Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bluetick Coonhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Working Group
Bluetick Coonhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs possess a robust, muscular build with distinctive tri-colored markings. Standing tall with a broad chest and powerful shoulders, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their dense double coat features a black base with rich rust and white markings, while their confident bearing and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs.
Bluetick Coonhound Overview
Bluetick Coonhounds possess a distinctive mottled blue-and-black coat with tan markings. Their muscular build and deep chest support their renowned endurance, while their long ears and expressive eyes give them a classic hound appearance. These athletic dogs combine tenacious tracking abilities with a gentle, loyal disposition, making them both excellent hunting companions and affectionate family members.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Bluetick Coonhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Bluetick Coonhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bluetick Coonhounds.
- Trainability: Bluetick Coonhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Bluetick Coonhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bluetick Coonhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bluetick Coonhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bluetick Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 11-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bluetick Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm |
| Weight | 85-140 lbs 39-64 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bluetick Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable | Smart, Devoted, Tenacious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bluetick Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for being faithful, family-oriented, dependable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bluetick Coonhound Temperament
The Bluetick Coonhound is characterized by being smart, devoted, tenacious, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bluetick Coonhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Bluetick Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Bluetick Coonhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Bluetick Coonhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Bluetick Coonhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Bluetick Coonhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bluetick Coonhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bluetick Coonhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bluetick Coonhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
Bluetick Coonhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
Pros & Cons
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent watchdog capabilities
- Good with children
- Strong and athletic
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy shedding seasonally
- Not apartment-friendly
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive to feed
- Short lifespan
Bluetick Coonhound
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good with families
- Athletic and enduring
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Loud baying voice
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bluetick Coonhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.