Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Pumi
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
Pumi
Herding 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.
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Pumis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Pumis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pumis.
- Trainability: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis 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 Pumi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm |
| Weight | 85-140 lbs 39-64 kg | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is characterized by being energetic, lively, ready to work, 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 Pumi, 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
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
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.
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis 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, Pumis 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
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
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
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Pumi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.