Fruggle vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Fruggle vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonGreater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Fruggle is originated from United States. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Fruggle. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may weigh 57 kg / 126 pounds more than Fruggle. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may live 3 years less than Fruggle. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Fruggle. Both Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Fruggle requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
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Switzerland
United States
Height Male:
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
26 - 34 cm
10 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 7
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Frug Frenchie Pug
Colors Available:
Black, white and rust
ranging from the palest silver to very dark red. , fawn with black masks
Coat:
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
short and close coarse and hard to soft and glossy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Cheerful, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

greater swiss mountain dogHailing 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.

fruggleThe Fruggle is a mixed breed/hybrid crossover between a Pug and a French Bulldog. The “Frug” is considered a designer breed, developed in the United States and growing in popularity. These hybrid dogs all can be different taking their looks and characteristics from one or both of the parent dogs in different ways. Within the same litter you can have pups that look like pugs and act like French Bulldogs or look like French Bulldogs and act like pugs.

Also known as a Frenchie Pug, the hybrid is growing in popularity and new to the United Kingdom but recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. It is not recognized by the AKC or American Kennel Club. They are developed from purebred dogs but are not a purebred breed at this time. It would take generations of breeding true for that to happen. At the same time the Fruggle is an adorable little dog with characteristics of both its purebred parents.

The French Bulldog is a descendent of dogs that lived with ancient Greeks, the Molossians Phoenician traders spread the dog throughout the known world. These dogs were used in dogs fights and sporting until 1835 when these were outlawed. The Frenchie became a companion dog for the ladies of Paris, writers, artists and fashion designers. The Pug, on the other hand, can trace their history as far back as Confucius in 700BC. They are one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence today. They were the property of the Imperial Family in China, guarded by soldiers. Stealing a pug in Imperial China was punishable by death.

There is no real history or the Fruggle as it is too young in its existence as a separate type of dog. It is considered a breed – just a hybrid breed. In addition to the American Canine Hybrid Club, it is also recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

Description

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.

fruggle puppy - descriptionBeing a designer dog, the appearance and characteristics of the Fruggle varies from pup to pup. Most do have flat faces, large eyes, and short muzzles. The Frug is a short, sturdy and compact dog. Their tail is over the back in a tight curl, and the ears are round and large. They are called Rose Ears. The nose and eyes are black or very dark and they have wrinkles on the forehead. This is the basic generalization of a mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog. The reality is they are all different. Most often they have a Pugs face with the French Bulldogs ears. They are a little smaller than the French Bulldog and a little larger than the Pug. Their hair is fine, glossy, smooth and short.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

fruggle dog - characteristicsThe Fruggle is very child friendly

Special talents

The Fruggle is a good watchdog and can be taught many tricks.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. He can live in city and in apartments much better than in the country or on farms. He needs air conditioning

Learning ability

Is very high as the Fruggle is very intelligent

Health Problems

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.

fruggle puppies - health problemsThe Fruggle can inherit any of the health issues of either parent or they might be healthier than either parent. Some of the issues that the Fruggle might face include:

  1. Infections in wrinkles
  2. Keep them clean to avoid skin infections
  3. Glaucoma
  4. Must be treated to avoid blindness
  5. Allergies
  6. Might face seasonal allergies/ some might need allergy shots
  7. Hip Dysplasia
  8. Can cause arthritis or lameness
  9. Patellar Luxation
  10. Otherwise known as “floating” kneecap. Can cause lameness
  11. Brachycephalic Syndrome
  12. Short, smashed face cannot tolerate heat or a lot of exercise.
  13. Cataracts
  14. Not as serious as other eye issues but should be watched

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

fruggle dogs - caring1/2 cup should be fed daily in two to three meals of high quality dry puppy food

Feeding the adult

1/2 to 2 cups should be fed daily in two meals of high quality dry adult food

Points for Good Health

Quite often the first generation hybrid has much better health than either of the founding breeds. The same is not true of the second and third generations.

Games and Exercises

The Fruggle is a laid back dog requiring very little exercise. A daily walk or rolling a ball around the apartment is enough for him. The Fruggle should NOT be exercise vigorously or excessively due to its smashed face and Brachycephalic Syndrome. Weekly visits to a dog park would be sufficient as well. Do not take him out in excessive cold or heat.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Fruggle vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Fruggle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fruggle vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Fruggle vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Fruggle vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Fruggle vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Fruggle vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Fruggle vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Fruggle vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Fruggle vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Fruggle vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Fruggle vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Fruggle vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Fruggle vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Fruggle vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Fruggle vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Fruggle vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Fruggle vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Fruggle vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Fruggle vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Fruggle vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Fruggle vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison