Congratulations BOWIE!
The #1 Ranked GSMD* in America for 2009

Thank you to Kathy Spencer and Lori Price for your friendship, mentoring, and for sharing this very special boy with me.

To Bowie's many fans and friends, thanks for being there and supporting us along the way.

And to Bowie, thank you for the ride of a lifetime!  But more importantly, for making me laugh and smile
(even when I don't necessarily feel like it).  You have taught me to enjoy each day like it's the only day. 

Ch. Alpenglow Remember The Riot

a very special young Swissy with the whole world ahead 
and an incredible history behind him

"BOWIE"
(pictured at 2 years of age)

Son of 1998 GSMDCA National Specialty B.O.B. winner
Ch. Rise and Shine's Blazing Riot, ROM (29 champions)

Grandson of 1996 GSMDCA National Specialty B.O.B. winner
Ch. Ky Quiet Riot v. Sarmac, ROM (28 champions)

Great Grandson of two-time (1995 & 1997) GSMDCA National Specialty B.O.B. winner
Ch. Shamrock Leader, ROM (19 champions)

Bowie is a very handsome young Swissy.  Some would argue that he's more cute than handsome -- neither are wrong.  He has a fabulous headpiece, with a very large, broad skull and a wide, deep muzzle.  Yet there is nothing intimidating about him -- he's got the expression of an overeager puppy most of the time.  He has very dark, almond-shaped, wide-set eyes, and a correct ear set.

Bowie is a compact, drafty and very powerful boy.  He has a true front with gorgeous tight feet, moderate angulation (of course he'd be "flashier" with a little more), a powerful, true, driving rear, and a rock-solid, dead-level topline.  He has a very thick, strong neck, though he could benefit from a little more reach of neck for the show ring.  

Note, Bowie does NOT "float" when he moves, but rather he reaches and drives with the correct, purposeful gait of a draft dog, having no wasted motion (no overreaching, no high-kicking rear).  Nowhere in the GSMD Breed Standard does it say that a Swissy should "float around the ring".  It states, "Good reach in front, powerful drive in rear. Movement with a level back."  That is Bowie.  He is like a well-built machine who could work all day, with maximum efficiency, and never tire.

Bowie has good bone and very good substance for his age. He is a moderate height, thick-set dog, well-muscled and extremely agile.  He is quite sturdy, and yet has the moves of a ballet dancer at times.  Bowie is one of those very fortunate souls who doesn't have to exercise much to stay in shape.  In fact, even as a very young dog, judges commented on his tremendous conditioning...but he comes by it all naturally. He has an average length coat -- not too long or fuzzy, not too slick -- with very clear colors.  He has minimal undercoat (I'd like a little more) which ranges from very dark gray to black.  He also has that correct, fat, straight tail that seems to be disappearing from the breed. 

Bowie commands attention, not only with his handsome good looks but also his eye-catching attitude.  He is enthusiastic about everything he does, his energy is boundless and he truly lives every day like it's his last.  Bowie is absolutely fearless and the happiest, most outgoing Swissy I've been around (in fact, he doesn't know what a stranger is, which is a bit un-Swissylike).  Bowie is particularly crazy about small children and puppies, as they seem to appeal to his own childlike nature.  It's funny to watch him work to make himself seem small, but he somehow manages to find a restraint that seems impossible for a dog like this.  Numerous judges have even commented on what a secure, happy and truly funny dog he is.  One went as far as telling me I should let Bowie express more of that sense of humor in the ring (easy for him to say, he doesn't have to handle him!)  It's pretty safe to say the only thing bigger than his head is his irrepressible personality.

Bowie's show career got of to a quick start, finishing his championship on his 10 month birthday, with four majors and all of his points earned against same sex competition (much older boys as well).  A fast maturing dog, Bowie began dabbling in the Breed ring at just 14 months of age, and before his second birthday he'd achieved multiple group placements and finished 2008 as the #3 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (#1 Owner-Handled GSMD).  Bowie has continued his winning ways in 2009, as a now more mature 2 year old.  He is currently the #1 ranked Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in the country for 2009, at not yet three years of age.  Bowie has been owner-handled throughout his entire show career.  He has been as much a joy to show as he has been to live with!
 

Bowie is OFA Good with very tight PennHip scores (in the 90th percentile).  His elbows and shoulders are OFA Normal, and he is current on his CERF.  He has sired one litter to date.

 See Some of Bowie's Family