Thinking of getting a Swissy?

My thoughts and opinions below...

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to research and inquire about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. I came to know and love this breed in high school. I purchased my first two Swissies, Nox and Boomer, from Jim and Cheri Barton. In twelve years I've experienced just a morsel of the joys of Swissy ownership: potty training; puppy kindergartens; obedience classes; CGC's; carting; weight pulling; a 3 time top 10 AKC champion (Nox); a two time top 5, Best in Specialty Show, and Westminster Kennel Club Best of Opposite and Award of Merit winner (Julee); National Specialty Winner's Bitch (Cider), Atlantic Coast Specialty Winner's Dog (Cab), OFA and Penn Hip clearances; CERF clearances; shoulder clearances; LOTS of money spent on dog food, vaccinations, dog shows, training etc.. (approximately $150 per dog a month); a friend's Swissy having aggressive tendencies that warranted euthanasia; Swissies as therapy dogs working with school age children; Nox siring 7 litters; and the girls whelping 8 litters. Through it all...I still own and LOVE this breed!! They are very addictive!

In my opinion, this is not a breed I recommend for everyone. You must have experience with dogs and more importantly with large breed dogs. Swissies need to be communicated to in a consistent way through language a dog understands. They need positive reinforcement and patience. Swissies are intelligent dogs (although there are times when you will think otherwise). Your ENTIRE family must be prepared to make this decision, as everyone's life will be impacted by this commitment and addition to your family. If you are not prepared to own a Swissy for the lifetime of the dog, then wait until you are. Health and temperament should be of utmost importance to you in your search for any breed of dog. I recommend every opportunity you have to meet a Swissy in your area. They are big, bold, confident, beautiful dogs, but they need your commitment of time, training, love, companionship, and unconditional support.

Best of luck as you search for the right breeder and puppy. If I can be of further assistance, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Colleen Murray Robson

NOX GSMD

-and don't forget to check out my blog! I've been keeping up with some Swissy issues you may need or want to know about!

If you'd like to be considered for placement of a NOX GSMD puppy from a future litter, please fill out my puppy application and email it back to me.