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West of Argyll Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Comparison. Which dog is better for you: West of Argyll Terrier or Swissy?

Compare the West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a West of Argyll Terrier or a Swissy? 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?
22.0 pounds ( 10 kg )
122.5 pounds ( 56 kg )

Height

What is the average height of West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain
14.0 inches ( 35.6 cm )
26.5 inches ( 67.3 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither West of Argyll Terrier 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?
Loving
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sweet

Alert
Fearless
Protective
Devoted
Good-natured
Selfish
Confidence

Shedding Level

Do West of Argyll Terriers shed more than Greater Swiss Mountains, or which breed sheds more, West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
West Highland White Terrier, Beagle

Roman Mastiff

Date of Birth

When were West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds first developed?
1990s

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?
Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Black
White
Brown
Fawn
Pied
Brindle

Black
Brown
White

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?

West of Argyll Terriers have medium-length coats.

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

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Wiry

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?

2-5 puppies per pregnancy

A West of Argyll Terrier can have a litter of 2-5 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

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain, which breed is more prone to health problems?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?
Cherry Eye
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Distichiasis

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain breeds?
Eye Examination
Blood Count
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of West of Argyll Terriers and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?

West of Argyll Terriers 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

West of Argyll Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain social needs comparison

West of Argyll Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Exercise Needed

West of Argyll Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain exercise need comparison.

West of Argyll Terriers 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: West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains bark more/less frequently?

West of Argyll Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

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: West of Argyll Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain?

Roaming urge

West of Argyll Terrier vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain entertained?
Chase, Cuddle, Walk, Hide & Seek, Run

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

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains?

Medium

Both West of Argyll Terrier 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 West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For West of Argyll Terrier, it's at least 8 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 West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains require more exercise?

40 minutes

In general most West of Argyll Terriers usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains?

The West of Argyll Terrier has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs?

Daily

Ideally, West of Argyll Terrier 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 West of Argyll Terriers and Greater Swiss Mountains?
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain in cups?

1 cups

For an average 19-25 pound (9 - 11 kg) West of Argyll Terrier 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, West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

$1.40 - $1.70 / day

The average cost of a West of Argyll Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.70 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, West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a West of Argyll Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $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: West of Argyll Terriers vs Greater Swiss Mountains

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain compare in sensitivity?

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

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West of Argyll Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

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

Child Friendly

Do West of Argyll Terriers or Greater Swiss Mountains have a friendlier temperament towards children?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 - West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

Cat Friendly

Do West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

West of Argyll Terriers and Greater Swiss Mountains 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: West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: West of Argyll Terrier or Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers 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 West of Argyll Terrier and Greater Swiss Mountain?

West of Argyll Terriers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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 West of Argyll Terriers and Greater Swiss Mountains compare?

West of Argyll Terriers 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.

Common match-ups