Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Drever
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
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Drevers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Drevers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Drevers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers 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 Drever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 15-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 85-140 lbs 39-64 kg | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Drever Temperament
The Drever is characterized by being loyal, even-tempered, determined, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Drever, 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
Drever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Drever
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
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.
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Drevers 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
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- 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
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Drever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.