Russian Hound vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Russian Hound vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonRussian Hound is originated from Russia but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Both Russian Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Russian Hound may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both Russian Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Russian Hound and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Russian Hound requires Low maintenance. But Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

russian hound - historyThere are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

greater swiss mountain dog - historyHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Switzerland
Height Male:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Russkaya Gontchaya
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
Fawnish with darker brown, blackish saddle on the back.
Black, white and rust
Coat:
Short
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

russian hound puppy - descriptionThe Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics

russian hound dog - characteristicsEverybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems

russian hound puppies - health problemsThe Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

russian hound dogs - caringAs a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Santal Hound vs Russian Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Russian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Russian Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Russian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  5. Russian Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  7. Russian Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Russian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Russian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Russian Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Russian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Labrador Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain View Cur vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Native American Indian Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  39. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  40. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  41. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  43. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  45. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  46. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  48. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  49. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds