THE GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
CAROL BROWN I got involved in dog shows because of a daughter who loved dogs and started her show career at age 12. Beginning as the driver to shows, I eventually began showing and breeding Vizslas and Point- ers after my daughter grew up and left home. My career evolved over the years from all breed professional handler, pet grooming shop owner/operator, handling instructor, professional ring steward, licensed show superin- tendent, to an approved AKC judge of the Sporting, Working Groups and two Herding breeds, as well as Jr. Show and BIS, to date, with additional nine breed applications pending at AKC. As a handler, I finished dogs in all seven groups; as a judge, I exhibit my love of dogs and people, and always try to help and encourage new people, especially Juniors, in the sport and dog fancy. CATHY COOPER
a Great Pyrenees, although we were only spectators at the dog shows for many years. We got into showing and breeding after becoming involved with and owning Cardigan Welsh Corgis in 1981 and then with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in 1995. I began judging in 2006 and have been approved for additional working and herding breeds.
1. Describe the breed in three words. CB: Color-distinctive, sturdy and agile CC: Striking, tri-colored, draft and drover. HN: Strong, agile and powerful yet gentle.
2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed CB: Workability, proportion, size, structure, type features CC: The breed must have a stable temperament. The only trait to be severely penalized in the standard is shyness or aggressiveness. The breed must also be sturdy and agile. Of course the striking tri-color black, white and red markings are a hallmark of the breed. HN: The dog presented must be a large, heavy boned and well-muscled dog who moves effortlessly with a strong, level back and speed being appropriate for a working draft dog. Words denoting strength, power and substance are used over and over in the Swissy standard. A thick body with little tuck-up, round, compact feet with well- arched toes and a thick tail with no kinks are all “must haves”, as is a strong head with a large, blunt, straight muzzle and gentle expression. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? CB: Size tends to yo-yo. CC: This breed is not an exaggerated breed. Occasionally we see dogs that are oversized or have overdone heads, but that is not a trend. 4. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not? CB: Definitely yes! Much better structurally and proportionally. CC: The dogs are far better than when I started judging or breeding. This breed has made great progress in 30 years
I live in Martinsville, Virginia. Dogs have always filled the majority of my life. I am first and foremost a breeder and I am very proud of my Shadetree GSMD. I owned a boarding and grooming business for 30 years but I have phased out the boarding and am cutting drasti- cally back on grooming so I have more time to spend with my dogs. I also love
to travel whether dog related or just for pleasure. I try to take at least two trips a year to new places. I have been show- ing and breeding dogs since 1981. My first breed was Rott- weilers followed by the GSMD in 1988. I have been judging since 2001. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Rottweilers were my initial breeds and I currently judge the Working Group and Bloodhounds. HELENE NATHANSON I live in New Jersey on seven acres outside of Lambert- ville, a quaint little river town. Most of my time is spent on activities related to dogs, whether it be reading, studying or training and competing in Rally and Obedience. In addi- tion, I love spending time with my children and grand- children. Our first breed was acquired over 50 years ago,
“STRONG, AGILE AND POWERFUL YET GENTLE.”
166 • S how S ight M agazine , J anuary 2017
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