Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?

Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie?

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Smooth Collie shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie bigger?

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the larger breed; Smooth Collie is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie?

For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Smooth Collie: Adapts Better?

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Smooth Collie: full comparison

Trait	Greater Swiss Mountain Dog	Smooth Collie
Size	Giant	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	9 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a larger dog than the Smooth Collie, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the true giant breeds that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Smooth Collie is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Smooth Collie wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Smooth Collie needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Smooth Collie learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Smooth Collie announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Smooth Collie has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Smooth Collie are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Smooth Collie if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie better for families with children?: Both the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Smooth Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie?: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Smooth Collie shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Smooth Collie?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie bigger?: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the larger breed; Smooth Collie is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Smooth Collie?: For apartment or apartment living, Smooth Collie has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Smooth Collie