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Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Hungarian Pointer or Hovie or Swissy? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog" Compare Vizsla and Hovawart. Which is better: Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Vizsla Hovawart Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
OriginsHungary flagHungary Germany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Gun Dog Guard Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank3037575
Reviews822
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeds.
Hungarian Pointer
Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer
Magyar Vizsla
Rövidszőrű Magyar Vizsla
Hungarian Vizsla
Hovie Swissy
Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund
Large Swiss Mountain Dog
Great Swiss Cattle Dog
Bouvier Suisse
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) 130-135 pounds (59-61 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) 132.5 pounds (60 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog height comparison:
Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) 23.5-28.5 (60-72 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 24 inches (61 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) 23.5-28.5 (66 cm)

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $1000-$1200 $2000-$2500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Vizsla is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Vizsla is an excellent dog breed.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Vizsla dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Vizsla dogs are average watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Vizsla dogs are average defenders.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Energetic
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Trainable
Companionable
Cheerful
Quiet
Easygoing
Willing
Evenly Tempered
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Protective
Alert
Devoted
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Vizsla dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
High: Vizsla dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Vizsla dogs are a social breed.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Vizsla dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Vizsla dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Hovawart dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Vizsla barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most playful?
The Vizsla is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Vizsla breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Vizsla dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Vizsla dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Vizsla has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Vizsla dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Vizsla bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Vizsla: 12 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Vizsla is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Vizsla should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Epilepsy
Distichiasis
Digestive Problems

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which breed is most active?
Vizsla dogs are high-energy dogs.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Vizsla dogs need a lot of exercises.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Vizsla dogs don't need too much sleep.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Vizsla has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. What colors are available?
Golden
Rust
Russet Gold
Dark Sandy Gold
Black
Blonde
Golden
Black
Red
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Vizsla requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which drools least?
The Vizsla is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Vizsla has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine
Dense
Hard
Coarse
Short
No Undercoat
Silky Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Vizsla or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:
Vizsla dogs shed moderately.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best with kids?
Vizsla dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Vizsla dogs are generally with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Vizsla or Hovawart or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog?
Yes
Vizsla dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Vizsla is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Vizslas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Vizsla breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Vizsla vs Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Vizsla, Hovawart, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
American Pet Registry, Inc.

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