Greater Swiss Mountain vs Irish Setter Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Swissy or Irish Red Setter?

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

Differences only

Other names

Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Irish Red Setter, Red Setter

Weight

What is the average weight of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

122.5 pounds ( 56 kg )

65.5 pounds ( 30 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter

26.5 inches ( 67.3 cm )

24.5 inches ( 62.2 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

Greater Swiss Mountain has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Irish Setter has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Greater Swiss Mountain nor Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter dogs?

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Affectionate
Energetic
Lively
Intelligent
Companionable
Independent
Playful

Shedding Level

Do Greater Swiss Mountains shed more than Irish Setters, or which breed sheds more, Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters?

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

Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter?

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.

Irish Setters are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter dog breeds?

Switzerland

Ireland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds?

Roman Mastiff

setter, pointer, spaniel

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

1700s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter dogs?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds?

Black
Brown
White

Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds?

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

Irish Setters have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

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.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

An Irish Setter can have a litter of 12-14 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.

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

Health Issues

Between Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter breeds?

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Gastric Torsion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy

Minor Concerns

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

Distichiasis

Cataracts
Megaesophagus
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Dna Test For Vwd
Dna For Pra
Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Greater Swiss Mountains and Irish Setters compare?

Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Irish Setter social needs comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Irish Setter has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Irish Setter exercise need comparison.

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

Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter?

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

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

Greater Swiss Mountain minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Irish Setter has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Tendency to Bark

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters bark more/less frequently?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Irish Setters are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Territorial

Is the Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter a better guard dog?

Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Irish Setter dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Irish Setter?

Roaming urge

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter entertained?

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

Playing Ball, Hiking, Car Travel, Taking Naps

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters?

Medium

Greater Swiss Mountains are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Irish Setters are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter walk each week?

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.

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Setter, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most Greater Swiss Mountains usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

90 minutes

In general most Irish Setters usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

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

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

Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter dogs?

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

Daily

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

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Greater Swiss Mountains and Irish Setters?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter 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 60-71 pound (27 - 32 kg) Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

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

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Irish Setter is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

$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.

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Irish Setter is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 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 Irish Setters

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

Irish Setter is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

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

The Irish Setter is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Child Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Irish Setters have a friendlier temperament towards children?

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

Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter?

Cat Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Greater Swiss Mountains are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Irish Setters are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

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

Irish Setters are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Greater Swiss Mountain or Irish Setter?

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

Irish Setters are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Greater Swiss Mountain and Irish Setter?

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

Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters compare?

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

The Irish Setter is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.