Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed ComparisonGerman Longhaired Pointer is originated from Germany but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Both German Longhaired Pointer and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are having almost same height. German Longhaired Pointer may weigh 38 kg / 83 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both German Longhaired Pointer and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same life span. German Longhaired Pointer may have less litter size than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both German Longhaired Pointer and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Germany
Switzerland
Height Male:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Deutsch-Langhaar, GLP
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
Chocolate brown
Black, white and rust
Coat:
Medium length and wavy
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

german longhaired pointerLooking at the German Longhaired Pointer you may think that you’re looking at a type of Setter dog or even a large Spaniel. These pointing dogs, hailing from Germany, are gun dogs or working dogs, having always been used to track game.

They were developed at the end of the 19th century, as breeders were specifically looking for a dog that was faster than the wiry- and short hair German pointers. Crossing English Setters and Pointers gave breeders this German Longhaired Pointer and the dog was shown for the first time in Germany in 1879.

Known as the GLP or Deutsch-Langhaar, the dog has the bloodlines of water dogs and scenthounds, and way back In 1897, Baron von Schorlemer wrote the first standard for the German Longhaired.

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.

Description

german longhaired pointer puppy - descriptionAthletic and lean, the German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large sized dog standing at 60 – 70 cm in height and weighing 25 to 32kg.

With his webbed feet, he can move with great speed. It is why the dog isn’t suited well to life in the city really, as he has always been a dog used to working and running over large areas. He will appreciate being with an active owner.

The beautiful double coat is medium length, slightly wavy and with feathering around the legs, chest and tail. The tail itself is carried stretched outwards or kept low. It is rich brown to coppery color, while some white can sometimes be found on the chest and paws. The attractive dog has brown eyes, a black nose and ears which are long and floppy.

Temperament:

Intelligent, gentle and amicable the German Longhaired Pointer is an affectionate, loyal dog who is also social, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Being the loyal dog that he is, it makes him susceptible to separation anxiety so he should never be put into the backyard and left day after day on his own.

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

german longhaired pointer dog - characteristicsGerman Longhaired Pointers are calm, friendly dogs who want to please their owners. They’re really intelligent too so training and socialization won’t be difficult with this bright dog.

Once trained, he makes an excellent, loyal and loving family pet. With a firm, kind, consistent type of owner, the German Longhaired Pointer is guaranteed to make you a wonderful pet.

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

german longhaired pointer puppies - health problemsYou’ll find that with an excellent diet and lots of love and care your German Longhaired Pointer can easily push 12 to 14 years of age.

If you’re a novice dog owner, talking with your vet will give you a good idea of how to feed your dog to ensure longevity.

No matter how vibrant and energetic your pet is, there may well come a day when he is lethargic, he just wants to lie, he doesn't want to eat and he doesn’t jump up to greet you. Then it’s time for concern and to get your 4-legged friend to the vet.

There are several health problems associated with dogs that are worth researching – hip dysplasia, skin allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and cataracts.

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

Diet:

german longhaired pointer dogs - caringGerman Longhaired Pointers have the same kind of nutritional needs as all other active working or sporting dog breeds. He needs high quality food, and if you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best and that it has minerals and vitamins for active, large breeds. Most of the dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for size, age and activity levels of dogs.

Always ensure an ongoing supply of cool, fresh water is available to him.

Grooming:

The coat of the German Longhair can become matted and he will require brushing at least twice a week to keep the hair free of loose hairs as well as burrs that could lead to the coat becoming untidy and tangled. The ears will also have to be watched as thick matting can occur. Also check the inside of his ears to avoid dirt and wax build up which can lead to ear infections.

General grooming will also be reqired such as checking the length of the nails if they aren’t naturally worn down. Don’t neglect his teeth and brush 2 or 3x a week with canine toothpaste and toothbrush.

Exercise:

Your German Longhaired isn’t a dog who likes to spend his days lying round. He is energetic and loves to be on the go. From robust ball games to rope games, running with you as you go running, swimming or cycling, this dog can’t seem to get enough exercise and will want to be included in all your activities.

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. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. German Longhaired Pointer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. German Longhaired Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. German Longhaired Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. German Longhaired Pointer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. German Longhaired Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. German Longhaired Pointer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Longhaired Pointer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. German Longhaired Pointer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. German Longhaired Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. German Longhaired Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. German Longhaired Pointer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. German Longhaired Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. German Longhaired Pointer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. German Longhaired Pointer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. German Longhaired Pointer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. German Longhaired Pointer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. German Longhaired Pointer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. German Longhaired Pointer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. German Longhaired Pointer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. German Longhaired Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. German Longhaired Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. German Longhaired Pointer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. German Longhaired Pointer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. German Longhaired Pointer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison