Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz
Breed Compatibility
94% Compatible
Energy Level
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Energetic0.8
Finnish Spitz: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Agreeable0.6
Finnish Spitz: Agreeable0.6
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Finnish Spitz: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Luxury
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog5/5
Finnish Spitz5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog3/5
Finnish Spitz4/5
Good with Strangers
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog5/5
Finnish Spitz3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Bloat: Serious digestive emergency
Eye Problems: Various hereditary issues
Epilepsy: Neurological condition
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Splenic Torsion: Emergency condition
Finnish Spitz
Hip dysplasia: joint malformation
Patellar luxation: kneecap issues
Eye problems: progressive conditions
Epilepsy: neurological disorder
Dental issues: periodontal disease
Heart defects: cardiac concerns
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Finnish Spitz
Pros
Loyal family companion
Excellent watchdog
Good with children
Low grooming needs
Cons
Frequent barker
High exercise needs
Strong prey drive
Independent nature
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Fun Fact
Despite their massive size, these gentle giants were known as 'poor man's horse' in Swiss farming communities.
Finnish Spitz Fun Fact
Finnish Spitz are known as 'Barking Bird Dogs' due to their unique hunting style of alerting hunters with their voice.
Heritage & Purpose
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Origin:
Swiss farmers utilized these dogs in the Alps during the 1800s for drafting, herding, and guarding livestock. Their strength and versatility made them invaluable working companions.
Finnish Spitz
Origin:
Developed in Finland during the 1800s, these dogs served as specialized hunting companions, using their distinctive barking technique to track and tree game birds.
Special Considerations
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Needs early socialization and training. Regular exercise essential. Watch for signs of bloat and joint issues. Climate sensitivity in hot weather requires monitoring.
Finnish Spitz
Regular brushing during shedding seasons, consistent exercise to manage energy levels, and early socialization to control barking tendencies are essential.