| Breed |  Greater Swiss Mountain Dog |  Puggle |
|---|
| Origin | Switzerland | United States, 1990s |
|---|
| Group | Working | Crossbreed |
|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
|---|
| Coat | Short, dense tricolour double coat | Short |
|---|
| Weight | 50 to 63 kg | 7 to 14 kg |
|---|
| Height | 60 to 72 cm | 28 to 38 cm |
|---|
| Lifespan | 8 to 11 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
|---|
| Exercise need | 6/10 | 6/10 |
|---|
| Affection | 8/10 | 9/10 |
|---|
| Grooming needs | 3/10 | 3/10 |
|---|
| Barking | 6/10 | 7/10 |
|---|
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
|---|
| Good with other dogs | 7/10 | 7/10 |
|---|
| Trainability | 7/10 | 5/10 |
|---|
| Prey drive | 4/10 | 6/10 |
|---|
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 4/10 |
|---|
| Drool | 4/10 | 3/10 |
|---|
| Shedding | 7/10 | 4/10 |
|---|
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 8/10 |
|---|
| Running cost | €150 / month | €64 / month |
|---|
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog verdict
The gentle draft worker of the Alps
Get one if
- · Families wanting a calm, gentle giant
- · Owners with space and budget for a very large dog
- · People interested in carting or draft work
Think again if
- · First-time owners unprepared for giant-breed costs
- · Homes in hot climates without cooling
- · Anyone wanting a long-lived dog
Puggle verdict
A clown with a Beagle nose and a Pug heart
Get one if
- · Families wanting a sturdy, cheerful small dog
- · First-time owners happy to train with food and patience
- · Households where someone is home most of the day
Think again if
- · Anyone set on a flat-faced look; breathing comfort matters more
- · People who need reliable off-lead recall near roads or livestock
- · Households that free-feed or cannot resist begging eyes
