Toy Fox Terrier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hailing 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.

The small Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States of America and is a smaller look-alike of the larger Smooth Fox Terrier.

Several toy breeds as well as the Smooth Fox Terrier were used to bring about the small Terrier dog.

Small though they are, they have had a role to play, particularly on farms where they've been used as ratters. They’ve also been used in circuses to perform tricks. These days they excel as being devoted companions of their human masters. These dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Swissies, 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.

The Toy Fox Terrier stands at between 22 – 29cm in height and weighs between 1.5 and 4kg. He is squarely built, with alert, dark eyes, and large, erect ears.

The high set tail is nearly always docked. The coat of this dog is short and smooth and it sheds moderately. Color is mostly white with tan or black markings. The face is nearly always black and tan.

His body is lean, lithe and muscular and gives the impression of being well-groomed. The females give birth to between 2 and 6 puppies with the gestation period being 60-64 days. Have your dog spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.

Temperament:

Toy Fox Terriers are loyal, protective dogs and they make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking a lot when needed.

He is such a sport and wants to be part of all the activities that his human family are busy with. They make great playmates for older children, but care should be taken with toy breeds and small, undisciplined children who could hurt them.

These dogs also get on well with other pets in the home and they can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside. He isn’t the brightest dog, but intelligent enough to learn some basic commands.

His deep loyalty to his human family makes him a little bit aloof with strangers. While he is eager to please, he also has a mind of his own and this is when training and socialization turn him into an obedient little dog.

He has loads of energy too and will rely on his human owners to take him on walks and play ball games with him.

The 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.

Small and spunky, the Toy Fox Terrier is such an entertaining little pet, full of beans and curiosity.

He has sharp eyes and his hearing is good and this makes him a good watchdog. He is independent and intelligent, playful and jaunty.

When you allow one of these little dogs into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one, as he promises to be loving and loyal throughout your friendship with him.

The 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.

Toy Fox Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

It is highly unlikely he’ll get any of the common dog illnesses there are if he is looked after well, but he could.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: 

This is a common dog disease of small breeds, and it is very similar to hip dysplasia. Problems with the femur causes wear and tear with arthritis coming about as well.

Diet:

The 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.

This little dog is essentially a companion. Just like people get these little dogs to be a companion, the dog also needs to receive proper care too.

Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food and also the right type of food. He’ll need food rich in vitamins and minerals. He’ll also benefit from wholesome home-made food – boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, spinach and carrots – simple, harmless foods like that.

Don’t be tempted to pop peanuts, chocolates, grapes, onions and other human foods into his mouth as it can give your pet a stomach ache and diarrhea.

Get your pet to the vet if he’s sick. He’ll need vaccines too to prevent some of the deadly canine diseases there are.

Provide your pet with adequate games and other forms of exercise. Exercise is essential for good health.

Spay or neuter your dog to avoid an unwanted litter of puppies. There are health benefits to having this done too.

Groom your small dog regularly and get rid of those loose hairs. With his short hair, the Toy Fox Terrier is considered to be a low maintenance dog.