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

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

Differences only

Other names

Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Weight

What is the average weight of Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie?

122.5 pounds ( 56 kg )

5.5 pounds ( 2 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie

26.5 inches ( 67.3 cm )

9.0 inches ( 22.9 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains or Jarkies hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Greater Swiss Mountain nor Jarkie 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 Jarkie dogs?

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Playful
Loving
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal

Shedding Level

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

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

Jarkies are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Watchdog Ability

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

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.

Avoid Jarkies as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie breeds?

Roman Mastiff

Japanese Chin and Yorkshire Terrier

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

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

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

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

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

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

Black
Brown
White

Black
Blue
White
Sable
Brown

Coat Length

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

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

Jarkies are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie?

Straight

Litter Size

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

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.

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Jarkie can have a litter of 4-6 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.

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

Health Issues

Between Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie, 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.

Jarkies 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 Jarkie breeds?

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Patellar Luxation
Retinal Dysplasia
Tracheal Collapse

Minor Concerns

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

Distichiasis

Entropion
Ectropion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Portosystemic Shunt
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Cushing's Disease
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Occasional Tests

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

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination
Electrocardiogram
Radiographs
Urinalysis

Energy

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

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

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

Social Needs

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Jarkie social needs comparison

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

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

Exercise Needed

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Jarkie exercise need comparison.

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

Jarkies require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

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

Greater Swiss Mountains are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Jarkies have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Jarkies 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.

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Jarkie?

Roaming urge

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

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

Past times

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

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

Affection, Walk, Cuddlimg, Play, Love, Kisses, Cuddling

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Greater Swiss Mountains or Jarkies?

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.

Low

Jarkies are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Jarkie dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Greater Swiss Mountain or Jarkie 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.

2 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Jarkie, it's at least 2 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Jarkies 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.

30 minutes

In general most Jarkies usually need at least 30 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 Jarkies?

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

Jarkies 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 Jarkie 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, Jarkie 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 Jarkies?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Greater Swiss Mountain or Jarkie 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.

0.5 cups

For an average 4-7 pound (2 - 3 kg) Jarkie feed 0.5 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, Greater Swiss Mountain or Jarkie?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

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

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Jarkie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

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

$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.

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Jarkie 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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Greater Swiss Mountains vs Jarkies

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

Jarkies 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 Jarkie compare in sensitivity?

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

Apartment Friendly

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

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

Jarkies make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

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

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

Jarkies are not the best choice for families with kids.

Senior-friendly

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

Cat Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain or Jarkie 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.

Jarkies 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 Jarkie?

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

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

Pet friendly

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

Stranger Friendly

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

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

Jarkies 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 Jarkie?

Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

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

Greater Swiss Mountain and Jarkie dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.