The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog commonly referred to as Swissy    
Of all the herd dogs in Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is undoubtedly the most commanding. He is much appreciated for his incomparable abilities. As a drover of cows, he dominates his charges completely, always keeping the herd in order and in the right territory. In addition, he is an exceptional guard of the cowshed and a prized protector of his master's house and property. He seldom rests, sleeping at night with one eye open.

From: `The Great Book of Dogs' by Gino Pugnetti and illustrated by Pietro Cozzaglio.

"Be faithful to our club and our breed, faithful as the Big Mountain Dog." Dr. Albert Heim May 1, 1936
 

 



Puppies from 2004

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   Groer Schweizer Sennenhund
   "The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a draft breed and should structurally appear as such. It is a striking, tri-colored, large, powerful dog of sturdy appearance." from the AKC Standard
    It is the largest of the four Sennenhunde. Females weigh between 90-115, 23-27 inches tall, males 110-135lbs., 25-29 inches . They were originally bred for watch and draught work. The breeds heritage comes from a time when things were much simpler. Tradesmen and farmers used dogs to help in everyday tasks. The Swissy pulled carts to and from market. They drove, herded cattle, and protected the homestead. Today they are good companion and family dogs, as well. In the 70's the breed found its way to  Pennsylvania, and one of its first stops was Berks County, and the Summons' farm near Reading. The late Dr. Summons and his wife Gretel were instrumental with the breeds start in America. Fortunately growing up in Berks County I was able to meet many Swissies and Breeders. With out doubt the Swiss Farmers developed an outstanding multipurpose dog today's "Swissy". 

Elsa Greater Swiss Mt. Dog with cows

 CH. Elsa Von Wmelsdorf American Born and Bred! Elsa was my first home raised and bred champion. It was with her and her brother "Buster" Wilhelm von Wmelsdorf that I got involved in showing Swissies. It has proven to a fun past time and an opportunity to mingle with other aficionados of the breed.
 

History Link from the early club books in Switzerland. Important early data on the breed can be found here. From the clubs very first dog in 1908, membership, Albert Heim's honorary membership card and a speech Heim presented to the Club on their 25th Anniversary. This is a must read section for Swissy Enthusiasts.

Silent auction 2002 National Specialty "Bastian Woodcarving"
"Show For the Roses" GSMDCA 2004 National Specialty Auction Item
"Searching for a Swissy" a lighthearted video clip

Brand New - Holly Spring Farm... Trading-Post
Featuring:
Schimmel Style Carvings
Carved Birds of Berks County by: Jonathan Bastian
 
BlueRidge Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Club Show May 11th - 14th
@ Holly Spring Farm


 

Fritz the Greater Swiss with Anne

   The GSMD is a natural and willing worker as is seen in this image. Fritz thoroughly loves pulling this antique cart with children. We will often take the cart along to Swissy events, and when visitors show up on a nice day at our farm with children they will usually wind up going for a ride with Mr. Fritz the Swissy.

  We were quite fortunate to find this old cart at a local carriage auction. It was covered in a thick coating of barn crud when I cleaned a little bit of the dirt away from the underside I noticed beautiful grain-painting. After purchasing it I could hardly wait to get home to clean it. So I stopped at a friends farm and we immediately washed it up to find it in almost perfect condition. Most of the carts we find in the states are considered goat carts. In fact most of the old timers I speak with never really heard of dogs pulling carts, although I'm sure they did on this side of the Atlantic, just has they have done in Europe. If you would like to see more old pictures of dogs pulling carts in Europe use the link below.

Fritz and Anne taking a friend for a ride near Leesburg Va.
 

Antique Post Cards of Dogs pulling Carts
 


 

Bill a GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG from Switzerland Bill vom Hoffbach

SSHB: 552816
AKC: WP826643/01
OFA: Good
Elbows: Normal
DNA Profile #V197729
Current Cerf

Pedigrees of our dogs
Past and Present.

Bitch: Corrie (Heidi)
Bitch: CH. Elsa Von Wmelsdorf  
Bitch: CH. Fenne Von Wmelsdorf
Bitch: CH. Hatti Von Wmelsdorf
Bitch: Riverwalk's Jeneva
Bitch: Jnka von Wmelsdorf
Dog: CH. Fritz von der Lischmatt
Dog: Bill vom Hofbach

 
 
Occasionally there are variations in the GSMD breed, sometimes we find "red" Swissies or "blue" Swissies. While this does currently make them non-show quality, they still maintain all the superb characteristics of any other Swissy. A blue or red Swissy does not come with any attached health concerns, although all the normal issues (pro & con) associated with the breed should be considered when looking for a puppy.  Bill vom Hofbach obviously has a "blue" gene since he has produced several in previous litters. As you can see at the right, they look just as any other GSMD puppy but their ground color is a grayish-blue, when mature they are every bit as striking as the black-grounded Swissies. Litter of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Puppies  
Blue Greater Swiss female puppy
Blue Puppy		 Bill's swissy puppy
Normal Black Ground		  
Male Blue Swissy Puppy Bill's GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG PUPPY  


Anne & Jonathan Bastian
Holly Spring Farm ● 10924 The Trail ● Stevensville  VA 23161
804.445.4799 ● 610.488.6488
www.bastian-net.com
Click here to contact Jonathan & Anne Bastian

 

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