Mountain feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
Which breed has a higher daily cost, Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
$1.10 - $1.40 / day
The average cost of a Bostie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.
$4.20 - $4.90 / day
The average cost of a Greater Swiss Mountain is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.
Monthly Cost
Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
$28 - $42 / month
The average per month expenses of a Bostie is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
$126 - $147 / month
The average per month expenses of a Greater Swiss Mountain is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Bosties vs Greater Swiss Mountains
Bosties are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.
Greater Swiss Mountain has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.
Sensitivity Level
How do Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain compare in sensitivity?
This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.
This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bostie vs Greater Swiss Mountain?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
The Bostie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.
Greater Swiss Mountains can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.
Child Friendly
Do Bosties or Greater Swiss Mountains have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Bosties make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.
Greater Swiss Mountains are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.
Senior-friendly
Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
Cat Friendly
Do Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Bosties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.
Greater Swiss Mountains are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
Bosties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Greater Swiss Mountains are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.
Pet friendly
How do Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Bostie or Greater Swiss Mountain?
Bosties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.
Greater Swiss Mountains are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.
Playfulness
Which breed is more playful between Bostie and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Bosties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Greater Swiss Mountains have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Bosties and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?
Bosties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
Greater Swiss Mountains are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.
