The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog:
|
"It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful, confident dog of sturdy appearance. It is a heavy boned and well muscled dog which, in spite of its size and weight, is agile enough to perform the all-purpose farm duties of the mountainous regions of its origin."
NOT:
|
|
Today, Swissies are known in many parts of the world and throughout the United States as a large, striking, loyal, active companion breed. They enjoy one of the largest ranges of activities within the canine world, and can be found in a wide variety of competition and pleasure dog sports including but not limited to: Rally, Obedience, Drafting, Pack Hiking, Dock Diving, Herding, Fast CAT, Barn Hunt, Agility, Weight Pull, Skijoring, Search & Rescue (SAR), Therapy Dog, Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen, Farm Dog, Conformation, Scent Work, and there is even a Swissy in Norway that has been trained to track Moose for hunting! They are an amazingly versatile breed that still enjoy snuggling up on a couch with their owners or joining them on a hike or an afternoon at a local beer garden. The most important aspect of a Swissy; they LOVE to be with their people, wherever and whatever their people are doing. And given their still relative rarity (though this is declining as more and more people become aware of the breed), as an owner of one of these magnificent dogs, you are also very likely to gain instant celebrity status wherever you go (or at least your dog will). We encourage our homes to become involved in organized canine sports beyond your daily hike; both you and your Swissy will benefit and be grateful from the additional training, bonding, and mental and physical stimulation that comes from the world of canine sports!
