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Greater Swiss Mountain vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Swissy or Novie?

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

Other names

Swissy, Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Scotty, Toller, Little River Duck Dog, Novie

Weight

What is the average weight of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
122.5 pounds ( 56 kg )
47.5 pounds ( 22 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
26.5 inches ( 67.3 cm )
19.5 inches ( 49.5 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Both the Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds have an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither Greater Swiss Mountain nor Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs?
Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Affectionate
Courageous
Gentle
Responsive
Alert
Energetic
Playful

Shedding Level

Do Greater Swiss Mountains shed more than Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, or which breed sheds more, Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog breeds?
Switzerland

Canada

Ancestry

What are the origins of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds?
Roman Mastiff

Cocker Spaniels, farm Collies, Irish Setters

Date of Birth

When were Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds first developed?
Ancient Times

19th Century

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs?
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds?
Black
Brown
White

Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 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.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds?
Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Hip Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Distichiasis

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Occasional Tests

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

OFA
CERF
Hearing Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Greater Swiss Mountains and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers compare?

Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever social needs comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever exercise need comparison.

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

The Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers 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.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 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.

While Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Roaming urge

Greater Swiss Mountain vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever entertained?
Eating Snacks, Rough Housing, Play, Nap, Sniffing, Walk, Hike, Training, Tug-of-war, Case

Fetch, Bike ride, Dog Parks, Walk, Run

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 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.

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

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

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs?

Weekly

Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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.

2.3 cups

For an average 44-51 pound (20 - 23 kg) Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever feed 2.3 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

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

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have below-average obedience intelligence compared to other breeds. However, calling them "dumb dogs" is unjust. While Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever lack obedience and working intelligence, they compensate for it with their remarkable ability to comprehend human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever compare in sensitivity?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Greater Swiss Mountain vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountains or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Cat Friendly

Do Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Greater Swiss Mountains and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Greater Swiss Mountain or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Greater Swiss Mountain and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers compare?

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

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Common match-ups