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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog comes to us from the farms and villages of the Swiss Alps. He is the largest (and probably the oldest) of the four Sennenhund breeds (including the Appenzell Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog and the AKC-recognized Bernese Mountain Dog). The Sennenhund breeds are thought to be descendants of the Roman Mastiffs, brought to the area more than 2000 years ago, and though the four breeds are different sizes, they share the same markings. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog's natural drafting ability led to his nickname, "the poor man's horse". He was also referred to as "Old Blaze". GSMD's may have contributed to the development of the St. Bernard, and in the mid 1800's, when the St. Bernard became popular, the GSMD lost favor and almost became extinct. Only a few remained on isolated farms.
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Right after the turn of the century, a gentleman by the
name of Franz Schertenleib found one and bought it as a "white elephant".
He was eager to hear what the knowledgeable authority of the Sennenhund
breeds, Dr. Albert Heim, had to say about his find and exhibited the
dog at a 1908 show that Dr. Heim was judging. Heim, having thought the
breed extinct, praised the dog and encouraged Swiss dog lovers to scout
the farms and find enough animals to begin breeding programs. Response
was enthusiastic and the breed was reestablished. In 1910, the renewed
interest by those breeders led to the GSMD's being accepted by the Swiss
registry. The GSMD is still fairly rare, even in Switzerland, however,
the breed is now fully recognized by the AKC.
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Today's Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs trace back to seven
or eight animals, a very narrow breed base. Up until the 1930's, dogs
which exemplified the breed, but did not possess a pedigree, were still
used in breeding programs. A problem with lack of size was conquered,
possibly by crossbreeding with smooth St. Bernards. The first Greater
Swiss Mountain Dogs were imported to the United States in 1967 (there
is information that J. Frederick and Patricia Hoffman first saw the dogs
at a show in Frankfurt, Germany and imported Kastor von Fryberg and Diana
von Urtenenburg who whelped the first litter of 3 males and 3 females
in 1970). In 1985, they were accepted into the AKC Miscellaneous Group.
They are now part of the Working Group. They are an attractive, easily
groomed show dog with an aptitude for competitive obedience. Their other talents include tracking, watchdog, guarding, drafting and carting. They are not roamers and
hate to be tied or confined. They are happiest with their families, and
they love to pull carts or sleds, especially if the passengers are children.
They are protective, but not aggressive. Their natural protective instinct
is demonstrated by the tale of "Nero", who, after spending an evening in
the pubs with his owner and some of his owner's friends, chose to accompany one
of those friends, who was "in his cups", home. When the man fell in a
creek, Nero pulled him out, followed him home, and spent the night with
him. When the fellow awoke the next morning and opened the door, Nero
left and immediately headed for home. Today, this instinct is channeled
into various kinds of training, not the least of which is as a watchdog
for homes.
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This dog was one of Dr. Albert Heim's favorite examples of the breed.
BEAUTY, FORM AND FUNCTION
Arno v. Fryberg S.H.S.B. 29413 Born 1929
Sire: Bello v. Steinberg #22935 Born 1926 -- Dam: Lina v. Sandgrube #14401 Born 1923
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There is also a story that was recanted by the niece of August Busch, Jr., titled "The First Swissy in America? Maybe", having to do with the fact that he acquired his first Swissy on a trip they took to Switzerland sometime prior to 1968, though she is unsure of the exact date.
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Here is that story:
"Sallie Busch Wheeler accompanied her Uncle August Busch, Jr. to Switzerland.
On their visit, they traveled to a farm in the mountains where, as Sallie recalls,
they were greeted by a rather large, imposing dog of three colors. His name was
Caesar. August was here to purchase a dog for his ever-growing collection of
rare and exotic animals, and Caesar was quite the gatherer of cattle. The farmer
had him retrieve from the field his finest cow, Rosa. Well, in no time, Caesar
returned with Rosa and the clanging of her bell. Sallie remembers August saying, "Well
all your cows must be named Rosa!" Of course, the farmer proved him wrong when,
one by one, Caesar brought in four more cows by name. The Busch's brought home
their very first Swissy from this farm, leaving Caesar and the cows behind. Caesar
remained on August's mind, and a few years later, he went back and purchased
him as well. August's collection of animals remains today and can be found on
Grant's Farm in St. Louis, Missouri. The farm is open to the public, and on a
lucky day, you just might find a Swissy roaming the grounds."
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