Why a Swissie?

[broox159]

So i know that lots of people on this forum have Swissies. And they are really beautiful dogs. The more Swissies i see, the more i want one! I did some surfing last night and found a breeder here in the UK. I'm not sure if im allowed to post the link to their website?
Anyway, i just wondered if you all could tell me why you have Swissies? What they are like etc?
I'm not in any position right now to add a pup as our living arrangements dont allow for it, but i would like to be prepared for when we can. And also, as i have only found one decent (well to me it looks like it) breeder here in the UK, we could be in for a long old wait anyway! Thanks!

[mezmerelda]

Yup, you can post a link to the breeder's site.

Initially, we were looking for a larger dog than the beagle and basset we had. Dan wanted a Saint Bernard, but given my allergies, I thought the drool and long fur may be an issue for me because of the dander. Dan did most of the research at first, but he found the GSMD. It sounds silly, but one of the things that drew us to the breed was the tricoloring. Both Alex and Beowulf are/were tris, and they seemed to accept other tris more readily. Weird, I know. But we wanted our pack to be happy with the new addition and didn't want to end up rehoming, so it really was a consideration. Other things that drew us to the breed - lifespan (10-12 although we haven't experienced that yet), ability to train (not too hard...), grooming (pretty much the same as what we already had), and temperament. The latter was something we were interested in from reading about it, but it didn't really hit home until we met our first Swissy, Samson (who passed away earlier this year). We walked through the door, and he greeted me by putting his paws up on my shoulders and giving me a big, slurpy kiss. I was in love.

Swissies can be goofy dogs. They tend to be protective (although not guard dog material) and velcro, and have a great work ethic. Gryffin liked to play practical jokes - he definitely had a sense of humor. Ozzy smiles much of the time and seems to be a happy boy. Indy, despite her skittishness around people, is a loving cuddle dog who loves people she knows and every animal she's ever met. (Although she probably wants to eat some of them). Most of them are food motivated - although there are some that are not. I just have not met them yet.

There is a GSMD club in the UK. If you haven't found them yet, their site is here. If your club is anything like ours, the members will be more than happy to introduce you to the breed in person. I would suggest trying to go to some of their events, assuming they are anywhere close to you. You can also check out the GSMD club site in the US. They've been around a bit longer and have a little more info on their site for you. You can find it here. It will give you all sorts of info about temperament, training, house training, health, etc.

You should also be aware of the health issues that may come with having one as part of your family. I'm not going to get into them all here, as they are readily available on the US club site, but be very, very aware of them. I had a seemingly healthy dog until one day, and then he wasn't. Just like that. Although hemangiosarcoma is not something excessively prevalent in the breed.

Have fun in your research. Meet as many as you can!

Ooh - one more thing. I would suggest looking at the Swissy forums here. You don't have to join (and it will probably take a month or more to get an acct anyway) but you can find a lot of info there. I haven't seen any UK people there, but you will find people from Europe.

[broox159]

Oooh, thanks for the links Mez. I shall certainly have a look at them.
The breeder i found is here http://www.springhaze.co.uk/index.html. They are situated in Wiltshire. It's only a few hours from us so would be a good choice (if they check out) if we did decide to add a Swissie.
Do you know of any breeders in the UK?

Thanks again!

[Swissy Mom]

We're only 5 months into Swissy ownership (Cash is 7 months old), but I can tell you why we were drawn to the breed...

We have always had big dogs, though not as big as a Swissy, so we wanted to continue with another big dog. After having an all white husky, I didn't want that much fur again. I wanted a fairly easy groom dog. Our dog has to be good with kids since we have 3 of them. I prefer a dog that wants to be with us and a part of things to one who is more aloof. I do like a dog who is protective, but not overly so. I want them to accept anyone I have deemed to be welcome without question. These were some of the big considerations for us.

In researching breeds the first thing that struck me about the GSMD was the appearance. I love the tri-coloring and the way Swissies wear it! The short coat makes for easy grooming. In my reading the breed temprament sounded great to me and the average life span is better than many similarly sized dogs.

So we started researching breeders. Then one fateful day last spring our oldest child's friend's mom came to pick him up and had, of all things, a Swissy puppy! We started talking to her and it turns out that her breeder is here in Indiana and a friend of hers. So I called and set up a meeting. When we went to the breeder's home we met 2 fully grown adult Swissies, a 1 year old, a 9 month old and four 5 month old puppies. We were in love! We went there several more times to play with the dogs and talk with the breeder and each time we became more and more sure that this was the dog for us and that the breeding she was planning for fall was a good match for our family. We also went to a couple local shows and met other Swissies, read the GSMDA website, and read forums so that by the time we brought Cash home there have really been no surprises at all.

As Melissa said, there are serious health concerns to take into account. While we all hope our Swissy won't be one afflicted, I think it would be very unwise not to be fully educated about these potential illensses and what it takes to treat them.

Swissies are notoriously hard to potty train. I happen to have gotten an oddball who was really pretty much trained from the time he came home at 9.5 weeks, but that isn't the norm and shouldn't be expected. I was prepared to be cleaning urine for months.

You'll never be alone again! When they say "velcro-dog" they mean it! Cash wants to be with me at all times. If I move, he perks up to watch; if I get up, so does he. Our downstairs bathroom is tiny so he doesn't follow me in there, but he does sit right outside the door...waiting... On the other hand, I could take Cash off leash anywhere (if allowed) and he would stay with me.

Cash has been very easy to train, but does require consistency and is starting to have selective hearing (yay for adolescence! ) He does have some herding drive and we see this most often with the kids. We are always working with the kids and the puppy to curb his urge to herd them.

I could go on and on, but really doing your research and meeting as many Swissies as possible is the best way to get a true feel for them. At this point, when I think of getting another dog at some point, I can't imagine it being any other breed.

[Baroooo]

Are there other breeds?
All joking aside, I wanted a mastiff type without the slingers. I married a city boy and slingers weren't going to fly with him. I wanted a dog big enough and loud enough to make an impression when un-invited folks stopped by and my husband was travelling. I wanted a dog that would be good around my horses, with a homebody attitude and a weak desire to roam. I love hounds, but my fencing is NOT going to keep in a hound with a mission, or even a terrier with creativity. I drive horses, so the idea of carting with a dog appealed. I love a full body dog pillow - and my swissies love being close.

Health issues - be aware! I've experienced bloat 3x, splenic torsion, laryngeal paralysis, shoulder OCD, bad hips (all the same physical wreck of a rescue dog - love you Solly!). If you don't want a dog that alerts you whenever ANYTHING has changed, don't get a swissy. Low key inside for the most part, rowdy outside, but not manic. They generally play really well with other swissies.
We just finished dogsitting for two extra swissies last weekend. It was amazing. Within two days, they had our routines and lifestyle figured out as if they'd always lived with us. Our dogsitter's terrier mix was visiting at the same time. He's been coming over for two years, and still can't seem to get with the program.

This afternoon I'm picking up swissy number 6. For us, the breed just works.

[broox159]

Are there other breeds?
All joking aside, I wanted a mastiff type without the slingers. I married a city boy and slingers weren't going to fly with him. I wanted a dog big enough and loud enough to make an impression when un-invited folks stopped by and my husband was travelling. I wanted a dog that would be good around my horses, with a homebody attitude and a weak desire to roam. I love hounds, but my fencing is NOT going to keep in a hound with a mission, or even a terrier with creativity. I drive horses, so the idea of carting with a dog appealed. I love a full body dog pillow - and my swissies love being close.

Health issues - be aware! I've experienced bloat 3x, splenic torsion, laryngeal paralysis, shoulder OCD, bad hips (all the same physical wreck of a rescue dog - love you Solly!). If you don't want a dog that alerts you whenever ANYTHING has changed, don't get a swissy. Low key inside for the most part, rowdy outside, but not manic. They generally play really well with other swissies.
We just finished dogsitting for two extra swissies last weekend. It was amazing. Within two days, they had our routines and lifestyle figured out as if they'd always lived with us. Our dogsitter's terrier mix was visiting at the same time. He's been coming over for two years, and still can't seem to get with the program.

This afternoon I'm picking up swissy number 6. For us, the breed just works.

Swissy number 6 as in a visitor or a new pup? How lovely!
I note that you say they get on really well with other Swissies. Do they get on with other breeds just the same?
I too would love another Mastiffy breed. After my Bullmastiff i could never have a small dog. Only problem is my boyfriend HATES slobber and refuses to get a slobbery pup. So i think a Swissy would be a good fit there.
Do they require much excercise? I know my Bully was happy with 2 slow walks a day and then was happy to sleep and play for the rest of the day.

[Swissies4Me]

Melissa, Jen, and Karen gave you a lot of great information and good advice.

I got into Swissies because of my parents. My family loves big dogs and we had a Newfoundland growing up. She was the best dog and super sweet. When we wanted to add another dog to the family we knew we wanted another big dog and started doing research. Although we love Newfoundlands, they are a lot of maintenance grooming wise. My mom had met a Swissy at a dog show and fell in love. We did all of our research, went to a few more shows, and also went to some breeders houses to meet their Swissies in their home environment, which is much different than at a show. As they say, the rest is history and my parents have 2 and I have 2.

I really enjoy all of the activities that this breed participates in (carting, weight pulling, packing, sheep herding) and think that participating in those activities with your Swissy creates a great bond between you and your dog and it is also so neat to see them working and doing what they were bred to do. And, well Swissies aren't known as Obedience dogs it is definitely important to take them to classes for socialization purposes and to learn how to work with them and to learn basic commands. They can be very stubborn dogs, and require a lot of patience and consistent work. I know socialization is really important for all breeds, but in Swissies it really is a must. I will also add that even though Swissies are short hair dogs, they do shed a lot!!!

As for my dogs specifically, Duke is very outgoing and has an "It's all about me attitude". Although he's now 5, he still acts like a puppy and hasn't slowed down much - which I hope keeps up. He loves getting attention and being doted on by anyone. He has a big bark that scares a lot of people. He can also be quite a handful because of his exuberance and enthusiasm in all that he does. He is a wonderful cuddler, and is all about comfort. I will add that Duke gets slingers. I have to keep a towel handy to wipe his mouth and also his face when he wraps a slinger around his head. We say he missed the memo that he's supposed to be a dry mouth breed. Ruger doesn't slobber at all, but she is a very messy drinker and leaves a lot of water all over the place. She is a goofball and is always busy. She spreads toys all over the house and runs around and plays with them all day. She is very friendly, and a total sweetheart. She is nowhere near as exuberant as Duke is, nor does she have the same confidence and attitude he has either. She is also much more velcro and listens better than Duke does. One of our big issues with her was jumping on people. It took a long time and a lot of work to curb the jumping on guests, but we've finally started to get somewhere. They are both goofy, and make me laugh every day.

I looked at the Breeder's website you posted and noticed one of their dogs is from a breeder I know (and like) in Wisconsin. And, to answer some of your more specific questions. In my experience, they do get along well with all breeds. I mentioned earlier, but Duke does slobber, and I know of a few others that do too. Although the majority doesn't, be aware that it is possible. As far as exercise, Duke would be perfectly fine with two walks and some obedience work a day. Ruger on the other hand needs a lot more to tire her out. She's still young too, but as I mentioned before she is a busy girl. She needs to get out in the yard and run, have a long walk, and also do obedience and play games in the house to keep her from going stir crazy.

[Swissy Mom]

Cash has never met a dog he didn't love and he doesn't understand if they don't share his eagerness. We have friends with Chihuahuas, Labs, Dalmatians and many other breeds and mixes and he loves them all.

As for energy level, Cash is perfectly content with a couple walks or a whole day of running around playing. He tends toward the lazy side of Swissy...when he does have a big day of activity he usually spends the whole next day sleeping, but he's still very young and growing.

[mezmerelda]

Indy gets along with any animal - at least so far. So that's a yes on all dog breeds. Seems to be the same so far w/Ozzy. Gryffin had an experience with our neighbor's Golden, and although it was just a quick thing and nobody was hurt, he seemed to dislike every Golden he ever met other than one after that. Weird. There is definitely breed recognition w/Swissies, but also with other breeds they know. If Indy or Gryffin were to come across a Beagle or Basset, they'd get very excited. Same with Vizslas-our neighbors have 2 and they are all buds.

Energy level is interesting. Gryffin was content with playing with the other dogs, running around the yard, or whatever else we gave him as an option. He loved pulling a tire up and down the street. In the summer, it didn't take much exercise, but he would certainly take a nice (slow) hike with us in Galena when it was 85 degrees outside. Indy is another story. While she is content with a short-ish walk and some play (I'm so glad we have Ozzy now) she really enjoys exercise. It doesn't need to be a walk, although seems to have energy after a 10 mile pack hike. She is very happy to pull a cart (although we need to get her one of her own), and we're going to see if she likes weight pull soon (meant to in May, but it didn't quite work out). Ozzy seems to be taking after Gryffin.

I will add that none of our Swissies have been drooly unless there is food in front of them. That's when you get a puddle. But otherwise, they are pretty much dry mouthed.

Karen is getting a new puppy today. She may have him now. He is not a visitor.

[broox159]

Cool, thanks for all the info! I cant wait to see pics of Karens new pupper!
I'm definately going to have to see if i can meet some swissy's somehow!

[Cole's Mom]

I lovedogs and always had a soft spot for big dogs and grew up with labs. When it was time to get my own dog I wanted one with not as much energy. We toyed with the idea of a berner but their life span made me hesitant. Then we found the swissy. Through research and meeting swissies we feel in love. Most swissies I have met you had to earn their attention and seem to focus on their owner. I liked how loyal and loving they were to their owner.

I have to say that Cole is the most loyal dog I have ever come across. His love for his people is so unconditional that it is so touching. During a walk he is always making eye contact with me to make sure things are ok and will always turn his head around to check things out or to see if anyone is behind us. He is so aware of his surroundings that if you move something in the house he is aware. Today he was watching a helicopter in the air! He is very protective too. I dont have human children but I consider Cole my baby. I talk to him like a person and I swear he understands. He is very shy around "new people" but once he warms up he is ok....never will lick them in the face but is friendly. We worked extremely hard as soon as we brought him home and still do at socialization because it was not and is still not easy for him. He doesn't drool but he will shoot a slinger out once in a while. He sheds A LOT and he had a lot of accidents for the first 7 months. He knew he was supposed to go outside but couldn't help it. Now thought never an accident. We had a lot of nature's miracle. For me that is part of having a dog so I don't mind. Health concerns are important to know( no drinking right before and after meals and no exercise before or after eating).

He is a little high maintenance but so I am We are like two peas in a pod! Love, love, love my Cole and hope one day to add another.

[moondog]

Good info! When I was researching breeds I wanted a big dog that didn't drool and had short hair! Also, at the time I was home a lot by myself and I wanted a dog that could scare someone away if need be. Baron is your typical swissy. He is goofy, watchful, stubborn at times, and a velcro dog to the end. He is always with me and making sure Im ok. He is very alert to who is around and what they are doing if we are our somewhere. He literally thinks he is my protector. He doesn't drool...thankfully...but the guy will drink 3 gallons of water at a time if I'd let him. He is pretty easy to tire out. A good long walk will do it or if we are just outside for a few hours doing yard work he will tire himself out. He's pretty lazy these days although he hasn't always been that way. When he was a puppy up until about 2yrs old it was all I could do to tire him out. He too has never met a dog he didn't love. He gets so excited to be around other dogs he is a bit overwhelming at first. I have a cat and he and Baron love eachother. They chase eachother, play with eachother, yes the cat really does chase him down the hallway, it's quite funny. He even lets the cat lick his ears when he is drinking water and Marley...the cat...will sit right next to Baron while he is eating and Baron pays no mind to him. I just brought a kitten into our home yesterday and he was so excited to see it, kitty wasn't
They are high maitnence, well at least mine is, just be educated and prepared. But I will say I cant imagine not having one, they are definaetly the breed for us. There is just so much to love about them.

[Yeti_Girl]

sorry don't have time to read and comment, i can later today, but..swissies do drool. mine more than others for many reasons but:

[bren]

I was thinking of that picture when reading this thread earlier, Amy!

[Yeti_Girl]

I was thinking of that picture when reading this thread earlier, Amy!

Any excuse to post it. LOL!

[IlliniJeeper]

Toby's a lot like Baron. And most everyone has touched on Swissies already. Velcro, great with kids, alert, LOVE other dogs but love kids of all shapes and sizes even more, males can be drooly occasionally, stubborn, not ideal for competitive obedience but putting a pack on them or doing some other kind of work seems to spark a fire hidden deep in their soul. Toby is a great alarm dog, but I'm fairly confident that he'd guide any burglar straight to the jewelry box if they would trade him for a butt scratch.

And probably most importantly, who couldn't love a face like this:

[mezmerelda]

Why does reading this thread make me want another?

[Nanaba]

Why does reading this thread make me want another?

Because they are like potato chips...

[mezmerelda]

Yeah, but I already have 2.

[Swissy Mom]

Well, I don't have 2, but I want to have 2! Patience is a virtue, right??

Plus, I have some fear that my next Swissy will be hard to housebreak, need tons of exercise, etc...

Right now I have a super easy going model who'd be just as happy to lay on the couch all day as to go for a long hike and was housebroken when he came home. I'd say it's unlikely I would get that lucky twice. Oh well, then I'd just be getting what I expected this time...so yeah! I want another one....