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| This Swissy is out for a stroll..... actually, if I'm not mistaken, this boy just spotted some horses grazing in the pasture to our right. On this walk we passed several pastures with various animals grazing; not once did I see a dog dart thru at the livestock - something I think most American Swissies would do (because they are not raised in this environment). In Switzerland these dogs are typically loose around livestock 24hrs a day. Many of the Swiss dogs are living in an intensive farmland setting; farms are close together and production is at an optimum level. |
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This is a typical early Swiss house: while my PA German ancestors were known for their love of color and embellished all things with it, the Swiss prefer the modest natural tones. Similar to early American houses with Swiss-German influence, heavy overhangs deflect the elements away from the structure's main frame. |
| Here Ueli Minder, Swiss Swissy breed warden, is engaged in a heavy debate over Swiss politics :-) Actually, Minder is a pleasant soul; he owns two Swissies and runs the Universities Hog Studies. My favorite thing about Ueli is his cat's catwalk leading from a shed rooftop to his second floor window - not sure if it's a personal get away ramp or for the cat! |
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This structure is very Swiss: it was to be found on nearly every Swiss farm at one time. It housed the farmer's goods that weren't in use that particular season or simply in temporary storage. Fires could easily wipe out farmers, and this is just one very likely reason they made use of these buildings. What could be a better backdrop for the group photo? |
| Typical Swiss Swissy: actually, he was one of the bigger ones - weight I would guess to be no more than a 130lbs. "He appears as a draft dog! A striking, tri-colored, large, powerful dog of sturdy appearance" Apparently he is quite a puller/tugger on the lead, the owner has been working him with a halti. |
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Appenzellers |
Countryside Tour |
Swiss Walk |
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