RESCUE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How our organization works

1. Please complete and submit a GSMDCA Rescue Pre-adoption Application, which can be found online at: http://www.gsmdca.org/rescue/Pre-adoption.pdf The application helps us match your desires and circumstances with potential dogs.
2. Unfortunately, there is no average wait time. It depends on when we receive information about a dog who needs to be rehomed or is at a shelter in your area. When a dog comes into rescue who is a good fit for your household, we will call you to see if you are interested in adopting at that time-it could be six months or more before you hear from us, or it could be six days.
3. If you are still interested in adopting and we all feel this is a possible match, we will give you the foster caregiver contact information so you can call to find out more about the dog and answer your questions.
4. If the foster caregiver, rescue co-chairs, and you and your household think it is a good match, we will try to arrange for you to meet the dog in person.
5. In finalizing the process, the adopter signs a Release of Liability and a formal Adoption Contract. An adoption fee ranging from $250-$450 is collected at that time as well. The adopter is provided with a 'mentor' that can be called for assistance in case a problem arises during the dog's adjustment period to its new home. The adoptive family will receive a free one-year membership in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, which includes the Club's quarterly publication The SENNtinel.
6. GSMDCA Rescue will periodically contact the adoptive family to make sure everything is going smoothly.

What we look for in an adoptive home

1. Depending upon your location and what you have specified on your application, the wait time to receive a rescue Swissy varies. Applications are kept on file for two years. After that, you will need to submit a new application if you still wish to adopt a rescue Swissy. Also, please notify us if you no longer want to remain on the wait list.
2. One of the top reasons Swissies come into rescue is because people with small children either cannot handle a strong-tempered dog and their children, they cannot afford both, or they don't have time for both. Families will often tell us they were sure they could handle it but, in the end, they could not. Please consider this when making the decision to add a Swissy to your family.
3. Becoming knowledgeable about the GSMD's health issues is important. Please go to http://www.gsmdca.org/health/ to read about possible Swissy health issues. If you adopt one of our rescue dogs and it later develops a health issue (e.g., incontinence, epilepsy, bloat, torsion, etc.), we expect you to provide the dog with all medical needs and care for it for the rest of its life. Please consider the emotional or financial toll such medical conditions exact before submitting an application.
4. Becoming knowledgeable about the GSMD's temperament is important. These dogs can be very strong tempered and some have a high prey drive. It is imperative that the entire family understand and practice pack behavior in your household every day and that you keep the dog socialized by having him/her interact with other (non-household) dogs as often as possible - preferably a minimum of several times per week. Swissies are not tri-colored labs!
5. Please understand the need for daily exercise. Although these dogs are not considered "high-energy", they do require a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour of daily walking or other exercise in order to prevent unwanted behaviors such as idle barking, chewing, digging, etc. This is true of any breed, not just Swissies. Lack of activity will cause dogs to become bored and they will develop undesirable habits. If you honestly do not have the time to commit to providing a dog with consistent, daily exercise, please do not submit an application.
6. Swissies are not guard dogs. Although most Swissies will bark at a stranger on your property but not bite them, some might actually bite. And, some would gladly let a robber into your home without so much as getting off the couch. If you want a guard dog, this isn't the breed for you.
7. We expect you to have a fenced area to contain your Swissy when outside, even if you live on acreage.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. What are the most common reasons Swissies end up in rescue? Most Swissies are rehomed due to medical or behavioral issues. Some need to be rehomed because of family situations - either an impending divorce or birth of a child.
2. What is the average age of a rescue Swissy? The average age is between 3-5 years old. Puppies are rarely given to rescue. If you are interested in a puppy, please research breeders - a good place to start is the Breeder's Directory located at http://www.gsmdca.org/breeding/directory.php.
3. Can I get a Swissy that is housebroken, well-trained, good with kids, likes cats, and is healthy? Occasionally, rescue does rehome Swissies that fit this profile. The more likely scenario is a dog who has either medical or behavioral issues. Sometimes these issues clear up when the dog is placed in another environment, but not always. It can take several months for a rescue dog to fully adjust to its new home and environment.
4. What are the most common health problems? Because Swissies are a large breed, they are prone to joint-related problems such as OCD, and hip & elbow dysplasia. Additionally, they are prone to bloat and splenic torsion - both of which are life-threatening and require immediate emergency veterinary care. Epilepsy and urinary incontinence appear in this breed as well. Please visit http://www.gsmdca.org/health/ for more information about health concerns.
5. Do Swissies shed? Yes. Swissies have a double coat and, as a result, they shed quite a bit.
6. Are Swissies easy to train? Swissies take a long time to mature. They are considered "teenagers" between the ages of one and three years, and fully mature around age three. It can take up to ten months or longer to potty-train a Swissy puppy. Please visit http://www.gsmdca.org for more information about training Swissies.
7. How long do Swissies live? Swissies are considered "senior" around age seven. Healthy Swissies should live 9-10 years, but many have lived to be 12 or 13.