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Greater Swiss Mountain vs Afghan Retriever Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Swissy or Afghan Retriever?

Compare the Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Swissy or a Afghan Retriever? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Weight

What is the average weight of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?
122.5 pounds ( 56 kg )
62.5 pounds ( 28 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever
26.5 inches ( 67.3 cm )
27.0 inches ( 68.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither Greater Swiss Mountain nor Afghan Retriever 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 Afghan Retriever dogs?
Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Aloof
Dignified
Independent
Clownish
Happy
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy

Shedding Level

Do Greater Swiss Mountains shed more than Afghan Retrievers, or which breed sheds more, Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers?

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

Afghan Retrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

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.

Afghan Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever dog breeds?
Switzerland

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds?
Roman Mastiff

Afghan Hound and Golden Retriever

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds first developed?
Ancient Times

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever dogs?
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds?
Black
Brown
White

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds?

Greater Swiss Mountains have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Afghan Retrievers have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?
Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?

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.

5-10 puppies per pregnancy

An Afghan Retriever can have a litter of 5-10 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

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

Afghan Retrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Greater Swiss Mountain breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Afghan Retrievers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds?
Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Retinal Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?
Distichiasis

Cataracts
Bloat
Histiocytosis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever breeds?
Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Eye Examination
Blood Analysis
Complete Physical Examination
Allergy Testing
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Energy

How do the energy levels of Greater Swiss Mountains and Afghan Retrievers compare?

Greater Swiss Mountains thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Afghan Retrievers are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Afghan Retriever social needs comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever 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

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Afghan Retriever exercise need comparison.

Greater Swiss Mountains need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Afghan Retrievers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers bark more/less frequently?

Compared to most other breeds, Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Afghan Retriever?

Roaming urge

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers?

Medium

Both Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever 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 Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever walk each week?

12 miles / week

Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever generally need a minimum of 12 miles of walking per week, but it can be increased as long as they are comfortable with it.

Activity per Day

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever 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, Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers?

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

Afghan Retrievers require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever dogs?

Weekly

Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever 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 Greater Swiss Mountains and Afghan Retrievers?
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever in cups?

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.

3 cups

For an average 55-70 pound (25 - 32 kg) Afghan Retriever feed 3 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, Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of a Greater Swiss Mountain is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of an Afghan Retriever is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

$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.

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of an Afghan Retriever is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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: Greater Swiss Mountains vs Afghan Retrievers

Greater Swiss Mountain has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Afghan Retrievers are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Sensitivity Level

How do Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Afghan Retriever?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

Greater Swiss Mountains can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Afghan Retriever is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Afghan Retrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

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

Afghan Retrievers 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 Afghan Retriever?

Cat Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Greater Swiss Mountains and Afghan Retrievers 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 Afghan Retriever?

Greater Swiss Mountains and Afghan Retrievers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Greater Swiss Mountain or Afghan Retriever?

Greater Swiss Mountains are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Afghan Retrievers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Greater Swiss Mountain and Afghan Retriever?

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

Afghan Retrievers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Greater Swiss Mountains and Afghan Retrievers compare?

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

Afghan Retrievers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Common match-ups