Find a GSMD

FINDING A SWISSY

Absolutely, no doubt about it, the only good source to obtain a puppy from is the show breeder who puts time and effort into studying the breed and producing the best puppies possible. The only place a puppy buyer should ever buy a puppy from is a responsible breeder. The great news is that there are good responsible breeders in all areas of the country that strive to produce strong, healthy puppies.

But, how do you recognize the responsible breeder? How can the puppy buyer know they are getting a puppy from a breeder who has the interest of the breed in mind, rather than just the potential income?

The first step is to locate breeders who are a members of the Parent Club. The GSMDCA is the Parent Club for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Upon joining the club, GSMDCA members all sign an agreement in which they commit to never sell, supply, donate, or surrender a GSMD to wholesalers, pet shops or other retailers, raffles, catalog houses, laboratories, or shelters. This is the first step in knowing that the breeder cares about where their puppies go. Buyers are encouraged to read the GSMDCA Breeder’s Guidelines to aid them in their search for a puppy.

Some key things the buyer can look for…

1. Responsible breeders are more than happy to tell you about their dogs, the environment they raise puppies in and will welcome visitors. Dog quarters will be clean and well kept.
2. Responsible breeders will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your home, and your family and other pets. Most breeders will require the buyer to complete an application and the buyer can expect a thorough interview.
3. Puppies and dogs will be well socialized to children, other animals, and normal household noises. Puppies should already be introduced to the concept of eliminating outdoors, though by no means will a young Swissy puppy be housetrained.
4. Responsible breeders will test for common health issues in the breed. In Swissies, breeders should at minimum test hips, elbows, shoulders, and eyes. Some breeders also certify patellas, hearts & thyroid. Responsible breeders will screen breeding stock against genetic diseases to the best of their ability, but at this time, technology has not been developed to make screening fail proof. Breeders will readily share health test results.
5. Puppies will be a minimum of 7 weeks old, and preferably 8 weeks old or older, before they leave the breeder.
6. Responsible breeders will pursue continuing education in the breed, should be a member of the GSMDCA, compete in dog shows and attend National and Regional Specialties.
7. Responsible breeders will sell all puppies on contract and companion puppies will be sold on sterilization contracts.
8. Puppies will be sold with an AKC registration certificate/application, a medical record detailing vaccinations and treatments, a contract, a three-generation pedigree, and microchip registration forms (the puppy should already be microchipped.)
9. Responsible breeders are happy to answer your questions, will encourage your questions, and will remain available throughout the lifetime of your puppy.
10. Responsible breeders will insist you return the dog to them if you are unable to keep it.